Jewish primary school teachers’ day in class at LSJS

Jewish primary school educators have been given a “drama toolkit” and taught how to use ancient objects to “bring Jewish Studies to life”.

Innovative ideas formed the lesson plan for 150 participants at the annual National Education Conference for Primary School Jewish Studies Teachers, held by the London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS).

Following welcomes from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Rabbi Steven Weil, director of the Orthodox Union in America, teachers turned learners amid sessions such as “the importance of play”.

Orthodox theatre Rachel Creeger provided “a drama toolkit for Kodesh teachers, while Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum taught delegates about using ancient objects to bring Jewish Studies to life.

Sephardi Rabbi Joseph Dweck went back to basics on teaching Jewish principles, Rabbi David Lister spoke about davening and Rabbi Eliezer Zobin addressed the issue of answering questions about evolution and the age of the universe.

The Conference also saw the launch of a new Jewish interactive resource called JiCalendar, which supports the teaching of the Jewish year.

“Good teachers are always looking for new ideas to help them become even better teachers,” said conference co-ordinator Esther Colman. “Our aim is to help everyone who attends find something they can use in the classroom the next day.”