Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education
Education & Explainer
About
'Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education' is a weekly podcast hosted by The Jewish Education Project. Hear CEO David Bryfman or alternating co-host Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and a different guest each episode explore the big questions, challenges, and successes that define Jewish education. Available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Episodes
- Kippahgate: From Controversy to the Classroom with Alex Sinclair
Alex Sinclair, an Israel educator, discusses the controversy sparked by his kippah featuring both Israeli and Palestinian flags. The conversation explores the complexities of being a Zionist, criticizing Israel, and maintaining connection…
- Creating Meaningful Experiences for Every Child—B-Mitzvah and Beyond
Howard Blas and Ilana Trachtman discuss creating inclusive B-Mitzvah celebrations for children with disabilities and fostering belonging in all Jewish communal spaces, drawing from their book 'A Different Spirit'. The conversation covers m…
- A Conversation on Memory This Yom HaZikaron
Omri Rose discusses his graphic novel "Echoes of October," which explores events leading up to October 7th through the eyes of four young people. In conversation with Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, they delve into themes of memory, loss, and e…
- Living Memory & Holocaust Education: A Conversation on Yom HaShoah
This episode features a conversation between Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and Dave Reckess of 3GNY on Yom HaShoah. They discuss the importance of Holocaust education as a tool against antisemitism, an entry point to Jewish culture, and a remi…
- The Psychology of Jewish Living: Faith in a Modern World
Cantor Laura Stein and Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath discuss practical theology and the psychology of religion, exploring how to live Judaism in the modern world amidst diverse perspectives and community dynamics.
- Responding to Violence: Raising Proud Children Today
In response to recent violence and antisemitic threats, David Bryfman and Daniel Held discuss strategies for raising proud, knowledgeable, and empowered Jewish children. They explore how educators and parents can address difficult question…
- A Love Letter to Jewish Educators
This episode addresses the burnout, overwhelm, and stress faced by Jewish educators, framed as a "love letter" to them. Host Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and guest Shoshana Bloom discuss the immense pressures educators endure and explore ways…
- How to “Rehuman” in Hard Times
Amidst global uncertainty, Jewish educators, parents, and students face challenges. This episode features Stephanie Malia Krauss and Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath discussing ways to foster creativity, play, connection, and belonging.
- Israel, Anti-Zionism, and the Healthy Argument - with Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras
This episode features Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras discussing their research on anti-Zionist Jews in the U.S. The conversation, with David Bryfman, aims to deepen understanding and support healthier arguments within the Jewish com…
- Iranian, Jewish, American: Holding Complex Identities
Activist Tabby Refael shares her experiences navigating the complex identities of being Iranian, American, and Jewish, discussing her family's departure from Iran following the revolution. The conversation spans from Tehran to Los Angeles,…
- The Path to Jewish Belonging
This episode features independent Jewish educator Netta Asner-Minster discussing how to foster Jewish belonging in the digital age. She shares insights on guiding individuals through their Jewish journey via one-to-one classes and social m…
- Purpose and Pluralism: Lessons in Leadership with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on her personal journey and shares insights on Jewish education, emphasizing communal purpose, the impact of pluralism, and the role of music.
- Why Jewish Education Needs Both Joy and Oy — with Andrew Davies
This episode features a conversation with Andrew Davies, co-founder of The Bible Players, on the necessity of incorporating both joy and the challenges ("oy") within Jewish education. Davies shares insights on how to balance these elements…
- ‘Genocide’ Comparisons: A Holocaust Educator’s Take
Alyssa Weinstein-Sears, a Holocaust and genocide scholar, joins Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath to discuss modern antisemitism and Holocaust education. They explore how inflammatory language regarding Israel can obscure historical truth and emph…
- Values in Action: Giving for the Jewish Future
This episode explores how to translate collective responsibility and shared values into tangible actions for the future of the Jewish people, with a focus on charitable giving. Josh Schalk of Jewish Future Promise discusses the initiative'…
- An Optimist in Uniform: Reflections from IDF Reserve Duty
David Bryfman speaks with Yoni Heilman about his experiences in IDF reserve duty after October 7th. Heilman shares his thoughts on Zionism, the connection between Israelis and Jews globally, and expresses his optimism.
