9Th BIENNIAL AUSTRALIAN JEWISH EDUCATORS' CONFERENCE

Contents

Welcome ...... 1

Program at a glance ...... 2

The ZFA and Zionist Jewish Education ...... 7

International Presenters ...... 9

Program – Day 1 ...... 14

Program – Day 2 ...... 25

Local Presenters ...... 36

Site Map ...... 47

Acknowledgements ...... 50

Welcome Dear Educators,

“Lifelong Teaching, Lifelong Learning” is a true and succinct summary of a teacher’s journey; forever learning and growing to be a world class educator. Education and in this case, Jewish Education, is never stagnant. Students and teachers learn from one another and the passion to teach derives from the passion to learn.

The ZFA has developed this conference program to meet the continuing needs for professional development in all areas of Jewish and Zionist education from Israel studies to text studies, history to Hebrew and across the gamut from early childhood through to senior secondary, formal and experiential.

The Zionist Federation of Australia is committed to ensuring that students are imbued with the values, passion and knowledge that drive the Jewish people forward. We are proud to present this 9th Biennial Jewish Educators’ Conference, which will feature our exceptional international presenters: Dr. David Bernstein, Ricki Bernstein, Dr. David Breakstone, Avital Drori, Dr. Michael Gillis, Dr. Naomi Gorbatt, Rabbi Dr Eli Kohn, Sarah Mali, Ayelet Rosen and Professor Avigdor Shinan among others.

It is with disappointment that we note that Rabbi Shai Piron, MK, Israel's Minister for Education, will now not be joining us for our conference as we had so eagerly anticipated. However, due to the current situation, he is understandably unable to leave Israel. Furthermore, two educators from the Arava, who had been scheduled to be here on a teacher exchange program will now not be able to come, one having been called up and the other's son was also called up to serve. As we go to print, Israel is continuing Operation Protective Edge to restore peace and quiet to Israel and prevent deadly attacks from Hamas. It is an issue which has, of course, captured our attention as Zionists but for all here, presents challenges in terms of how we teach and discuss Israel in conflict in an educational framework. Our conference program has been recalibrated to reflect this current reality.

In Pirkei Avot, Ben Zoma teaches “Who is wise? He who learns from every man:” A strong sentiment held by many educators. Education is an evolving process, as our theme for the conference indicates. As educators, it is imperative to take advantage of every learning opportunity that presents itself. Through this conference, we endeavour to provide thought provoking enrichment from a vast array of people who will aim to strengthen your identity and skills as an educator.

We welcome you to the conference and look forward to our continuing partnership in ensuring a shared vision for a vibrant Jewish and Zionist future for our Australian community.

B’virkat Zion,

Dr. Danny Lamm Ginette Searle Dr. Miriam Munz

PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EDUCATION CHAIRPERSON

Program at a glance Day 1: Sunday 17th August 2014

Session 1: Opening Session: Panel: Talking and teaching about Israel in a time of war 9:30-10:30 Besen Performing Arts Center

Session 2: Rabbi Yoel Sarah Mali: Professor Tal Spinrad: Matti Dr. David Anat Wilson: Rabbi Dr. 10:30- Doron: Dinim Holding on Avigdor Eisav in the Borowski: The Bernstein: The Looking at Shimon 11:30 Matters and Letting Shinan: The classroom challenge of Crux of the ourselves Cowen: Go: What our Family in Tfillah in Israeli - teach: Teaching the students the stories Jewish Day Palestinian Conversation universal require from of the Schools conflict Analysis and message of us in order to Aggadah Classroom Judaism thrive Observation R3 R18 R17 R4 R5 SHULE R6 R20 Morning Break tea: Rose Hall 11:30- 12:00 Session 3: Esther Takac: Rabbi Dr. Eli Rabbi Shlomit Attias: Ricki Delia Baron: Dr. Michael Rabbi Philip 12:00-1:00 Jacob the Kohn: Smukler: A What's in a Bernstein: How to Gillis: Freewill Nadel: righteous? Eisav Primary T'fila Safe School Name? - In Sensing the incorporate a and Chalutziut the Wicked? - Model pursuit of Israel Self kitchen/garden Determination Contemporary Education program in education, discourse your school and Jewish the importance xenophobia and of gratitude and Biblical appreciation interpretation. R3 R18 R16 R4 SHULE R5 R6 R17

Lunch: Lunch 1:00-2:00 Rose Hall Session 4: AJSPA AGM, by Rabbi Chaim Ricki Motti Blum: The Galit Idelman: Sue Hampel: Liat Raviv: Sasha 2:00-3:00 invitation. Cowen and Bernstein: most important Hebrew is fun Jews and non- Two and a half Klyachkina: Followed by Chaya The new question for Jews in Poland tribes- The Exploring AGM (Session 4 Cowen: The brain Jews to ask real beginning Jewish -5) Flipped science and themselves of Jewish Identity classroom the today peoplehood using classroom Photography

SHULE R3 R18 R4 R5 R6 R17 R16 Session 5: Gael Grunewald: Rabbi Dr. Eli Dr. Dvir Shirley Atlas: Ittai Aminoff: What Works Robin Aron: 3:00-4:00 Environmental Kohn: Abramovich: The Tachles For Me: Jewish Music and Preservation in Teaching Hebrew Lit Kindertransport Studies Movement for the Jewish Primary 101 - An Early Sources Chumash unprecedented Childhood act of kindness during the Holocaust R4 R20 R5 R6 R16 R17 R3 Afternoon Break tea: Rose Hall 4:00-4:30

Session 6: Ayelet Rosen: Prof. David Ron Alter: What Works Carni Goldberg: Ittay Flescher: Chaya Cowen: Tal Spinrad: 4:30-5:30 Magen David Mittelberg: Beseder Lo For Me: Early Making From Hatufim Technology in All in the Yarok Jewish Beseder Childhood connections to Homeland the Jewish Family; An Peoplehood between Studies expanded Education for learning and Classroom view of the 21st life. Is it Jewish family century. possible? education Australian Jewry in international perspective. R18 R3 R4 R5 R6 R17 R16 R15

Day 2: Monday 18th August 2014

Session 1: Avital Drori Shanit Erez Dr. Michael Leon Prof. Avigdor Dr. Ron Shlomo Ben 8:30-9:30 and Dr. Borsky: Feinberg: Gillis: Shneider: Shinan: Birth Weiser AM: Haim: Israel, Naomi Shoah: How is a Religion and Dialogical stories in the Australia and Tanach and Gorbatt: Personal and building Society Education: Bible and the Israel. Key Jewish Studies Building the historical built? empowering Aggadah intersections in the i-phone bridge to memory students of history and era Israel with values contemporary Hebrew R3 R4 R5 R18 R6 R15 R16 R17 Session 2: Dr. David Lisa Cohen: Simon Ricki Neta Even- Dr. David Sheryl 9:30-10:30 Bernstein: Teaching the Lawrence: Bernstein: Tzur: The Breakstone: Cardozo: Jewish history next Sense and Ethical education From Teaching vs Jewish generation to Sensitivity: dilemmas in system in Altneuland to young people memory be givers. Teaching the IDF Jerusalem Tel-Aviv to change the Ma'aser in Judaism in world the 21st the 21st Century Century R15 R3 R4 R18 R5 R17 R6 Morning tea: Break 10:30-11:00 Rose Hall Session 3: Prof. Avigdor Amanda Avi Cohen: Avital Drori Jeremy Lisa Ezekiel: Dr. Bryan Rabbi Sholom 11:00-12:00 Shinan: Castelan- Thinking and Dr. Stowe- Integrating Conyer: Blesofky: Jerusalem of Starr: The about Israel Naomi Lindner: Who Jewish Studies Addressing Engaging 21st the Rabbis: power of Gorbatt: Look is a Jew-ish into play based the gap Century Various image who's talking student? pedagogy between students: images of – peer talk in teachers and Using tech. for Jerusalem in Hebrew students in formal and rabbinic lessons the Jewish informal literature Studies Jewish classroom education R18 R3 R4 R5 R6 R16 SHULE R17 5

Session 4: Adina Dr. David Ronit Baras: What Works Dr. David Marlo Newton: Helen Mizrahi Ittai Aminoff: 12:00-1:00 Bankier-Karp: Bernstein: Who needs For Me: Breakstone: The only and Devora Monopolity - Excitement in The Hebrew Hebrew Teaching constant is Levine: a life-size text study connection anyway? Israel from B change: How to Jewish game that between the to Y manage Studies – An simulates Shoah and organisational exercise in political the creation change creativity parties and of the State of issues in Israel Israel today R3 R18 R4 R5 R16 R6 R17 R20 Lunch: Lunch 1:00-2:00 Rose Hall Session 5: Leora Golomb Neta Steigrad Debbie Dr. Ron Debbie Helen Panel: Cross- Rabbi James 2:00-3:00 and Aaron Labi: Not Garber: Weiser AM: Bolton: How Gottstein: school “Not in Kennard: Kalman: The ANOTHER Chaverim Settlements, to use play Home or heaven” What is a Israel exam! Beivrit: the obstacle based Homeland: Jewish Challenge: Alternative Everything or the excuse? pedagogy in Why Israel will Identity How do we assessment You Wanted the early never be engage practices to Know – in years Manhattan, students with a Flash Manchester or Israel? Montreal.

R3 R4 R5 R6 R16 R17 R18 R20 Afternoon tea: Break 3:00-3:15 Rose Hall Session 6: Plenary: Dr. David Breakstone, Dr. David Bernstein, Dr. Michael Gillis, Sarah Mali: Moderated by Avi Cohen 3:15-4:30 Israel in Diaspora Education and Diaspora in Israel Education Besen Performing Arts Center

The ZFA and Zionist Jewish Education

In addition to preparing and presenting the Biennial ZFA Jewish Educators' Conference, the ZFA organises, supports and encourages multiple other educational opportunities across Australia.

