Can the Jewish education system be smarter and more effective? We’ll be looking to see.
As the Chief Rabbi has put it, “One day “we will reflect back on this moment and view it as a most significant turning point in the history of Jewish education in the UK”.
It is a moment to ask what is a Jewish school: is it simply a school attended by Jewish children or a place which inspires children to be the best Jews they can be?
Last month, the Chief Rabbi announced the launch of a wide-ranging review into Jewish schools, noting that there was hardly a more important mission than to instil within our children an understanding and deep love of their Judaism.
He is the religious authority for more than 30 Jewish schools across the country, while the United Synagogue is the foundation body for 11.
Following the Covid pandemic and its impact on our community, the US and the Office of the Chief Rabbi held individual conversations with every school for which they were responsible. We found an appetite to take a holistic look at the Jewish education system and to consider how we can be smarter and more effective in delivering what we’re calling “Jewish life”.
We heard the desire to ensure that Jewish schools aren’t simply buildings where Jewish children go to learn, but transformational places where students leave not just knowing about Judaism but with a passion and commitment to live and breathe it. They should leave education with an appreciation of the centrality of Israel to Jewish identity, proficiency in Hebrew reading and writing, and the skills to continue their Jewish learning into adulthood.
Our hope is that with this review, which could be the most significant Jewish educational initiative in a generation, we can create the very best possible environment for inspiring a generation of proud young Jews, equipped to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.
We want to help schools undertake a deep dive into how our Jewish school system operates, what works and what doesn’t, and how we can improve the system for everyone’s benefit.
