The Chofetz Chayim teaches:
If after giving a situation much thought, a teacher comes to the conclusion that a particular student has a behavioral or learning problems and feels that it will not be possible to deal with the problem without the involvement of the principal, other teachers, or the student’s parents, then the teacher should speak to the necessary parties without delay.
by Joel Lurie Grishaver
In Pirke Avot, 1:15 we find this famous text. Shammai says: “Make of thy Torah study a fixed practice; say little and do much; and greet all people with a cheerful countenance.”
by Joel Lurie GrishaverThis text is found in the Shulhan Arukh. It is powerful because it talks about anger and frustration—realities for all of us who teach.
by Joel Lurie GrishaverOne of my favorite texts of all times is Rashi’s comments on the first verse of the Torah.
God created people because God loves stories—Elie Wiesel, The Gates of the Forest
Jonathan Safran Foer wrote that Jews have 6 senses, the usual 5 plus one more—memory. (Everything Is Illuminated).
At this time of year when Jews throughout the world prepare for Pesah we tend to remember the sedarim of our past.
I’ll never forget the seders of my childhood at Nanny and Gramps’ apartment in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. Approaching the building we could see that all four floors of windows were steamy. The minute we opened the lobby door, the smell of gefilte fish smacked us in the face. It stunk up the lobby. It surrounded us in the elevator.
TAPBB 