A group of educators from Afula-Gilboa and Westport met for 10 days in Westport in July for a joint workshop. This visit was part of a unique program recently developed in the SNEC-Afula/Gilboa Partnership, which brings together educators from both communities to collaborate in writing curriculum units that they will concurrently teach to their respective students. The Israeli teachers were hosted in local homes. The group met every day for a 6-hour workshop, which consisted of facilitated discussions on Jewish identity, Judaism in America and Israel and Jewish Continuity, as well as workgroups that wrote together a curriculum that will be taught in the teachers' classes on both sides of the ocean. Social activities and local trips were also part of this fascinating encounter. A local Westport paper featured an article on the group's endeavors.

The Westport educators opened their hearts and homes to the Israeli group, and strong, warm bonds were created between the participants.

The teachers will continue to communicate via e-mail in the coming months, sharing ideas and comparing notes on the teaching process of the new curriculum in their respective classrooms. The Westport educators are expected to come for a reciprocal visit and workshop in Afula-Gilboa in December.

  Tishrei 5762 - September 2001