feature: special project
ny parent knows religious school provides their children
with knowledge they need to develop a Jewish identity. But
what happens when that traditional curriculum is replaced
with something extraordinarily innovative?
A different kind of learning emerges that gets kids to see things
differently, to go deep beneath the surface for more meaning
that combines Jewish morals and values. That's what hap-
pened with Avoda Arts' Jewish Lens project, offered during
the 2006-2007 school year for the first time in Metro Detroit
at Congregation Beth Shalom in Oak Park.
`hope' in
our eyes
Teen photojournalists find
meaning, inspiration.
Students in grades 7-8 scrutinized the photos of Zion
Ozeri, a world-renowned Israeli photographer who captures
the essence of Jewish communities around the world. In
his photographs, he draws the viewer in by showcasing the
subject's vulnerability.
During class, students analyzed composition, qual-
ity and subjective-objective details of the photo-
graphs. Discussions ranged from what the photog-
rapher was trying to convey to the general purpose of the
picture. One key lesson integrated through the year was not
to just glance at a picture and be done with it. Studying and
thinking about a picture brings much greater meaning and
leaves a lasting impression.
As the year progressed, time was focused on choosing
a theme and having the students create a final exhibition.
Teacher Joe Liebson allowed both classes to vote on a central
Jewish value. Ironically, all the students agreed and selected
the inspirational topic of hope.
Hope is not an object to be seen, but rather a strong feeling.
We hope for our loved ones to be strong and healthy. We hope for
the well being of our children. To ask teenagers to snap photo-
graphs of what hopes means to them puts their creativity to the
ultimate challenge.
A few difficulties were encountered. Some preferred digital cam-
eras to disposables. Others had trouble finding ideas to photograph
of such an abstract subject. Eventually, final photographs were
chosen. Now everyone had to create a poster of photographs with
descriptive captions. The culminating exhibition would showcase
what the Lens project was all about.
On May 21, friends and family gathered for the special event.
Student photographs were projected on the monitor as guests
began to mingle and enjoy hors d'oeuvres. Rabbi Daniel Wolpe
spoke, then Danny Kochavi, director of religious education, then
Joe Liebson explained the trial-and-error situations students faced
during the project.
I gave an impromptu speech on this fabulous adventure that
allowed me to further pursue my passion for photography. It will
definitely be something I will not forget. Students Molly Rott and
Megan Steingold, both 12 and from Huntington
Woods, also spoke. All participants delighted in the
opportunity to present themselves artistically for
friends and family, and to show off all the work and
commitment put into this project.
By Gabriella Ring, 14, Berkley Norup International School
T2T torah: parshat korach
is it a worthy controversy?
Last Shabbat we read Parshat Korach. Korach and his congregation of 250 people confront Moses and
More Teen2Teen staffers: (bottom row) Rachel Margolin, 14, Frankel Jewish Academy; Hades
Corey, 16, Birmingham Seaholm; Adina Applebaum, 15, Frankel Jewish Academy; Stephanie
Steinberg, 17, North Farmington; (top row) Hannah Cohen, 17, Farmington Harrison; Raquel
Cohen, 17, Frankel Jewish Academy; Scott Sher, 17, North Farmington.
away we go!
Welcome to our second issue of Teen2Teen, our monthly section written
Aaron, telling them that they should not rule over Israel; that Korach should. Moses then tells Korach that
they should both make a sacrifice, and whoever's sacrifice finds favor in God's eyes will be leader. They do
so, and God opens the ground Korach stood on and it swallows him up.
Pirkei Avot 5:7 states that "Every controversy that is pursued for the sake of heaven, Machloket L'sheim
Shamayim, is destined to carry on, Sofah L'Hitkayem; and that of which is not pursued for the sake of
heaven, Machioket She'eina L'sheim Shamayim, will not carry on.
Which controversy can be considered a controversy pursued for the sake of heaven? This is the contro-
by teens for teens, Our premiere issue last month garnered so much
versy of scholars Hillel and Shammai. And that controversy not pursued for the sake of heaven? This is the
attention that our staff grew from 15 to more than 25. And we had so
controversy of Korach and his followers.
many stories that last week we had a T2T Extra section in the JN. Kudos
to the staff. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.
we want your photos
OK, so you've graduated and maybe you're done with high school, but
we'd like the moment to linger so publish some fun graduation party
photos. We're looking for shots that captured the moment. Try to limit
the number of people to four or five. We need names, cities and ages for
those pictured. E-mail them to kcohen@thejewishnews.com .
So what do both controversies mean? What is the difference between Machloket L'sheim Shamayim and
Machloket She'eina L'sheim Shamayim? In a Machloket L'sheim Shamayim, both parties involved want to
reach the Divine truth, which is actually unreachable. Hillel and Shammai were always arguing, not for fame,
but to better understand God — though, ultimately, they wouldn't get to the truth.
God killed Korach because his controversy was Machloket She'eina L'sheim Shamayim, which only
involved his own well-being; it was in his own best interest to rule over Israel. He did not
argue with Moses to know the truth; he argued for power he didn't deserve.
As young Jewish teens, it is often hard for us to understand why God does what he
does. This Parshah teaches us that it is fine not to understand the nature of God; it is the
Brshaloni.
Kerr' Guten Cohen, executive editor • (248) 351-5144
{
2
}
discussion and struggle modeled by Hillel and Shammai that makes us closer to God.
By Avi Buckman, 13, Hillel Day School, Farmington Hills