HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

134-136 Magazine Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 497-7626
Fax: (617) 497-7830
Web address: www.eitz.org/
Email: rabbi@eitz.org

Contact Person: Rabbi Liza Stern

Project: Congregation Eitz Chayim, a postdenominational, egalitarian Jewish community, offers a comprehensive Jewish education program for all ages. The synagogue is located in Cambridge, holds worship services, conducts community events, and operates an innovative afternoon Hebrew School. The Hebrew School, formerly the Harvard Hillel Children's School, teaches kindergarten through eighth grade; it also provides opportunities for high school students to become teachers' aides. The curriculum includes prayer and Hebrew grammar, social studies in the form of an open classroom situation called Projects, Bible studies, Jewish History, and Jewish ethics and values. Alongside the children's school, Eitz Chayim conducts Adult Education on a variety of topics relevant to the community and organizes Community Events that take place throughout the academic year at Eitz Chayim. These events provide opportunities for parents and children to participate in Jewish learning together.

Student Involvement: Interns will teach Hebrew School on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings. In addition to teaching resposibilities, interns would have opportunities to become involved in the operations of the synagogue, depending upon his/her interest. These duties could include the following: 1) organizing and directing Community Events, 2) supervising the Projects class in the Hebrew School, 3) devising creative lesson plans and working with other teachers, 4) assisting in synagogue administrative responsibilities, and 5) working with the rabbi on spiritual and educational projects.

Arts of Ministry Competencies: Religious Education and Spiritual Development. Administration and Program Development. Public Leadership, Community Organizing and Planning.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook