At Orot, We Train Creators

Dr. Zeev Kaim,
Internship Program Coordinator, Rechovot Campus

The conference held in recognition of this year’s new teachers and interns reflected the substantial creative achievement of the interns from Orot College who won a national competition. Their creative works open windows not only into the worlds of their values, but also to the complexity of the task facing those charged with educating the children of Israel. How fortunate we are that these are our alumni!

One of the most welcome initiatives introduced by the Department of Internships within the Ministry of Education in the last several years has been the national competition for creative works related to education, written by teaching interns. The idea behind the competition is to bring out the inner voice of the young teachers and to reflect their vantage points as they begin their paths as educators, through their assorted creative pieces. In this way, the wider public also gains a peek into what happens behind the closed door of the classroom, and to understand, at least partially, the complexity of the new teacher’s world.
In their first year in teaching, teaching interns experience crises and successes, they are faced with educational dilemmas, and they must sustain themselves amidst tensions and adjustments. These interns are involved in numerous events and incidents, they are exposed to complex pedagogical processes, and they are called upon for significant educational decisions. Practically speaking, the life of an intern may be compared to the constantly-changing waves of the sea; one moment, you are riding the wave, and the next moment, the wave slaps you in the face. These interns come to teaching out of a sense of a calling, wishing to contribute to the shaping of the face of the young generation - and the way in which they will experience their first year will shape their educational points of view, as well as their perceptions of their roles.
The national competition was conducted among roughly 7000 new school and early childhood teachers. The interns compete in three categories of expressive works related to the theme of teaching: stories, posters, and videos. Hundreds of outstanding creative works were presented anonymously to the judges. This collection of creative works was meticulously evaluated by teams of judges which included educators and experts from the fields of literature, visual arts, and film.
When the names of the winners were announced, it turned out that, as we have come to expect, Orot Israel was among the schools with the most winners. Two alumni of the College were cited as first-place finishers and another was designated a third-place winner in the category of literary works. Our alumni were also cited for distinction in the categories of education-themed posters and videos.
Among our winning alumni, we met Elad Yehudai, whose story “Remove Your Shoes from upon Your Feet” addresses the role of the educator as a leader. The story explores the tension between the educator’s desire to serve his students as a figure of certain authority and a role model, and his desire to be close to the students and to establish an emotional connection with them. The story of another winner, Shmuel Hayyun, “An Aliya Experience,” relates to the experience of the author’s father, a Moroccan immigrant whose aliya and absorption to Israel was mired with the hardships of the transfer camp-era, and to the extraordinary “Aliya Experience” project that Shmuel introduced into his classroom, inspired by his father’s experiences. The story shifts and turns between the past and the present and concludes in an emotional encounter between the father, his son, and the students. And the story of alumnus Aharon bar-Yaakov, “As Water Reflects the Face,” reveals the change he underwent as an educator, from being rigid, inflexible, and authoritarian, to being sensitive, patient, and charitable with his students. The change came about slowly and progressively, and it brought the educator to meaningful and constructive relationships with two of his more complex students.
In the category of videos, Meir Dadush was cited for his video, “Another Way.” The film described the teacher’s special relationship with Amit, a student confined to a wheelchair, whom the teacher was able to very successfully integrate into the classroom. Last but not least, alumnus Bat-El Mermelstein also received honorable mention for her poster, “You Have Strived and Achieved (with Love) – Believe it”.
The high point of the experience was the awarding of the awards at the Cameri Theater. The ceremony was honored with the presence of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Michal Cohen; Deputy Director General, Teaching Personnel Administration, Ministry of Education, Mr. Eyal Ram; Chairman of the Teacher’s Union, Mr. Yossi Wasserman; and the presidents of the colleges, including our president, Rabbi Professor Neriah Gutel. The ceremony began with roundtable discussions, in which the competition winners explained their works to those in attendance, and each guest received a book which surveyed the winning pieces. Later in the evening, there was a formal recognition ceremony, and the conferring of awards, in which honorees congratulated us and we were represented in some of the artistic works. Dr. Sarah Zilberstrom, Director of the Department of Internships and Entry into Instruction, presided over the festive evening with a contagious excitement and aptly described the showcased works as “the small-large gifts which the interns have bestowed upon us, through their own creativity.” Indeed, without a doubt, it is a great privilege to produce such alumni!

