Where are the majority of American Jewish kids receiving their Jewish education? Marion Gribetz, Director of Professional Development for the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education, and Dr. Judy Avnery BJEd’81, MJEd’82, Director of the Limud Program (K–5) at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, asked each other this question several months ago. Their conclusion, based on recent research: 60–80 percent of American Jewish children who receive any form of Jewish education will receive it in supplementary school settings.

So, how to improve congregation-based Jewish education? According to Gribetz and Avnery, by creating a professional development program for Jewish educators in congregational school settings. This October, they will launch a pilot professional development program for the faculty at Temple Beth Elohim, to be held on-site during the school year. Meeting once a month for two-and-a-half hours each session, the teachers will study pedagogic theory, Judaic content and educational context with faculty from Hebrew College.

“The main concept of the program is for the teachers to learn Judaic content first and foremost as adult Jews, and then to practice and reflect on how to teach it to second graders, third graders, and so on,” says Gribetz. The four primary content areas will include Tanakh, Tefilah, Hebrew and Peoplehood.

According to Gribetz, few adult education programs take seriously the need for professional development for educators in congregational settings. The pilot program has been designed to maximize this experience: Delivering the program in the teachers’ own school connects their learning more closely to their classroom experience. Working with teachers from the congregational school as a group inspires collaboration and connects their studies to the school’s vision. If successful, the Beth Elohim pilot program will be introduced to other congregational schools.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Jewish educators in congregational schools because they will be able both to learn as adults and to grow as professionals,” says Avnery. “It’s also very important for me to show our teachers that we value them as professionals.”




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