School can often feel like a repetitive cycle—listen to the teacher, memorize the material, take the test, and forget it shortly after. Many teenagers feel disengaged because they experience themselves as passive participants in their own lives. This episode explores how to shift from boredom to purpose and how students can find meaning instead of feeling like they’re just going through the motions.
This week’s question is answered by Rabbi Mendy Wolf, an educator and lecturer in Judaic thought with over 20 years of experience teaching post–high school and adult students. His teaching focuses on conceptual clarity, engagement with primary texts, and applying Jewish ideas to personal growth and leadership. He is also the founder of Brush Hour, a peer-led initiative empowering young women to build confidence, leadership, and Jewish identity through shared values and lived mitzvot—especially lighting Shabbat candles.
This answer doesnt solve the problem. Most teenagers dont have the clarity or maturity. Unfortunately, most schools dont utilize or develop the talents of the students and that is why so many are floundering.As the saying goes…..If you fit in the box.
It’s true the Rebbe raised LEADERS!
I just want to point out that one issue I keep seeing is that people, especially parents and family, are just not interested in what teenagers are learning. I’m not sure if the same thing extends to girls, but I know for the boys the people outside of school don’t take a genuine interest in what they learn and do. And people are “surprised” when a boy doesn’t have Dvar Torah ready to be “shared.” (If no one actually payed attention to when they were 10-years old, they won’t be interested in sharing when they’re older.