AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Question Hi, I am looking for a Jewish story that I can tell with children about the importance of education. Can you help me with any suggestions?
Answer Dear Victoria,
Thanks for writing.
Unfortunately I am not as current with childrens' literature - Jewish or otherwise - as others, especially librarians. I also wouldn't know for what age level you are interested, but the following possible leads could include both the theme and the age appropriateness for the kind of book you are seeking.
Keep in mind that there are individual books and there are also collections of stories where one or more may fit your need - AND perhaps the other stories teach other positive Jewish values as well.
I would suggest contacting:
1. Librarian at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, reference desk.
2. Local synagogue library and librarian
3. Local synagogue pre-school director/teacher/ religious education director
4. I myself love Sefer HaAgadah. Sefer Ha-Aggadah was first published in 1908-11 in Odessa, Russia, then reprinted numerous times in Israel. In 1992 it was translated into English as "The Book of Legends," by William G, Braude. This volume is in most libraries.
It has a marvelous Index in which you can find Rabbinic tales from the Talmud, Midrash, including Biblical characters that focus on different values and themes. I haven't checked specifically, but I would imagine that there are a number about education being a Jewish value.
5. You might also try contacting your local Central Agency for Jewish Education / Board of Jewish Education which often has a specialist - often a librarian - who would be familiar with the newest materials.
Best of luck in a very worthy project and search. If and when you have leads, I would myself be grateful for the results.
