An Invitation to Become a Project Etgar School

Overview

Jacob, our illustrious ancestor, was transformed. He became Israel only after wrestling with his identity and with God. Likewise, today’s students learn best through engagement with others and by actively processing information that they find personally meaningful. Project Etgar, a curriculum created especially for middle school students (Grades 6-8) in Conservative synagogue settings, builds on students’ prior knowledge and experiences while promoting new learning. It empowers them to articulate positive Jewish identities with pride, while adding breadth and depth to their understanding and observance of Judaism. Project Etgar rejects the outmoded view that students are empty vessels passively waiting to be filled with knowledge and love of all things Jewish. Rather, by continually addressing their developmental needs, Etgar schools throughout the country create a positive, productive Jewish learning experience. Using the Etgar curriculum, teachers act as directors, leaders, and guides in the learning process.

The Melton Research Center of the Jewish Theological Seminary and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s Department of Education have embraced the challenge of providing meaningful Jewish education by jointly developing and investing in this effort. Field tested in over 30 schools throughout the United States, the Project Etgar curriculum has benefited from the critiques of educational directors, teachers, and students.

The curriculum consists of grade level modules designed by experienced synagogue school educators. Based on 4MAT, an educational model that engages students in active learning while considering their individual learning styles, Etgar lessons use a variety of learning activities and techniques. Upon entering an Etgar classroom, one might see students engaged in cooperative learning groups and self-directed study; reading excerpts from the Torah and other Jewish sources; writing and performing skits; or viewing and analyzing clips from contemporary movies.

In addition, Etgar units integrate Jewish life beyond the confines of the classroom through family education, community service, and practical applications for Jewish living. For example, at the 6th grade level, the kashrut unit includes shopping, cooking, and serving a meal, while the unit on bikkur holim includes visiting the sick and preparing get-well baskets for members of the community returning home from the hospital. Parents are not only involved through family education sessions, but are kept continually informed through "KESHER," the Project Etgar newsletter.

Another key component of Project Etgar is the unique training provided for educational directors and teachers. In addition to attending a summer workshop, participants are supported throughout the year by an Etgar Teacher Educator (ETE) who works with the school staff to achieve the successful implementation of the program.

If you are interested in learning more about this innovative project, click on the links below:

• Application - Application for 2008/2009 Academic Year
• Requirements - Minimum Requirements to Participate in Project Etgar
• Training and Costs - Professional Development, Training Support and Costs
• Regional High Schools - Information for Regional High Schools
• Staff - Project Etgar Staff
• Curriculum - 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Curriculum Map and Sample Lessons

If you would like to participate in Project Etgar we encourage you to begin the process of applying to become one of our pilot schools immediately. Our policy of rolling admissions will assure you notification of acceptance within two weeks of receiving your application. This will enable you to have ample time to staff and plan for the year ahead.

If you have any questions, or need further information, please send an email to:

• Debbie Kerschner, Manager, Project Etgar
• Dr. Eddie Edelstein, Etgar Teacher Educator (ETE)
• Dr. Lonna Picker, Etgar Teacher Educator (ETE)
• Rabbi Shelley Kniaz, Etgar Teacher Educator (ETE)

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Robert Abramson
Director, Department of Education,
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Dr. Steven M. Brown
Dean, William Davidson School of Jewish Education and Director,
Melton Research Center for Jewish Education, The Jewish Theological Seminary