The pedagogy of pitgamim (phrases) is based on the utilization of Jewish phrases, sayings, and quotations to transmit Jewish literacy, culture, and a connection to Jewish peoplehood. Through the teaching and usage of Jewish phrases from the Tanakh and Rabbinic literature, students will obtain basic and practical Jewish sayings to use in everyday life to provide a sense of cultural communication and connection to Jewish tradition. This can be applied to students of all ages from early childhood through adult learners. Through the usage of pitgamim/phrases non-Hebrew-speaking Jews will have greater access to our tradition and the pearls of our sources and textual tradition. The teaching and usage of such phrases are meant to be a gateway of exploration into the world of Jewish text, tradition, and a particularistic view of the world through which we approach the universal.
March 2024
Speaking Jewish: Using Language to Build Identity and Jewish Peoplehood
“Language is a key to identity and culture.” — Dr. Jeremy Benstein
Rabbi Josh Weinberg serves as the Vice President of the URJ for Israel and Reform Zionism and is the Executive Director of ARZA. He was ordained from the HUC-JIR Israeli Rabbinic Program and previously served as the Director of the Israel program for the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and as faculty for NFTY-EIE High School in Israel. Josh is a reserve officer in the IDF spokesperson’s unit, has hiked the Israel- trail, and came on Aliyah in 2003.Originally from Chicago, he has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin in Hebrew, Political Science/International Relations, and M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jewish Education.
Josh has taught and lectured widely throughout Israel, the U.S. and Europe, and led numerous tours and trained tour educators for the Reform movement’s Israel experiences. He is married to Mara Sheftel Getz, and is the proud Abba of Noa, Ella, Mia, and Alma.
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