Educator Impact:
Jen Schiffer

“After receiving an email in early fall outlining a trip to Israel entitled ‘Mishlachot Areyvut,’ or ‘Delegations of Responsibility,’ I stopped what I was doing, eager to learn more. Having my own areyvut here at the ECC and in my personal life, I rarely stop to consider engaging in such opportunities. This trip, however, meant something to me. Not only was it specifically focused on Israel education for young learners, but its goal was to help educators reframe Israel education in a post-October 7th world. I didn’t put much thought into applying—I knew the time was now. The last time I traveled to Israel I was seven years old. 

While traveling in Israel in February with an amazing cohort of educators, I was struck by the layers of complexity that define the country and the current situation. I came away with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility to share my experience with others. The challenge I, like many of us face at the present time, is “how” to do this. 

In my role as a school leader and educator, my goal is to help guide and inspire my community. This includes my teachers, their students, and the families in our school. I have felt the scope and importance of my role take on even more significance since October 7th. On my recent trip to Israel, we visited schools, spoke with early childhood educators and community members, and learned firsthand about how their lives have changed in the 17 months since the first attacks. The overwhelming theme I heard over and over from relatives of fallen soldiers, from parents and siblings of hostages, from teachers working in communities where family members are fighting in Gaza is this: the Jewish people have a history of resiliency and hope. The words “we will dance again” remain present in my mind in the days since I returned home from my trip. I heard and sensed a feeling of responsibility amongst the people we spoke with that they take care of one another. Strangers become friends and these friends become family. Shabbat continues to come every week, and as a new week begins, life continues to move forward. 

I very much realize and understand that returning ‘home’ is a privilege. What many once considered ‘home’ in Israel no longer exists. And yet… Israel and its people continue to act, to share stories, to live. This is what I believe is a thread that connects Israel’s past to its present, and to its future. Israeli history is fraught with conflict and peace, victory and defeat, sadness and fear, and so many stories and perspectives. 

We need to keep talking, to keep unpacking what we know to be true, and to continue asking questions. Our learners depend on us to show them the way. In early childhood education we have songs and colors and images to share. We can tell stories and share rituals and remind our students that as much as we are different, we are connected. Day after day, the flowers still bloom and Israel continues to exist, with hope for better days to come.”