Seminar Booklet 2016

Partnership2Gesher IV
Building Bridges through Partnership
Nisan 5776/ April 2016
Louisville
San Antonio
Fort Worth

We are the P2G Teachers Delegation
Hello, my name is Dina David. I am currently the
Director of the Holocaust Education Center as
well as an Associate Professor at IUPUI in the
Department of Communication in the College of
Liberal Arts. I received a B.S. of English
Linguistics and Literature from Tel Aviv University
in 1989 and M.S. in Telecommunication Arts from
Butler University. My teaching interests include Hebrew Instruction,
Business Communication, Public Speaking Interpersonal
Communication, Summer Bridge Program and First Year Seminar. My
Academic interests include the relationship between Holocaust
education, communication and culture, Public Speaking, Intercultural
Communication, Mass Media, English as a Second Language,
Technology and Classroom Civility.
Dina David
American Education Task Force Chair
Dina's article is at the end of the booklet pg.15
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My name is Efrat Srebro and I was born in Israel
(second generation). I live in Akko, I have three
children, three grandchildren and I am married to
Ig'al.
I have a Masters degree in Integration of Arts in
Learning" and I have been managing the Early
Childhood Musical enrichment Center in Akko for
the last 20 years.
I developed a curriculum which is s called “Music that counts”: It is a
unique multi-sensory adventure which integrates music into the learning
process at the early childhood.
(More details at my site: http;//musickidhome.com)
The curriculum was recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Israel and I was sent to share my knowledge with the early childhood
teachers in Nepal, Thailand, Ghana, Hungary and Bhutan.
"Music that counts" was recognized by NAEYC at 2014 convention.
I am the Israeli chair of the education task force of the Western Galilee
consortium and I established "Hava Nagila Gan" for the benefit of our
early childhood teachers.
Contact information:
Email: efis57@gmail.com
Mobile: 972-54-9911-013
Efrat Srebro
Israeli Education task force chair
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My name is Gil Klempert and I have recently
moved to Nahariya in the Western Galilee. I am
married to Mor, a kindergarten teacher, and we
raise 2 amazing girls - a 2 years old and her 2
months old sister.
Before moving to Nahariya I have completed my MA in Organizational
Psychology at Bar Ilan University and currently write my thesis on
leadership.
Between the years 2009-2010 I was a community Shaliach (emissary) in
the Jewish Community of Montreal, Canada. The experience has
strongly influenced me to change the course of my life, and eventually
do what I do today. Education is a big part of my life, tutoring and
teaching English for high-schools students and after school programs
during my university years.
Since last July I am the Education Task Force coordinator for the
Western Galilee Partnership2Gether; and since recently, the coordinator
of the Academia Task Force as well. Together with Efrat Srebro, we plan
and execute the Education Task Force programs.
Contact Information:
Email: gilk@jafi.org
cell: 972-54-998-9881
Gil Klempert
Education Task Force Coordinator
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My name is Tony Ziv, I live in Nahariya (in
the north of Israel), and I was born and
raised in Israel. I’m married to Ze’ev, and
we have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.
I have a Master's degree in public
administration from Haifa University.
I have been managing the “PISGA”
pedagogical Center in Akko for the last 20 years, where I lead and plan
the professional development of all the teachers in the western Galilee.
PISGA pedagogical Center is a unique educational-professional meeting
point that develops nurtures and enriches teachers of all grades.
The staff of the center and I see an educational leader in every teacher.
We believe each and every one of them can guide and motivate other
people, students and colleagues to take responsibility, aim to their goals
and reach them, solve problems and lead the way.
One of the educational projects we lead with the Jewish Agency's
Partnership2Gether is “Play2Gether”. We believe that through
educational games we can help creating experiential and significant
learning.
We would like to create collaboration between Israeli and American
teachers in the Jewish communities by developing educational games
together.
Contact information:
E-Mail: Tony.Ziv@gmail.com
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Cellphone: +972-52-241-5958
My name is Eti Schustik and I was born in
Tel-Aviv, Israel. When I was 10 years old, my
parents, the pioneers, took our family from the
big city to the Kibbutz. We moved to Kibbutz
Afek where I have lived ever since. I have
three lovely children, a boy & two girls and a
charming partner.
