After introducing myself, getting to know the students and explaining some of the technology we will be using, I stated to the students surprise that "we will not be learning any Torah for the next three days." "Isn't this a Judaics course," asked a student up front? "Yes," I responded and then quickly projected on the screen the words "Derech Eretz Kadma L'Torah (loosely translated as "respect precedes Torah).
I then explained that before we can truly learn Torah together we must first learn how to work as a team and support each other. When we accomplish that we can become a group where Torah can be taught, studied, experienced and flourish. Then I asked them all to stand up and flap their arms? Crazy? A little (okay, a lot), but here is why.
Hashem created this amazing world and there is so much to learn from that is often missed. In this particular activity we were all learning from geese how we can become a unified team that puts the needs of the group above the individual and truly becomes a class that can learn Torah together. As I stood on the lab table, and went through the different facts about Geese, the students, to their amazing credit, acted out the different scenarios below. On Thursday we focus on difference and the great value difference brings to a group.
LESSONS FROM GEESE
Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock gains 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson 2: We are willing to accept the help of others and give our help to others. We are also willing to take a chance at being a leader.As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skill, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, and resources.
Fact: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up in front to keep up their speed.
Lesson 3: We need to make sure that our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s core values, and to encourage the core values of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson 4: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock gains 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson 2: We are willing to accept the help of others and give our help to others. We are also willing to take a chance at being a leader.As with geese, people are interdependent on each other’s skill, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, and resources.
Fact: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up in front to keep up their speed.
Lesson 3: We need to make sure that our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one’s core values, and to encourage the core values of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson 4: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Looks like a great class. Kol Hakovod.
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