Raising Thinkers: How to Share Deep Values with the Next Generation (feat. Effy Unterman)

In an era of digital distraction, how do we pass our deepest values to the next generation? Discover how to move beyond "dumbing things down" and instead invite children into a lifelong journey of curiosity, complexity, and growth?

Rabbi Effy Unterman is the Senior Director of Content at the Hadar Institute and a pioneer in sophisticated Jewish education. He is the lead developer of the new Devash Jr. edition of Shemot (Exodus), a groundbreaking resource designed to engage the youngest learners with serious ideas, and serves as a primary architect of Devash—the global Torah magazine for families.

As the Jewish calendar moves into the Book of Exodus (Shemot), we confront the challenge of "transmission." This episode explores the Jewish concept that children are not just "future" members of a community, but active, serious thinkers today. By focusing on the "70 faces" of wisdom, Rabbi Unterman explains why there is rarely only one right answer, but rather a beautiful tapestry of perspectives that invites everyone to find their own voice.

Key Takeaways

• Complexity Over Simplification: why children are capable of handling deep, nuanced ideas when we respect their intellect.
• The Power of the Question: How to shift from a "quiz" mindset (seeking answers) to a "scavenger hunt" mindset (cultivating curiosity).
• Inclusive Storytelling: The vital importance of creating materials where every child can see themselves reflected in the narrative.

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• Watch other episodes of Jewish Insights with Justin Pines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDYxKuIDCjn0TWM937-7qQf9w6JGmCWGX
• Subscribe to Devash Magazine: https://hadar.org/learn/children-families
• Get the Devash Jr. Book (Shemot): https://www.hadar.org/torah-tefillah/books/devash-jr-book-shemot
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