ZIONIST SEMINARS

Each Australian winter since the early 1980s, teams of dynamic, inspiring and motivated young Israelis spend two months working in Jewish schools around Australia, and now at Academy BJE, conducting camps and programs and engaging students in vibrant Jewish and Zionist activities. The Zionist Seminars, a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel, are considered a most significant contribution to Jewish education in Australia and are deeply valued by schools and students alike. During the 30 years of partnership, relationships have been established with each school to ensure that each institution receives its own team of educators suited to its specific needs and religious persuasion. Australia's Zionist seminars are the largest and most successful in the Diaspora.

ISRAEL PROGRAMS

ZFA Israel Programs play a central role in Jewish continuity and the contemporary Jewish experience. The ZFA acts as the Australian representative for Taglight-Birthright Israel and MASA Israel Journey. As such, the ZFA supports more than 750 young adults each year who attend short-term and long-term Israel programs, from 10 days to one year long.

SHLICHIM

Shlichim, or emissaries, from the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) play a major role in representing Israel and enhancing the connection between Israel and the Australian Jewish community. Shlichim bring their unique vibrancy and expertise to the Jewish community at large, supporting various educational and community projects and events. They are Israeli citizens, trained, educated and experienced to work in their specified field, on temporary service – usually for three years – to the community they are serving. There are currently 15 shlichim in Australia, working in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in our Zionist youth movements, Aliya, AUJS, with young adults/Hagshama and with the Russian speaking Jewish community.

ALIYAH

The Israel Aliyah Centre – Australia operates out of the ZFA and is led by the central Aliyah shaliach. In addition to facilitating the Aliyah process, the centre promotes Israel and Aliyah within the community. Each year the centre facilitates the Aliyah of Australians including administrative and logistic support, providing customized and individual advice to each oleh and organising a smooth and happy absorption. In 2013 - over 260 Australians made Aliyah, the highest number in 40 years.

HAGSHAMA AND YOUNG ADULTS

By offering movie nights, concerts, Hebrew Café, Israeli-themed parties and other Israeli- inspired events, The ZFA’s Young Adult Department brings inspirational and meaningful Israeli and Zionist culture to young adults, aged 18-39. ZFA Hagshama organises Birthright-Israel visits for young adults aged 22-26. Our young adult coordinators in Melbourne and Sydney also provide meaningful follow up programming for our Israel Programs Alumni.

BIBLE QUIZ

The ZFA coordinates the annual Australian Bible Quiz with participants from various Jewish schools. Winners of the Australian competition have the unique opportunity to participate in the international contest, held in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut. The international finals are preceded by a two-week Bible Camp held in Israel.

ZIONIST YOUTH MOVEMENTS

The activities and initiatives of the six Zionist youth movements under the umbrella of the Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC) serve to complement Jewish and non-Jewish day school education. Youth movement leaders have all received comprehensive leadership training and are well-equipped to offer a meaningful informal Jewish and Zionist education. The AZYC is a breeding ground for future leaders within and outside of the Jewish community. The movements operating in Australia are Betar, Bnei Akiva, Hineni, Hashomer Haztair, Habonim Dror and Netzer. Tzofim Yisrael has also recently begun operating in Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN UNION OF JEWISH STUDENTS (AUJS)

The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) represents Jewish university students on campuses throughout Australia and New Zealand. AUJS and the ZFA share a longstanding partnership with regards to AUJS Israel Programs, and the ZFA is a proud sponsor of all of their endeavours. AUJS stands strong in providing meaningful Jewish experiences and in encouraging students to be proud to be Jewish and Zionist.

HABAYIT AND HEBREW IN THE COMMUNITY

With the support and encouragement of the World Zionist Organisation, the ZFA operates Habayit – the home of Hebrew language and culture, out of the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia. Habayit offers a range of Hebrew language programs and cultural activities for members of the community across age demographics and Hebrew proficiency levels.

International Presenters Dr. David Bernstein Dean, Pardes Institute: Fields- Modern Jewish History, Contemporary Israel

Dr. Bernstein holds a B.A. and M.A. in History and a Ph.D. in Religious Education from New York University. He also attended Yeshivat HaMivtar. Dr. Bernstein has been the Dean of Pardes since 1998. Previously, he was the director of Midreshet Lindenbaum, popularly known as Brovender’s, for 12 years. Dr. Bernstein was a Jerusalem Fellow at the Mandel School for Jewish Education in Jerusalem from 1996-1998. Before making Aliyah in 1984, Dr. Bernstein was the director of informal education at the Ramaz Upper School in New York City, where he created and taught a 2-year curriculum integrating world and Jewish history.

Ricki Bernstein Educational Psychologist

Ricki Bernstein has been an educator, guidance counselor, and therapist for the last three decades. She has worked in Jewish day schools in the U.S, and at the American International School in Israel. Trained in a variety of methods, her specialty is somatic psychotherapy and all types of trauma. Ricki lives in Jerusalem, where she practices, supervises and teaches in person and on Skype. Ricki gives workshops and trainings in Somatic Intervention in Israel and in the U.S.

Dr. David Breakstone Deputy Chairman, World Zionist Organisation

Dr. David Breakstone is preoccupied with the challenge of fashioning Israel as the exemplary society it was always intended to be, and sees the essence of Israel education as engaging a younger generation in that challenge as well. He currently serves as the deputy chairman of the World Zionist Organization and was the founding director of its Herzl Museum and Educational Center. He earned his doctorate in the field of Israel Education at Hebrew University, where he directed its Pedagogic Center for Jewish Education. He has also served as Director of Ramah Programs in Israel and Associate Dean of The Schechter Institute for Jewish Studies. He has published numerous articles, educational materials and books on Zionism, the teaching of Israel, and Israel-Diaspora relations. He addresses current issues of concern to Israel and the Jewish people in his columns which appear regularly in The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel.

Liat Cohen-Raviv Senior Director of the Diller Teen Fellow Program

Liat has served on the Diller Teen Fellows staff since the program’s inception and developed its unique educational model. Liat served as the Co-Director of the program from 2008- 2013 and as the Upper Galilee Diller Coordinator and lay leader from 1998

to 2008. Liat has a rich background in education. She served as the Director of the Golan Heights Regional Council Informal Education Department, during which she was awarded both a National Excellence Award by the Ministry of Education, and a Personal County Excellence Award for leading the department. She was also the City Youth Department Director in the Community Centers of Safed and the Children & Youth Department Director in the Metulla Community Center where she was awarded the County Excellence Award. Liat holds an MA in Public Policy from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Educational Systems Development from the University of Haifa/Tel-Hai College. Liat served four and a half years as a commander and instructor at the IDF officer's training school. She is married to Meir, and the mother of two lovely girls: Doron and Tomer.

Avital Drori Matach Institute- Center for Educational Technology (CET)

Avital Drori is a graduate (M.A) of Language Arts & Curriculum Development, University of Washington, and of Philosophy and Digital Technology (M.A), Tel-Aviv University. Avital has been working at CET for the past 20 years as lead developer and project manager, and is now Head of Overseas Hebrew Studies Unit.

Dr. Michael Gillis Melton Centre, Hebrew University

Michael Gillis is the incoming head of the Department of Jewish Education at the School of Education of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is a senior member of the faculty of the Melton Centre for Jewish Education at the University. Dr. Gillis is also a Sir Zelman Cowen Universities Exchange Fellow.

Dr. Naomi Gorbatt Matach Institute - Center for Educational Technology (CET)

Naomi Gorbatt is a graduate of the Hebrew University and has a Phd in Education & Communication. Naomi has been working at CET for more than 20 years as lead developer and project manager. She is currently the Director of Language Arts at the Center for Educational Technology, and teaches at Seminar Hakibbutzim College.

Helen Gottstein School of Hard Knocks

Born in Australia and living in Jerusalem for the past 20 years, Helen Gottstein is a senior specialist in informal Israel education. Her interests include theatre, improvisation, dialogue and Israel education. She has toured in the US, Australia and been invited to LimmudEngland and LimmudNZ. In Israel, her work is sought by UIAC, JFNA and many, many others. In May, 2014, she worked for the Montreal mega-Mission

in the company of Paul Lipz, ,Dr. Micha Goodman, Dr. Gadi Taub, Amb. Alan Baker, Khaled Abu Toemah, Prof. Gil Troy, Shlomo Balzam and Gil Hoffman.

Gael Grunewald Deputy Chairman of KKL-JNF

Gael Grunewald immigrated to Israel from France (Paris) when he was 18, and his parents followed suit. In his youth, Gael studied in a yeshiva high school in Switzerland headed by Rabbi Moshe Botschko, a yeshiva that was highly esteemed in Europe. Upon arrival in Israel, Grunewald studied at the Beit El Yeshiva and then enlisted in the IDF Nahal Infantry. When he completed yeshiva and his army service, Gael went to study at the Jerusalem College of Technology and completed a degree in computer science. Grunewald then served as the General Secretary of World Bnei Akiva (1998), and is currently the KKL-JNF Deputy Chairman. He also serves as Chairman of the organization known as Tzurba Merabanan. Gael is married to Shira, who works in special education, and is the father of seven children.

Rabbi Dr. Eli Kohn Director, Curriculum Development, Lookstein Center, Bar Ilan University

Rabbi Dr Eli Kohn is Director of Curriculum Development at the Lookstein Center Bar Ilan University. He lectures in Tanach and curriculum development in schools worldwide. He also lectures in the Efrata and Orot teaching colleges in Israel. Since 2007, he has also been educational director of the Jewish Curriculum Partnership (JCP) which works in developing Jewish Studies curriculum with over 35 schools in the UK and Australia.

Sarah Mali Director of Machon Institute for International Leadership

Sarah Mali is the Director of the Machon le’Madrichei Chutz La’aretz and the Leadership Project at the Jewish Agency for Israel. Sarah has a degree in Government and History from the London School of Economics and Political Science and received her Masters in Contemporary Jewry from the Hebrew University. Sarah is also an alumni of the Melton Senior Educator’s Program at the Hebrew University where she graduated with distinction. Sarah has directed educational programs in Israel and overseas including a five year placement as the Director of Israel Engagement and Community Emissary for the Jewish Agency at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto where she established a community-wide strategy for Israel Engagement and launched the Young Emissary Program. In this period, Sarah served on the international faculty of MAKOM. Sarah was awarded the Jewish Agency’s ‘Emissary of Excellence’ award in 2010. Sarah is a member of the Taglit International Education Committee. Sarah, a proud Jerusalemite, is married to Matanya and has four children.

