A Gentile Teacher and His Rowdy Hasidic Students | The Stories of Gerry Albarelli

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For the audio only version of this episode, click here: www.spreaker.com/user/1708558...
Gerry Albarelli wrote one of the most unique books on the contemporary Hasidic community. It's on the subject of his experience as a secular studies teacher in the Satmar Hasidic boys' school. His book tells the story of how Gerry, as an outsider, navigated the chaos and challenges of teaching Hasidic boys' a bit of math and spelling. Unlike most conversations on Hasidic boys' education, his book isn't a commentary on the moral question of the state of Hasidic boys' education (which is perhaps a conversation for another day!) but simply a reflection filled with lovely insight, humor, and terrific culture clashes.
In my conversation with Gerry he did a bit of reading from the book and then shared with me his experiences as a teacher, as well as his experiences writing the book. He had a lot of great insight and I hope you'll have a listen/watch!
(Apologies about the video quality. I don't know what happened there!)
Follow my work at www.friedavizel.com
Twitter: / friedavizel
Instagram: / friedavizel

Опубликовано:

1 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 85

@irothman9269 Год назад

I am a Bais Brocho graduate. I took regents, learned about genetics. We were also taught about other religions. I had the opportunity to mark satmar kids spelling and math tests (4th grade boys). I was rubbing my hands together. I was like okay let's see how uneducated these boys are. I was surprised when I marked them and they did very well. ( I will throw it in here, that the Rebbish last names did better somehow.) I'd say they probably were on a 3rd grade level. I even wrote compliments to the kids near their marks. I wrote "youre a math professor"! I hope the guy who I marked it for, didn't get fired 🤣. I do see parents are much more into English /secular studies education these days. It's probably because the wife has to fill out government stuff. I think the parents had enough with the boys because less educated than the girls. Great content 👍👍👍👍

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

awesome comment; deserves a pin to top.

@irothman9269 Год назад

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn you have no clue how much I hated the satmar community for many years and then I got to know some people and I started liking them. I literally was out to get them and I was so dead wrong

@leahlw2853 Год назад

Came for the stories of teaching in a Hasidic school, stayed for Mr. Albarelli's appreciation for the boys he taught and his great insights on storytelling. Thanks for inviting him on, Frieda!

@LizbetPCB Год назад

26 minutes in using earbuds, my husband tapped on my head to ask me why I was smiling so much, and it’s hearing this ‘teacha’ relating these little vignettes. Delightful story and such a nice man. Thank you, Frieda 😊

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

Gerry is a gem!

@diderot22 Год назад

This was such a surprisingly deep and unexpected conversation, as you said. So rare to see two people talking about a potentially 'hot take' topic and preferring to describe rather than judge or sum up. Really a special conversation.

@GrossLearning Год назад

I was blessed to have an adult education student from Williamsburg, a man in his early 20's, who wanted to learn to speak standard English so he could expand his customer base. He shared that his sisters spoke more English because their schools devoted enough time for them to learn "professional English." At first, the words "instead" and "instant" sounded the same to him. He used Google translate when he was unsure of an English word.

@faigie2002 2 года назад

I taught Hasidic girls in Boro Park. Never had a days grief from them!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 2 года назад

as an outsider or insider?

@marnie8930 9 месяцев назад

As usual., you give the person being interviewed the privilege of speaking openly ,and you do not interupt, them , bravo , you are a great interviewer its a pleasure to watch your videos , so interesting

@surikatz123 2 года назад

this just had me cracking up. i love that Mr. Albarelli was able to find the humor and spice at this school. i really respect him for changing the curriculum to suit the students. We definitely need more of that.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 2 года назад

Yeah, you should read his book. I think he really appreciated the experience with the kids and all their quirks. It's wonderful.

@surikatz123 2 года назад

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn my family are so enjoying this interview. thank you so much. what is the name of the book? i definitely want to buy it.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 2 года назад

@@surikatz123 It's called "Teacha, Story of a Yeshiva"

@1andyou2 Год назад

My most proudest moments of teaching was in Williamsburg. I made a huge impact on my boys BH

@rivkiesilberstein5978 Год назад

what an amazing interview, and what an amazing teacher. He could of left these kids, as most teachers did, but he didn't give up on them.

@HAZIDEAD Год назад

*could have

@iangruys2383 Год назад

I'm a Breslever Chassid who teaches general studies at a Chabad Cheder. It can be difficult at times, but I do believe they act better for me because I'm a chassid. I try to mesh as much kodesh into their chol time as I can. When we were learning about how to write friendly letters, we pretended that we lived in the times of the Tzemach Tzedek. I had them write to their friends and to see how the Rebbe was doing at the time in history. I make a lot of my own math sheets or edit some to include names like Mendy, Yoel, Moishe etc... in the problems as well.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this. If you want to ever discuss the experience on a video'd conversation, I'd be interested!

@cherrepository5787 6 месяцев назад

Fabulous conversation!! Thank you both.

