Shalhevet Unplugged

Over 80 years since the Holocaust decimated European Jewry, educating our students about it has never been more important. But how should we teach about it? Is it about guilt? Mortality? Memory and history? Beyond that, how do we speak about Hashem and Yiddeshkeit in the shadow of the Shoah?Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi discuss Shalhevet's annual Senior Poland-Israel Experience — which begins with Europe's shetls, ghettos, and concentration camps, and ends at the Kotel in Jerusalem — and why setting an "agenda" is the wrong move.

A comedic video made the rounds on social media: a parody of "every" Zionist and Yeshivish rebbe talking on Yom Ha'atzmaut.The joke poked at the tension Jewish schools face over their relationship to the State of Israel, specifically: Should our schools be pushing aliyah and IDF service?As always, Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi speak about Zionism, living in the diaspora, and how to approach the question of living in the Jewish state. Tune in for a candid, unfiltered conversation about aliyah.

The challenge of engaging high school students in the rigor and commitment of Talmud Torah is nothing new, but as yeshivot in Israel explore new methods — and as rebbeim and teachers try to improve upon old ones — the question must be asked: Is there a right way to teach Gemara in high school? Rabbi Gabe Falk joins Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi to discuss what goes into formulating a Talmud Torah curriculum at various levels, and balancing Jewish values and student experience in the ever-changing pedagogy of Jewish schools.Tune in for a candid, unfiltered conversation about teaching Talmud Torah.

What's a teacher's role in their student's high school experience — and how does it differ from a parent's? Students' academic, social, and religious growth often falls under a microscope during their four years of high school. Sometimes, that scrutiny helps to support students stepping into adulthood. Other times, it creates undue stress that can derail a student's journey.Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi talk about how to understand the collaborative work of teachers and parents in helping students thrive — what does a good partnership look like? When should students be given more space? When is more involvement called for?Tune in for a candid, unfiltered conversation about facilitating the high school experience.

This is a classic question Jewish schools encounter whenever February rolls around, and the Super Bowl hype begins to bubble. But aside from the question itself, how should students think about these types of questions?Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi talk about Super Bowl halftime shows, secular culture, and what thoughtful Modern Orthodoxy can look like — how often do we think about our values? Our relationship to the secular world? When should we engage and when should we draw the line? Tune in for a candid conversation about perspectives in Jewish education amidst a modern and secular world.

What's it like teaching Jewish students? How does it differ from leading a school of Jewish students? Why move from teacher to Head of School?Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi talk with Rabbi David Block — Shalhevet's Head of School — about his professional journey, the struggles of Jewish education, being the "boss" of your friends, and the beauty of teaching in every part of life.Tune in for a candid, unfiltered conversation about what it takes to run a Jewish school.

From social media and smartphones to color war and bonding Shabbatons, Jewish schools are not what they once were. Today, they are really, really fun. Is that a bad thing? Is it successful?Rabbis Ari Schwarzberg and Yagil Tsaidi talk about their childhood memories, the teacher-student relationship, what parents want out of school, and how vastly the past differs from the present.  Tune in for a candid, unfiltered conversation about whether Jewish schools are too fun.

Many Jewish high schools bring their upperclassmen on an annual trip to Poland—bearing witness to the Holocaust’s horrors, discovering Jewish heritage, and facing history. But are Poland trips still relevant, or important? What’s the point of them, and should we rethink their purpose?On the heels of Shalhevet’s Poland-Israel trip for seniors, Rabbi David Block is joined by Judaic Studies Faculty Rabbi Yagil Tsaidi and guidance counselor Gabriella Marcus to breakdown what these trips entail, what their goals are, and if they are achieving something worthwhile for Jewish students.

Rabbi Block sits down with former Shalhevet Firehawk, Rachel Lester '12, on what she's been up to since she graduated, her IDF service and her role in the IDF Spokesman's office since October 7th defending the State of Israel in its digital war. Rachel gives some great tips on how to effectively engage with others online.

Last week, we spoke about Neo-Chassidus from a more analytic, sociological perspective — why it’s here, why Modern Orthodoxy is drawn to it, etc. Today, we explore Neo-Chassidus from the “inside”: What does it promise, feel like, offer? Infusing our Judaism with rich spirituality and deep meaning is crucial to Modern Orthodoxy today. How does it highlight what we were missing before? Rabbi David Block is joined by Shalhevet Judaic faculty Rabbis Derek Gormin and Yagil Tsaidi, to explore the world of Neo-Chassidus from the inside — and from the world of Modern Orthodoxy — taking last week’s episode to a new level.

There seems to be a shift in Modern Orthodoxy toward neo-Chassidus, a more emotionally charged Judaism. We see this in the community as a whole, as well as in the high school educational experience. Modern Orthodoxy, in its purest form, has historically been expressed as a “colder” intellectual endeavor, and we may be experiencing a correction to embrace those in the community that crave something more, something different.Rabbi David Block is joined by Shalhevet Judaic faculty Rabbi Ari Schwarzberg and Dr. Sheila Keiter, to explore the changes in Modern Orthodoxy and how neo-Chassidus has changed our community and relationship with G-d and Judaism.

Are we still connected to Israel? Over four months since October 7, Jews everywhere are struggling to stay connected to Israel while also living our lives and tending to daily obligations. How do we keep Israel front and center? Rabbi David Block is joined by Sarah Emerson, Shalhevet COO, and Rabbi Ari Schwarzberg, Shalhevet Judaic Faculty, to break down these questions and search for some answers.

Since October 7, antisemitism has raged across the world — but especially on college campuses. How should that affect Jewish students applying to colleges, and more specifically, Jewish schools preparing them to apply?Rabbi David Block is joined by Sarah Emerson (Chief Operating Officer), Malka Popper (Chief Academic Officer), and Jordan Moss (Director of College Counseling) to break down these questions and search for some answers.