Brussels – A multi-cultural Jewish conference in Europe
8/12/2002 – 12/12/2002

A unique conference took place in Brussels during December 2002.
In cooperation with Jade - Programme de Judaïsme de l'Alliance Département Européen - early childhood teachers and directors from 14 countries in Europe were able to attend a Jewish educational seminary. *

It was a special opportunity to hear about the current Jewish living in different countries - every Jewish community with its own characteristics and challenges.

Over the course of 4 days we were occupied with the major issues concerning early childhood Jewish education:

• Why a Jewish Gan?
• What happens in a Jewish Gan that is not happening elsewhere?
• Who can assist the Jewish early childhood teacher (the Ganenet)?
• Why and how to teach the Hebrew language in the Gan?
• New trends in early childhood education – acquaintance with programs and attitudes common in Israel.
• Why and how to teach about Israel?
• Shabbat as an ongoing theme and new ideas for "Kabalat Shabbat"
• Working with parents
• Being Jewish in Germany/ Turkey/ Poland/ Sweden/ Morocco…..means….

In-between every Ganenet introduced the participants to her Gan and her educational philosophy.
Every teacher was asked to bring with her the latest weekend newspaper in her country. The papers were one of our means to get to know each other.
Seeing the Jewish world through so many languages, cultures and realities – made this conference so special!

 

* The program JADE helps the Jewish schools in the small communities through
Europe since 1999.
You can also visit the jade site:
http://www.aiu.org/jade/photos/photos_bruxelles_he.asp