Search results for: Supplementary education

This study was inspired by the abundance of literature regarding the withdrawal of non-Orthodox American Jewish teenagers from an active Jewish life. This situation has been called an “epidemic that threatens the future of American Jewry” (Ravitch, 2002b, p. 254). This study sought to answer the primary research question: How do under-engaged Jewish teens self-articulate and self-express Jewish identity and Jewish identification? Portraiture methodology was used to capture how three Atlanta-suburb teenagers articulated and expressed their Jewish identity and Jewish identification. Each of the study participants grew up attending supplemental Jewish education programs and celebrated their Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, but then disengaged from organized communal Jewish education or social experiences. As current high school junior and seniors, the study participants reflected on how Judaism has shaped who they are, their interactions with Judaism in their daily lives, and the ongoing meaning they derive from being a part of the Jewish people.

Applications are now available for a new Qushiyot Cohort for 2019-’20. Qushiyot is a 10-month network experience, offering an opportunity to connect with colleagues of diverse perspectives and partake in a range of learning opportunities to spur innovation. It is a comprehensive, open approach to Israel education that embraces the vibrant complexity of Israel.

Students in small and large communities are desperate for active and engaging Jewish learning.These experiences must accommodate 21st Century teenagers – busy, tech-savvy teens, who want to stay Jewishly engaged, if the time, activities and location, meet their needs. As traditional religious school programs are experiencing sharply decreasing participation, a paradigm shift is definitely needed to meet the challenges of the social changes of the 21st century. Jewish Journeys, a project of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, has created an innovative model that utilizes the computer and the internet to provide a personalized Jewish educational program to meet the needs of both students and parents.

Engaging young people in their 20s and 30s, the so-called millennial generation, is a high priority for Jewish philanthropists. Some funders have banded together to create new initiatives, including free trips to Israel, with the express purpose of drawing members of this generation into Jewish life. Others have gravitated to the so-called innovation sector, supporting millennials who dream up new programs to entice their peers into some form of Jewish participation. But for all the energy and money expended on such programs, one question remains unanswered: Will these efforts move people from shallow engagement to actively live a Jewish life or deepen their knowledge?