Professor David Mittelberg Associate Professor for Sociology in the Graduate Faculty at Oranim, Academic College of Education

Professor David Mittelberg is Associate Professor for Sociology in the Graduate Faculty at Oranim, Academic College of Education. He served as the Head of the Department of Sociology and has been appointed Chairman of the Steering Committee of the International School of Oranim College. Professor Mittelberg also serves as an Adjunct Research Associate in the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilization, Monash University, Australia and as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Kibbutz Research at Haifa University, Israel, where he formerly served as its Director. Professor Mittelberg is the author of three books Strangers in Paradise: The Israeli Kibbutz Experience (1988); The Israel Connection and American Jews (1999); Between Two Worlds: The Testimony and the Testament (2004 and 2009 in Hebrew) and has numerous published articles on ethnicity, migration, gender, tourism, kibbutz education, Jewish Peoplehood education, and the sociology of Diaspora Jewry.

Rabbi Phillip Nadel Head of School - Alexander Muss School

Rabbi Philip Nadel grew up in southern California and holds a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in Political and Economic Development in the Third World. He received Rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1988 and has focused his professional endeavors in Jewish day school education. Prior to making Aliyah with his family in the summer of 2007, Rabbi Nadel lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since 1996, and was the Co-Director and Jewish Studies Principal of Milwaukee Jewish Day School. Rabbi Nadel is also a graduate of the Senior Educators Program of the Melton Centre for Jewish Education in the Diaspora at Hebrew University. Prior to ascending to Head of School in 2012, Philip was an AMHSI Educator from 2007.

Ayelet Rosen Head of the Multinational Environmental Agreement Division of Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection

Ayelet Rosen is the Head of the Multinational Environmental Agreement Division of Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection. Originally from England, she came on Aliya with her family from Melbourne in 1994.

Professor Avigdor Shinan Professor, Hebrew Literature Department, Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Prof. Avigdor Shinan is a full professor in the Hebrew Literature department at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Born in Prague in 1946, he completed his higher

education at The Hebrew University, where he has been teaching since 1972 while engaged in his principal research fields: the literature of the Aggadah and the Midrash, the Aramaic translations of Scriptures and the history of the Siddur. He has published around 120 articles in these fields and more than ten books (including the Avi Chai Siddur, Pirkei Avot – A New Israeli Commentary, and, in collaboration with Prof. Yair Zakovitch “That is not what the good book says”).

Program – Day 1 Sunday 17 August 2014

8:30am Audience/Theme Room Registration Foyer of the Refreshments available Besen Performing Arts Center

Session 1: 9:30am – 10:30am Opening Session Besen Welcome and greetings: Dr. Danny Lamm, Rabbi Kennard: Performing Principal of Mt. Scopus Memorial College, Senator Scott Ryan. Arts Center Panel: Talking and teaching about Israel in a time of war

Session 2: 10:30am – 11:30am Professor Avigdor Shinan: The Family in the stories of the Text, Jewish Room 17 Aggadah Values Close reading of selected stories from the Talmud and the Midrashim (in English translation) which exhibit various Whole school aspects of relationships between members of the family: Husband and wife, parents and children and siblings. It seems that very little has changed in this realm from ancient times to our days.

Rabbi Dr. Shimon Cowen: Teaching the universal message Jewish Values Room 20 of Judaism

Teaching the universal message of Judaism: what Torah Whole school requires of society and how it engages with it.

Dr. David Bernstein: Crux of Israeli and Palestinian Israel Education Shule Conflict: Refugees One of the major issues in the Arab – Israeli conflict is, and has Secondary for decades been, the Palestinian refugees. How did the problem begin? What was its context?

Sarah Mali: Holding on and Letting Go: What our students Israel Education Room 18 require from us in order to thrive In this multi-media presentation, we will look at the two Secondary / central seemingly opposing trends in the Jewish world today. Informal We'll try and reconsider the nature of their relationship and derive some recommendations for the field of leadership development from the analysis.

Tal Spinrad: Esau in the Classroom; How to Use Jewish Special Education Room 4 Studies to Enhance the Environment for the Autistic Student Over 55,000 Victorians have been diagnosed with ASD. Many more go non-diagnosed or exhibit symptoms. Many, perhaps within your classroom, get a name for misbehaving by actions that can be redirected with correct classroom management. Join Jewish Family Educator Tal Spinrad as we explore how to use Jewish studies as a resource both to enhance the learning experience for students and to educate the community about Autism. We will use classroom scenarios to brainstorm strategies, as well as, taking a look of how traditional Jewish text has treated various alternative human conditions. A must for educators who wish to expand the scope of learning within their community.

Rabbi Yoel Doron: Dinim Matters Text, Jewish Room 3 For Jewish Studies to be engaging for students, it needs to be Studies seen as real, relevant and interactive. In this session, Rabbi Doron will demonstrate how to engage students in the study of Secondary ancient texts through the use of games and by having them create multimedia presentations, including videos and slideshows. In addition, he will help prepare students for presenting projects in a public domain.

Matti Borowski: The challenge of Tfillah in Jewish Day Jewish education Room 5 Schools and Prayer Implicit vs Explicit Religion and the Challenge of Prayer in Whole school Orthodox Jewish Day Schools.

Looking at ourselves teach: Conversation Analysis Anat Wilson: Conversational Room 6 and Classroom Observation Hebrew

This session introduces participants to the theory and practice of Conversation Analysis (CA) as a tool to observe classroom Secondary interactions. Elements of classroom talk, which include turn taking, sequencing, structuring and repair practices, provide a reflective and evaluative tool for peer and self-classroom observation. Through the understanding of these interactional practices, this session aims to provide a platform to engage in professional discourse on teaching and learning. You will leave with an appetite for finding out more on this fascinating area of educational research and with practical tools for your immediate use.

11:30am – 12noon Morning Tea

Session 3: 12noon – 1:00pm Rabbi Smukler: A safe school model: preventing child abuse Community Room 16 within the school community. Education and Rabbi Smukler will present a practical workshop on a tried and safety proven model of child sexual abuse prevention and response. The workshop is centred around the 4 key elements in keeping children safe in a school community: - Empowering our children with safety behaviours - Educating our parents to be appropriately protective whilst Whole school fostering independence - Instilling vigilance in our staff - Partnering with communal and government agencies and resources

Rabbi Dr. Eli Kohn: Primary Tfillah Jewish Studies Room 18 How do I teach Tefillah in primary school? An overview of JCP's Primary / Early new Tefillah curriculum. Childhood

Shlomit Attias: What's in a Name? - In pursuit of Israel Teaching Israel Room 4 Education discourse

As part of the cultural reality, education programs and discourse reflect processes of socio-cultural and political Secondary developments. In this session I would present the background, scope, and findings of my research of Israel Education as a term, a program, and a discourse in Jewish Education in the U.S., Israel, and Australia; The session will then open for a discussion on Israel Education as an educational, cultural, and political new developments.

Esther Takac: Jacob the righteous? Esav the wicked? - Text and Jewish Room 3 Contemporary education, Jewish xenophobia and Biblical Values interpretation. The story of Jacob and Esav is a great case study revealing the seventy faces of Torah. We will explore if rabbinic commentators did at times demonize the Other and how contemporary commentaries provide a different view. The Whole school story is also illuminating educationally - there are Jacobs and Esavs in all our classrooms but “to try to educate them in the same way…is the surest way to court disaster” (Michael Rosenak, Prof Jewish Ed, Hebrew Uni z”l). Whilst exploring these issues Esther will show how Genesis the Book with Seventy Faces (National Jewish Book Award) can be used as a teaching resource.

Delia Baron: How to incorporate a kitchen/garden program Jewish Values, Room 5 in your school and the importance of gratitude and Kashrut appreciation

The session will cover the following:

1. How to teach children about Kashrut through practical, hands on learning 2. How to incorporate gratitude and appreciation into a lesson Primary - blessings on food etc.... 3. How to incorporate traditions through food into classes

4. How food plays a huge role in our culture 5. The importance of mindfulness in everything that we do 6. The importance of connecting to our food source and nutrition

Rabbi Philip Nadel: "Chalutziut: Teaching the Values and Teaching Israel Room 17 Ideals of Israel's Early Pioneers to High School Students" Through their words and their deeds, how the early pioneers Secondary can be a source of inspiration for today's Jewish youth.

Ricki Bernstein: Sensing the self Classroom Shule How to build resilience and emotional regulation in yourself management, and your students. Learn basic Somatic Interventions to Student encourage grounding, deter impulsivity, develop self- development awareness and minimize stress and burnout. We will begin with examples of stressful situations in the classroom. Whole school

Dr. Michael Gillis: Freewill and Determination Jewish Values, Room 6 Jewish thought and philosophy can make a significant Text contribution to the curriculum as an opportunity for students to deal with central questions of Jewish existence and belief which are often overlooked. It is also a disciplinary framework in which learners are invited to fully engage intellectually in a Secondary spirit of questioning and inquiry. The session will exemplify the possibilities of this field by an approach to teaching the topic of Freewill and Determinism in Jewish thought using a variety of texts and sources.

1:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch Rose Hall

Session 4: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Australian Jewish Schools Principals Association AGM and Principals, Jewish Shule Meeting of Heads of Jewish Studies. Day Schools Followed by AGM, Session 4-5

Liat Cohen Raviv: Two and a half tribes- The real beginning of Text Studies Room 17 Jewish peoplehood This session is based on a group text study in a form of "Limmud" or "Hevrutah" (people will be sitting in a circle). This session is aimed at educators with varying levels of Secondary experience with textual analysis. The session will be interactive and text and discussion based.

