Chavruta: Learning with Friends

In Bet Midrash yesterday, we learned about the concept of chavruta--studying with a partner. Chavruta, from the Hebrew root for the word friend, is a great way to build relationships and maximize learning. Here are some of the things students said about learning in chavruta (these are not direct quotes but a summary of what they said):

Cara - This kind of learning helps us to be humble. Hearing different perspectives humbles you in a way, because you realize there are other ways of seeing things.

Shira - That learning with someone else forces you to articulate your thoughts and gives you a deeper understanding of your own perspectives.

Jordan - (in reference to a text about how iron sharpens iron just like two scholars sharpen each other minds) When two people have different views it is like metal clashing against metal. When metal clashes it creates a spark, just like when fire was first created by hitting two rocks together. So when two people disagree with each other that spark can lead to something as amazing as fire.

Sara F. - (in reference to a text that compares words of Torah to fire). Fire is one of the things you can give away without losing anything for yourself. Learning works the same way.

-Tamar
Teacher, Global Climate Crisis