In last week’s edition of the Tribune, we ran a story about Rabbi Simeon Cohen of Temple Beth Shalom consulting with the cast and crew of Livingston High School’s spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof. He advised the students about costuming, rituals, and history of the time and location, to make the production as period-appropriate as possible. As part of the collaboration, some students will perform selections of the show at Temple Beth Shalom prior to the March 17 opening night.It is a terrific example of collaboration between our excellent school district and the bustling community that surrounds it. We wonder what other collaborations could be arranged between community members and the school district that students could benefit from. There are obvious examples: of course, our athletes, artists, and musicians would benefit from some of Livingston’s notable alumni making themselves available to select students and classes. But why stop there? Surely, there are local engineers, scientists, architects, doctors and lawyers with unique insight to provide our students.We know that in the past, members of the work force would talk to students who are interested in their respective careers to find out what they entail. This is a terrific program to continue. But, perhaps, there is also room for something on a deeper level in addition to a one night chat. We are sure that when Rabbi Cohen spoke with the students working on the play, many of them learned about parts of Jewish history, traditions, and customs for the first time. Who knows what positive ways that experience may affect them in the ensuing years? It would be great to replicate that moment for others in the district.Livingston is a special place. Volunteerism is a badge of honor in this community, and so many of our town’s residents lead interesting and varied lives. Why not share some of that insight with our students? Be it a half hour Zoom question and answer session to a more hands-on mentoring program for specific subjects, the possibilities are intriguing.We are certain that there are more examples of this than we know of, that the spring musical is just one example that was brought to our attention. But it is worth highlighting, because it was a creative and interesting way to connect the schools to the greater community. Hopefully, it can inspire other similar collaborations in the near future.And if there are more examples ...
