I hate model programs. If you live anywhere in the world of Jewish life, model programs seem to be the magical fountain of that life. Whether it is foundations, federations, synagogues, or individual teachers, the model of collecting “models” seems to be the latest messianic movement.
Go to a conference of teachers and you will find yourself glutted by the “handout queens.” These are Jewish education’s own “bag ladies.” Try to teach and you will find yourself attacked by an endless progression of people whose monologue begins, “I can’t…” and ends with “but can I have the handout?” It is as if the great teachers know the hidden path to the secret Sargasso Handout Sea—and the excellence of their instruction can be gleaned off old session outlines and worksheets designed to fit someone else’s teaching rhythm. I have often fantasized about offering a session called “classic handouts” and doing nothing more than bringing cartons of things I have passed out at previous sessions and let people pick over them at their will. I am convinced that it would be a great success.
Posted by Joel Lurie Grishaver 