For thirteen Florence Melton Mini-school teachers, the unforgettable ten days spent together in Jerusalem this December will forever change the way they teach adults.

The participants in the Fourth Annual International FMAMS Faculty took part in a jammed-packed schedule of learning experiences with some of the most outstanding educators in the Jewish world today. The balance between Torah study and presentations that focused on teaching methodology offered our faculty members the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into the many issues uniquely associated with the teaching of adults.

Among the presenters were Dr. Michael Rosenak, Professor Avigdor Shinan, Dr. Rachel Elior, Rabbi Pesach Schindler, Dr. Howard Deitcher, Professor Menachem Hirshmann, Dr. Ora Zohar, Dr. David Dishon, Dr. Elie Holzer, Dr, Gabriel Horenczyk, and Shani Taragin.

In addition, the participants were privileged to an opening presentation by International Director of FMAMS, Dr. Yonatan Mirvis, who described several significantly different approaches to adult education. For many of our participants, this was a real eye-opener!

Rabbi Michael Balinsky, Director of Professional Development in the North American office presented several thought provoking sessions which allowed our faculty to reflect on their own teaching, giving them many very pragmatic ideas to consider in their work.

Also, staff member Haim Aronovitz led the group on several educational tours throughout Jerusalem, and Rabbi Morey Schwartz led the group in some hands-on activities revolving around the FMAMS curriculum.

All in all, being in Jerusalem during this difficult time was a special experience for all of our participants. They return feeling closer to Israel, closer to each other, and with a much deeper understanding of their role as teachers of Jewish adults and the special link that exists between the FMAMS and the Hebrew University.