Deputy Education Minister Visits Orot Israel College’s Rechovot Campus

On 17 Sivan 5773 (May 26, 2013), MK Avi Wortzman, Israel’s deputy education minister, visited Orot Israel College’s Rechovot campus. He and his staff had a chance to learn about Orot and meet with assorted faculty members.

Rav Professor Neria Guttel, President of Orot Israel College, and Rav Chaim Fogel, a member of Orot’s board of trustees, spoke to the deputy minister about Orot’s considerable achievements and accomplishments and noted that Orot is the country’s largest and most comprehensive religious educational college. They also pointed a number of creative solutions Orot has found to various national priorities – including increasing the number of preschool teachers, training civics teachers, preparing teachers for the Education Ministry’s new “Ofek Chadash” program, and much more. In addition, they discussed the different advanced degrees currently offered by Orot as well as those still pending final approval by the Council for Higher Education.

Mr. Ofir Abicsis described the social, welfare, and educational contributions of the garin Torani (core group) in Rechovot’s Oshiyot neighborhood, and Rav Ami Danino, Rosh Yeshivat Orot Yaakov, focused on the yeshiva’s unique ability to transform boys from lower socioeconomic neighborhoods into outstanding hesdernikim.

At the conclusion of his visit, the deputy minister expressed his deep appreciation and admiration for Orot Israel College and promised to continue his support for what he called "an illustrious institution".

5773 Convocation Ceremony at Orot Israel College’s Rechovot Campus

Some 270 Orot Israel College graduates were awarded B.Ed. degrees at a gala convocation ceremony at our Rechovot campus. The ceremony was held at the campus amphitheater, which was packed with the graduates, their families, and Orot faculty and staff members.

Following a festive reception for the graduates, Rav Professor Neria Guttel, President of Orot Israel College; Rav Chaim Saban, Orot’s vice president; and Rav Chaim Fogel, chairman of the board of trustees greeted the graduates and shared some divrei Torah. Next, Mr. Dedi Elchai spoke in the name of the graduates.

The keynote speaker was MK Rav Shai Piron, Israel’s Education Minister, who discussed the roles of teachers and educators. Mr. Rachamim Malul, Rechovot’s mayor, praised Orot and noted its significance to the city of Rechovot.

The degrees were awarded in the presence of Rav Noach Greenfeld, director of the Education Ministry’s Teacher’s Training Division and former head of Moreshet Yaakov College, and Mr. David Buskilah of the Teacher’s Training Division.

Singer Eldar Yechiel, an Orot alumnus, entertained the audience with his beautiful music, and Mr. Natan Fried, dean of students at the Rechovot campus, served as master of ceremonies.

Orot Israel College Hosts Storytelling Workshop

Nati Fried 
Dean of Students, Orot Israel College, Rechovot Campus

Throughout the ages, educators have recognized the power of a story. Indeed, storytelling can serve as an ideal solution to a litany of educational and pedagogical challenges, and talented teachers can transform even the most mundane tale into an exciting, suspenseful narrative, which keeps an entire classroom of students riveted to their seats.

However, many teachers are reluctant to try their hands at storytelling. They are afraid they will “ruin” the story because they feel that they do not have adequate acting skills. Thus, on Chanukah, Orot Israel College invited Rav Naftali Fuchs, director of the religious Nedudim Theater Company and a popular educator, to our Rechovot campus.

A graduate of Yeshivat Ateret Kohanim and Orot Israel College, Rav Naftali believes that stories have great educational value and can be used to achieve numerous classroom objectives, such as understanding the material, generating interest in the lesson, handling disciplinary problems, fostering a love of Torah and the mitzvot, and more. In recent years, he has been leading workshops to train teachers in the art of storytelling.