@johnkennedy1242 4 месяца назад

Great interview which developed to be more intriguing than anticipated.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 4 месяца назад

Talking to him was a highlight. Very interesting person.

@chavalaufer4984 Год назад

I read this book in the late 1990 and loved it. Such an accurate description with so much humor interjected. Thanks for this episode.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

Hi Chava! Thanks for the comment; good to hear from you.

@rachaelnead4629 2 года назад

Frida as always, I loved this content. Thanks again for the wonderful tour last week. I need to read this gentleman's book. It sounds fascinating.

@carolineoverbeek8210 Год назад

As a primary school teacher in South Africa with 40 years experience, I found this so interesting. Thank you.

@mhm92267 2 года назад

Having been a teacher in religious schools for several years I can tell you that a classroom is based mainly on the teacher and partly on the principal. IF the teacher is charismatic and the Principle is practical the class does well no matter where you are. Also, it MUST be noted that one of the nicest thing about working in a religious school is violence is almost totally nil. There are no knives nor guns or threats.

@amandamorton-king2112 Год назад

I have taught in all boy schools in England and they often have this underlying albeit more restrained tension because males are so hierarchical by nature; someone always has to be the top dog. I found all girl schools much more cooperational; engagement by negotiation rather than dominance.

@deenalaxgorin7574 Год назад

Very humble and wise perspective. Really enjoyable.

@OpenSesame33 Год назад

Wonderful interview! So interesting, and made me really miss New York.

@laceystovall8828 Год назад

His recall is incredible!

@naomihiltonarcher6959 Год назад

I just downloaded this book on Kindle. Looking forward to reading it.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

I'm a big fan of it; it's very Gerry style. So colorful! Let me know what your thoughts on it are.

@cherylnelson5792 Год назад

Enjoying your vlogs. This one was really great 👍.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

I enjoyed talking to Gerry; he's a great guest.

@3primenumber 2 года назад

This was outstanding!

@PKScoop 7 месяцев назад

Thank you!! I so lovedthe conversation!

@eytonshalomsandiego 2 месяца назад

My evangelical pastor neighbor's evangelical daughter teaches math at the Jewish school for girls here, a modern orthodox/litvishe place...Most of the girls go on to college, but still, very Jewish evironment, even if modern....It just amazes me how she manages with them, and how they manage with her! I guess professionalism is the answer!

@linmorell1813 Год назад

I like Frieda, I never thought I would like Gerry and his approach to teaching, his stories, and reading them aloud so much.😊

@debraw4101 Год назад

No problem. It should be pronounced as "VIN-YET" Good interview and super interesting. I am new to posts and have watched quite a few!

@denisrouchouze978 2 года назад

It interesting to hear him talk about how chaotic the classes were- I would have thought those kids would be super disciplined.

@stephenfisher3721 Год назад

The students know only Judaic studies are considered important by their society and secular studies are only there because of government requirements.

@chanasundown4966 6 месяцев назад

Last year I bought Gerry Albarelli's book "Teacha!" (on kindle) based on your interview with him, and loved it. I just rewatched this interview. I LOVE hearing Gerry read from the book!--he captures so much of the humor and feeling in his voice. What a great person he is! I really wish he would do an audio recording of the book.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 6 месяцев назад

I also recently rewatched this because I was working on a presentation on Hasidic education. So wonderful. Gerry is a gem. I don't understand how his book isn't more popular! It's one of the best pieces of media on the Hasidic community!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 6 месяцев назад

I will pass on your great idea to him!

@cindybrodie9769 Год назад

You are the best interviewer I have ever heard!

@judithwatt5950 20 дней назад

This is wonderful Frieda! I too am a lover of other cultures and am very curious! I found a beautiful Jewish children’s book yesterday and contacted the synagogue a block from my home. They are going to accept it as a gift in a week. It will be my first visit to a synagogue (Sephardic). And… I might study Yiddish at university this fall (first time offered). Is Yiddish difficult to learn? Then I could understand more of your time with speakers. Thank you for opening up my world and making me be braver to reach out again.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 20 дней назад

I’m so excited about the possibility of you learning Yiddish! my son is learning it now. I think the challenge may start with a different alphabet but it’s in the same language family as English.

@dorothealorenz9624 Год назад

What a precious interview

@dyanalayng5507 Год назад

Great interview! His students were lucky he was intuitive and spontaneous enough to find a way to work well with them. Sounds like a must read. Love the bratty kid calling out the teachers smoking!😍😂

@lyndaalterio1027 10 месяцев назад

Mr. Albarelli was really fascinating! I could listen to him forever! Thank you for bringing him on, Frieda! I would love it if you would have him on again! So very interesting!

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 10 месяцев назад

I've been a fan of his book for so long, getting to interview him was amazing! Thanks for your lovely comments Lynda.

@robincook4349 Год назад

wow this was so fun and interesting

@bobbypaluga4346 Год назад

You are a world class interviewer, interesting stories

@GrossLearning Год назад

(continued) The student also found it amusing that I was taking a class in Yiddish. He had not thought of Yiddish as a language that someone would teach im a classroom.

