The Starr King Curriculum Committee is excited to award the 2018-2019 Hilda Mason Teaching Fellowship to Faryn Borella and Ariel Aaronson-Eves!
For many decades — at least since the 1970’s — Starr King degree students have taught courses at the school. The School views such practice teaching as an integral aspect of graduate theological education, in keeping with the understanding that professional education appropriately involves supervised practice of the profession. The School also views practice teaching as an excellent mode of learning: studies show that people retain a modest percentage of what they are taught, but they retain nearly 100% of what they teach.
Faryn Borella’s proposal is entitled On Constructing a Jewish Liberation Theology and Theological Praxis: Indigeneity, (Anti)-Zionism and Diaspora and seeks to collectively answer the question “In an era of relative Jewish nationalist power and self-determination, what is a Jewish liberation theology and theological praxis that engenders liberation of both self and other?” The class will “trace the roots of Jewish theological and communal formation and subsequent galut (exile or diaspora) to derive a Jewish construction of divinity as well as ritual and ethical practices that breed liberatory possibility…” It will be taught in the Fall 2018 Semester.
“Starr King as an institution has such a focus on liberation theologies, but liberation theologies were created in a Christian context,” explained Faryn. “I am excited to explore with my class next year what Jewish liberation theologies may look like and offer a course at Starr King that is deeply grounded in Jewish ritual and Jewish learning pathways.”
Ariel Aaronson-Eves’ proposal, titled Counter-Oppressive Agrarian Theology, will “explore how systems of oppression intersect with our own bodies, and aspire towards a decolonized co-liberation.” This class will incorporate a variety of kinetic connections, including “volunteer workdays with local farms and food justice organizations.” It will be taught in the Spring 2019 semester.
Starr King looks forward to working with these two students as they further develop these wonderful learning opportunities for the whole community.
