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WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER BREAK: TWO TEACHERS’ ADVENTURES
Last year, Shlayma Shamberg, who teaches Beth Am’s seventh grade class, traveled to Ghana with the American Jewish World Service (AJWS). What were you doing in Ghana? I was one of 15 college-aged young adults who spent seven weeks there to help build a community library. The AJWS is involved with international development around the world. There were actually four different groups—one went to Ukraine, one to Peru, one to Honduras and my group. Were you there specifically as a Jewish group? Yes, they knew we were there as Jews, and for me, being Jewish was an essential part of why I was there. The Ghanaians had never met Jews before, so the exchange between the cultures was very rich. They came to recognize us as a white group who had not come with missionary intentions, which is very prevalent in that part of the world. How did this experience affect you Jewishly? It was a service-learning project, so we spent four nights each week engaged in study activities. We looked at the issues facing the region from an academic perspective and then translated that into Jewish language. We worked to understand where our tradition fits into these issues and responsibilities. Our Jewish values extend beyond our own community; they reach into places far across the world. It gives the whole concept of tikkun olam a global perspective. How did this experience affect you professionally? The educational experience of a new culture in a different part of the world, seeing a reality that I have rarely encountered—poverty, lack of resources that we take for granted—was incomparable. It has led me to extend what I teach my students, beyond what we are learning, into what we can do. For example, when I teach the weekly Parsha, I use a lot of resources from the AJWS study manual and draw out messages of social justice and communal themes. What follow-up have you had? It’s a year-long commitment, and we continue to gather in our national groups as well as all 60 of us together. I am part of the Jewish Education track for this project, and so I am gaining more tools and skills to teach the Jewish perspective of related issues—international trade, HIV, poverty, etc. People would be surprised to learn that our traditional texts address many of these matters and can guide and support us in our quest to understand. Beth El’s Talia Berkowitz, who divides her time between the early childhood program and the Berman-Lipavsky Religious School, will be traveling to Israel this summer with Baltimore Hebrew University during her summer break: What made you choose to do this? I was offered a unique opportunity to travel to Israel with local associates for a trip that will couple touring with study. I also have a lot of family in Israel that I haven’t seen for a number of years, so that gave me an added incentive. What are the personal and professional benefits of this Israel experience? Personally, I haven’t been to Israel in quite a while, so it really was time and, as I said, I have lots of family that I am really excited to see. Professionally, I will have a chance to talk with other educators about issues facing Jewish and Israeli education. Upon my return, I’ll be able to teach more effectively about the people and places in Israel. Hopefully, I will also have some time to visit preschools in Israel and use that experience to better guide my colleagues. How will your students benefit? Relating my experiences will personalize their connection to Israel—now they are one person removed from an Israel experience. I anticipate purchasing materials for my classes, so they’ll also benefit directly from the resources and souvenirs that I bring back. But won’t you be tired when school starts? While I may be physically tired, I will be spiritually and professionally energized and rejuvenated and ready for the new school year. |
The prospect of summer conjures up lazy images of pools, umbrellas and cool drinks. But while the summer is considered by many teachers as “time off,” a much-needed break from the rigors of the academic year, there are those in our education community who pack their suitcases and set off on overseas adventures where they continue to give and learn.