A few years ago, Michael Goldsmith went through a mid-life crisis. A videographer/editor for Maryland Public Television (MPT) and father of two, Goldsmith was concerned about the legacy he would leave. But rather than buy a Porsche convertible, he decided to teach Judaism.
"I love to teach," said Goldsmith, 45, who lives in Owings Mills with his wife, Cheryl. "What better legacy is there than to teach something you love? I love Judaism."
But Goldsmith, a former theater major who graduated in 1980 from Salisbury State College [now Salisbury University], said he needed to learn the basics of teaching before stepping into a classroom.
"I always was told I was a good teacher at showing people or directing people," he said. "I always fancied myself teaching at some institution because I love Judaism. But I thought that it wouldn't be fun if I had no knowledge of pedagogy. So I decided to learn how to teach in a formal way."
In 1996, Goldsmith enrolled in Baltimore Hebrew University with plans of earning a master's degree in Jewish education. Despite his 40- to 50-hour workload at MPT, where he has worked in production since 1980, Goldsmith manages one course per semester.
"Once I got to BHU, it really charged me up," Goldsmith said. "I'm around people who are intellectuals and who love teaching Judaism and whose idea is the same -- to transmit. We share something, so that's great. I never had a day that I didn't walk out smiling because I'm around exciting, interesting people. The subject I'm interested in is my own religion."
Goldsmith recalled a new course offered in the spring of 2001 on "Teaching the History, Politics and Culture of Israel" with instructors Hana Bor, an assistant professor of education, and Robert O. Freedman, a political science professor and past president of BHU who is an expert on Middle East politics and history.
"What a time to be studying Israel," said Goldsmith. "Most of us are knowledgeable about Israel, but not with that kind of depth. It was fantastic."
A year after enrolling at BHU, Goldsmith began teaching at Temple Har Sinai's religious school in Park Heights. Since 1998, he has taught ninth grade and the 10th grade confirmation class. "I love to be around young folks," he said. "They keep you young."
Although Goldsmith plans to graduate in May 2003, it will not mark the end of his Jewish education. "I don't think I'll stop studying," he said. "And I'll still go to BHU."
"I love to teach," said Goldsmith, 45, who lives in Owings Mills with his wife, Cheryl. "What better legacy is there than to teach something you love? I love Judaism."
But Goldsmith, a former theater major who graduated in 1980 from Salisbury State College [now Salisbury University], said he needed to learn the basics of teaching before stepping into a classroom.
"I always was told I was a good teacher at showing people or directing people," he said. "I always fancied myself teaching at some institution because I love Judaism. But I thought that it wouldn't be fun if I had no knowledge of pedagogy. So I decided to learn how to teach in a formal way."
In 1996, Goldsmith enrolled in Baltimore Hebrew University with plans of earning a master's degree in Jewish education. Despite his 40- to 50-hour workload at MPT, where he has worked in production since 1980, Goldsmith manages one course per semester.
"Once I got to BHU, it really charged me up," Goldsmith said. "I'm around people who are intellectuals and who love teaching Judaism and whose idea is the same -- to transmit. We share something, so that's great. I never had a day that I didn't walk out smiling because I'm around exciting, interesting people. The subject I'm interested in is my own religion."
Goldsmith recalled a new course offered in the spring of 2001 on "Teaching the History, Politics and Culture of Israel" with instructors Hana Bor, an assistant professor of education, and Robert O. Freedman, a political science professor and past president of BHU who is an expert on Middle East politics and history.
"What a time to be studying Israel," said Goldsmith. "Most of us are knowledgeable about Israel, but not with that kind of depth. It was fantastic."
A year after enrolling at BHU, Goldsmith began teaching at Temple Har Sinai's religious school in Park Heights. Since 1998, he has taught ninth grade and the 10th grade confirmation class. "I love to be around young folks," he said. "They keep you young."
Although Goldsmith plans to graduate in May 2003, it will not mark the end of his Jewish education. "I don't think I'll stop studying," he said. "And I'll still go to BHU."