Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education

This episode kicks off a new series: Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World. Stay tuned for more episodes in this series. In the aftermath of October 7th, it's clearer than ever before that there is a need for both advocacy and education to bring about the changes necessary in independent and public-school education. David Bryfman and Laura Shaw Frank of AJC discuss teaching history and current events while ensuring moral clarity remains center stage, responsible speech versus free speech, and stories from school that will shock you. At the end of the day, though, oftentimes it's the small actions that can have great impact that matter most. If you're an educator looking for support on how to address this relevant topic with your learners, this episode is for you. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

"Each and every tree has something important to say. If you listen closely, you might too hear their whispers." Rabbi Jackson Mercer creates intentional spaces as a song leader. He is also the author of Wise Friends, a children's book that's really a book for everyone, filled with millennium-old Hebrew teachings. He also just happens to be this week's guest on Adapting! Get ready for Tu BiShvat with Rabbi Mercer and David Bryfman by learning how to connect to "the new year for trees" through art, tradition, wisdom, and growth.Buy a copy of Wise Friends here! This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

According to Rabbi Danny Burkeman, the congregation is the beating heart of Jewish education, a driver of change which brings community together and inspires Jewish learning. So how does a synagogue adapt to keep Jewish education stimulating?  In an inspiring conversation recorded before October 7th, Rabbi Danny Burkeman and David Bryfman discuss innovative ways to engage people in their Judaism, whether Jewish learning is a spectator sport or a participatory sport, and the Torah of Ted Lasso. This week's episode of Adapting serves as an important follow-up to the Census report that The Jewish Education Project released last year in an effort to continue the conversation of the role of part-time Jewish education.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

In the midst of war, the essential and timely work of Jewish educators must continue. That is why on this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman discusses the ongoing hot-button issue of Artificial Intelligence and its role in education. On the cusp of 2024, educators don't have a choice: they must embrace this technology, or else they're going to fall behind. At least that's what Dr. Sarah Rubinson Levy suggests. As an AI & Jewish Organizational Expert, Dr. Levy says that for all its challenges, AI can be used as a powerful resource to enhance your teaching. Learn how in this week's episode.You May Be Interested in...🎙️Artificial Intelligence or Artificial Education? with Dr. Samantha Vinokor-MeinrathWatch Dr. Levy's Tedx Talk, "Why AI is the Catalyst We Need to Change Jewish Education Forever" here.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

During the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jews all over the world publicize the miracle of the holiday by lighting menorahs by the window for everyone to see. However, this year feels different, as we grapple with the horrors of October 7th and the current climate of antisemitism in the midst of war. In this special Hanukkah episode of Adapting, here to discuss this topic with David Bryfman are The Jewish Education Project's Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath – Senior Director of Knowledge, Ideas, and Learning, and Rabba Yaffa Epstein – Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence. Their conversation, focused around intention, culture, and ritual, brilliantly illuminates where celebration meets safety. It will get you thinking of your own sense of identity and how you will approach the upcoming holiday.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

During a time of war, it's so important to maintain and uphold our spiritual selves as well as community, two traits that are essential to Judaism. As the first yeshiva of its kind in Israel, the BINA Secular Yeshiva serves as a place where young adults can do just that while promoting Jewish pluralism and social justice.  This week's episode of Adapting finds David Bryfman speaking with Ayala Deckel, head of the Secular Yeshiva. This episode will open your eyes to the Israeli secular perspective as Ayala divulges the power that comes from what happens when Jews unite in times of sorrow.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

Imagine that you work on a U.S. college campus today while Israel is at war. Meanwhile, your Israeli cousin texts you from her mamad (safe room in an Israeli home) asking if you're okay given the rise in antisemitism on college campuses.That's what happened to Merav Fine Braun, executive director at Hunter College Hillel in New York City, given the staggering rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the country.In this week's episode of Adapting, Merav engages in a heartfelt conversation with David Bryfman. She recounts her campus experiences from the past month and provides insights into how educators can lend support to their students during this time of uncertainty. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

Rebecca Bardach has devoted her life to progressive education and coexistence between Jews and Arabs living together in Israel. How does she maintain strength and hope during these dark times?  Listen to a candid discussion with David Bryfman as she provides a firsthand, on-the-ground account of life in Israel, where she retells the heart-wrenching moment when she discovered her cousin's kidnapping by Hamas. She also recounts a poignant encounter with an Arab psychologist, highlighting moments of shared humanity, and offers poignant messages for educators to maintain optimism in times of crisis. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Rachel Fish, an esteemed scholar and self-proclaimed warrior on the Middle East and Israel, joins the podcast to discuss the battle occurring in America alongside the war in Israel. They explore the impact of antisemitism on university campuses, the importance of balancing facts and empathy in Jewish education, and the role of educators in guiding students through ethical dilemmas. The chapter descriptions highlight the challenges faced by Jewish educators in the digital age and the need to navigate the current ideological and political climate.

Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, Managing Director at the Jewish Education Project, and Dr. Sivan Zakai, an expert in Jewish education, share valuable insights on discussing Israel with children during tumultuous times. They emphasize the importance of remaining calm and listening actively to kids as they process current events. The conversation explores addressing children's emotional health amidst crises and teaching resilience against rising anti-Semitism. Their dual approach encourages ongoing dialogue, empowering young minds to navigate complex issues with confidence.