The D'var Torah Connection
Vision / Description: Empowering youth, adult leaders and professionals to write powerful divrei Torah by learning to build connections with and between texts and values
Learner Goals and Objectives
- Build capacity to make connections between Jewish texts and concepts and to connect them to events and ethical lessons
- Recognize interconnectivity of all knowledge
- Master resources through which one can glean Jewish texts and concepts
- Understand Mind Mapping and its utility in crafting divrei Torah
Integration and Alignment with Other Learning, Including:
- Jewish ethics and values
- Biblical and rabbinic texts
- Exercises using texts (beginning with secular and concluding with Jewish) as core of building mind maps
- Group conversations sharing types of meetings, events or services at which divrei Torah might be delivered, and identification of related Jewish concepts and values
- Hands-on use of print and online English text resources, such as on1foot.org, Book of Legends, Talmudic Anthology
- Practice session in writing d¡¦var Torah (individually or small groups)
- Follow up ¡V Long distance coaching in writing of divrei Torah
Evaluation
- Formal evaluations through written tools and discussion
- Critical Friends groups and/or Community of Practice (among participants)
- Blog / VLog to share experiences
Recommended Opportunities
- Retreats or programs for youth or college age
- Adult Education
- High School leadership groups or classes
- Adult leadership development
- Staff Orientation and Professional Learning
- Jewish Connectivity in Residence weekend
A Projected Success Story
An upcoming session will teach leaders of a Jewish Federation how to develop a d'var Torah relevant to upcoming meetings. Participants will brainstorm ideas, learn to develop mind maps to think creatively, and work with online Jewish texts in small groups. We are projecting a great year of meetings at which local Jewish lay leaders will bring thoughtful, creative and relevant divrei Torah to set the tones for their meetings' work, and to put their leadership roles in a Jewish context.