All too often in our Jewish history, students have been denied their education. They either met in secret or found other ways to study texts, language, traditions and history. Nothing would stand in their way.
The current pandemic has also failed. The B’Yachad Religious School with students from Temple Beth Tikvah in Greenacres and Temple Torat Emet in Boynton Beach moved towards Zoom virtual lessons with resounding success.
Orly Jacobs, education director reports, “As an educator and teacher, we took on this role to share no matter what roadblocks we encounter. Attendance has been surprisingly high with 65-70% of the students participating. We also included Shabbat B’Yachad as a weekly get together with our families.”
Parents and students alike share in their love and appreciation for the opportunity to continuously pursue their Jewish education as evidenced in many notes of appreciation received.
Parent Jennifer T commented, “Our commitment to fostering our daughters’ Jewish identity has not taken a pause as, unfortunately, their piano lessons and cheerleading practices have. Being new to B’Yachad Religious School, recognizing Hebrew letters is both exciting and fun for our older daughter. We believe that continuing this momentum is as significant as our 1st grader’s English writing and reading skills, while she had a group conversation about the how’s and why’s of Passover have been highlights.”
“One of the challenges of what is going on is we don’t have our standard community. Yet, the Hebrew school community is strong, having weekly zoom lessons have been great for the children, the structure, friendships, connection and community with each other is that much more important, now more than ever. These children abruptly left school and Hebrew and the way that B’Yachad jumped into action to keep these children connected is amazing. We are beyond grateful for this community, now more than ever,” stated parent Melissa Engelberg.
Seventh grader Andrew S so poignantly compares the classroom experience vs. virtual lessons. “I feel like there are advantages learning from temple and learning from home. I’m more respectful in temple because I know that when I put a kippah on I’m symbolizing the Jewish religion. At home, I don’t wear a kippah so I don’t feel as connected. At temple, I like sitting with my classmates but at home I don’t have that opportunity. I feel like I’m learning more at temple because I’m actually there, with my teacher and classmates. Learning from home, my mom is able to see that I really want to learn. I want to participate, but it is harder.”
Another 6th grade student added, “I believe that B’Yachad has done a great job of making sure that students get their proper Jewish education while being quarantined. With online Sabbath services, the prayer boot camp program virtual bat/bar mitzvah study sessions, all our regular Hebrew School classes and even a virtual Pesach service, I believe the temple has done an exceptional job at adapting and bringing Jewish families together again.”
The teachers are thrilled they can continue to share their love and knowledge of Judaism with so many appreciative students and parents. Seventh grade teacher Andy Greenberg was kvelling when all students at the end of a recent class declared how worthwhile it was.
Kindergarten teacher Allison R said, “When I received the news of our Hebrew school closing I got upset because I did not know when or if I would get to see my students again. We get to share and be together for a short time each week where we have been trying to teach our students Jewish values and traditions in a new way. The kids are excited to show us projects they completed.”
Howie Z, teacher of 5th grade students added, “One of the first blessings we recite in the morning is, ‘Blessed are You Hashem our G-D, ruler of the universe, instilling in us the commandment to study words of Torah.’ It just doesn’t say how or where. Using Zoom is our way of teaching during these times The students acclimated well and agree we made a good choice.”
Stacey Ripin, 2nd-3rd grade teacher added, “Virtual Zoom Sunday School was more fulfilling to me as a teacher than I had anticipated.”
It is safe to say that parents, students and teachers are actually looking forward to a traditional classroom environment but have adjusted to the virtual classroom and are pleased with the results. The show must go on and we are making it happen.
Orly Jacobs is the education director and Andy Greenberg is a teacher at B’Yachad Religious School in Boynton Beach.
