In the tradition of Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed, Samson Raphael Hirsch’s Nineteen Letters, and C.S. Lewis’ satirical Screwtape, Shalom Carmy's "Letter To A Philosophical Dropout From Orthodoxy" offers us insight into what it means to be religiously alive, and philosophically engaged by Judaism, in the form of a letter to a questioning seeker. Teachers, rabbis, counselors, and parents entrusted with guiding children, young adults, and all seekers of religious truth, will find value in the disputation of the "don’t ask, don’t tell" attitude which too often limits Orthodox Judaism to a set of demonstrable normative acts, eviscerating the inner meaning, depth, and force of a philosophically engaged, multi-dimensional Jewish life. Encompassing a tour of topics in the philosophies of science and religion, and a compelling argument for the centrality of the personal in Torah life, "Letter to A Philosophical Dropout From Orthodoxy" provides a sophisticated response to central questions in contemporary Jewish education.

Forgive Us, Father-in-Law, For We Know Not What To Think: Letter To A Philosophical Dropout From Orthodoxy

Carmy, Shalom

ATID

"Stirring poetry from a leading Orthodox educator… The poetic outpouring of a Torah teacher’s soul." This collection of original poetry on Jewish and religious themes will enlighten and stimulate readers to an array of issues--Jewish learning and teaching; textual understanding and interpretation; prayer, salvation and repentance; and the Holocaust. Each of the twenty-one poems is accompanied by a short essay, notes, or an excursus, through which the author unfolds the genesis of the poem: how it was distilled from classical Jewish sources, or--moving in the opposite direction--drawing the reader’s attention to implications and applications of the poem to contemporary religious life and experience.  In a powerfully polemical introduction, the author draws on decades of experience in Jewish education to argue that poetry holds the potential to sensitize us in ways that will elevate and enrich Torah study, prayer, and a sincerely engaged Jewish life.

The Library of Everything: Poems and Torah Commentaries

Ebner, David

This monograph explores the philosophy behind the traditional Jewish havruta method of learning--the simultaneous grappling with classical texts and with a study partner. The author examines the history of this learning style, describes the benefits, and evaluates whether two models from the world of general education--cooperative learning and the cognitive approach--may enhance the havruta system in contemporary Jewish education

Havruta Study: History, Benefits and Enhancements

Segal, Aliza

"Body and Soul" addresses the problem of eating disorders in the Jewish community, reviews effective policies for therapy and treatment, and suggests ways for Jewish schools--especially "Overseas Programs" in Israel--to deal with the challenge within an educational setting and as part of a larger educational campaign for healthy living and self-image.

Body and Soul: A Guide for Addressing Eating Disorders in a Jewish Education Setting

Caroline Peyser

Talmud study in yeshiva high schools creates many difficulties and challenges. We are honored to present to the community of educators this engaging debate about how to ameliorate those challenges. Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein and Rabbi Yehuda Brandes, among today s leading teachers of Gemara in Israel and the world, present two very different approaches to the most effective ways to teach Gemara under contemporary circumstances. As his been the case with other topics ATID has taken on in this series, we do not imagine that either of these two differing policy recommendations will magically solve the very real struggles teachers face, nor do we assume that either side of this debate will be appropriate for all schools. We do believe that these suggestions can serve as a springboard for rigorous deliberation and pedagogical planning in high schools. Each school can develop specific and implementable strategies which will improve the Torah study of the students and teachers.

Talmud Study in Yeshiva High Schools

Religion & Spirituality

Aharon Lichtenstein

Yehuda Brandes

Judaism