By Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox
BOSTON, Massachusetts — It’s Christmas Day in America, but for me, just a normal Erev Shabbat. I decided to write to you while my Challah is rising to share some thoughts about Jewish education and the role of NewCAJE.
Like most teenage girls, I thought it might be cool to be a cheerleader in high school, but that didn’t happen! Instead, I chose to be a cheerleader for Jewish education—something I deeply believe in– and for Jewish educators like you.
I believe humans should have a right to know and value their own personal history and their own spiritual path. We are Jewish today because for a hundred and one generations of exile and diaspora, give or take, our family lines – grandparent after grandparent – handed down the inheritance and the treasure of Judaism which is what they received from their parents and teachers. Le-dor ve-dor!
They did it by the example of how they lived their lives, by their blood when necessary and by sharing Torah. Those are the Jewish educators in whose footsteps we follow.
Recently, several of my Bar/t mitzvah students have celebrated the Bar/t Mitvah of their own children. I like to joke that I’ve become a “Grandrabbi”, but honestly, it is deeply meaningful to me to see that I’ve done my part to pass Judaism on to the next generation.
In our generation, Jewish education is a fulfilling and creative profession, but it’s never been an easy one. Too often we teach with our hands tied behind our backs—not enough time, not enough money and definitely not enough respect for what we do.
I’m not sure I could have stayed in Jewish education without NewCAJE and CAJE before it. Knowing that I’m part of a field of dedicated professionals whom I have grown to love and admire is a big part of the gift which has been CAJE. Friendships that have sustained me through a lifetime of ups and downs have been invaluable to me. Being able to share what I’ve learned in my teaching with others and knowing that they use my ideas in their schools—so important to me. Can you put into words what NewCAJE has added to your life?
This year we learned a new word—pivot! And, oh my, did we! We pulled off a conference attended by close to 1400 Jewish educators that lasted a full month. We taught new skills to people whose teaching venue was changing from a room to a Zoom. We gave folks the opportunity to fill their minds with Torah and pedagogy, with discussions on current issues like race, and we kept each other company through a long and scary summer. We sang, we danced, we made art, we baked, we told stories. Except for moving in together, we pretty much lived the idea of being a family for each other. …
Now, I think my challah is ready to braid. Thanks for hanging out with me and please share your end of year thoughts with me. I’d love to hear from you. Warm wishes for a wonderful Shabbat however you are going to spend it. When I light my candles, I always say a prayer for you and for the success of the work you do. SHABBAT SHALOM!
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Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox is the president of NewCAJE (Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education)