Thursday, January 26, 2012

The Future of Jewish Education

I recently saw a YouTube video of "Charlie and Russel's Speech at the Jewish Futures Conference."  This video was shown (or referenced?) by Jonathan Woocher at this year's URJ Biennial, and I finally got around to watching it.  The two speakers - Charlie and Russel - assert that there are four components to the future of Jewish education:

1) Open, discoverable, accessible resources
2) Re-mixing Judaism
3) Community building
4) Making Jewish life / education meaningful & relevant

It's a great 6-minute video, and I recommend watching it if you can!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Long time no blog

Wow, I just realized that it's been nearly a month since I last posted anything on this blog.  That's due, in part, to Winter Break and to my recent trip to Disneyland for my son's 3rd birthday (which was great fun!).  During these times when I'm away from the computer for awhile, I realize how nice it is to be 'off the grid' every once in awhile.  I'm sure many of you experience what I do - the urge (and the need, even) to always be 'on'... to constantly check e-mail, check Facebook, read online news or blogs, etc.  Even when I'm hanging out at home with my husband and son, I still feel the need to check my phone for new emails, calls, etc.  So whenever we get the chance (or are forced) to go 'off the grid,' it feels significant and often quite liberating.

For the last 8 or 9 years, my Shabbat practice has been to go 'off the grid' as much as I possible from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.  I avoid my cell phone, don't use the computer, and try to have a day when I am fully present for those I'm with and for myself as well.  It's difficult, but it's a practice I've tried to maintain most of the time.  As Jews, we are blessed with the gift of Shabbat... a Divine COMMAND to take one day 'off', to take one day for ourselves and our families.  I encourage you to think about the ways that you could transform Shabbat into a day 'off,' for both yourself and your kids.  It's best if it's for a full day, but even for just Friday night...  What would time 'off' (or 'off the grid') look like for you and your family?  Give it a try; let me know how it goes! :)

To get you in the spirit, here's an old You Tube video, "I've Got a Feeling" (The Shabbat Song) -