ESTHER BETESH
ON THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 28TH, THE JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING AT MELAMEDET HAD AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. UP UNTIL THIS POINT, THEY HAD BEEN WORKING HARD THROUGHOUT THE PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, TAKING COURSES RANGING FROM “TEACHING NAVI” TO “CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT” TO “TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM.”
They had heard from many leaders and teachers in the field of Jewish Education, observed a variety of classes, and practiced creating and giving their own classes to one another. On this meaningful night of Torah classes for the girls of our community, it was time to take everything that they had learned and give it all back. Thank G-d, we had such a successful event last summer, and this year once again the teachers-in-training were ready with detailed source sheets, positivity, love, and the desire to inspire and be true role models. Students from 5th grade all the way to high school came to the classes with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, but what they left with was even more special.
The Melamedet teachers-in-training gave meaningful, interesting, and vibrant Torah classes. They captured hearts and minds, keeping their students engaged, involved, asking questions, and requesting that Melamedet offer more classes in the future. The Melamedet teachers-in-training left that night feeling grateful for the opportunity to give back.
The community girls left with a deeper love of Torah and a beautiful connection to amazing community role models.
Melamedet is blessed to be a part of the next generation of community educators in Jewish Education. We are looking forward to another amazing semester including some incredible new students this fall, Be’H (with G-d’s help)!
Here is what some of our students had to say about the beautiful night of learning:
Judy Elmann: “I thought last year’s class was too good to be true, but this year was just as enjoyable, if not more! As soon as I started teaching, the words just flowed out. The fifth and sixth grade girls who attended my class were thrilled to be there and participate even in the middle of the summer. It was so empowering to give such a successful class. I can’t wait for the next one, B”H!”
Sally Choueka: “Every summer brings new experiences, and I genuinely look forward to teaching the girls who attend our night of learning. After a year of learning new content and new skills, I was excited to give it my all. We learned, we talked, we discovered. I can’t wait for next year; thank you Melamedet for the platform!”
Mary Jajati: “What an honor learning Torah and teaching Torah to the special girls of our community! We’re so thankful for the opportunity; it was a pleasure!”
Eileen Dweck: “The night of learning was so special! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to teach in such a comfortable setting.”
We would like to add a special thank you to Bet Rachel Synagogue for hosting us.
Esther Betesh is the director of Melamedet, a teacher training program in Jewish education. She teaches at multiple community yeshivot and institutions, and is a doctoral candidate for Jewish education and administration at Yeshiva University.