Ricki Bernstein: The New Brain Science and the Classroom Educational Room 18 Now that we know our brains are plastic, it opens up a whole Science new world for us as educators. We will discuss how to encourage neuroplasticity, engage both sides of the brain, lay Whole school down new learning circuits, identify different learning styles

Rabbi Chaim Cowen and Chaya Cowen: The Flipped Jewish Studies Room 3 Classroom This session provides an introduction to the concept of the Secondary flipped classroom, and the role it plays in enhancing student performance and understanding. Particular focus will be placed on its practical application in Jewish Studies.

Sue Hampel: Jews and non-Jews in Poland: remembering, reclaiming, recovering the past Jewish History, Room 6 For many Polish Jews, Poland signifies destruction and loss, a Shoah place which became the largest Jewish graveyard in Europe. But since the fall of communism, there has been a renewal of Jewish life in Poland. This talk will look at changes and Secondary developments in Poland from a Jewish and Polish perspective as well as a discussion about the past and future of Jews in Poland

Motti Blum: The most important question for Jews to ask Text Studies Room 4 themselves today

Through an in depth study of the text in which the Israelites famously shouted ‘We Will Do and We Will Listen,’ this session will delve into the challenges of Jewish engagement in a modern world. More specifically, what are the informal Jewish Informal / education strategies and approaches used to ensure that Secondary

Judaism remains relevant and meaningful today?

Galit Idelman: Hebrew is fun. Hebrew Room 5 How do we make learning as engaging as possible? How do we shift the focus from textbook teaching to the world of the child? Primary This session will be a hands-on workshop, exploring a range of tools and strategies to enhance Hebrew language learning. Participants will explore classroom games as well as digital apps and platforms that develop language skills and provide opportunities for students to apply these creatively. The session will be in Hebrew.

Sasha Klyachkina: Exploring Jewish identity using Art, Jewish Room 16 photography Identity Photography is a very powerful educational tool, especially now, when it is so easy to use – everyone has a camera, or at Informal, Primary, least a phone with a camera, and Instagram is one of the Secondary fastest growing social networks. As an educator I am using photography with different ages, from year 1 to adults, and I find it eye-opening and fascinating. We will experience a short workshop that will allow us to find out different ways to use photography to explore our Jewish identity. We will use Israeli and Jewish photographers work, as well as our own creativity, and will try to look at the Jewish Identity through the photo- lens.

Session 5: 3:00pm - 4:00pm Shirley Atlas: The Kindertransport - an unprecedented act Shoah, Jewish Room 6 of kindness during the Holocaust History and This year marks 75 years since a unique event that occurred Culture during the Holocaust called the Kindertransport, the name given to the rescue of approximately 10,000, mainly Jewish, children from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia between 1938 -39. The children were transported from their homes and placed into British foster homes and hostels, expecting Secondary eventually to be reunited with their parents. The majority of the children never saw their families again. I will focus on individual stories of children, their parents and those involved in the rescue operation.

Dr. Dvir Abramovich: Hebrew Lit 101 Hebrew Literature Room 5 In this interactive and practical workshop, I will be emphasizing the various tools available in the teaching of Hebrew poems and stories. Through a specific work, I will showcase the various methods that can make the teaching of literature and poetry effective, challenging and stimulating and how teachers can encourage students to become active participants. Also discussed will be key classroom exercises Secondary and tasks related to the classroom instruction of this work. This session will be conducted in Hebrew.

Gael Grunewald: Environmental Preservation in the Jewish Environment, Room 4 Sources Jewish Studies The Year of Shmita as an Educational Resource. Secondary / Informal

What works for me: Jewish Studies Jewish Studies Room 17 Sharing best practice in Jewish Studies Amanda Castelan Starr Whole school Matti Borowski Esther Takac

Rabbi Dr. Eli Kohn: Teaching Chumash text in primary Jewish Studies, Room 20 Teaching Chumash text in primary -chumash methodology and Text resources-(for schools not teaching JCP Chumash ) Primary

Robin Aron: Robin's Nest-an interactive, Jewish music and Jewish music, Room 3 movement program for early childhood. Jewish Studies In this session, we will learn how to incorporate a Jewish and Hebrew based music and movement program into your early Early Childhood childhood classroom.

Ittai Aminoff: Tachles: Practical Hebrew Hebrew, Teaching Room 16 This session demonstrates an engaging, flexible program that Israel uses Hebrew language and culture as a point of connection between Israel, Diaspora Jews, and their evolving Zionist

identities. We do not teach Hebrew in the traditional Ulpan setting, with a focus on grammar rules, reading and writing. Secondary / Instead, we give participants an instant, working vocabulary Informal that will allow them to interact with other participants, as well as Israelis, in common settings. Because of this unique approach, Tachles is appropriate for participants with and without prior knowledge of Hebrew.

4:00pm – 4:30pm Afternoon Tea Session 6: 4:30pm-5:30pm Ayelet Rosen: Magen David Yarok- Greening the Jewish Jewish Studies, Room 18 State Environment, The early years of the State of Israel were marked by unbridled Israel Studies development. There is growing awareness of the importance of incorporating environmental considerations into development. Primary / What light do traditional Jewish sources shed on this Secondary discourse?

Ittay Flescher: From Hatufim to Homeland Israeli Culture, Room 17 Hatufim (Prisoners of War) is an Israeli TV series which tells Media the story of how three Israeli soldiers struggle to integrate back into society after 17 years in terrorist captivity. When it was screened on Israeli TV, it was the highest rating show of the year, with its American spinoff Homeland, achieving equal Informal / popularity and several Emmys. This session will explore the Secondary contrast between the two shows, with a specific focus on what this difference can teach us about Israeli society

Chaya Cowen: Technology in the Jewish Studies Classroom Jewish Studies Room 16 This session provides insight into the ways in which and technology technology can be incorporated in the Jewish Studies classroom in ways that maximise content delivery, student Secondary understanding, and relevant skills. An introduction to both websites and iPad apps will be included.

What works for me: Early Learning Early Childhood Room 5 Sharing best practice in Early Childhood Education Lisa Ezekiel Tamara Cohen Hannah Berger Beulah Ezra Morice’ Levenstein

Carni Goldberg: Making connections between learning and Jewish Culture Room 6 life. Is it possible? How can teachers help students connect previous learning Primary experiences with new learning experiences and their religion, culture and everyday lives? What might be the impact of using mnemonics to recall previous knowledge, becoming more specific and vocal regarding your expectations , ensuring your students justify their answers deeply , displaying your students’ thinking; using a variety of routines, providing rich learning and thinking opportunities within time constraints.

Professor David Mittelberg: Jewish Peoplehood Education Jewish Room 3 for the 21st century. Australian Jewry in international Peoplehood, perspective. Jewish Identity What does it mean to belong to the Jewish people? Is belonging to the Jewish people even a meaningful construct? In America Whole school the Pew report reduces it to religious belonging and synagogue attendance. In Israel, it is often reduced to national identity and the homeland. Since not all Jews live in Israel now and since most Jews worldwide do not go to synagogue regularly, to what collective do Jews belong? What do they share? What binds them now? Are these important questions for world Jewry and how does Australian Jewry in all its plurality respond? Are there responses that could be relevant for all Jews around the globe?

Jewish Values Room 4 בסדר לא בסדר Ron Alter: Besder Lo Beseder An interactive activity that will encourage the participants to share their voices about Jewish values 1. Encourage the participants to engage in conversations about

topics relating to Jewish students and teenagers. Informal / 2. Allow yourself to express themselves and their opinions on Secondary important topics, while listening to the thoughts of their peers. 3. Encourage theparticipants to come with an open mind when it comes to conversations where they might face opinions that different from their own.

Tal Spinrad: All in the Family; An expanded view of Jewish Family Education Room 15 family education Rabbi A. J. Heshel once said, “Educating the child without Whole school providing an education for the family is like heating a home with all the windows open.” Join Jewish Family Education Fellow Tal Spinrad and explore intergenerational Jewish Family Education. See how using traditional texts, tweaked to be used as a springboard for families to learn together both about Judaism, but also to learn about themselves. We will brainstorm methods to bring families together in joy, laughter and learning under a “sukkah” of Jewish leaning.

Program – Day 2 Monday 18 August 2014

8:00am - 8:30am Audience/Theme Room Registration Foyer Refreshments available

Session 1: 8:30am – 9:30am

Avital Drori and Dr. Naomi Gorbatt: Building the Hebrew / Room 3 bridge to Israel with contemporary Hebrew literature, Technology in New Media - New Hebrew? We will explore and Jewish Learning demonstrate the many ways in which the new media and technology contribute to Hebrew teaching and learning today, by providing context, expose learners to typical Primary / dialogs of native speakers, offer real life communication Secondary experiences, and extend learning opportunities. The session will be in Hebrew.

Professor Avigdor Shinan: Birth stories in the Bible Text studies Room 15 and the Aggadah

The Bible abounds with stories about the birth of many of its heroes (such as Jacob, Moses and Samson) but there are no birth-stories connected either to Abraham and David (in the Bible) or to the Rabbis themselves (in their Primary / literature). Can we explain these facts? What alternatives Secondary are offered in the Midrashim and the Talmud for birth stories?

Shanit Borsky: Shoah – Personal and historical Shoah, Jewish Room 4 memory History and Culture Introductory unit into the study of the Shoah, exploring the respective roles of personal and historical memory. Secondary

Dr. Michael Gillis: Religion and Society Jewish Values, Room 18 Jewish History and The session will explore the question of what is the Culture responsibility of Jewish education for learning about

other religions. Can such learning contribute to students' Jewish self-understanding? What is the educational Secondary significance of approaching other religion from a Jewish perspective? What are the opportunities and risks in including the study of other religions in the agenda of Jewish education?

Leon Schneider: Dialogical Education - Empowering Leadership Room 6 students in their learning process

The session will focus on the definition of 'Dialogical Education' as an academic framework that encourages and supports students to be active in shaping their Informal educational experience at school. It will examine the Education fusion of academic achievement with the attainment of social leadership skills in the school environment.

