True Tefila

Why this program was created:

Many students dread the amount of time they spend in Tefila. Students are told to be silent or suffer the disciplinary consequences. As a result the experience of Tefila is not one that is teaching an appreciation of Tefila.  Students do not fully understand why we pray, what the words of prayer mean, and or how prayer can become meaningful. As a consequence students become negative or apathetic toward Tefila. My solution for this pervasive problem is to incorporate student-based learning in Tefila. I would like to encourage other educators to create a more positive atmosphere in Tefila,  where students can own their own individual learning and growth. Students are given the element of choice in how they wish to connect with their Creator. Among the choices are expression through art, music, language, kinesthetic, movement, etc. Tefila is not just a part of our scheduled curriculum, it is a part of our culture. We are exposed to Tefila daily: in the morning, in the afternoon, in the night, on Shabbat and on holidays.Tefila is an integral part of our Jewish identity and has been a core practice for centuries. As educators, it is our responsibility to facilitate a love and understanding of Tefila in the hearts and minds of the children in this generation. At the onset of the year, my students create individual aims and goals in our Tefila class. They work to achieve a sincere connection with Hashem that will continue to develop throughout our lives. My students impress me on a daily basis. They have surpassed my goals and aspirations for the way they have responded to this Tefila program.

Rabbi Darren Blackstein has been a teacher for over twenty years, teaching both his students and his children. From my father I have learned to live by certain values. After watching my father dedicate himself to teaching others, I was inspired to follow in his footsteps as an educator. I attended Stern as part of the Legacy Heritage Jewish Educators Project, receiving my BA in Judaic Studies with a concentration in Jewish Education. I received a MS from the Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education & Administration. I taught Chumash and Navi at the middle school of Westchester Day School and currently teach in Hollywood, Florida at Brauser Maimonides Academy. I am passionate about teaching, and learning from, my students. This year I teach Tefila, Navi (Shmuel Aleph & Bet), and Chumash (Sefer Bamidbar) to separate classes of girls and boys. In addition to teaching in a formal setting, I have also worked in the field of informal education. I have worked as the Youth Director at Shaare Tefillah in Teaneck, the head of Sports at Camp Regesh, a special education teacher at JESC in River Edge, and an NCSY advisor in Oakland, CA. I have been privileged with many opportunities to educate children and cannot wait to share innovation with each and every one of you to help more students! While I enjoy teaching all subjects, my particular passion is to teach Tefila. My goal is for students to be able to genuinely connect to our Creator. If educators are able to empower more students to feel that they want to pray instead of feeling like they have to pray than we can truly foster the continuation of our messorah (tradition) of the next generation of Jews.