It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to share our appreciation for our teachers!
A TorahTutors tutor recently raised a common dilemma: She and her student were about to reach the long list of Esav’s descendents (Bereishit 36) and she was concerned that it might feel tedious to the student.
How to engage a tweenager in a litany of unfamiliar people and places, interspersed with uncommon words like “aluf”?
After discussion with colleagues and the student’s parents (who are knowledgable themselves and deeply involved in their child’s learning), she decided not to skip the list of progeny, but to focus on aspects of the details and the big picture that might appeal to this particular student. For instance: making a family tree, discussing how this list fits broader patterns in Sefer Bereishit; and how we might understand the value of genealogical lists containing people we know nothing else about.
There are always choices to make regarding which material to study, and how, and why. We are so appreciative to our tutors who put so much time and energy into those decisions, gearing each learning session for the individual student.
That’s how we can provide Torah learning on any text or topic, anytime, anywhere, for anyone, of any age or background. 🙂
A Tuesday TorahTutors Tidbit: real Torah, from real TorahTutors sessions.