Erez Feinberg: How is a Building Built? Jewish History and Room 5 Culture, Teaching Israel is like a building – with more than 3700 years of Israel constructions, adding floor levels, building new and modern innovations, problems with neighbours. But at the end of the day the foundations of the building is the most important for us to understand and protect if we want to keep the building strong. In this session will demonstrate a new way of teaching Israel Studies. By Whole school adding an important component into the Israeli Studies – this will connect the students and teachers to Israeli not only as a subject in School – but as a way of life as Jewish people.

Shlomo Ben Haim: Israel, Tanach and Jewish studies Teaching Israel Room 17 in the i-Phone era and Technology, Jewish Identity Teaching Israel and Jewish studies in today's dynamic world: This session will serve to demonstrate models for using new and relevant methods in teaching formal and informal Jewish and Israel studies, to make it more Informal, Primary, attractive to students in today’s developing, fast internet Secondary world. JNF Education Directors will take you on an all new activities that will help to strengthen the link between the students to their Jewish roots and to the land of Israel.

Dr. Ron Weiser AM: Australia and “Israel” Teaching Israel Room 16

Where was Trumpeldor on the 25th of April 1915? Why was one of Australia’s actors so interested in Moshe Dayan? Things Australian Jews should be taught about the connection between some of Israel’s greatest figures and Australia. And vice versa. By understanding that there are certain shared key intersections of history and values one can better appreciate Australia-Israel relations and the position of Australian Jewry Secondary itself.

Session 2: 9:30am - 10:30am

Dr. David Bernstein: Jewish History and Jewish Jewish History and Room 15 Memory Culture

Based on Prof. Yosef Hayim Yerushalmi's Zakhor, and insights by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, we will examine the differences between History and Memory, how Jewish Whole school tradition relates to each, and what it might mean for us today.

Simon Lawrence: Sense and Sensitivity: Teaching History, Culture Room 4 Judaism in the 21st Century and Jewish Values,

The session will explore some of the challenges of teaching Jewish matters in the 21st century. It will focus on issues and subjects that create conflict and/tension in Jewish High Schools. Some exploration as to how these Secondary issues and subject can be dealt with in a sensible and sensitive manner will be conducted.

Ricki Bernstein: Ethical Dilemmas Officers Face in the Teaching Israel Room 18 IDF: stories you'll never read in the newspaper

As the mother of an officer in an elite reconnaissance unit of the IDF, I received quite an education about the daily experience of soldiers who perform special operations in Whole school enemy territory. I will be sharing my experience, as well as my son's experience, in this session.

Lisa Cohen: Teaching the next generation to be givers. Text Studies, Room 3 Ma'aser in the 21st century Technology in Jewish Learning This session will focus on a unit designed to engage students in both the halachot and hashkafot of Maaser. An approach which uses technology as a platform and engages a broad range of critical thinking skills to Secondary captivate students and inculcate the value of giving in the next generation of Jewish leaders.

Neta Even-Tzur: The education system in Jerusalem Israel Studies Room 5

This session will discuss the interesting and complicated public education system in Jerusalem. A system that needs to cater for such a diverse society. Informal

Sheryl Cardozo: Teaching Young People To Change The Religion and Room 6 World Society and Social Action The session will be useful for both teachers of formal and informal education at primary and secondary levels, for teachers of Civics, Religion and Society, leadership development and more. Stand Up facilitates a variety of educational programs with the common aim to inspire people to take a stand on social justice issues. This session Primary/ will explore some of the techniques we use to help young Secondary people feel empowered to change their world.

Dr. David Breakstone: Altneuland to Tel Aviv Zionism, Teaching Room 17 Israel A Journey with Herzl. Herzl's Zionism was not only about creating a refuge for the Jewish people, but also about forging an exemplary society that would be a "light onto the nations." While we certainly have great things to be proud of in terms of what the Zionist movement has created, we must also recognize that the reality of Israel today falls short of the ideal of its visionary. On this journey in pursuit of the Zionist dream, we will contemplate how to relate to an Israel that has not yet met the expectations of its founding fathers, particularly against the background of a growing campaign to delegitimize the very essence of the Zionist idea. In the process of grappling with these issues ourselves, we will Secondary also consider how we might constructively engage our

students with the issues they, too, must deal with.

10:30am – 11:00am Morning Tea

Session 3: 11:00am – 12noon

Amanda Castelan-Starr: The power of image Text studies, Room 3 Jewish Values / A theoretical and practical exploration of integrating art Tefilla, Art in the formal Judaic Studies classroom. This session will explore examples of how to engage students creatively in kinaesthetic activities and art analysis in order to deepen Secondary their understanding of Tanach and other areas of the Jewish Studies curriculum. Highly recommended for teachers interested in developing ideas for differentiated learning in the classroom.

Avi Cohen: Thinking about Israel Israel and Text Room 4 Studies Implementing thinking routines in the Study of Modern Israel. This will be a practical study using a range of texts. Whole school The skills are useful for all Jewish studies subjects.

Bryan Conyer: Addressing the gap between teachers Jewish Values Shule and students in the Jewish Studies classroom

So many Jewish Studies teachers complain that their Whole school students do not see the Jewish world the way they wish them too. This gap has been identified as one of the key factors leading to the undermining of Jewish Studies classrooms. This conversation will consider the deeper reasons behind this gap and then move on to strategies for overcoming it.

Avital Drori and Dr. Naomi Gorbatt: Look Who's Hebrew / Room 5 Talking -peer talk in Hebrew lessons Literature, Jewish History and We will explore the contribution of semi-natural Culture discourse in the classroom - including peer talk, and present recent findings on how language, society and culture are present in natural discourse of young migrants and their peers. We will also explore various practices Primary /

which demonstrate how semi-natural discourse can Secondary expand and enrich students' use of the Hebrew language. The session will be in Hebrew.

Jeremy Stowe-Lindner: Who Is a Jew-ish Student?

What happens when Jewish schools’ admissions policies Jewish Culture, Room 6 end up in the Supreme Court. Principal Jeremy Stowe- Jewish School Lindner interweaves the recent tale of UK school Practice admissions with the challenges of inclusivity for our schools. Whole school

Lisa Ezekiel: Integrating Jewish Studies into Play Jewish Studies Room 16 Based Curriculum

As Early Childhood Education is evolving and there is an understanding that children learn best through play and interest based experiences. How does this impact the Jewish Studies Curriculum? How do we ensure children are a being provided with open ended and play based experiences while learning the intricate details of Chagim, Shabbat, Brachot and other Jewish Studies concepts. How do we change the parents understandings of the focus of Early Childhood art projects such as Haggadot? How can we use the outcomes within the Early Years Learning Framework in both planning and documentation? In this interactive workshop we will unpack strategies for designing a play and interest based Jewish Studies experiences, parent perceptions of art projects and tools for assessing of children’s learning.

Professor Avigdor Shinan: Jerusalem of the Rabbis: On Text, Israel Room 18 the various images of Jerusalem in rabbinic literature Studies

How did the rabbis – who lived in the Land of Israel and Babylonia after the destruction of Jerusalem – portray the Secondary holy city in the Talmud and the Midrashim? It seems that cherished and nostalgic memories intertwined with hopes for a bright future to form a special non-realistic but marvelous city.

Rabbi Sholom Blesofsky: Engaging 21st Students: Technology Room 17 Using Technology for formal and informal Jewish Education

Students enjoy preparing and presenting their own work Primary / and gain much from the experience in terms of connecting Secondary, and internalising the subject content and developing both Informal their interpersonal and technological skills. Rabbi Blesofsky will share his experiences and the specific strategies that he has utilised with his various classes. Additionally, he will discuss the how to effectively run school wide programs.

Session 4: 12noon – 1:00pm

What works for me: Hebrew Hebrew Room 5 Sharing best practice in Hebrew teaching

Shlomit Attias Primary / Neta Steigrad Secondary Ruth Rosenberg Galit Idelman

Adina Bankier-Karp: Excitement in Text Study Text Studies Room 3

This session seeks to explore some of the skills and pedagogy for the engaging and thoughtful study of Secondary classical texts in the Jewish Studies classroom.

Dr. David Bernstein: The connection between the Jewish History and Room 18 Shoah and the creation of the State of Israel. A more Culture, Teaching nuanced view Israel

Conventional wisdom claims that the Shoah led to the creation of the State of Israel. We will examine the ways in which this is true, untrue, and the ways in which WWII Secondary actually set back the march toward Jewish statehood.

Marlo Newton: The only constant is change: How to Educational Room 6 manage organisational change Leadership

This is a moment of great change for the organisation... If you have heard these words every year, or every time you move schools, then this session is for you. If you are the

one who is supposed to lead the change and motivate others to participate in the change and make the change Whole school then this session is for you. Take this time to work through the classic stages of organisational change, a couple of models of change management and share your experiences with your colleagues.

Dr. David Breakstone: Teaching Israel from B to Y Teaching Israel, Room 16 Zionism, Jewish "B" is for birthright, "Y" is for Yerushalayim shel Zahav. In Peoplehood. many settings, missing are the "A" for Aliyah and the "Z" for Zionism. How come - and do we want to leave it that way? What are our objectives in teaching about Israel? Primary / What relationship do we want to foster between our Secondary, students and the Jewish state. What are the differences Informal between Israel Education, Zionist Education, and Peoplehood Education? When we talk about the "centrality of Israel" in contemporary Jewish life, what do we mean? Do we relate to "mitzvath yishuv Eretz Yisrael" differently than we relate to the mitzvoth of Shabbat or kashruth? These are all questions we will consider against the background of different models for Israel-Diaspora relations and texts relating to the Land of Israel in Jewish thought.

Ittai Aminoff: Monopolity Teaching Israel Room 20

Do Israeli politics confuse you? What happened in the Israeli elections? Why?

