TTN – Torah Times News

By: Rabbi Israel Rubin, Rabbi Michael Caras
from Maimonides Hebrew Day School

Category:
Interdisciplinary Integration

Subject(s) of entry:
English/ Writing/ Language Arts, Tanach, Technology

Pedagogy:
Experiential Education, PBL - project based learning, 21st Century Skills

Grade(s) to which this was taught:
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Elementary school, Middle school, High school

Grade(s) for which this will be useful:
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Middle school, High school

Live coverage of the breaking news stories of the Torah as it unfolds minute by minute. Narrate the weekly Torah portion as a news script and film the students acting as news anchors, reporters, meteorologist, etc. then edit into a short video to share with other schools and public viewers.

Entry Narrative

Torah Times News 2.0

The TNT Program (Torah ‘n Technology) at Maimonides integrates curriculum studies and enrichment programs with technology, following our school motto: “A Beautiful Blend, Torah and Worldly Experience.” This program helps students find relevant and creative expression to their learning, as well as instruction in important technology skills and experience with hands-on activities.

To make Torah relevant “The Torah Times” presents Torah events as “Breaking news” Happening right now! All the text and presentation will be developed by Maimonides students, blending Torah knowledge with creativity, humor, writing, and graphic design. Highly creative, “The Torah Times” engages students to find the essential messages of the Torah that connects to life & current events today. Torah Personalities shed their ancient robes and venues and their stories come to life in a modern, relatable format. Midrash/commentaries become our news outlets with the inside scoop. This personifies Rashi’s translation of the Shema: “Hayom Al Levavecha” – not to view our study as an old chronicle, but each day it should be seen as new and current. In addition to publishing The Torah Times in hard copy, Maimonides students now produce this creative torah content in multimedia format called TTN -Torah Times News.

Project Description

Live coverage of the breaking news stories of the Torah as it unfolds minute by minute. Narrate the weekly Torah portion as a news script and film the students acting as news anchors, reporters, meteorologist, etc. then we edit into a short video to share with other schools, etc. We use cameras, lighting, microphones, green screens, video editing, animation, etc. Part of the new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Makerspace at Maimonides – JSTEAM through a Jewish lens.

Student Learning Goal/s:
Maimonides students help develop Torah Times brainstorming how to best deliver relevant Torah lessons. Torah means “Hora’ah” – a teaching; in order for the teaching to really impact the student, it has to be real. The Torah Times brings the learning to the students level and ensures that the learning is relevant and true. The benefits are realized for the students creating the material, the teachers, and of course for viewers of all ages.

Project Outcomes:

The students found that Torah is not always current in people’s minds and have developed a plan to address it. Our dedicated Film director Rabbi Michael Caras provides tech assistance to support the students in their work. Students display increased confidence and leadership tackling this project and pride in their work.

Torah Times News  Channel

Entrant Bio(s)

Rabbi Israel Rubin- Creative Journalism Course Teacher - The Torah Times at Maimonides
Teaching Goals • Make Talmudic issues relevant, with historic background & lifestyles of Talmud personalities.
• Use "Torah Times" as Torah creative learning tool.
Publications: • The "Torah Times • Blossoms Pirkay Avoth analytical study • Shem Avosai- biography and names of Talmudic sage • The Albany Haggadah.

Rabbi Michael Caras - I have always been interested in video and film. With video, you can reach a wider audience and my goal is to produce a message that is clear and to the point. I think video is the future of getting your message out to the world. I'm also a Rabbi and Judaic teacher at Maimonides Hebrew Day School in Albany.