PaL held a Tutor Training Seminar last Sunday evening, in the aesthetically pleasing surroundings of the Chai Centre in Hendon. The event, which featured two keynote speakers and an 'Ask The Expert' panel session, was billed as being an evening of inspiration, practical advice and confidence building tips for one-to-one tutors.

PaL committee member Mr Jonny Rabson opened the proceedings by introducing the first speaker for the evening, Rabbi Dovid Roberts of the Kehillas Netzach Yisrael in Edgware.

Rabbi Roberts spoke on the topic of "how to move your learning partnership forward"?. He began by quoting a gemora in kiddushin, which poses the question of whether it is action or learning that is more important. The answer, Rabbi Roberts explained, is that learning is more important, as it can act as a catalyst for action. Ultimately, of course, change has got to be the goal, but the difficulty is that at some level we are all resistant to change. The key lies in understanding that in general, resistance comes from an emotional, as opposed to intellectual, place, and it is vital to approach it from the correct angle. Create an atmosphere of love, trust and caring, and your partner will automatically sense your authenticity. This is the only way to bring him to a place where he will be able to consider making a commitment to Torah, and understand that not only do you love and care for him, but that Hashem does as well.

The second session of the evening was delivered by Rabbi Yehudah Silver of seed. Entitled "Practical advice on how to approach a learning relationship"?, it elaborated and built upon the first session with a series of inspiring and helpful guidelines. Rabbi Silver explained that one who teaches Torah is not a 'professional'; but rather his role is closer to that of a parent. The only way one can reach someone is by building a personal relationship with them. This is harder to do in a telephone partnership, because of the lack of facial expression, but with siyata d'shmaya the connection can be achieved. Rabbi Silver stressed that most of the time what one doesn't say is far more significant than what one actually says - never say anything that's not true, and if you don't know the answer do not be afraid to admit it. Furthermore, when your partner asks a question, take a few moments to try and understand where he is coming from - why he is asking that particular question. Finally, make sure to focus 100% on the other person and aim to convey a sense of pride that the Torah is emess and will always provide the answer.

The Tutor Training Seminar concluded with an Ask the Expert panel comprising Rabbi Silver, Jonny Rabson, and the JLE's Director of Education Programmes Rabbi Aaron Hersh. Questions addressed included "where does the mitzvah of tochacha fit into kiruv"; "should one feel guilty if learning sessions sometimes veer off course and involve schmoozing or discussing personal issues"; and "suggestions on ways to turn a telephone learning session from a monologue into a dialogue". Speaking after the event, PaL Programme Coordinator Mrs Judy Silkoff commented: "We are delighted that this evening's programme was able to deliver so much food for thought and useful advice. PaL is committed to providing its tutors with ongoing support and innovative resources."