@phil3924 Год назад

I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home and feel like I understand these people a little. We’ve been on the receiving end of the same type of insults (being stupid, blind sheep, repressed, naive , etc). All inaccurate points but par for the course. Ridiculing religious people scores big points in some circles. Great video btw.

@RachG 5 месяцев назад

Oh Frieda. I cannot tell you know much I enjoyed this one. Hugely brightened my journey to and from work. I was smiling to myself the whole time. There were so many themes here that I can appreciate and can relate to. I love how he comes into the community without an attitude of judgement and just enjoys being in a new place and appreciates all of the differences, quirks and human moments and connections. I also work with children (and families) from lots of different communities and the bit about the ‘funny stories’ really made me laugh as I’m (in)famous within different circles of friends for my work stories. Hahaa. They come from a place of real appreciation and affection, I promise. 🙃❤ I’ve been sharing your channel with great enthusiasm over the past week. 😅 My excellent colleagues in work team meeting this morning were a particularly receptive audience. Hahaaa 🤪 So I hope you will soon have even more UK subscribers.

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 5 месяцев назад

Thank you so much and for this great comment. I absolutely know how these great work stories come from a place of affection! Those who don't get it don't know how much love comes with it! Have a great weekend!

@RachG 5 месяцев назад

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn ❤️❤️ Hope you have a great weekend too. Definitely from a place of love. Haha. Big fan of people. 🙃

@herzlboy Год назад

Frieda - wonderful as always. Vigniette (being a French word) is pronounced "vin-yet" ווין יעט :)

@alter709 Год назад

I enjoyed this so much ! Where can we get the book?

@mirtarubalcava8984 11 месяцев назад

Such an interesting conversation with an intelligent & insightful man. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I intend to read his book. Did Gerry ever come to Williamsburg and your tour?

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 11 месяцев назад

No, but I would have loved to meet him. He was a fantastic interview subject.

@warrenbarnes9653 5 месяцев назад

Very interesting interview, Frieda. It is clear that Gerry is a real educator with the ability engage with students where they are. When he referred to his student at Sarah Lawrence, was that actually you, Frieda? Kind regards./Warren

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 5 месяцев назад

Ha ha, no, it wasn’t me. I don’t think he knew that I too was a student there (I’m surprised you knew that so fast). I believe he meant Frimet Goldberger who is a writer.

@ruthtaylor1083 5 месяцев назад

I so enjoyed this thank you Freida. What a lovely man! What is the title of his book and where can I order it?

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 5 месяцев назад

It’s called ‘Teacha, Stories from a Yeshiva’ Great book. I believe it’s on amazon.

@ruthtaylor1083 5 месяцев назад

Thanks. I will order it.

@tsousley18 Год назад

I went to a public school until 7th grade and then went to a Jewish community day school. Secular, reform, conservative, modern orthodox, and even Chabad as teachers and students until middle school when they go to cheder. Our classes were also chaotic, especially on not strict teachers things got insane. And I'm talking middle and highschool. Might just be a thing by all Yidden not just Chasidish .

@kristinesharp6286 Год назад

He certainly thought out of the box. Sad to hear the length of day. I would be bouncing all over the walls with a day that long.

@debraw4101 Год назад

Freida What is a "VIG-NET"? is it supposed to be a vignette, or a small scene or story?

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn Год назад

Yes, did I pronounce it incorrectly?

@jmcefalas7544 11 месяцев назад

It is so interesting that a class of 25 is considered understaffed. When I was at school in the UK in the 60s I was in classes of 32 and 20-30 is still normal

@franceslock1662 Год назад

We want stories told with authentic affection, respect, dimension, and complexity. I refuse to watch Orthodox. I’ll have to get Gerry’s book.

@user-eg8pv2om7j 9 месяцев назад

Hi. Might you consider telling, interviewing about 9/11 from a Jewish , Hasidic, Williamsburg perspective . Relatives of those who died . Those who survived. EMTs , fire service, police ? Tov תודה

@cohenlabe1 2 года назад

Chaim potok "the chosen" comes to mind And as far as the million years old bones the flod of Noah aged them 😁 On a serious note rabbi ariah Kaplan has a religious book on it

@FriedaVizelBrooklyn 2 года назад

heh heh, there are many narratives that try to reconcile evolution and the biblical narrative but not the Hasidic.

@cohenlabe1 2 года назад

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn I believe there is a place for both the "shelter" and the "open" mind from a religious perspective I often wonder what mind set would keed the yid more Yiddish and perhaps it's more about which perspective for which person

@susampson278 2 года назад

Potok

@cohenlabe1 2 года назад

@@susampson278 thanks

@proudpharisee5303 Год назад

@@FriedaVizelBrooklyn many even non chassidic charedim satisfy themselves with trusting the mesorah or "mesoireh" and dont feel a need to try to fit things in with science. (as im sure you know)