I have a Master's degree in education and I am managing the "Aluma"
Kindergarten at the kibbutz. I'm also the instructor of some other
kindergarten teachers in our regional council.
A few years ago, as I wanted the fathers of the children in my
kindergarten to be more involved in their kids' education, I developed an
educational project called "My father the scientist".
In this project, each father came to the kindergarten and did a scientific
experiment (which is connected to his daily work) with the children.
The project succeeded so much that the mothers and the brothers also
asked to be involved in it. So, at the next year, I converted it to "Family
of Science"!
I am also a great believer in the concept of having a junkyard as the
kindergarten playground, as it contributes to the kids development. In
my class, I have unique playground that educators from Israel and from
around the world come to see and learn.
Contact information:
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Mail: etttttt@walla.com
Mobile: 972-52-426-4938
My name is Etti Gimani, I was born in Israel and
moved from Karmiel to Akko, both in the north of
Israel, just recently. I'm married to Itay and we have
five kids.
I have a Master's degree in Consulting and
Development specializing in the early childhood
ages.
I've been working in Akko at the "Dkalim" (palms) kindergarten since
2009, but I have been a kindergarten teacher for the last 14 years. In my
kindergarten, I have 35 kids 3-6 years old, and two assistances.
I feel it is a big challenge to work in this particular kindergarten as the
kids come from all the spectrum of society, yet many kids are from a low
socioeconomic status. It makes me proud to see how they all manage to
get along with each other and cooperate.
I take part in Hava-Nagila Gan network of Partnership2Gether, and
share unique activities that I do with my kids to all the teachers.
Contact Information:
Email: ikntteg@walla.co.il
Mobile: 972-52-371-9068
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My name is Ariela Lifshitz and I was born in
Kibbutz Gaash, in the center of Israel.
Today I live in Kibbutz Eilon, in the north of Israel
(near the Lebanon Border). I have two daughters,
five grandsons, and I live with my partner (husband)
Yossi.
I have a Master's degree in "Multidisciplinary
Teaching" from Oranim College (a teacher's seminar in the north).
I'm teaching Art in" Shalom Aleichem" School, in Moshav Bezet, for the
last 23 years. I love my work at school, and I love my pupils.
I teach them art history, familiarity with artist, Jewish tradition, and I try
to instill in them love for Eretz Israel (The Land of Israel).
I believe art connects people, opens communication channels, and gives
happiness and peace of mind. Therefore we try to integrate art in all our
activities – also in our relationship with partnership2gether.
Contact information:
Email: lifariela@gmail.com
Mobile: 972-52-225-5004
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My name is Karen Donner Asscher. I was born
and raised in what was then Rhodesia, today known
as Zimbabwe. I was an active member and leader
in the Jewish Youth movement Habonim which for
me was an important foundation to maintain Jewish
identity in the diaspora. I made Aliya with my
parents at the age of 17. Today I am a mother of 9
years old twin boys; I live in a small village called Mizpeh Hilla, with
around 160 families.
I studied at the Hebrew University for a Master's Degree in Special
Education. Later in my professional life I specialized in the integration of
computers in education and went on to be a mentor in this field.
I currently lecture at Levinsky Teacher Training College, training
teachers to integrate computers in education, and work at a special
school called "Meytar" which caters for children with emotional
difficulties. At our school I hold the position of Project Coordinator, and I
also teach Computers and English. We are a small intimate school of
only 40 students, each of whom has a personal learning and
development program.
I am constantly on the lookout for programs or projects that promote our
school goals and those of each student, and that is how I chose to join
the School Twinning Program. One such program, which I coordinated
until this year, is the G2G (Generation to Generation) program. In the
program students are paired with Jewish seniors for mutually beneficial
learning. The seniors broaden their Internet and computer skills, while
the young students learn the value of personal and collective narratives.
Together they document personal, family and community stories.
Contact details:
Email: keren.donner@gmail.com
Mobile: +972-52-273-8767
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My name is Odelia Melamed. I was born in Israel
(third generation) and I live in Nahariya in the North
of Israel.
