Mitzvah Initiative—Frequently Asked Questions

What is scaffolding?

This second version of the Mitzvah Initiative is based on feedback that was collected in the formal evaluation of the pilot year. Many participants said that the direct link between study and practice was not made clear enough at the outset. We would also like to track more types of change among participants this year. The idea for a system of support came from one of the pilot congregations, Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, New Jersey. Because synagogues already function with committees and laypeople involved in mitzvah activities of all sorts, this seemed a natural way to make the Mitzvah Initiative function more as a "grassroots community-organizing project" instead of a standard adult education program. It was also felt that the rabbi should not be the sole person in the congregation coaching individuals in their practice, and that the entire community could share this role. To that end, we asked rabbis, other professionals, and laypeople, before signing on to be part of this project, to begin this conversation in advance, so they could involve more people and think together about the best ways that the Initiative might fit into the specific culture of each congregation.

Why should I come to New York for an orientation? Can't I just have the curriculum?

Because the second goal of the Mitzvah Initiative is to create dialogue across all parts of the Movement, we wanted to start with the faculty. It is also a chance to think not just about the content of what mitzvah is, but also how we want to talk about it together, Is there an approach to teaching mitzvah that is different from other sorts of teaching? We want to collaborate with you.

To that end, we have planned two days at JTS with some outstanding teachers: Chancellor Arnold Eisen, Dr. Shira Epstein, Rabbi David Hoffman, Dr. Barry Holtz, Dr. Betsy Katz, and Dr. Benjamin Sommer. The seminar will address four questions:

1. What do we mean by the word mitzvah today?
2. How did we get to these understandings of the word, both from the history of Jewish thought and our own experiences?
3. What are ways to look at the field of adult learning and teaching?
4. How can we study some of these ideas about mitzvah and adult learning through the curriculum and community project of the Mitzvah Initiative.

There will be time to learn together, ask questions, work with the curriculum, suggest other sources and ideas from our practice to supplement the curriculum, brainstorm, and share program ideas to augment the work, and enjoy some time for our own professional development. We hope that these two days will be refreshing and ample time to do most of the planning you will need to make the Initiative a success.

What are the costs?

JTS has created the Initiative and there is no charge to you for the use of the curriculum or for the orientation, with the exception of travel to New York and lodging. During the year you will be able to consult with the lead educator without charge. Some congregations may decide to engage outside faculty, which would incur an expense. One printed copy of the faculty and student guide will be provided, and you will need to make copies for each student. The student reader has been kept modest in order to keep these costs down. A scaffolding team should assist in identifying and recruiting participants for the initiative.