Today we read a story in which the Israelites were conquered by the Assyrians. The text attributes their defeat to their idol-worshiping ways. I asked the students what other reasons there might have been for the Assyrian victory, that were not divine in nature. We followed this up with a d'var torah writing exercise, in which I asked students to think of an event that could have two explanations, one supernatural and one not, and write which explanation they agreed with.
Some students were having a hard time thinking of an example, and I gave a gloriously poor one. I shared the story of Pat Robserton's absurd and hateful statement that Hurricane Katrina was God's reaction to letting Ellen Degeneres host the Emmy's. Not only do I think this was probably an inappropriate story to share with the class, but it also turns out to be false.
I did have a chance before the end of the day to correct my error, but I wanted to let you know as well. Please forgive my lapse of judgment.
1 comment:
My take on this: you really did nothing wrong, Amy. You shared a story (that entered common awareness precisely because, as farce, it was so closely modeled on actual behavior) of a religious figure using his understanding of G-d to promote an agenda of hate. This seems an entirely appropriate conversation to have with our kids.
While the exact example is evidently false, this kind of hate-filled speech has been used repeatedly by public figures to vilify GLBT people, some of whom are parents of kids in your class. Thanks for the unneccessary apology, and more thanks for having the sensitivity to consider such an example.
I must also state here that Jennie absolutely loves your class!!
Judith (& Leslie)
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