I'm married to Eyal and we have two children- Niv is
14 years old and Yarin is 9 years old, both are boys.
I have M.A in Public Management, and I was teaching science in
elementary schools in Akko during the last 16 years.
I developed an excellence project in science and I teach it in
collaboration with the Weitzman Institution of Science, one of the leading
research institutions in Israel. The project works all over the country and
even in some countries outside Israel.
I'm one of the teachers who take part in the Partnership2Gether School
Twinning Network with a school in San Antonio.
Contact information:
Email: odeliamelamed@gmail.com
Tel: 972-077-425-4953
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My name is Samuel Chaushu and I was born in
Israel (my late parents were born in Rumania). I live
in Kfar Vradim, I have four children, and I am married
to Anat.
I'm B.Sc. (Mechanical Engineer) and worked for
nearly 30 years in the IDF and Elbit Systems Ltd. and
have an M.A. in Biblical Studies.
I teach biblical studies, geophysics research, Tech Entrepreneurship
(Grades 10 – 12), and Meteorology (Weather) (8 th Grade, 5 th grade and
kindergarten).
I've developed a special curriculum which is s called “JE4Com”: Junior
Entrepreneurs for Community. It is a multi-disciplinary innovative
program which integrates electronics, computers & industrial design for
developing and manufacturing products and solutions for disabled kids.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLavTfIUqnk
I use school's meteorology station (Davis Vantage pro II) and varies
teaching methods such as: NASA's GLOBE Program, smartphone apps,
scientific experiments and activities.
I am looking to cooperate with American educators in
Partnership2Gether communities. Previous knowledge is not necessary.
Contact information:
Email: 3sam2278@sulam.co.il
Mobile: 972-54-9843-654
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My name is Galit Kohan and I was born in Israel at
1973.
I live in Nahariya, I am married to Dan and I have 2
daughters: Noy who is 16 years old and Shira who
is 13.5 years old.
I have a B.A. in Humanities and Social Sciences and
a Master's degree in Human resources management.
I've been teaching for 20 years. All these years I have been working in
Eshkol Elementary School in Akko. This year I am teaching the 6th and
the 5th grades. I teach Hebrew, Torah, History and Geography. In the
past I was responsible for the Hebrew studies in school.
My school is an environmental school which also specializes in
developing mathematical thinking.
For the last three years I am the vice principal of the school.
In my school we have a tradition of celebrating the holidays students
and parents together, and we always embrace twining activities with our
Partnership2Gether communities.
Contact information:
Mail: kohand@bezeqint.net
Mobile: 972-52-226-2480
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My name is Anat Avisrur and I was born in Israel
(I am the second generation here).I live in AKKO in
the north of Israel.
I'm married to Sami and we have four children,
three girls, one boy and a dog- Mayyan is 31 years
old, Reut is 28 Years old, Eden is 25 years old,
aviho is 21 years old and our beautiful dog LOKKA.
I have a B.A. in Judaism and Biblical Studies, and I`m teaching Hebrew -
reading and writing for first grade children in elementary schools in Akko
for the last 32 years.
In my school I'm also the coordinator of the 1sy and 2 nd classes.
I'm participating in a project that prepares the preschool children for the
first grade, and encourage them to have better self-confidence,
friendship and desire to learn.
I am looking forward to create twinning connection with educators from
our Partnership2Gther communities
Contact information:
Email: anatavisrur@walla.co.il
Tel: 972-504-572-516
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The delegation's main goals are:
1. The educators will strengthen the personal and professional
ties between educators from both sides of the Partnership.
2. The educators will experience mutual learning that will lead to
a greater understanding of the advantages and challenges of
each educational system.
3. The educators will further develop existing projects and/or
create new connections.
4. The educators will connect to Israel and especially to their
twin region in the Western Galilee.
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Jewish Identity in America and Abroad/ Professor Dina David, 2014
The topic selected for next year’s partnership seminar is Jewish Identity. This led me
to search for a comprehensive definition of the term, Jewish Identity, but I was unable to find
one. This article explores my journey to define the term Jewish Identity and what my own
identity as a Jew means to me. During this journey I reflected on how being involved with
the partnership impacted my own Jewish Identity by strengthening it as a whole. As a result
of my own experiences I now believe that exposure to Israel and the partnership itself will
help to develop and enhance my students’ Jewish Identity.
