Jewish Futures Conference Helps Jewish Educators Tackle Anti-Semitism
Source: Jewish Education Project
Over 300 Jewish educators and community leaders from across North America took on the role of student at The Jewish Education Project’s Jewish Futures Conference. Educators, Jewish communal professionals, and community leaders studied with experts on anti-Semitism, trauma, mindfulness, and internet culture at New York University’s Kimmel University Center on Wednesday (Dec. 4, 2019). Together, participants discussed and debated the conference theme of “Pride and Prejudice: Jewish Education's Battle Amid Growing Anti-Semitism.”
“With the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and around the globe, it is imperative that Jewish educators have the tools and skills to discuss it with their students, who are the ones most impacted by this troubling trend,” said David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project. “It is our obligation not to hide from the tough questions and challenges that lie before us. It is our opportunity and responsibility to engage in the necessary discussions that are critical today.”
“It is not the job of Jewish educators to end anti-Semitism, nor would they be successful were they to try. It is, however, the job of Jewish adults—educators, parents and everyone else—to turn to Jewish children in times of fear and climates of hate to facilitate the development of proud identities and resilient, moral minds despite and in light of surrounding hostility and pain,” said Malka Fleischmann, Director of Knowledge and Ideas for The Jewish Education Project.
Bari Weiss, the author of How to Fight Anti-Semitism and a writer and editor for The New York Times, emphasized that Jewish educators must craft narratives that make students feel part of a larger Jewish story. Throw out anything that doesn’t build literate, joyful, brave souls, that are capable of practicing real Ahavat Yisrael and real Tikkun Olam,” Weiss said. “We are counting on you. Our lives depend on it. I am so grateful for the lifechanging work that all of you do.”
Ex-neo Nazi Shannon Foley Martinez shared her journey into and out of white nationalist circles. Rabbi Ron Symons, the Sr. Director of Jewish Life at the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, and Rev. Liddy Barlow, Executive Minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, discussed how interfaith initiatives they have worked on have helped the Pittsburgh community heal since the massacre at Tree of Life* Or L’Simcha Congregation. Other featured speakers included author Dr. Ariel Burger; Yael Shy and Melissa Carter of New York University; Tablet Magazine senior writer Yair Rosenberg; spoken word artist Vanessa Hidary; historian Alexandria Fanjoy Silver; and psychotherapist Rebecca Stone.
The Jewish Futures Conference is one of the most anticipated professional development offerings that The Jewish Education Project coordinates each year. Through conferences and workshops on early childhood education, teen education, day school education, and congregational education The Jewish Education Project inspires and empowers Jewish educators to create transformative Jewish experiences.