"Early education serves as the groundwork and cornerstone for the subsequent phase of adolescence, laying the essential preparation and foundation. These formative years play a pivotal role in shaping one's character and establishing enduring spiritual patterns that resonate throughout their entire life."
Rebbe of Slonim in 'Paths of Education,' p. 12
Founding Lamdeni
Today’s manifold challenges have shaken Jewish education’s foundations, eliciting identity crises amongst youths. While dilemmas abound, tapping this transitional moment as an opportunity remains vital. Established in 2010, Marco Schleichter’s “Lamdeni” seeks to guide students as they explore their cultural lineage through thecustom-tailored engagement with Jewish traditions. Holistic curricula take shape collaboratively to resonate with individual cohorts.
Lamdeni Model
While all Jewish schools allocate a certain number of hours towards Jewish studies, curricula between institutions vary greatly. The Lamdeni team collaborates with the teaching staff at every school in an effort to construct comprehensive, tiered programming that maximizes impact within the existing frameworks. A methodical sequencing of subjects over the years ensures the delivery of desired content through processes designed to enhance motivation, thereby preventing repetitive exposure and maintaining a dynamic learning experience.. Today’s youths’ priorities and society’s postmodern landscapeare constantly shifting. Using this insight, Lamdeni’s tactically updated materials are delivered through advanced pedagogies that deepen resonance and improve knowledge retention. In the midst of increasing societal complexities, students can anchor their identity through education by elevating context alongside content..
What Does the Lamdeni Team Offer?
The learned team consists of experts in the field of Jewish education in the Diaspora, and is led by Marco Schliachter, an expert in processes in the field of Jewish education in the world on behalf of the Jewish Agency for many years.
Creating
a twelve-year spiral curriculum, and
revisiting topics
through
new lenses
Shaping students’
skills and personalities
via diverse exposures
Nurturing social-emotional learning, self-expression, and critical thinking
Developing innovative teaching methods jointly with educational teams
Integrating content from Jewish sources and tradition
Building modular study programs tailored to each school’s needs
Constructing plans adapted to teaching hours and each school’s ”hashkafah”
Fostering unity through year-long central themes
Unique Aspects of the Lamdeni Method
Student - centered topic selection, sequencing, and presentation
Twelve-year spiral plans
Interactive dilemmas combining sources, stories, and reflective discourse
Identity-building and enhancing Jewish connections
Cross - generational Jewish dialogues
Analytical skills for navigating diverse worldviews
Complex ethical explorations to formulate values
Teacher training, guidance, and empowerment
The Lamdeni Team
Rachel Harris
Content Editor and Lecturer
A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Musicology and Jewish Thought from the Hebrew University, Rachel has a teaching certificate from Herzog College and a bridal guidance certificate from the PUAH Institute. She completed Halacha studies in the Hilchatah Program (Comprehensive Jewish Law) at Matan Beit Midrash. Rachel has extensive experience in both formal and informal education. For the past four years, she has served as a curriculum writer and educational manager at the Lapidot Pre-army Mechina for religious girls. Before that, she worked with students at religious high-schools, and produced content for various
Organizations, including lesson plans and professional development for teachers.
Rabbi Michael Sitbon
Curriculum Developer and Lecturer
Rabbi Michael Sitbon has Semikah (rabbinic ordination) and has dedicated over a decade to Torah studies at Yeshivat Ma'aleh Eliyahu and Yeshivat Har Hamor. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Jerusalem College, and pursued a Master's Degree in non-formal education from Bar-Ilan University. Michael brings a wealth of experience in overseeing educational and social initiatives, as well as imparting Jewish teachings within formal educational settings. His expertise extends to working with diverse student populations, including those with unique backgrounds, from both the secular and religious communities. Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a keen ability to tailor Jewish content to suit different target audiences, and has successfully guided educational processes with a steadfast commitment.
Marco Schleichter
Founder and Program Director
A graduate with a bachelor's degree in Special Education and Jewish Thought from the Hebrew University, Marco Schliachter completed psychology studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. He holds a teaching certificate in Bible from Lifshitz College, as well as a second degree in Jewish Education in the Diaspora from the Hebrew University. Marco has over40 years of experience in Jewish education in the Diaspora, with a special focus on curriculum development. He has worked for Israel’s Ministry of Education, conducted seminars and professional development programs, and managed numerous educational initiatives. Marco served as a Jewish Agency emissary in France for three years, collaborating closely with local Jewish communities throughout France. He has also supervised and supported 50 schools worldwide on behalf of the Jewish Agency, training teachers and implementing professional development programs for educators in the Diaspora. In 2010, Marco founded Lamdeni, an organization dedicated to teacher training and the development of innovative teaching methods suited to the modern era for Jewish schools in the Diaspora, as well as in Israel.
Rabbi Yehonatan Kalfa
Curriculum Developer and Lecturer
Rabbi Yehonatan completed a pre-army preparatory program in Eli and undertook six years of studies in a HesderYeshiva for military graduates. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Orot Israel College.
Rabbi Yehonatan possesses a versatile background in informal educational and has extensive experience with esteemed organizations such as Bnei Akiva, Israel Experience, Eli pre-army preparatory program,and Ma'agalim.,. Most notably, he directed at Midreshet Bat Tsion for five years, an educational program for French-speaking girls. Yehonatan's expertise lies in effectively engaging with French-speaking youth and adolescents, ensuring their active participation and growth.
Natalie Gibli
Curriculum Developer and Lecturer
Natalie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and French Literature from Bar-Ilan University, where she also pursued her Master's Degree in Education, with a specialization in child development. In addition to her academic achievements, Natalie has obtained a teaching certification, which showcases her commitment to the field of education. She has experience in both formal and informal education, and specializes in collaborative teaching. In addition to her work at Lamdeni, Natalie lectures at Efrata College and conducts professional development training sessions on behalf of the Ministry of Education. She has extensive experience working with French Jewry as a Jewish Agency emissary, and conducting professional development programs for early childhood pedagogical teams.
Michal Schliachter
Curriculum Developer and Lecturer
Michal holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Social Work from Bar-Ilan University. Over the years, Michal has been involved in informal education in various capacities, including with the Ezra Youth Movement, facilitating unique experiences for young people from France, and working with Aluma, an organization thatfacilitates social changes to build resilience in Israeli society,. Over the past five years, Michal has worked at Qualita, where she taught in pre-army preparatory programs and provided instruction to new immigrants and lone soldiers from France. Michal possesses vast experience in developing lesson plans tailored to French-speaking audiences.