Search results for: Liturgy

This qualitative research aims to explore the experiences of teachers in the implementation of prayer services in religious high schools for girls in Israel. Twenty teachers from three different schools were interviewed as part of this qualitative research study. Interviews were conducted during 2017–2018. The research focused on what teachers felt were the goals of prayer services in schools and the challenges they faced in their implementation. The research points to reasons why, from teachers' perspectives, these services are not maximizing their impact on the religious development of many students.

The Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies announces the launch of its Tefilah database for Jewish educators worldwide. The online database is a free resource under the umbrella of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators. Through the Pardes Tefilah Education Initiative, day schools and other Jewish educational institutions will receive support and direction in the area of Tefilah (prayer).

Most Jewish educators feel frustrated by their inability to help their students appreciate the transformative power of tefillah—and not for lack of trying. Numerous books try to explain the tefillot and new siddurim are published every year with original commentaries and insights. Every Jewish educational organization has a tefillah program for schools to implement. Many schools provide multiple prayer service options with varied style and pace. In addition to the minyan that replicates a standard synagogue experience, schools offer explanatory prayer services and services with singing, meditation, discussion and reflection. The numerous options also create additional leadership opportunities for students.

When I was an educator in a Jewish Day School in Toronto, Canada, I was given the task of leading the Tefilla for grades 6, 7 & 8. My supervisor made it very clear that the Tefilla was not nearly at the standard they desired. I realized that the system was not working. We were trying to enforce the classic Synagogue system of Tefilla for students that clearly were unengaged and uninspired. I incorporated my Tefilla system of shortening the Tefilla by half and saying the entire Tefilla Out Loud, and in a few weeks the level of Tefilla had improved significantly. Most importantly, I managed to change the entire culture of Tefilla, making it important again! This experience gave me the incentive and platform to design The Tefilla Project.