As an educator I began my journey how I normally achieve in my classroom by
employing the Socratic Method. 1 According to Merriam Webster Online the Socratic Method can
be defined as: “the method of inquiry and instruction employed by Socrates esp. as represented in the
dialogues of Plato and consisting of a series of questionings the object of which is to elicit a clear and
consistent expression of something supposed to be implicitly known by all rational beings.”
Thus I began my quest of searching for a comprehensive definition for Jewish
Identity. I started by asking what Jewish Identity is; but I quickly realized the complexity of
the many possible answers. The first part of my journey to define Jewish Identity began with
my attempt to categorize it. I anticipated that this journey and the categorization would be far
simpler than it turned out to be. I started by asking myself the following questions: “Can
Jewish Identity be strictly defined by Judaism and if so, if one is not religious is he or she
still considered capable of having a Jewish Identity? Can Jewish Identity be defined in
strictly cultural terms, or is Jewish Identity a combination of national identity and religious
belief?” The most complex part of defining the term, Jewish Identity, I discovered was
attempting to define what it means to be Jewish. This resulted in more questions, “Is Judaism
a religion, a race, a nation, or just an ethno-cultural grouping?” and “How can we strengthen
our own and others’ Jewish Identity if we are incapable of defining the term itself?”
The next step of my journey was to explore what my identity as a Jew meant to me. I
began with some self reflection on my own past as a Jew and an Israeli. I am not unique.
Like so many other Jews I have a complex and extensive background.
I was of two Iraqi Sephardic Jews in Israel. In 1992 I moved to Indianapolis to teach
Hebrew at the Bureau of Jewish Education. As time progressed I became more immersed in
the American Cultural and the American Jewish culture.
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From a religious perspective, I was raised orthodox, but I did not have a bat mitzvah.
However, as a teen I chose to identify as a secular Jew. In Israel there are two main
denominations of Judaism, religious and secular. However, when I moved to Indianapolis, I
encountered different religious sects such as: Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reconstructionist
Judaism, and finally the Jewish Renewal sect. For a while I was a member of
the reform synagogue, but at present I do not identify with any denomination. However, from
a cultural perspective I identify as being Jewish.
Culturally, I am accustomed to celebrating all of the Jewish holidays; Rosh Hashanah,
Purim, Passover, ect. Additionally, my diet consists of mainly Jewish cuisine such as:
traditional Iraqi Sephardic dishes, Israeli dishes, and American Jewish dishes like; gefilte
fish, bagels and matzo ball soup. I still dance the Hora at weddings and am accustomed to
sitting shiva.
In 1995 I married my husband who is a non-Jew. Statistically this is becoming a more
common occurrence, 58% of Jews have a non-Jew as a spouse. I personally struggle with the
notion that intermarriage is harmful to the unity and continuity of Judaism and the Jewish
people as a whole.
I have always been proud to be Jewish and I have also felt a strong sense of
connection to the Jewish people. However, as a direct result of participating in and engaging
with the Western Galilee Partnership since March 2012, my identity as a Jew has expanded
and strengthened as a whole. The faculty seminars in May 2012 and in June 2013, in Israel,
gave me a deeper sense of connection to Israel both on spiritual and emotional levels. This
has led to me to become more engaged in the various activities within the Jewish community
in Indianapolis.
Although my journey did not necessarily provide a comprehensive definition to the
term Jewish Identify, it proved to me that a person’s identity as a Jew is deeply personal and
that it can be impacted positively for the long-term through a relationship with the
partnership and/or an Israel experience. I am very clear that Jewish Identify will remain only
abstract without personal experience, which the partnership with Israel or an Israel
experience can have long-lasting effects.
My hope for my American Students is their Jewish identities will be reinforced and
expanded, just as mine was. Further exposure to Israel and the partnership will hopefully
have both indelible and profound effects on their Jewish identity.
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