Monopolity is a life-size game that simulates political parties and issues in Israel today. It is a fun and interactive way to explore the complexities of Israeli Society and the Knesset. Using the game, we can debate Secondary / and discuss some of the major issues in Israeli society: Informal State vs. Religion, Peace & Security, Immigration, the Israel-Diaspora relations and those are just for starters. This fun activity will help you understand the meaning of Israeli election results and the political negotiations, which occur in Israel.

Ronit Baras: Who needs Hebrew anyway? Hebrew Room 4

Hebrew was always in the heart of the Jewish culture.

Whether Jewish live in Israel and are fluent in their language or living away from Israel, the connection to the Early Childhood, culture through the language remains strong. Primary / Hebrew, Much like many other languages, contains Secondary messages that are beyond the sound they make and passes on history, values, traditions and beliefs that are important to Jewish people. This presentation explains the way the brain function in acquisition of primary and secondary languages and helps parents, teachers and staff working with Jewish children to understand their important role in this process.

Helen Mizrahi and Devora Levine: Jewish Studies - An Jewish Studies Room 17 Exercise in Creativity

Reinforcing young children's understanding and Early Childhood knowledge of Jewish customs and traditions via the use of Creative Art in the Core Curriculum.

1:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch

Session 5: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Debbie Garber: Chaverim Beivrit: Everything You Hebrew Room 5 Wanted to Know – in a Flash

An introduction to the Chaverim Beivrit program to Primary teachers of Years 3-6. Demonstration of the materials, the principals of second language acquisition on which it is based, and a practical demonstration of a lesson.

Rabbi James Kennard: What is a Jewish Identity? Jewish Identity, Room 20 Jewish Values We often describe our goal as to give our students a "Jewish Identity". But what exactly comprises such an identity? And is that Whole school enough?

It’s not in Heaven - A cross-communal Torah Learning Text, Jewish Room 18 Panel Values,

The famous story about the Oven of Achnai, which we learn about in Bava Metzi’a 59b ends the words Nitzchuni

Banay – My sons have defeated me. It challenges us to ask the question, who has the right to interpret the Torah and Primary/ what should it mean for us today. The session will Secondary, explore how a range of teachers from different schools in Informal Melbourne approach this popular and challenging text from the Talmud.

Panellists:  Sidra Moshinsky (Bialik)  Rav Noam Sendor (Yavneh)  Amanda Castelan-Starr (MSMC)  Alison Conyer (KDS)

Debbie Bolton: How to use play based pedagogy in the Early Childhood Room 16 early years to engage, embed and integrate learning in Hebrew and Jewish Studies.

Children make sense of their world through play. During this session we will explore the evidence and research that supports the use of play based pedagogy to enhance the delivery of content. We will also look at how to effectively integrate Hebrew and Jewish Studies concepts within the classroom environment so that the students have the opportunity to explore and internalise the learning they have been exposed to during explicit teaching sessions.

Neta Steigrad: Not ANOTHER exam!!! Alternative Hebrew Room 4 assessment practices

Assessment tasks need not be exams! This interactive workshop-style presentation examines various assessment task types (with differentiation) and how to apply them in a language learning context. Examples of Secondary different types of assessment used in the presenter's recent teaching (years 7-10) will be shown. Participants will be encouraged to share ideas on this topic, and a "master list" of ideas from the group will be sent out to all participants.

Leora Golomb and Aaron Kalman: How do we engage Teaching Israel Room 3 students with Israel?

How do we talk about Israel? This session will give teachers a new perspective on how to engage Israel Secondary, Studies with years 10-12. We will discuss informal Informal education methods that teachers can use with students to get them more interested in Israel topics and also how to deal with criticism of the Israeli government.

Dr. Ron Weiser AM: Settlements, the obstacle or the Israel Studies Room 6 excuse?

An overview of the settlement issue, some basic Secondary understanding of the big picture and how every map is political. With some insight into a basic consensus in Israel that actually does exist, despite the apparent heat on the issue.

Helen Gottstein: Home or Homeland: Why Israel will Israel Studies, Room 17 never be Manhattan, Manchester or Montreal. Performance

Jews come to their homeland from all over the world and are surprised that they can't wait to get home. This funny, smart, interactive session, touches on cultural differences, culture shock and opens up thinking about the Jewish homeland to whole new angle. It brings down the house and raises up hearts.

3:00pm – 3:15pm Afternoon Tea

Session 6: 3:15pm – 4:30pm

Closing Plenary session Whole conference Besen Performing Israel in Diaspora Education and Diaspora in Israel Arts Center Education featuring:  Dr. David Breakstone  Dr. David Bernstein  Dr. Michael Gillis,  Sarah Mali:  Moderated by Avi Cohen:

Closing remarks

Local Presenters

Dr. Dvir Abramovich Director, Centre for Jewish History and Culture, University of Melbourne

Dr. Dvir Abramovich is The Israel Kipen Lecturer in Hebrew Studies and Director of the Program in Jewish Culture & Society at The University of Melbourne. He has edited and published three books and has written more than 65 essays, reference entries and book chapters in professional journals and academic texts. Dr Abramovich was elected for three terms as President of the Australian Association of Jewish studies and was editor of the academic publication The Australian Journal of Jewish Studies for eight years. He now heads the B’nai Brith Anti-Defamation Commission.

Ron Alter Aliyah and Habonim Dror Shaliach, NSW

Ron Alter grew up on a kibbutz in the Jordan Valley, near the Kinneret shore. Ron is the middle of five children, and the proud uncle of four nephews and one niece. Ron served in the IDF as a member of the Palchan Nachal Unit, specializing in combat engineering as both a soldier and commander. He then attended Bar Ilan University, where he earned a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology. Ron has worked in informal Jewish education for 11 years, both in Israel and abroad. He was a Jewish Agency Shaliach to Habonim Dror in North America for three years, and spent eight summers as a Jewish Agency Shaliach to various North American summer camps. Upon his returns he worked for the Israeli Scouts (Tzofim), where he directed the “gap year” program and oversaw dozens of volunteers each year. Ron has extensive volunteer experience. Causes for which he has donated his time and expertise include: the “Make a Wish Foundation” in Israel; and "Hoshen" the education organization of the LGBT community in Israel. Ron is driven by his belief that “Israel is, and always will be, the centre of the Jewish people. I want people in the Jewish community of Australia to see Israel as a real place that has more than hummus falafel and wars. And I believe that through Zionist education this message will be heard. "

Ittai Aminoff ZFA / WZO Young Adult Shaliach

Ittai Aminoff, 30 from Israel, arrived a few months ago as the new World Zionist Organisation and ZFA young adult Shaliach. Ittai grew up in Jerusalem being involved in the Israeli scouts as a counselor followed by Shnat Sherut in Tiberius (A year of voluntary work before army). When Ittai finished his army service in the armoured corps he was asked to reopen a Tzofim chapter in Kiryat Shmoneh which had ceased to exist since the second Lebanon

War. After 18 months he was sent on his first Shlichut with the Israeli Scouts to Los Angeles working closely with the Israeli community. Ittai studied Business Management and Human Resources graduating from Bar Ilan University. During the past few years Ittai has been strongly involved in the non for profit sector with a few different organisations, working mostly on strategy and marketing solutions.

Robin Aron Robin’s Nest

Robin Aron started her music career in her birthplace of Los Angeles, California, and made Aliyah at the age of 13. She is an early childhood educator, children's Yoga teacher, and professional singer. After marrying an Aussie, Robin started her own business of Jewish and Hebrew based music and movement classes for mothers and their little ones in Melbourne, called "Robin's Nest." An instant success within the wider Melbourne Jewish community, Robin runs 6 classes per week, as well as bringing her program to several Jewish preschools, playgroups, birthday parties, and private sessions for children with special needs. Shirley Atlas Jewish Studies Teacher, Carmel School

Shirley Atlas is a Jewish History teacher at Carmel School, Perth. She participated in the Seminar for Jewish Eduactors at Yad Vashem in 2006 and currently teaches Holocaust and Israel studies at Secondary School level. Shirley previously taught Hebrew and Music at primary school level for 14 years. She incorporates music into every aspect of her teaching. Shirley also serves as the Perth–based coordinator for March of the Living Australia and has accompanied students in her capacity as an educator to Poland and Israel on the March of the Living program.

Shlomit Attias Teacher, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Living, learning, and teaching in Israel, America, and Australia, Shlomit is a lifelong student of Jewish culture. As a doctoral candidate in Education Leadership and Policy Making at Haifa University, she researched Israel Education as a space for debating and producing programs relating to the place and role of Israel in Diaspora Jewish education.

Adina Bankier-Karp Jewish Studies and English Teacher, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Adina Bankier-Karp (BA, Hons, MA) is a Jewish studies and English teacher at Mount Scopus Memorial College. A graduate of the Melton Senior Educators Program at Hebrew University, she regards the study of Tanach and Jewish philosophy as a personal and professional passion. She is the author of "Tsofim baParasha", Mount Scopus's publication on the Weekly Torah reading.

Ronit Baras Teacher, University of Queensland

Ronit is an educator, life coach, author, journalist and justice of peace. She is an international speaker and presenter and has been writing, coaching and teaching emotional intelligence techniques for 28 years around the world (, Israel, USA, Thailand, Singapore & Australia). She has developed a range of workshops, presentations, and special programs, which have been hugely successful and have touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Ronit is currently teaching at the University of Queensland and training for the Institute of Public Administrators (IPAA) Queensland. She is the State director of the Together for Humanity Foundation and was the Global Citizenship School program director. She has conducted many motivational presentations and workshops on personal development, excellence in teaching, culture and diversity, relationship and parenting in Australia and overseas.

