"Oh that's terrible"

When I was a college student I regularly went to shul on shabbat mornings. I would sit about row 11 (of about 45) right next to Elaine. We would often have to brace ourselves when it came time for the sermon as a woman about 3 rows behind us would respond to the Rabbi's words in classic Baptist style. Because it was so many years ago, I don't remember what the Rabbi was talking about but it can't have been good because all of a sudden we heard from behind us an "Oh no Rabbi, that's terrible!." That was the first of what would be many comments overheard in shul.

I had almost forgotten about the "Oh that's terrible" lady from shul- that was until I sat in on graduate classes in Israel. Apparently here, there are quite a few that think that graduate courses conducted in lecture format are participatory seminars. There are a few types: There are those who have the running commentary throughout- either under their breath or as if they were providing the play by play to a sick classmate on the phone. There are those who openly challenge and argue with the professors. There are those who have conversations with the people next to them about really important topics such as hair color and resaurant menus. And there are those who have obviously not done the readings and conflict what is said incorrectly. And there are those who come late, claiming that they did not know that the room had changed, weather was horrible, or their cat had died (like choose your own adventure- pick one or all of the above) and choose the seat furthest from the door.

Yesterday was special. I had a class with all of these special learners. I have to give the professor a lot of credit as she took care of each one as it happened. She gestured to an open seat when a student came in with 6 bags 15 minutes after the lecture had begun. She told one student to wait until he was called on, she told another to put something away. She had one of the chatty-cathys read aloud for the class. I am surprised that she did not kick someone out of class or put anyone in "time-out."

I like this class so I will keep going- not only to see how much more ridiculous my Israeli classmates get. The semester is only in its 3rd week.