The medieval Jewish philosopher, Maimonides, wrote in his great work, Mishneh Torah: The Sages say, "Much wisdom I learned from my teachers, more from my colleagues, from my pupils most of all." Even as a small piece of wood kindles a large log, so too small pupils can sharpen the minds of their teachers, so that by the students’ questions, they elicit glorious wisdom.
I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to serve as the new educator at Union Temple, where I will build on the excellent work of my predecessor, colleague and friend Ann Landowne.
A short biography: My parents did not belong to a synagogue nor keep a Jewish home, apart from Hanukkah candles and the occasional Passover seder at a relative’s house. My Jewish learning began when my two sons started religious school at Congregation Beth Elohim. When I brought Ben to his kindergarten class, I would linger, exploring the classroom; finally, his teacher invited me to work as her student aide. With the children, I learned Jewish holidays, history and prayer. Continuing my learning, I earned two master's degrees, in Jewish education and in Bible, from the Jewish Theological Seminary and I am a candidate for rabbinic ordination, with Ann, at Hebrew Union College -Jewish Institute of Religion in May, 2011.
I have a deep hunger to understand the ways of the world and, after much searching, I discovered Judaism as the path to do so. I bring to my task as educator this profound need to learn, to teach and to do. As Maimonides says, teaching is a great way to learn. I anticipate with joy learning with you and your children.
I welcome all your questions and concerns. Feel free to contact me at carolegould@gmail.com.
L’shanah Tovah Tikateivu
May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year.
-Carole Gould, Educator, Rabbinic Intern
