Re: Re: Adon Olam

[QuelliPG <QuelliPG...>]

Alice et al, I didn't mean to imply that our model was the only way to get
through to kids, but we have seen it work very successfully at Camp Ramah.
VERY successfully.  And at day schools.  It does help that they do it daily
rather than once a week, but I absolutely believe that it is a model that
works.  I think that most teenagers and pre-teens DON'T want their teachers to
be bringing teen culture into the classroom, just as they don't want their
parents to act or dress like them!  If I'm wrong, as you seem to imply, then I
would say use pop tunes to teach Hebrew vocabulary, holiday themes or anything
else you want them to memorize...and maybe, just maybe for drilling the words
to prayers (I wouldn't do it)  but not for actual praying.  And another piece
of the Gershon prayer philosophy...always separate teaching prayer from
praying.  Allow davening experiences to be true praying experiences.  don't
interrupt to teach what a prayer means or to teach a new melody.  (do that
before you start)
by the way, Rabbi Robert Scheinberg of this list was a former camper of ours
at Ramah (boy do I feel old)...Do you remember what it was like to daven with
Billy?

Raquel Gershon
Minneapolis