Opinion

A MIX OF IDEAS

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Dry Bones Avamay

Editorial

Discord Or Discourse

T

here are midrashim in Judaism
that place the blame for many
of the evil events in our history
squarely on the divisions dividing our
people.
We need to apply that ancient wisdom
to the modern world: If we can't discuss
our problems, they will only get worse.
Over the last 25 to 30 years, we have
changed — both publicly and privately.
Discussion of issues no longer centers on
resolving problems for the common good.
Today, the central focus is to win, many
times by whatever means necessary.
Is the Michigan budget a disaster? It
doesn't matter, as long as our party, our
philosophy, our ideology wins. Will the
citizenry suffer? That's not as important
as winning.
The same can be said about the
national debate over health care reform.
The success or failure of an 800-page
proposal that will affect millions of lives
should not hinge on any one option, be it
abortion, a government insurance option,
coverage for illegal immigrants or any-
thing else. Our Democrats, Republicans
and Independents in Congress should be
working full time to improve the propos-

al, remove the flaws and come up with
legislation that helps all of us. Instead, we
continue to hear the posturing from all
sides that is aimed far more at winning
the next election.
Has winning become the only thing
in our reality TV world? Are talk-show
hosts who excoriate anyone who does not
agree with them — just to build their
ratings and their paychecks — represent
what we really believe and how we should
really represent ourselves?
How much easier it is to call you oppo-
nent a name, or give him a label, than to
discuss an issue. It is so much easier to
say he's a liberal, a conservative, a right-
winger, a left winger, a %x#@&* A, than
it is to admit that you might agree with
part of his argument and, if you keep the
discussion going, you may find a com-
promise satisfactory to both sides. The
problem with compromise is that both
sides have to give up something.
Our nation and our world today are not
willing to discuss. Discussion is much
more difficult and may reveal a flaw in
your argument. Therefore, discussion is
dangerous — it may lead to weakness. It
is so much easier to defend yourself by

throwing dirt at your
opponent.
And heaven help the
politician who ever
changes his mind. Our
"dirty tricks" cam-
paigns have become
so polished at find-
ing speeches from
years ago when our
adversary expressed
a nuance differently
than what he stated
yesterday. Please don't
change your mind or
let today's circum-
stances change your
view, we seem to be
saying. It makes it
harder to label, stereo-
type or denigrate your
remarks and what self-
respecting talk-show host would put up
with that?
"You reap what you sow" is another
ancient truism. The public today is
paying for what it has sought: simple
answers to complex problems, an all-or-
nothing approach to the world and a my-

DryBonesBlog.com

way-or-the-highway attitude. When our
elected leaders and our "infotainment"
society play to our fears, rather than to
the greater good, we find ourselves in our
current mess.
Unless we are willing to talk to each
other, we may not climb out. 1-1

Sustaining Teachable Moments

A

ll children can learn. The role
of an educator is to foster
the process, helping students
achieve their potential. Education, both
formal and informal, should be tailored
to the needs of all learners. Educational
settings should be places where students
learn to think, reason and critique. An
educational community is a natural place
where children can learn self-respect and
respect for others.
Educators teach children, not just sub-
ject matter. A good educational institution
helps students acquire the knowledge,
hone the life skills and gain the confidence
they need to reach their potential as citi-
zens of the world and lifelong learners.
Jewish schools have the added responsibil-
ity of imbuing students with an apprecia-
tion for the concept of tikkun olam [repair
of the world] as well as love for Judaism
and the State of Israel.
Whenever I interact with board mem-

bers, administrators, faculty,
staff, students and parents, it
is my manner, my tone, my
empathic style, coupled with
a professional demeanor, that
successfully help to move the
school to a higher level of excel-
lence. As an educational leader,
using the school's mission
statement as my guide, in col-
laboration with board members
and administrators, I empower
those people who report to
me. I make sure they have the
proper tools, surroundings,
materials and moral support to
do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
I am keenly aware that I am a role
model — to my administrative colleagues,
my teachers, my office staff, the parents
and, most clearly, my students. Every
moment, indeed every gesture, is a teach-
able moment.

Learning is essential. All chil-
dren can learn. School should
be a place to learn skills for
life. These ideals require that
the perennial student in me
shine as well. In my circulating
through the school building,
I may marvel aloud at dif-
ficult math problems, reflect
on Bible commentary, ask for
an explanation of a computer
exercise, consult with the guid-
ance counselor, offer a teacher
a classroom management
tidbit that I find works and
bounce an idea off a principal.
I must model love of learning and corn-
passion.
My enthusiasm to learn and to teach
should be contagious. Each day, I share
my ideas and materials with the people
in school, but I do not micromanage,
trusting people to use their own talents,

expertise and knowledge to fulfill their
roles in the school.
I was recently asked why I choose to
spend most of my waking hours in a
Jewish school. My response was: "When I
get up each morning, I know I will spend
my day saving Jewish children." Sounds
melodramatic? Not really. As a Jew, I have
a personal relationship with God. I pray
each day for his direction. My parents
imbued me with a strong work ethic and
my children taught me patience and mul-
titasking. My friends taught me caring;
my students taught me not to take myself
too seriously and that it is OK to say: "I
don't know."
I take these lessons to school with me
everyday and resolve to build the best
Jewish day school. Most days, I know I
am succeeding. P1

Chaye Kohl became education director of

Yeshivat Akiva in Southfield last July.

December 17 • 2009

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