Two opportunities for Jewish educators

Travel to Atlanta or Israel

American Jews have mixed feelings when it comes to Israel, and the same is true for Jewish educators who are responsible for teaching about it. Fortunately, this summer presents two opportunities to find guidance on how to teach about Israel in light of the varied views about the Jewish State. Jewish school and youth group educators who would like to spend a week studying about Israel may do so for $150, room and board included, in Atlanta or in Israel. Transportation to and from the seminars may be subsidized.

The World Zionist Organization is offering a professional development program July 8 to 15. Titled “From ALTNEULAND to TEL AVIV. Vision, Reality, Tomorrow,” this eight-day seminar is grounded in a narrative of Israel education that understands the State of Israel as a work in progress. The program is aimed at inspiring our learners to explore today’s realities against the background of the dreams of its visionaries and in light of the efforts of those who, today, are striving to fulfill them.

Seven nights of accommodations and most meals, as well as all program costs, are included in the $150 fee. Educators in schools and synagogues affiliated with the Jewish Alliance may apply for subsidies toward their flights. For more information about the program, visit WZO.org.il.

Once again, Emory University’s Center for Israel Education is offering its Teacher Enrichment Workshop, which will take place from June 21 to 26. This workshop offers a comprehensive understanding of modern Israel and provides a wide array of tools for curriculum development and teaching.

Workshop sessions are designed to reflect the needs of the attendees. The material includes adding content and providing additional teaching ideas for curriculum and lesson plan development. Experienced curriculum, academic and content specialists from Israel and the United States will lead the workshop under the guidance of Richard Walter, previously on the staff of the Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island.

The workshop is geared for teachers in day, supplemental and congregational schools, teaching 5th through 12th grades. Thanks to subsidies from The Avi Chai Foundation, the cost is $150, including room and board. Transportation subsidies in the sum of $250 may be available.

For more information on the program, visit israeled.org.

For more information about either program and the transportation subsidies, please contact Larry Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Alliance, at lkatz@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 179.