During the course of the fascinating workshop – fittingly entitled “Storytelling and the Power of the Story” - Rav Naftali demonstrated how to tell a story, where to get stories, and how to tailor a story for a young audience. The workshop proved to be a resounding success, and the audience – which largely consisted of teaching interns - walked away with a new appreciation for this classic educational tool.

M.Ed. Graduation Ceremony in Rechovot

For the first time ever, Orot Israel College recently held a M.Ed. (Master of Education) graducation ceremony at the Rechovot campus.
The festivities began with a fascinating tour of Rechovot, led by renowned tour guide Elyada Bar Shaul, who focused on the history of the city’s educational system. Following the tour,  some eighty graduates were awarded Masters’ degrees in Tanach and Rabbinic literature.
The graduates and their families were greeted by Professor Rav Neriah Gutel, President of Orot Israel College; Vice President Rav Chaim Saban; Professor Yosef Rivlin, chairman of the academic council; Dr. Shraga Fisherman, academic dean; and Rav Yaakov Margalit and Dr. Miriam Sklartz, the department heads.

To see pictures of the graduation please click here.

Halachic, Philosophical, and Educational Approaches to Social Justice

Rav Yaakov Margalit – Continuing Education Department,
Orot Israel College, Rechovot Campus

Every year, Orot Israel College organizes assorted conferences devoted to the intersection of Torah, private and public life, and the educational system.

In Tishrei, Orot held one such symposium at our Rechovot campus, entitled “Halachic, Philosophical, and Educational Approaches to Social Justice.”

The first speaker was Rav Yaakov Ariel shlit”a, Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan, who described the ideal State of Israel, which must be based on the values of justice and tzedakah (charity). He explained that he was not referring to tzedakah as a voluntary matter but rather as a public responsibility. Indeed, this form of tzedakah was practiced in Jewish communities throughout the generations and has clear manifestations in Jewish law - including the matanot kehunah (the tithes and other gifts given to the kohanim), the matanot aniyim (the various gifts given to the poor), the communal tzedakah funds, and more.

Rav Ariel encouraged the audience to join the social protests and insisted that they need not be concerned about the foreign motives which may perhaps be behind some of the protests. Furthermore, he declared that we must allow our well-defined, ideological, and Torah-based voices to be heard and that we must demonstrate a willingness to improve society and not merely make demands on the State.

After Rav Ariel completed his talk, Rav Shlomo Ishon shlit”a, head of the Keter Institute for Economy According to Torah, discussed the State’s social justice obligations, such as regulating the prices of essential goods, combatting profiteering, and so on. Rav Ishon contrasted the poverty line, as defined by the Western world and Israel’s bituach leumi (literally, national insurance – i.e. social security), with the Jewish alternative, which requires society to ensure that every person’s basic needs are met in a dignified and respectful manner.

Professor Rav Neriah Gutel, President of Orot Israel College, delivered the next lecture. He observed that the Torah deliberately refrained from establishing a categorical social-economic doctrine, because according to the Torah, social-economic policies must conform to each generation’s specific circumstances, location, and era. Yet, at the same time, Jewish law delineates a value system which must serve as the foundation for society’s social-economic principles. Halachah endorses neither predatory capitalism nor radical Marxist collectivism. Instead, the Torah advocates a measured, moderate approach, which accounts for a particular generation’s needs and concerns.

Finally, Rav Yaakov Margalit, the conference’s organizer, focused on the protests’ educational aspects. Are there any red lines which cannot be crossed? If so, what are they? Is the demand for social justice based on a sense that individual people are being mistreated, or does the protest stem from a feeling of social responsibility? How does this impact the type of protest involved? Must those who head the protests serve as role models?

In conclusion, the conference goers walked away with much food for thought, and all agreed that they are looking forward to our next conference, which is scheduled to take place during the month of Nissan.

