----- Original Message ----- From: Esther Revivo - estherrv@xxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Praying as a toranut Many years ago when I first began teaching I heard this discussed with our "va'ad morim" at school. Two of the people who really knew all the rules (you know the type-- the ones who understand their entire pay slip and can explain yours to you! :) said that this time is considered one of the 2 or 3 תורנויות that the school is entitled to demand of a teacher. However, if a teacher is made to appear every work day at this time, it is beyond the call of duty, and he can refuse. Personally speaking, I don't mind doing this several times a week for several reasons: Primarily, teaching at an Ulpana as I do, talking to our girls before and after praying about religious/ halachic issues is very important to our entire staff, myself included. (I am one of those who believe that every teacher is a "mechanechet," unlike some who feel there is just the official מחנכת.) However, this is my personal opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree with me. Additionally, as a mother of 5, especially when my kids were very young I blessed this given opportunity for MYSELF to pray, because there was no way to do so before work. Anyway..... **sigh** aren't we used to not getting paid for much of what we do in any event? What's another 20 minutes???? :) Back to getting yearly grades figured out........ GOOD LUCK TO ALL NEXT WEEK! Esther Revivo ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------