Because of a relatively new heightened concern about next generation Jewish identity in the Diaspora, the Israeli Ministry of Education and Diaspora Affairs sponsored a five day Global Education Seminar in Jerusalem, 8-12 July, 2018. As SOS International strives to enrich and enhance next generation Jewish identity and values through international exchanges, I was invited to attend and join 150 educators from 31 countries.
Although contemporary Diaspora Jewry is being confronted with many serious religious, political and cultural issues, this seminar was entirely devoted to next generation Jewish identity and Jewish education in the Diaspora. Israel has come to the realization that maintaining strong Jewish communities is not only the moral thing to do, but it is a strategic investment by Israel. When one religiously, culturally and educationally disengages from Judaism, one tends to disengage from Israel. The challenge facing Israel is the masses of Jews distancing themselves from Judaism and Israel and how best to respond to this cataclysmic fact in a Diaspora that is not homogenous.
Both the Minister of Education and Diaspora Affairs, Naftali Bennett and Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin very candidly stated that after 70 years of Diaspora Jews helping Israel, it is time for Israel to help Diaspora Jews. Unlike 1948, Israel is a strong country and must take a leadership role in providing educational support and assistance because without Jewish education, the Jewish people will cease to exist. That said, Israel does not know what is needed and wanted. From the multi-national participants they asked for specific ideas, suggestions and recommendations how Israel can help and support Jewish Education in the Diaspora.
Because the Diaspora is so very heterogeneous, the responses were as diverse and varied as the 150 representatives from 31 countries. In multiple round table discussions, interactive lectures and assorted presentations, concerted collective efforts were made to understand what the Diaspora educators want from Israel. So what is the answer to the question the Israeli Ministry of Education and Diaspora Affairs posed?
One size does not fit all and meaningful and impactful educational responses must be personalized and customized. There is no singular magic educational bullet and even a Jewish Day School education does not guarantee next generation Jewish identity and values.
As the seminar came to an end, organizers and participants realized that the most significant outcome of the seminar was that this was the first time Israel held a seminar solely devoted to trying to find ways in which Israel can help and support Jewish Education in the Diaspora. Although the seminar had an overwhelmingly difficult task, it was hugely successful in providing a forum for dialogue and discussion. Will there be a follow up seminar devoted to practical realistic next steps, only time will tell. Stay tuned!
Alan Reinitz
