Havurah Education News
December 2, 2010
New aspects of education within Havurah Shalom have recently occurred. Read on and find out what good committee work has led to.
As of spring 2010, the Steering Committee has a new position, Vice-President for Education. This person also sits on the Executive Committee and oversees all aspects of education within the congregation. As the community’s Education Director, Deborah Eisenbach-Budner is central to our programming and vision. Rabbi’s Joey’s energy and wisdom, too, inform all aspects of education in our Havurah.
Deborah and the VP for Education work with the newly convened Lifelong Learning Committee (LLC). Here’s the group’s mission: Havurah Shalom’s Lifelong Learning Committee is dedicated to empowering congregants to enrich their engagement in Jewish life. Programming and teaching will inspire and support Jewish practice, culture, and spirituality. Learning will be integrated into the life of the community from early childhood through all phases of adulthood. This committee will reach out and listen to the interests of the community as program is formulated, and be responsive to changing needs. Educational offerings will be consistent over time in order to offer both regularly scheduled foundational classes and other creative learning opportunities.
The LLC keeps abreast of what’s going on with formal programs such as Shabbat School, Middle School Havurah High, and Adult Education. They also support informal educational programs like Tot Shabbat, Shabbat on the Farm, and Shabbat in the Pool.
The committee is a willing sounding board for any ideas brought forward by congregants as regards education. Do reach out and offer ideas. Of particular interest are ideas about Adult Education classes (and teachers) that would benefit Havurah Shalom.
Additionally, a separate task force is working hard on the middle and high schools. Adjustments to these programs are likely as the years unfold. Change in teaching personnel and ongoing curriculum review are important topics under review. Contact Richard Goldenberg with any ideas for that. The LLC is available to assist in these efforts.
Overarching goals of the changes within the congregation, as reflected in the Operation Reconnect process, are to clarify how work is accomplished and who is involved in decision making. Committee members are open to new ideas and want congregants to step up and let us know what’s on your minds.
David Ellenberg is the Vice-President for Education. LLC members are Adela Basayne, Shelley Sobel, Rob Freedman, with Deborah Eisenbach-Budner as the staffer.
