A new book launched earlier this month addresses formal Jewish education in the diaspora in light of the October 7 massacre. Printed at Kibbutz Be’eri printing house, the book explores the global impact of these events on Jewish education through the perspectives of senior educators from Israel, the United States, Europe, and other regions who visited Israel last January. The collection includes essays reflecting on the war’s influence and reshaping the approach to Jewish education.
“October 7 impacted our community at all levels,” said Erika Hershkowitz, CEO of the Martin Buber School in Argentina. “After the initial pain, we quickly needed to provide students with explanations, listening, and care. We had to rethink how to prepare students for Jewish life beyond school and equip them with the necessary tools. A year later, the feeling of an open wound persists.”
Hershkowitz was among 40 Jewish education leaders from 14 countries gathered in Israel earlier this month for the opening seminar of a new leadership forum. Hannah Dorsman, CEO of UnitEd, explained that the forum resulted from a collaboration among the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, UnitEd, the Education and Zionist Enterprises Departments of the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the Pincus Foundation for Jewish Education.
“Participants included directors of national Jewish education committees, leaders of education networks, and senior academics,” Dorsman said. “This group aims to shape the future of Jewish education by fostering collaboration and developing innovative strategies for Jewish-Zionist education. October 7 underscores the necessity of Jewish education like never before.”
Dorsman emphasized the importance of bolstering Jewish identity and connection to Israel, particularly among younger generations confronting antisemitism. “We help educators in Jewish schools contextualize the situation in Israel for students, strengthening their ties to the Jewish people and state. The Hamas attack, ensuing war, and global antisemitism compel us to rethink approaches to education not only in Israel but worldwide.”
The book, offering immediate reactions and emerging transformations, guides Jewish education leaders. Contributors include Rabbi David Meyer, CEO of PaJeS—the network of Jewish schools in England; Dr. David Braifman, CEO of the Jewish Education Project in New York; Prof. Daniel Feinstein, dean of Jewish Studies at Uni’ Habreika in Mexico; Dr. Erica Brown, vice-chancellor for leadership and values at Yeshiva University; and Joe Toledano, senior advisor at Praxis in France.
“As Jewish educators in the UK, we face unprecedented challenges,” said Meyer. “Students navigate a landscape flooded with misinformation about Israel on social media while encountering rising antisemitism. Our greatest challenge is nurturing their Jewish identity during these times. Sharing experiences with global education leaders was inspiring. Recognizing our shared challenges strengthens our collective response.”
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