Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education

Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean of Spertus Institute, explains why Israel must be front and center in our classrooms—now more than ever. While many Jewish educators recognize the importance of teaching about Israel, research shows that fear of controversy and complexity often leads to hesitation. She believes it's crucial for educators to embrace the discomfort and navigate these complex discussions with confidence, and shares practical strategies for managing conflict in the classroom.

Hear from prominent author Dara Horn about the key issues with the way the Holocaust is discussed and taught today. David and Dara discuss how the language used in Holocaust education threatens the erasure of modern Jewish culture and perpetuates antisemitism by painting Jews as feeble, helpless, and sometimes even extinct. 

Adapting gets spiritual with Dana Sheanin, CEO of Jewish Learning Works. Dana first shares glimpses into the Jewish Bay Area, marked by political activism and repercussions in education since October 7th. Dana then explores how reconnecting with spirituality—including relationships with community and the divine—can provide resilience and meaning for Jewish educators and students. 

David Bryfman talks with Anna Langer, who oversees the Israel Education Travel Alliance, a collective of over 140 organizations that facilitate Israel trips for North American participants. Their conversation—full of personal anecdotes and frontline insights from southern Israel—doesn’t shy away from how Israel educational travel is adapting to a new reality.

If you’re in a Jewish leadership role, don’t miss this pertinent conversation between David Bryfman and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a prominent Jewish leader and author.  As the news is seemingly changing by the day, Rabbi Cosgrove offers guidance to fellow educators while exploring leadership, identity, and the role of Jewish educators in shaping the future.