Shlomo Ben-Haim National Education Director and KKL Emissary, NSW

Shlomo Ben-Haim is the National Education Director and KKL Emissary based in NSW. He holds a M.A in Land of Israel studies and Jewish history and a B.A.Dip.Ed in Jewish Studies. He has a Licensed Tour Guide Diploma in Israel for the last 27 years. For the last 19 years he has been working with Keren Kayemet Leisrael (JNF) with incoming Tourism and with Zionism Education. Prior to that, he worked with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) for 8 years, leading groups of adults and children all around the country. He has been involved with Formal and Informal education most of his life, and has vast knowledge of Israel and its history and nature. He has great passion for Israel and his aim is to strengthen the link and love between the Diaspora to Israel and to the Jewish tradition and heritage, together with taking care of our environment and nature. Shlomo served in the IDF in an Intelligent Unit and has been involved in volunteering in Israel, including as a commander of a Rescue and Search unit and as an MDA Ambulance Paramedic.

Rabbi Sholom Blesofsky Teacher, Yeshivah College

Qualifications and Positions include: Smicha (Central Yeshivah of Tomchei T’mimim Lubavitch 1996) Yeshivah College: 1996 – 2014 onwards. Rabbi Blesofsky teaches a variety of Jewish Studies subjects across Year 7 -12, including Chumash, Mishnah, Gemorah, Chassidus, Hashkofah (Jewish Values), Dinim Year 8 Level Coordinator. He is also the Coordinator of Informal Activities (Year 7 -12).

Motti Blum Informal Educator, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Motti Blum has been involved in Jewish Education for 10 years, spending the past 7 years working at Mount Scopus Memorial College in informal Jewish education.

Debbie Bolton Deputy Head of Primary, Carmel School

Debbie Bolton is the Deputy Head of Primary at Carmel School and she has been teaching for 25 years, the last 14 at Carmel. Much of her career has been spent working with students in the early years where her passion for using play based pedagogy as a vehicle for engaging and exciting children about learning has been honed, researched and developed.

Matti Borowski Jewish Studies and Jewish Informal Teacher, Mt. Scopus College

Matti grew up in Melbourne, Sydney and Israel and volunteered to serve in the IDF in 2006 as a chayal boded (a lone soldier) in an infantry unit. After working as a commercial lawyer and volunteering at legal clinics assisting refugees, he is now living the dream as a Jewish Studies teacher and Informal Jewish Educator at Mt Scopus Memorial College. Matti has completed his LLB, BA (Jewish History), Grad. Dip Ed and has just returned from living in Israel for a year with his wife and daughter where he undertook his MA in Jewish Education at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem.

Shanit Borsky Jewish Studies Teacher, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Ex-legal, having spent nearly a decade in Corporate Environmental Management, I arrived late to my ultimate chosen career. She now teaches Jewish Studies at Mount Scopus Memorial College.

Sheryl Cardozo Education Director, Stand Up: A Jewish Commitment to a Better World

Sheryl Cardozo is the Education Director at Stand Up: A Jewish Commitment to a Better World (formerly Jewish Aid Australia). She is a native New Yorker who has made Melbourne her home for 6 years. She has spent her career in the not-for-profit sector and has extensive experience in informal Jewish education. Her own education includes a BA from Brown University, a Master of Education from The Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Master of Public Health from The University of Melbourne. Throughout her career, Sheryl has a demonstrated commitment to social justice and a passion for working to empower young people to change the world.

Amanda Castelan-Starr Jewish Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Amanda Castelan-Starr is the Jewish Studies Curriculum Co-ordinator at Mount Scopus College, I have been teaching at Mount Scopus College since 2000. I also taught in London at Immanuel College (2004/5) and completed the Mechanchim Bechirim Programme (2009/10). I have a particular interest in exploring the nexus between art and Jewish life.

Avi Cohen Deputy Principal and Director, Alter Family School of Jewish Studies and Ivrit, Mount Scopus Memorial College

Avi Cohen is the Deputy Principal and Director, Alter Family School of Jewish Studies and Ivrit at Mount Scopus College. He has taught the History of Modern Israel at both schools and universities for many years.

Lisa Cohen Coordinator Jewish Life, Masada College

Lisa Cohen is the co-ordinator of Jewish Life at Masada College Senior school. She has recently completed an Action Enquiry research project under the guidance of Mark Church from Harvard Project Zero in examining how to best inculturate a culture of thinking in her classroom. Lisa is engaging in her second year of research as she is passionate about Jewish Education and constant reflection and improvement of professional practice. Lisa is committed to inspiring the next generation of Jews to be passionate, involved leaders of our community.

Dr. Bryan Conyer Director of Jewish Life, King David School

Bryan Conyer has worked in Jewish education for many years, with a passion for nurturing and understanding pluralism within the Jewish community. Bryan received a PhD from Sydney University, after considering the consequences researching pluralism in Jewish Schools. He most recently worked as the Deputy Principal Jewish Life, Emanuel School, and now works as Director of Jewish Life at King David School. Bryan's full-time job is raising his four gorgeous children.

Rabbi Dr. Shimon Cowan Director, Institute for Judaism and Civilization & Director, Jewish Education of Victoria

Rabbi Dr Shimon Cowan is the Director of both the Institute for Judaism and Civilization and the Jewish Education of Victoria. Within these frameworks, Rabbi Dr Cowan carried out extensive research in producing materials which explore the interface between

Judaism and the secular arts and sciences and so all the code set out by Torah for humanity known as the Noahide laws on which he has written two books.

Chaya Cowen Teacher, Beth Rivkah Ladies College

Chaya Cowen is a teacher at Beth Rivkah Ladies College (Secondary School) and the Rebbetzin of the Elsternwick Jewish Community. Chaya teaches text based and non-text based Jewish Studies subjects, focussing on Jewish History, and specialises in bringing technology into the Jewish Studies classroom.

Rabbi Chaim Cowen Teacher, Leibler Yavneh College

Rabbi Chaim Cowen is a teacher at Leibler Yavneh College with a focus on the teaching of Tanach and Gemara. He completed a Master of Laws (JD) at Monash University and the Lookstein educator’s course at Bar Ilan University He is also the Rabbi of the Elsternwick Jewish Community.

Rabbi Yoel Doron Teacher, Yeshivah College

Qualifications: Smicha (Central Yeshivah of Tomchei T’mimim Lubavitch 2005), BA (City University of New York 2004), Diploma Education (Monash University 2005), Master of Education (Melbourne University 2010). Rabbi Doron teaches Year 7 – 9: Talmud, Jewish Law (Dinim), History and English and has developed curriculum for Year 7 -8 Jewish Law. He also presented at History Teachers’ Association of Victoria Middle Years Conference (2012, 2013)

Neta Even-Tzur Representative of The Jewish Agency For Israel in Australia Neta has her BA in Political Science and Sociology from the Hebrew University as well as an MA in Public Policy from the Tel Aviv University. In 2005, Neta began her first Shlichut in Florida USA. In 2009 she took on the role of Rosh Tzevet Zionist Seminars (JAFI) for Bialik and King David in Australia. During her time as Political Science student she did a very successful internship at MK Shelly Yechimoviytch office. Neta is currently holding two positions as JAFI representative in Australia and Habonim Dror Melbourne and Federal Shlicha as of Novemeber 2012.

Lisa Ezekiel Coordinator and Educational Leader, Leibler Yavneh College Crèche

Lisa has been working in Early Childhood Education for 15 years. She began as a crèche and kindergarten assistant which led her to study a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Lisa then worked at a privately owned Jewish Kinder for 4 years as the upper Kinder teacher. While on maternity leave she coordinated the after school UJEB program at Gardenvale Primary where she taught the Prep class. Lisa also taught RE for Prep and Grade 1. During the two years off she established and ran a 'Shabbat Party'

program for children under 3. Now, Lisa is the coordinator and educational leader at Yavneh Crèche.

Erez Feinberg Head of Informal Jewish Education, Mt. Scopus College, Smorgan Family Primary School Campus

Erez Feinberg is the Head of informal Jewish education at SFPS Mount Scopus. Born in Jerusalem (8th Generation “Yerushalmi”), he is a graduate of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, holding an M.A in School leadership & Certified manager of Education Systems and Policies; Education Diploma in Civil Studies; Education Diploma in tour guiding: Ministry of Education & B.A in International Relations & Geography: Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Erez is also teaching Israel studies in the secondary school.

Ittay Flescher Jewish Studies and Religion and Society Teacher, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Israeli born Ittay Flescher has been exploring and observing Jewish life for as long as he can remember. He currently teaches Jewish Media and Religion and Society at Mount Scopus Memorial College. He also teaches a course on Israeli Society through Film at The Jewish Museum of Australia. In 2007, he spent a year at the Hebrew University on the Senior Educators’ Program where he completed a major project on teaching tanach in a pluralist setting.

Debbie Garber Head of Primary and Secondary Hebrew, Leibler Yavneh College

Debbie Garber is the Head of Hebrew in the Primary and Secondary schools at Yavneh College. Previously Hebrew Co-ordinator at Mount Scopus College. She worked as an English teacher and co-ordinator in Israel and taught Hebrew in South Africa. Debbie has been training new teachers in the NETA program and Chaverim Beivrit program for the last 10 years and has been working with the Yavneh teachers on deepening and extending the Chaverim Beivrit program over the last three years.

Carni Goldberg Hebrew and Jewish Studies Teacher, Masada College

Carni Goldberg has taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies for 14 years. She has a Masters of Teaching, Diploma of Language Studies (Modern Hebrew) and a graduate Diploma in TESOL. She has taught Hebrew and Jewish Studies from pre-school to Year 6 and is currently teaching at Masada College Junior School. Carni is passionate about her students developing a love for Hebrew, Judaism and Israel. She is currently researching how to assist students to connect to the material learnt in class and to reflect on the above connections. Carni’s passion and enthusiasm is evident in the love and enthusiasm that the children exude in their day to day lives.

She is delighted to be participating in the ZFA Educator’s Conference this year.

Leora Golomb AUJS Shlicha

Leora Golomb, raised in Israel, is currently working as the Shlicha for the Australian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS). After completing her service in a rescue unit in the Israeli Air Force, she began a career in youth engagement, focusing on social change. Graduating from Ben Gurion University with a degree in politics, government and mass communications, Leora was in charge of coordinating student involvement within the student union at Ben Gurion University.

