My Diary - Stories Written by Teens about Jewish History - By Students of Gary Chattman (Paperback)

Jewish education today is not motivating Jewish youth. It is boring Hebrew Schools (and, yes, parochial schools) do not meet the individual needs of students, who need to be motivated to believe in something. Teacher Gary Chattman formed an idea called Bar/Bat Mitzvah Without Hebrew School in his book Coming of Age (Tate Publications) that gives children identity, education, belief, and a reason to identify. My Diary contains over sixteen stories written by his students about Jewish history that they read at their Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. It presents intelligent ponderings by teens containing writing that reflects on their heritage. In short, it contains everything that religious education today doesn't contain: a reason to have faith Most of the stories in My Diary are about the Holocaust, while some provide humor and even identify with the Maccabees But the ideas are motivating, stimulating, and educational. Gary Chattman is the noted author of three books, Coming of Age, If I Should Die Before I Wake, and The Quixotic Teacher. His books span unique ideas not prevalent in today's world; religious-based education that is individually motivated and educationally interesting; secular education that flies in the face of nonsensical standardized testing; and ridiculous education rules by educrats who have never taught. He celebrates the talent and world view of his students. He is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah/Judaica teacher for over thirty years; a piano teacher; a teacher for the S.A.T.; a teacher advocate and an advocate for his students. He is a concert pianist and is a motivating influence for children and their parents. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/GaryChattman