Western Culture Yom Iyun

Rav Ami Danino
Rosh Yeshivat Orot Yaakov, Rechovot Campus

On Monday, 17 Adar I 5771, Rechovot’s Yeshivat Hesder Orot Yaakov hosted a thought-provoking yom iyun about “Western Culture”. Open to the public, the yom iyun attracted an overflow crowd, who flocked to the yeshiva’s beit midrash to hear the fascinating talks by several prominent rabbis and educators.

After Rav Chaim Saban, Orot Yisrael College’s Vice President and Dean of the Rechovot Campus, greeted the attendees and gave a brief introduction, Rav Chagai Londin, Ra”M in Yeshivat Hesder Haifa and Yerushalayim’s Machon Meir, delivered a captivating lecture on the topic of “Confronting Western Culture” – based on Rav Kook’s writings. Using a slide show and specific examples, Rav Londin demonstrated that Rav Kook’s teachings continue to be relevant today and stressed that we must recognize Western culture’s pervasive nature.

Next, Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan HaRav HaGaon Yaakov Ariel discussed “Recreational Culture”. He began by defining culture and then noted that contemporary Western culture does not necessarily have to clash with Judaism – as long as the focus is on modern communication tools and media. The important thing, Rav Ariel observed, is to ensure that these tools are not utilized to transmit inappropriate or problematic content. Rav Ariel detailed the inherent dangers in being exposed to Western cultural content during one’s leisure time - with particular emphasis on visual media, such as television and unfiltered Internet access.

A short recess and refreshments followed Rav Ariel’s intriguing talk, and afterwards, the attendees returned to hear Rosh Yeshivat Orot Yaakov Rav Ami Danino examine the question of “Western Culture: Is It More Than Just a Tool?” Rav Danino distributed a well-organized source sheet and highlighted the complex relationship between life’s inner, sanctified matters, which must originate with Am Yisrael, and life’s external, worldly matters, which Am Yisrael can accept from the nations of the world. In addition, Rav Danino touched upon the fundamental differences between Western culture and Jewish culture – including significant issues, such as the individual versus society; the end versus the means; the present versus eternity; privileges versus obligations; the relative versus the absolute; and externalization versus internalization.

Finally, in honor of the month of Adar, Beit Midrash Mahut’s Rav Elisha Vishlitzky spoke movingly about “Western Culture and Happiness”. He distinguished between Jewish happiness – which revolves around giving – and Western culture’s version of happiness, which centers on the “I” and the ego.

In short, Rav Vishlitzky’s inspiring talk was the perfect conclusion to what proved to be a stimulating and very well-received event. Thank you to all the speakers and to the many participants!

Neighborhood Renewal in Rehovot

By Ofir Abikasis,
Director of the Torani Teachers Garin,
Orot Israel College Rehovot Campus

A few years ago, the Rehovot neighborhood of Oshiot was on a downward spiral. Residents were afraid to go out at night. No one wanted to come to the neighborhood and everyone there wanted to leave. But if you were to ask one of the residents now, you would hear that there's no longer any reason to leave – Oshiot is blossoming again! Police statistics show the crime in the neighborhood has dropped by 50% since 2005, the year the Torani Teachers Garin came to the neighborhood.

Since the Torani Teachers Garin began around ten years ago, it has succeeded in effecting social change in the targeted neighborhoods and populations in Rehovot. The Oshiot neighborhood, which was known for its high density of new immigrants from the FSU, Yemen and especially Ethiopia, has seen a renaissance due to the Torani Teachers Garin members who came to live in the neighborhood.

The garin started as a small group of students and graduates of Orot College's "Moreshet Yaakov" campus in Rehovot and the Yeshivat Hesder "Orot Yaakov", with almost no resources. However, they saw the need for social change in Israeli society as a national mission, and they set for themselves the goal to impact every needy household in the Oshiot neighborhood through a number of social initiatives.

