Not too many Jewish supplementary schools can boast an alumni roster featuring Academy Award winning brothers, an interior designer with his own nationally syndicated television show who counts Oprah among his fans and a 3-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist. But Talmud Torah of Minneapolis can!
Yes, these amazing individuals all attended Talmud Torah, a community school located in St. Louis Park serving students in grades 2-12 with a curriculum based on three major principles: Torah (study), Avodah (worship), and G’milut Hasadim (acts of loving kindness).
On Sunday, May 15, 2011, the Talmud Torah will hold its Annual Benefit honoring Tom Friedman with the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Lifetime Achievement. The event, which will be held at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka, will begin at 7:00 p.m. and includes a dessert reception. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions to this Q & A forum. A VIP reception and dinner will take place prior to the program starting at 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.,respectively.
Thomas L. Friedman is an internationally renowned author, reporter, and columnist. He is the recipient of three Pulitzer Prizes and the author of five bestselling books, among them From Beirut to Jerusalem and The World Is Flat. Friedman began his writing career at the London Bureau of the United Press International, and went on to work at The New York Times in various capacities, where he currently writes the Foreign Affairs column, a job he “always aspired to,” he says. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Friedman was a student at the Talmud Torah from 1961 to 1965.
Also to be honored are Dr. Mort and Merle Kane, longtime community leaders and philanthropists who will be recognized for their ongoing commitment to Jewish education. The Kanes have a passion for promoting Jewish education for all ages. They helped institute the Ethical Start program at the Early Childhood Center at the JCC, which focuses on pre-school children and their families, teaching them about Jewish values and living a Jewish life. They have also developed and funded a number of continuing education programs and scholarships for teachers at various Jewish schools.
How can you win tickets to see Tom Friedman on May 15?
Answer this question in the comments to this post before Friday, 4/29/11 at 5pm for your chance to win: Who was the most important teacher in your Jewish education? We’ll draw the lucky winner’s name randomly, so there’s no right answer.
[Eds. Note: We’re defining “Jewish education” loosely folks. We’re not just talking about your amazing Torah teacher in Hebrew school (shout out to Yosi Gordon, though). Did you get your Jewish education from Adam Sandler? Or from a specific junior high school literature teacher who introduced you to The Diary of Anne Frank? Let us know. ]
(Image: Courtesy of Tom Friedman)
Rabbi Steven Schwarzchild was my most important teacher in my Jewish education. He was the rabbi at Temple Beth El in Fargo, North Dakota. We were living in Devils Lake, North Dakota and my Jewish education consisted of a monthly trip to Fargo to attend Sunday School. He convinced my parents to move to Fargo for my Jewish education, and that of my siblings. He oversaw my Jewish education, beginning with Hebrew tutoring at age 14, attending Hebrew School and confirmation.
My father, who taught me about being a Kohen and giving the priestly blessing on the High Holidays.
Before a visit to Los Angeles last year, I would have said New York City itself, my hometown, where the whole world itself seemed Jewish. However, I recently connected with a Holocaust survivor from my mother’s town–my parents were both survivors–who is the only person I’ve ever met (other than my parents, who have now both passed away) with a living memory of relatives before the war. This man, a brilliant scientist, linguist, and torah scholar, spent several hours with my husband and I discussing Rashi and Talmudic interpretation, and his sense of reverence and vibrant joy in sharing (at age 90!) was one of the most profoundly moving experiences of my life. I felt like we were invited into a spiritual master class. I had had no formal Jewish education growing up–quite frankly, my parents were driven by their experiences to build a secure future and poured all of their energies into their business–but sharing time with this man made me wish, for the first time, that I had pursued a Judaic path of learning.
As a seven year old, Aaron Kass (the one who didn’t pinch cheeks) of the Minneapolis Talmud Torah, taught me Modeh Ani. I remember telling him it didn’t apply to me. He told me I’d understand it and Judaism more as I grew. What a wise teacher.
My dad, who was the best Jew I ever knew. He lived an ethical life both with his family and in his every day dealings. Isn’t that the best way to give your children a Jewish education?
All of the clergy, staff and fellow members of Temple Israel in Minneapolis have played a pivotal role in my Jewish education. From my consecration to my confirmation to my adult membership and involvement, Temple Israel has provided a welcoming place full of spirituality, learning and community.
My father, who makes sure I go to Talmud Torah and study for my bar mitzvah.
My husband, who teaches me something new about Judaism almost every day.
My dad, who sends me to Herzl and Talmud Torah.
My daddy, who sent me to preschool at the synagogue, and soon to Talmud Torah of Minneapolis, just like my brother and sister!!!!!!
My brother, who leads the Seder every Passover, and reminds me of every Yahrzeit I need to know.
My father, who also taught me the importance of the Kohanim.
Adam Weisberg, who ran a California Hillel for years, was an incredible influence!
My Uncle, who continues to give my mother faith in raising me to be a nice Jewish girl.
Moses
The rabbi at the synagogue where I grew up, who taught me private Hebrew lessons to get me caught up to have a Bat Mitzvah on time (I didn’t start Jewish education until 4th grade).
Rabbi Zisenwine, when he was the Conservative Rabbi at Shaare Zion Synagogue: He recognized that at 12 years old I was ready to engage in serious, weighty topics and he also guided me to Jewish summer camping.
Rabbi Esther Addler at Mt. Zion in St. Paul – I’m a Jew by Choice… her teaching is what inspired me to make the decision to convert, and to continue learning
My favorite Talmud Torah teacher was Mar Nachshon who taught in the 1950’s. He brought alive the poetry of Jeremiah with so much passion. I can still tune in to that energy. He elevated us to a higher level of appreciation for the prophets.
And the winner is….. Diane!!!!! Congrats! We’ll email you with all the details to get your free tickets soon. The rest of you, go buy tickets to the event! Obviously you each care passionately about Judaism and Jewish education – what better way to support those values than to buy a ticket (or two, or six, if you’re Steve K) to bring yourself and your family to an event that supports the future of Jewish education in the Twin Cities! Go, be a mensch!
And thanks to the Talmud Torah of Minneapolis for the free tickets!