I’M A PARENT—WHAT DOES THE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL WANT FROM ME?

This month I would like to put on my hat as Religious School director. First I’d like to share with you a story (which comes from my colleague Rabbi Bruce Raff of Temple Judea in Tarzana California). This story illustrates the important of both parent’s and children’s attitude toward Religious School.

It was the best of Religious Schools…It was the worst of Religious Schools….

Michael went to the best of Religious Schools. He had the finest teacher who

cared about what he was teaching and to whom he was teaching. Jonathan went    to the worst of Religious Schools. The teacher was boring and did nothing in  class.

Michael’s school had a wonderful principal who became involved with the

children and their families and saw to it the school was well run. Jonathan’s

principal was an annoying fellow who constantly badgered the parents about

poor attendance, repeated lateness and lack of preparedness for class.

Michael’s school was modern. It offered trips, sleep-overs, family programs,

music and more. Jonathan’s school was old-fashioned. It expected students to

learn Hebrew, Bible, history and do homework.

As his Bar Mitzvah approached, Michael’s parents asked how many extra parts of

the service he could do. Jonathan’s parents asked if he had to recite so much

Torah, because after all, his school never taught him how to read Hebrew.

Michael went to the best of Religious Schools…Jonathan went to the worst of

Religious Schools….Michael and Jonathan were in the same class.

Each of you sends your child to Religious School because you believe there are important things we need to teach your child. For each family these things may be different. Some want Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation; others are looking for a connection to the Jewish people or to Israel; others want to root their children in the ethics of our people or in our heritage and history.  Our Religious School will do all that, but we ask that you JOIN us in the process—-that you be partners in the Jewish education of your children, by attitude and actions.

We need your enthusiastic support. I have found that parents’ attitude, perhaps more than any other factor, ensures your child’s success in Religious School. What you say, or don’t say, can be as significant shaper of attitudes for your child as what you do or don’t do.

Here are some guidelines to help you have a successful Religious School experience.

1. Share your support and enthusiasm for your child’s Jewish education. Share with your child why a Jewish education is important to you.

2. Try to convince your child that you have confidence and respect for the Temple Bat Yam teaching staff.

3. Share interest in what is being taught in Religious School. Ask specific questions about friends, craft projects, Hebrew letters taught, mitzvahs discussed, songs sung, etc. Ask your child to share a religious school topic during a family meal.

4. Visit your child’s class.

5. Sit with your child in the sanctuary for Boker Tov time.

6. Came early with your child and share a bagel from the bagel bar. Schmooze with the other parents; stay during Religious School so you can see what is going on—read the paper, use your computer, whatever, but be there.

7. Discuss Jewish issues at home. Share Jewish experiences you had as a child or a teenager.

8. If there is a problem, take it to the appropriate person. If there is a classroom concern, so to the classroom teacher first. My door is always open to talk to parents about any concerns. Avoid airing your complaints to friends. This just escalates the problem without finding a constructive solution.

9. Be a role model and involve yourself in Jewish life at Temple Bat Yam. There are wonderful services to attend, a myriad of opportunities for adult learning, and many social activities. And we have an active sisterhood and men’s club too.

10. At Temple Bat Yam, Religious School is both fun AND educational. Get involved and keep an open mind. Have a positive attitude and you might be pleasantly surprised at what an outstanding experience religious school can be!