Does formal schooling really teach you how to think, or does it influence you to defend your society's values? Rabbi Berger presents a sobering look at the current trends in education, and suggests an attitude you might consider adopting for being a truly free thinker of the highest order.
We all want polite kids, so naturally we cringe when our children speak in ways that may be forbidden. Rav Berkovits begins with a short review of the pertinent laws of forbidden speech and then he brings cases of kids who keep violating them - and explains how and at what stage a parent should intervene. Also, what if a child is always hurting other people verbally? Hear how to convey these laws, and at the same time not squash their need to communicate.
For many wives, the experience of 10 Days of Awe consists of cooking, kids and keeping house. In this two part class Rav Berkovits firstly explains how a responsible husband, particularly during the month of Elul, can encourage his wife to grow, and in what ways he can help lessen her burden. In the second part hear practical ways he can share his daily acquired knowledge with her - especially during the first year of marriage. Learn the art of sharing life messages with the one you love the most.
Before we discipline our children, it's a good idea to first understand what in fact discipline is supposed to accomplish. Without paying attention to this goal we tend to slip into telling them "if you don't... then you can't..." Learn the fundamentals for upgrading their behavior without threats or manipulation. Also hear a few techniques on teaching and reaching without needing to get tough.
Dealing with the school system today may be very different from the system you grew up with. Rabbi Greenwald compares the roles, responsibilities and conjunctions between the school and parents, and recommends ways to worm your way onto the good side of your child’s teachers and principal.
Teaching children to be 'menschen' is top priority. So at what stage does their 'playing' end, and serious character building begin? And more, to what extent are parents responsible for their child's life decisions? Rabbi Leff sets out the parameters and realigns misconceptions that undermine basic educational standards that should prevail in the home.
This class is jam-packed with analogies and stories - blink twice and you'll miss a lot. Rabbi Morgenstern gives a clear but entertaining expose on how to practically live up to Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah (proper behavior as the foundation of Torah). Actions such as simply helping to tidy up, mentioning the value of work others do, plus hear a score of other practical ways to put your learning into action.
Honoring parents properly is perhaps our hardest job, which most of us really don't live up to. Hear how to educate your children to have the proper fear and respect towards your 'spouse' - which will help us to pass this vital mitzvah on to the next generation of parents and children.
The Haggadah was designed to be given over in ‘question & answer' format – to awaken and teach us about this Pesach epic over and over again from scratch. Rabbi Orlowek explains how this carefully constructed classic shows us the most effective way to stimulate interest, and how to draw out feelings to experience the hardships and miracles our nation experienced in Egypt. In other words, hear some well-honed advice on keeping you kids awake and involved.
Rabbi Orlowek explains why children, and many adults for that matter, need to first feel they are in a supportive, conducive environment before they can open up. Experience the art of active listening at its finest, and how it encourages the upset person to more freely express what is bothering them - furthering a stronger trust between you.