Paradigm Project Fourth Annual Conference

Introduction to the worldview of the lenses - an important aspect of seamless Jewish life in our schools. A place where Jewish big ideas meet the Reggio Emilia big ideas.

What does it mean to wear a lens? Why are some schools working with the concept of seamless Judaism through these lenses? How can you create a systemic vision that emerges from Jewish values and is expressed in all aspects of the school: culture, values, decisions, relationships, curriculum and experiences?  How do lenses help you understand excellence in early childhood Jewish education?

If you ever wondered how to make Jewish life and values an important aspect of your work, come explore together! You will walk out with a new way of seeing and understanding the world of Jewish early childhood education.

This session is tailored to those who never heard about the lenses, briefly heard about them or would like a refresher of the basics.

An in-depth study of how the lenses of Masa – journey - and Drash – inquiry, dialogue and reflection - can guide everyday experiences in our schools.

We will work to understand how these lenses provide a framework to guide and invite quality work.

We will explore how these lenses live through: a shared vision, life-long learning, listening, observing, documenting, reflecting, inquiry and interpretation.

This is an in-depth study of how the lens Tzelem Elokim – Divine Image - can guide every day experiences in our schools. We will work to understand how this lens provides a framework to guide and invite quality work.

We will explore how this lens lives through: dignity, recognition of strengths and potential in every member of our school; children, educators, families and community at large.

This is an in-depth study of how the lenses of Kedusha – Holiness, in time and in space, and Hitorerut – Awakening – can guide everyday experiences in our schools. We will work to understand how these lenses provide a framework to guide and invite quality work.

We will explore how these lenses live through intentionality and presence, and amazement and gratitude. We will study how the setup of environments and the use of time can infuse our days with added significance and what kind of experiences can be cultivated when these lenses are lived.

This is an in-depth study of how the lenses of B’rit – Covenant - and Tikkun Olam – Repair of the World - can guide everyday experiences in our schools. We will work to understand how these lenses provide a framework to guide and invite quality work.

We will explore how these lenses live through: belonging and commitment; agreements, understandings and boundaries; ability to engage in difficult conversations; relationships and responsibility.  What type of relationships need to be established for our community to thrive? How do we create belonging within a framework of shared expectations?