Suzanne Hampel Tutor, Monash University Suzanne was a Jewish studies educator at Mount Scopus College for over 30 years; She is currently a tutor in Holocaust, Genocide and Post conflict studies at Monash University; She started the March of the Living program in Australia in 2001. Suzanne has a Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. She was awarded an OAM for services to the Australian community through the promotion of tolerance and understanding. She has led numerous groups of students and adults to Poland and Rwanda. Galit Idelman Hebrew and Jewish Studies Primary Teacher, Mt. Scopus College

Galit Idelman was a high school counsellor in Israel and has been teaching Hebrew and. Jewish Studies for six years. She is currently the Upper Primary Coordinator at Mt. Scopus College.

Aaron Kalman Shaliach, The Central Synagogue and Hineni Youth Sydney

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Aaron Kalman is currently the Israel shaliach (emissary) for The Central Synagogue and Hineni Youth in Sydney, Australia. Aaron brings with him knowledge and experience on a range of topics regarding Israel and the Jewish world. He has a Bachelor's of Education, is a certified Jewish Education teacher, and worked as a reporter and breaking news editor at The Times of Israel. An alumni of both Mechon Hadar (New York) and StandWithUs (Jerusalem), he also spent three years studying at Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa and an additional three years in the Israel Defense Force, where he served as a paratrooper.

Rabbi James Kennard Principal, Mt. Scopus Memorial College

Rabbi Kennard is the Principal of Mt. Scopus Memorial College, where he also teaches Year 12 Mathematics. Before coming to Melbourne in 2007, he served as the Head of two schools in England, one Primary and one Secondary, and previously worked in informal Jewish Education.

Sasha Klyachkina Russian speaking Jewish Community Shlicha

Russian-speaking Jewish community shlicha, Sasha Klyachkina, has been working in informal Jewish education for over 10 years. Sasha made aliyah on her own from Russia when she was 14 years old. Sasha has a Bachelor in Political Science, and Cinema and TV studies. She also has a Diploma in Group Facilitation. Sasha has been working with the Russian Speaking Jewish community of all ages in Australia, since she arrived here with her husband Yoni and son Ilan in 2012.

Simon Lawrence Director of Jewish Studies, Carmel School

Simon Lawrence was born in the UK and attended Hasmonean High School. He studied at Yeshivat Hamivat in Efrat and subsequently completed a degree in Jewish Studies at Jews College, London. Simon worked for Bnei Akiva in England before making Aliya in 1997 where he trained to be a Special Needs Teacher at David Yellin Teacher College. Simon worked in the Special Needs field in Israel before moving to Perth in 2007 where he served as Assistant to Rabbi Freilich and Youth Director of the Perth Hebrew Congregation. Simon has been the Director of Jewish Studies at Carmel School since July 2013. Simon is married and the proud father of two girls.

Devora Levin Coordinator of ELC Jewish Studies and Hebrew, Leibler Yavneh College

Devora commenced at Yavneh teaching 3-4 yr olds in 1989. Devora has held the position of co-ordinator of ELC, Jewish Studies in Hebrew at Leibler Yavneh College for six years.

Helen Mizrachi Teacher, Leibler Yavneh College

Helen Mizrahi was a Jewish Studies Teacher for 3-4 year-old Kinder, Bialik College (1979 – 1982). Following from that, Helen moved to General Studies, teaching 3-4 year- old Kinder at Leibler-Yavneh College Kinder (1986 – 2006). Helen now teaches 4-5 year-olds at Leibler-Yavneh College Kinder (2006 -2014).

Marlo Newton Director, United Jewish Education Board

An accomplished educator, manager and fundraiser who has held senior positions in major educational institutions in Australia and America. Over 20 years of experience instilling a love of learning and inspiring students across the world to reach their full potential. Marlo has implemented changes to operations, teams, curricula, policy, management and Boards, and she is still working in the Jewish community.

Leon Schneider Perth community, Aliya, Habonim Dror Shaliach

Leon is the Perth community, Aliya, and Habonim Dror shaliach. He was born and grew up in Perth, and was very active in Habonim Dror, before making Aliya in 2004. Leon worked for many years co-ordinating different Israel programs for diaspora youth in Israel, and in the past few years has been teaching English and History to high school students at the Deshanim High School, and more recently at Hatichon Hachevrati.

Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler Principal, Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah Colleges

נר Primary School and at עץ חיים Rabbi Smukler was educated in Canada at the High School. After completing his schooling, Rabbi Smukler travelled theישראל Yeshivah circuit for 7 years during which time he completed his smicha through both the Australian Beth Din and Reb. Pinchas Scheinberg z’l. Rabbi Smukler went on to complete his first teaching degree at Bar Ilan University, Israel, followed by a Post Graduate Degree in Teaching and a Masters in Education through the University of England and Sydney University. He spent a year in Israel after his Masters where he undertook further Rabbinic Studies. Rabbi Smukler spent 12 years at Moriah College, Sydney, in their Primary and Secondary schools, where he held several leadership roles, and was heavily involved in founding their Middle School. In mid-2010 Rabbi Smukler was appointed Principal of Yeshivah College in Melbourne and as of the start of 2013 has taken on the role as Principal of Yeshivah – Beth Rivkah Colleges.

Tal Spinrad

Tal Spinrad is a lifelong Jewish educator. He is a Jewish Family Education Fellow with the Bureau of Jewish Education in San Francisco, and a Special Education specialist at Camp Tawonga, California. Tal founded Beit Lama-Loh in 2011 specializing in Jewish Family Education, community enrichment opportunities and professional development globally.

Neta Steigrad Hebrew Teacher, University of Sydney

Neta Steigrad is an Ivrit teacher, currently working in Language Teacher Education at the University of Sydney. She has taught English in Israel, and Ivrit in Sydney in Primary and High School. Her particular educational interests are differentiation and student engagement through games.

Jeremy Stowe-Lindner Principal, Bialik College

Jeremy is Bialik College’s Principal, having previously been Principal of the UK's JCoSS (Jewish Community Secondary School). Both schools are cross-communal and non- denominational. A history teacher and MBA graduate, Jeremy is passionate about cross- communal schooling as our community's future template. Jeremy has a tolerant wife and two wonderful children.

Esther Takac Child and Adult Psychologist

Esther Takac is a child and adult psychologist. She is also an author – her book “Genesis the Book with Seventy Faces” (National Jewish Book Award, Sydney Taylor Award) has been described as a “valuable - and unique – contribution to the Jewish bookshelf” (Avivah Zornberg) and a “significant resource for Jewish education” as it “reinforces the critical notion that engaging with the Torah is an active experience of debate and discussion.” Her latest book “Jacob – a World of Faces” is part of the Third Space series - a unique project designed to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum Strand Intercultural Understanding.

Dr. Ron Weiser AM Past president of the ZFA and honorary life president of the ZC NSW

Ron Weiser’s roles in the Australian Jewish Community and beyond include his role as a past president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, Honorary Life President of the Zionist Council of NSW, and committee member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency. He was involved in the initiation of Taglit/Birthright and MASA programs in Australia as we as the ZFA national Jewish educators’ conferences. In 2010 he was awarded an ‘AM’ – A Member in the General Division in the Order of Australia – for service to the community through leadership roles with the ZFA and promotion and development of Australia – Israel relations.

Anat Wilson Learning Team Coordinator Magid Institute, The King David School

Anat Wilson is a confirmed PhD candidate at Monash University’s Faculty of Education, where she is tutoring pre-serviced teachers. She is a passionate educator and researcher, a regular presenter at state-wide conferences and a guest lecture at leading universities. Anat has worked as a Learning Team Coordinator at The King David School, prior to which she has led their Languages department. She currently teaches VCE Hebrew as well as Hebrew poetry and literature in the University of Melbourne Extension Program.

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Acknowledgements A conference such as this with 82 presentations, 17 international presenters and 48 local presenters can only happen when driven by a committed team of professionals and volunteers.

We are extremely fortunate to have had the vision, leadership and oversight of Dr Miriam Munz, Education Chairperson of the ZFA, who has developed the content, engaged speakers and ensured the intellectual richness of the 2014 Jewish Educators’ Conference. Miriam is an experienced and highly respected academic, teacher, principal and education manager and her considerable skills and talents are so evident in our program. We are indebted to her for her outstanding commitment and exemplary management, with absolute professionalism and always with grace.

I also take this opportunity to thank Naomi Orelowitz, our conference administrator. Naomi has brought youthful enthusiasm and energy, a “can-do” attitude to everything associated with the conference and new technological value adds (such as the website and program app) to the conference.

The ZFA staff have as always, worked as a highly functioning team to bring you this conference, having worked on it for over a year. To Miri Abramovich, Ittai Aminoff, Dana Amir, Gili Gafin, Emily Gian, Shayndle Grinblat, Hayley Hadassin, Hallely Kimchi, Yigal Sela and Shoshana Vitek – toda raba as always, it’s such a pleasure to be part of this fantastic team.

I pay tribute to the ZFA president, Dr Danny Lamm for his leadership and vision and acknolwledge the important contribution of our previous president, Philip Chester, who initiated many aspects of the program during his term as president.

I am delighted that we have had the use of the beautiful Mt Scopus Memorial College Gandel campus. The support and cooperation from the College, in particular from Principal Rabbi James Kennard is greatly appreciated. I also thank the College’s Deputy Principal and Head of Jewish Studies, Avi Cohen, the Head of Operating Services, Brendan Blaney and on behalf of all of us, Mandy Gardner, the MSMC caterer, who has ensured we are well fed!

To our international and local presenters, all 65 of you, my most heartfelt thanks for your preparation, consideration and participation in our conference. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and global best practices in Jewish and Israel education so that Jewish students across Australia will reap the benefits.

Finally, to every conference delegate, thank you for your participation, your attention and your continuing commitment to Jewish and Israel education. The future of our youth and indeed of our community is bound up in each of you, your dedication, professionalism and passion.

Ginette Searle Executive Director, Zionist Federation of Australia