learning together

[shirarocklin]

I'm trying to imagine how learning Torah subjects could look in our future. Something in me says that I should set up someone to learn with, and study whatever children study at the ages my children are. I mean, me, I should. Like, at this stage, I should learn Chumash with Rashi, practical halachah, and I don't know what else. I want to somehow set it up so that someone is here learning with me, in an oral sort of way, with the kids here and we're all playing whatever they want as the learning goes over their heads. And I think they'll just become a part of it as they get older. Anyone want to help me figure this out?

[Chavelamomela]

How about starting with something like "Partners in Torah" which can help you set up a phone chavrutah, and you can work an hour into your week to learn something.

[ImaGeek]

I love the idea of a home where Torah is as much a part of the environment as background music or mood lighting, where kids are just kind of raised immersed in it. I've visited a few homes like that, where there is almost always someone actively involved in learning and the kids just kind of pick up things and every now and then asks a question that shows they've been listening. That's the kind of home I hope to build myself.

Kids pick up the bad things going on in the house easily enough, I would think the opposite is true. While it's not necessarily bad, I've noticed that the kids pick up a lot from the conversations that DH and I have that are, supposedly, over their heads. He and I both work in IT and we talk about work stuff often in the car or at home. Every now and then, one of the kids will come up with a question that shows that they've not only been listening to those conversations, but that they are starting to understand the concepts. Since our conversations have revolved more and more around Torah learning, those moments of recognition have changed in their subject matter.

I think what you're thinking about is probably the ideal, where just like learning a second language, kids are just immersed in Torah and pick it up like a language. I would think, perhaps, pursuing a chavrusa would be a good idea and just let the kids play and wander in and out while you are studying. You'd learn from it and if they pick anything up...it's a definite bonus.

[Jay3fer]

Me, me, me!
Talk to me when you get back.

A playdate while mamas crack a chumash sounds perfect. Knowing me, every other week is prob'ly best. Also knowing me, parsha is prob'ly best. Something like parsha-with-a-bit-of-rashi might be ideal, but if you prefer something else, Tehillim or whatever else is good.

BUT if I was learning Torah, I'd want to really focus for say 20 minutes non-stop, with no interruptions except for maybe Ezra (who isn't in your siggie, btw) and bleeding emergencies. This sends a very important message that nothing is more important than Torah study.

I'm so strict. Maybe nobody would WANT to learn with me...

[shirarocklin]

Ok, hopefully I'll still remember then. Chumash/rashi sounds really right. I doubt I'll be able to heed your interruptions protocol... but we can see.