Students keeping the faith

by Laura Withers
Staff Writer

Shanie Israel, an Ohio University graduate student, dedicated the last four years of Sunday mornings to teaching young Jewish students about their faith. To many of the students in her class at the OU Hillel, Israel is not just a teacher— she is a role model, a leader and a friend.

“It’s a hard job being a college student, but seeing the kids grow up has been so fun,” Israel said. “My relationship with the kids is what keeps me going back.”

Israel is just one of many OU students who dedicate a large portion of their weekends to educate the younger generation about their religion. For many of them it is not a job, but a way to give back to their congregation.

OU senior Laura Ultsch taught children at Christ the King University Parish for the last four years. Ultsch teaches first graders about the Bible, the Holy Trinity and leads prayers on Tuesday nights. Ultsch said she rearranged her academic schedule to continue teaching.

“I really enjoy the people who work there and I really enjoy working with the kids,” she said. “I probably get as much out of it as (the kids) do.”

Nancy Denhart, director of religious education for St. Paul’s and Christ the King churches, said student teachers benefit from their relationships with other members of the congregation.

“It’s wonderful to watch the rapport they build with the family and the students,” Denhart said. “They grow in their faith, as well as people, as they work with the families and children.”

Israel, who teaches Jewish children in third to sixth grade, said the atmosphere in the classroom is laid back. On average she has three or four kids in her class each week. The casual mood allows her to get to know her students and nurture meaningful friendships.

“I feel that my kids and I have a very understanding relationship,” she said. “I treat them like kids, but I treat them with respect. We have a very relaxed relationship.”

In previous years, students at Hillel have studied the Ten Commandments and the Bible, Israel said. This year she is teaching her students how to speak Hebrew. Although she tries to stick to a lesson plan most of the time, Israel said she allows the kids to decide what they want to learn.

“I kind of like to fly by the seat of my pants and see what the kids feel like doing,” she said. “I like to spice it up a bit.”

Maryann Garber, director of the religious school at Hillel, said Jewish students benefit from interacting with one another on a regular basis.

“They get a much better sense of Jewish community,” Garber said. “If they were relying on their public school classroom (for religious education), it’s highly unlikely that they would have other Jewish students in their class. Often they are the only Jewish student in their class.”

Israel said she agrees.

“This is a community where there are not that many Jewish people,” she said. “For some (kids) this is their only connection to Jewish life. Without this program they wouldn’t have any religious education.”