As enrollment declines in liberal Jewish schools, it is important to ask: is liberal Jewish education relevant to today’s students? In the 1920s, American Jewish educators revolutionized liberal Jewish education by adopting the American school model. Previously, Jewish education was a chaotic state of kheyders and Talmud Torahs with undefined curricula and rote learning. But today, many think it is time for a new approach. As the next generation of American Jews redefines 21st century Jewish life, scholars and educators worry that Jewish schools are failing to meet the needs of today’s students.
Moderated by Bethamie Horowitz, research assistant professor, New York University, speakers include:
Zvi Bekerman, director of the Melton Centre for Jewish Education, School of Education, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Benjamin Jacobs, assistant professor of Social Studies, Education and Jewish Studies, New York University
Jonathan Krasner, associate professor of the American Jewish Experience, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
Tali Zelkowicz, assistant professor of Education, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion
New York City, NY; NYC