One such program concentrated on Ethiopian olim, helping to close social gaps and advance their integration into mainstream Israeli society. The garin members received training to run leadership development seminars, pre-enlistment preparatory courses, cultural and social events for the Ethiopian youth at the local community center. Before that the local Ethiopian youth had no place to meet except the street. Now they flock to the center where they are occupied with positive activities.

Another garin project is the "Advocacy Initiative" in which each volunteer advocate from the garin agrees to adopt one or more families in distress and to become personally involved in securing solutions for their day-to-day, as well as long-term needs. Each advocate must have prior experience in social activism and community work and is supervised by social workers from the municipal Welfare Department. The advocates make a long-term commitment to the family, assisting them in seeking whatever support the family members need to overcome obstacles and give them the tools they need to realize their full potential and become productive members of Israeli society.

The garin members have earned the respect and gratitude of the Rehovot Municipality and the Oshiot neighborhood residents for their concern for the community, and for their activities promoting the integration of diverse groups into Israeli society. The presence of the garin has not only raised the quality of life in the area, but the property values too. The light of hope kindled by the garin in the Oshiot neighborhood continues to burn brightly today.

Training Better Teachers with Technology

New on the Rehovot Campus: Virtual Fieldwork Instruction

By Nathan Fried and Adiel Brodman
Orot Israel College, Rechovot Campus

Of the many challenges administrators faced in helping students complete their training, the most common obstacle was distance. Student teachers found positions in schools quite far from the college campus – most often in or near their home town – and these student teachers found themselves having the travel often up to four hours at their own expense each week in order to participate in a 2-hour seminar at the college. Thus, they were tempted to ignore the seminar requirement and save themselves precious time and money, while gaining an additional day of work per week.
Fieldwork instructors at the Rehovot campus put their heads together with the Distance Learning Unit's staff and came up with a novel solution for student teachers in the periphery – a virtual fieldwork instruction seminar. The students no longer have to spend hours commuting to the Rehovot campus to meet with their fieldwork supervisor. Armed with the tools of advanced computer networking, the fieldwork seminar comes to their computer anytime, anyplace.

The final year of academic training in the teaching profession is traditionally a year of field work for the student teacher. The year is comprised of three components:
1. Work as a classroom teacher (of at least 1/3 position) in a recognized school
2. On-site supervision from an experienced teacher from the school staff
3. Participation in a 56-hour fieldwork seminar at the college
While all three components are of equal importance, it is imperative that they be coordinated to maximize the value of the fieldwork experience during the student's first teaching year.

Since the Ministry of Education and the college see the fieldwork experience as an integral part of the professional training process, a solution had to we found for the well-meaning student teachers who found it too difficult to attend the seminars. It should be noted that this problem could lead to the delay of receiving one's teaching certificate and any further professional specialization certification as well, especially for elementary school teachers in the "Ofek Chadash" (New Horizon) framework.

To solve this problem, Orot administration established an Internet communication framework that interfaces the student teachers and their seminar instructor via a virtual platform. About 20 participants were chosen (with their agreement) according to their distance from the Rehovot campus. Using the HighLearn computer software application as an Internet platform, the Distant Learning Unit at the Rehovot campus set up a virtual seminar classroom with each of the participants.

How does it work? The semester is divided into sections of 10 workdays, with each section assigned to one student. During each 10-day period one student is expected to post an actual dilemma from his experience in the classroom for feedback from the other students. The chat room discussion that follows examines the problem and alternative solutions offered by the group. The student is expected to answer each comment posted by the group members, thus sharpening his didactic judgment. The seminar instructor monitors the discussion, posts links to salient academic papers and carries on a private email dialogue with the student offering insight and supervision. The student is then expected to produce a term paper based on what was learned in the process of the group discussion on his chosen dilemma.

Orot staff sees this program as an important step in improving teacher training, especially in light of the positive initial reactions to the innovative new system. While a complete evaluation will be conducted at the end of the year, Orot sees this new program as another important tool in the training of Israel's future leaders.