On May 17, 2009, JOFA convened a workshop for educators of Humash. The program was held at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education in Manhattan.

The workshop brought together a select group of bible teachers who shared both the challenges they face in teaching Humash and the strategies they have developed in their own classrooms.  Twenty participants analyzed JOFA’s Shemot enrichment curriculum, reflected on its pedagogical approach and methodologies, and planned how to implement its tools in their own lessons.

The JOFA curriculum provides teachers with 9 units of study that include multi-sensory activities aimed at engaging of students with varying learning styles.  Each of student-centered lesson encourages dialogue among the students and fosters individual sense-making skills.  Students develop a deep understanding of the narrative and an appreciation for the biblical characters as real people by engaging directly with the text and bringing their own questions into the classroom discussions. 

Click here to read an interview with two day school Humash teachers who have piloted the Shemot curriculum.  Click here to learn more about JOFA's Shemot curriculum.

Through this workshop, JOFA developed a community of practice among participants to reinforce the methodologies and provide ongoing peer support. It is our hope that the participating teachers bring their learning back to their schools, utilize the curriculum components in their classrooms, and are encourage their colleagues to do the same.