Section archive - Formal Education

Julie Wiener writes of the new Jewish Journey Project (JJP) a collaborative effort of seven congregations, the JCC in Manhattan, the 14th Street Y and various other Jewish institutions which is poised to revolutionize part-time, pre-b’nai mitzvah Jewish education in NYC when it launches this fall.

Karen Gazith discusses ways that Jewish studies teachers can change the focus of their instruction from knowledge and skill acquisition to deep knowledge and understanding that guides actions and behaviors of their students.

Jonathan Woocher examines what constitutes success for today's day schools and what should constitute success to for our students as 21st century learners and as 21st century Jews. He indicates that what is needed is a far-reaching reconception of the nature of school, one less aligned with the strictures of American success and more aligned with Jewish culture and values and a larger vision of educational excellence.

Jeffrey S. Kress, associate professor of Jewish education and academic director of the Experiential Learning Initiative at the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary, in an article in The Jewish Week writes that many educators have been recently suggesting to make Jewish schools more like camps, which provide meaningful, lasting experiences for their campers. He asks, what is it about camp that offers positive outcomes and that can be replicated in non-camp settings?