Reflecting on Project Zug: A Transformative Learning Experience for Schechter Parents
What happens when Schechter parents step into their children’s shoes for a few weeks? They experience the magic of deep, meaningful Jewish learning firsthand. Over the past six weeks, parents from our Schechter community engaged in Project Zug, an inspiring havruta (partnered) learning experience focused on Jewish wisdom on resilience.
The journey culminated in a beautiful siyyum (celebration of learning) on March 19, where participants gathered to reflect on their experience and the powerful lessons they uncovered together.
Discovering Jewish Resilience Through Havruta Learning
For many parents, Project Zug was an opportunity to engage with Jewish texts, traditions, and ideas in a way that was both accessible and thought-provoking. Guided by materials from Rabbi Avi Strausberg’s “Out of the Ruins: Jewish Wisdom on Resilience,” participants explored questions like:
- What are the different shapes resilience takes?
- How can Jewish wisdom help us build resilience in our own lives?
Throughout the experience, participants met with their havruta partners weekly—some in person, others virtually—to discuss, question, and uncover new insights together.
“Project Zug provided a space for parents to immerse themselves in the type of rich, interactive learning their children experience every day at Schechter,” shared Faye Bearman, who coordinated the program. “It was amazing to see parents embrace havruta learning and walk away with a renewed appreciation for Jewish wisdom and community.”
Stephanie Fox, who participated, reflected:
“It was a special, unique opportunity to learn through the eyes of my children by participating in havruta learning just like they do.”
A Celebration of Learning: Project Zug Siyyum
The experience concluded with a siyyum, a special gathering to celebrate the completion of learning. Parents shared reflections on their time together, highlighting the insights they gained, the connections they formed, and the power of Jewish learning in shaping their perspectives.
Rabbi Jonathan Bubis, who played a pivotal role in guiding the learning experience, emphasized the impact of the program:
“One of the most beautiful aspects of Jewish learning is that it never truly ends. Project Zug was just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about resilience, tradition, and growth. Seeing parents engage so deeply with these texts and ideas was truly inspiring.”
More Than Just a Learning Experience
At its core, Project Zug wasn’t just about studying texts—it was about building a learning community. Parents reconnected with their Jewish identity, deepened their understanding of resilience, and forged meaningful connections with their study partners.
For those who participated, the lessons learned will continue to resonate well beyond these four weeks. And for those who missed it—stay tuned! Project Zug was such a success that we look forward to offering more opportunities for adult Jewish learning in the future.
