Havruta learning

Most commonly, Jews study Jewish texts in pairs, a method known as havruta (“fellowship”). In havruta, the pair struggles to understand the meaning of each passage and discusses how to apply it to the larger issues addressed and even to their own lives.

Step 1-

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Find a partner.

Ask them their favorite flavor of ice cream.

Empathy

Step 2-

Read the story out loud

(If your book is long, pick a chapter that you want to focus on)

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Step 3-

Wonder part 1

1. Each of you take a moment to notice at least two details in this story that catch your interest.

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• Take turns sharing with your partner a detail of the poem that caught your attention and why. Use the prompts “I notice…” and “I wonder…”

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• When you listen to your partner’s ideas, use listening prompts such as “Tell me more…” and “Where do you see that in the poem?”

Step 4- Wonder part 2

Discuss:

1. What is your favorite part of this story?
2. What do you think is the main message or lesson of this story?
3. How would the message or lesson be different if your parents or teachers told it to you?

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Tikkun olam

Step 5

How does engaging in discussions help me learn?

How does learning help me become a better person?

What am I taking away from this discussion?

Share one thing you appreciated

about learning with your partner.

Step 6 - Empathy/

Gratitude