Few would argue that prayer can, and should be, an enjoyable and meaningful experience.  But it often isn't, neither for adults nor children.  A groundbreaking seminar with national and cross denominational representation was held in July at the Pearlstone Retreat Center to address this challenge.  We were fortunate to have Rabbi Gewirtz participate.

The group participated in group discussions, classes led by individual participants, and webinars with world renowned experts in prayer education and child development.  Goals were determined and methodologies shared and developed.  Participants were charged with bringing new approaches to their schools and reporting back the results.

Back at the Silver Academy, Rabbi Gewirtz shared his experience with the other Judaic Studies teachers and inaugurated a prayer program for fifth through eighth grades called "Davening Lab".  So that students could develop a personal connection with the prayers, homework and "after davening" projects are designed to help them discover how the prayers express their own thoughts and feelings.  Time is reserved for the students to share and discuss their ideas with the group.  On certain days, individual "quiet" davening replaces the standard group choral davening.  Mrs. Layala Males leads the girls in their own Tefilah group once a week to allow the students the benefit of a gender specific prayer environment.  Students are encouraged and required to periodically lead the tefilot in order to learn that important skill.

There is no doubt that Davening Lab, like all educational strategies, will require some tweaking. But it is already making a positive contribution to Tefilah at the Silver Academy.