JBHA: Benainu - April 30, 2010

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's Benainu

Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
For Learning • For Leading • For Life

Volume 7, Issue 19 • April 30, 2010 • 16 Iyar 5770
Candle Lighting: 7:35pm • Shabbat Ends: 8:45pm

Dear Friends,
In addition to the diverse limudei kodesh (Jewish Studies) curriculum which all of our students benefit from, Barrack provides opportunities for highly-motivated students to extend their learning outside the walls of the classroom. One example of this is Moot Beit Din, an annual competition in which Jewish day school students from across the United States and Canada take on the role of a Beit Din (religious court) to research, draft, and defend before a panel of experts their ruling on a difficult (and frequently novel) issue - all applying the principles and precepts of halakha (Jewish law). This year, JBHA was well represented by 11th graders Daniel Raikin and Leon Davis, who had to decide whether torture may be used by a government against terror suspects in its custody, where the country was seeking to quell a rash of attacks that had claimed the lives of many civilians. Daniel and Leon began working on the case in December, submitted their decision in February, and travelled to the Washington, DC area in late April for a Shabbaton which culminated in oral arguments on Sunday morning. The competition sponsored by RAVSAK (the organization of community day schools) saw more than 80 high school students representing 21 day schools take part. Over the course of several days, they participated in a community service project, attended classes, enjoyed communal meals, toured Washington, DC, heard a lecture from an expert on the topic, played games and bonded with fellow students, some who were old acquaintances, others who became new friends. On the strength of a very impressive oral presentation, Daniel and Leon took 2nd place in the competition. Kol haKavod for a job well done!

At the same time, several 10th grade students were deciding to express their zeal for Torah learning in a different way. Jeremy Rudoler, Renee Zwillenberg and Yaakov Malomet were looking to study Talmud in a way that would help them build the skills needed to do advanced yeshiva study after high school. Their willingness (read: eagerness) to take on additional work "lishma" - i.e. without receiving any extra credit or honors designation - led to the creation of a special workgroup (a class within a class) which learns independently in the library during regular class time. Renee, Yaakov and Jeremy read all of the same texts as their fellow students, but are assigned supplementary readings (usually from the same section of Talmud) that serve to provide perspective on the issues they are studying, and (importantly) to give them more frequent and intensive exposure to Gemara. They generally learn the entire commentary of Rashi for the sections they study, and also delve into Tosafot when appropriate. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the structure and peculiar terminology of the Gemara that one must master to become an independent learner of the text. To this end, the independent study group also makes good use of technical dictionaries and other reference tools to decipher these ancient texts. The students meet with their teacher twice weekly (during break and lunchtime) for a shiur (explanatory lesson) and take assessments with the rest of the class that are tailored to their specific learning plan. Yasher Koach to each of these students for the initiative and dedication they show every week!

Elisha Stein
Judaic Studies Teacher

For Learning.
Intensive Talmud Study