- Reflections After Bondi Beach from David Bryfman
In an urgent episode, David Bryfman discusses the Bondi Beach tragedy's impact on the Australian Jewish community, the responsibility of educators to address children's safety and fear, and the need to preserve hope during Chanukah.
- Including + Celebrating Jewish Voices in American Public Schools
Host Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and scholar Natalia Mehlman Petrzela discuss how to meaningfully include Jewish voices and history in American public schools, addressing overlooked minority groups and controversial historical aspects.
- How to Best Support Educators Right Now
On the Adapting podcast, Zev Eleff joins Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath to discuss the need for better support for Jewish educators. Eleff suggests enhancing Jewish literacy through initiatives like digitizing archives and using American Jewish…
- A Wide Tent with Clear Boundaries: Lessons in Jewish Leadership and Peoplehood
David Bryfman and Dr. Mijal Bitton discuss defining Jewish peoplehood amidst polarization, exploring the balance between inclusivity and clear boundaries within Jewish communities. Dr. Bitton shares insights shaped by her background, offer…
- The Power of Storytelling to Strengthen Jewish Community
Writer Zibby Owens shares how she began centering her work around Jewish identity and Israel advocacy on her literary platform. This episode, in honor of Jewish Book Month, highlights the power of storytelling to foster Jewish joy and prid…
- What is This Thing Called Jewish Peoplehood?
This episode features Dr. Elana Stein Hain and David Bryfman discussing the concept of Jewish peoplehood, focusing on belonging, responsibility, and empathy, particularly amidst societal divisions.
- How to Light the Inner Spark of Today’s Jewish Learners
On the Adapting podcast, Rabbi Mark Wildes shares insights from his book, The Jewish Experience, discussing how educators can ignite the innate 'pintele Yid' in young Jewish adults to foster connection and transform Jewish life.
- Meet Our New Co-Host: Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath
Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath begins as a co-host, sharing her view that Jewish education should cultivate pride, joy, and connection. She also discusses her path to becoming a Jewish educator and her work helping teens connect with Jewish…
- Welcome Home: The Complexity of Hope
This episode of Adapting discusses the complex feelings arising from the return of 20 hostages while others remain missing, offering guidance for Jewish educators on processing historical events like October 7th and discussing post-war rit…
- Two Years Later: A Message to Jewish Educators (and Their Supporters/Champions)
Two years after October 7th, CEO David Bryfman delivers a personal message to Jewish educators, reflecting on the immense burdens they've carried and expressing hope for the future of Jewish education amid difficult circumstances.
- The Secret Sauce of Jewish Survival
This episode features Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz discussing the importance of authenticity and being "radically inspired" in Jewish education. He and David Bryfman explore how embracing plurality and curiosity enhances educational impact.
- Torah and Teshuvah for a Better World
In this episode, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins the podcast to discuss how the Torah's earliest stories and the practice of teshuvah can serve as teaching tools for ethics and integrity. The conversation focuses on empowering educators to he…
- Reclaiming Our Story with Sarah Hurwitz
In the premiere of Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education, David Bryfman talks with Sarah Hurwitz, former White House speechwriter and author. They discuss how educators can help Jewish people reclaim their identity, moving from shame an…
- The State of Jewish Education: A Conversation with David (and David)
In the Season 5 finale of Adapting, host David interviews himself, addressing common questions about Jewish education. He discusses the need for a unified vision, the importance of increasing the number of Jewish educators, and the value o…
- In Defense of Rest: The Importance (and Jewishness) of Taking a Break
David Bryfman and Josh Feldman discuss the importance of rest, sabbaticals, and breaks in the workplace, drawing parallels to Jewish concepts like the Sabbath and shmita year to combat burnout.
- Inside America's First Classical Jewish Prep School
This episode discusses Emet, the first classical Jewish preparatory school in the U.S., founded in 2023 in New York City. It explores how the school integrates Jewish wisdom into its curriculum, combining it with academic subjects and disc…
- Educating for Justice: Black-Jewish Solidarity
This episode features Dr. Devin Randolph and Rabbi Dr. Meir Muller discussing strategies to combat prejudice, racism, and antisemitism by exploring the shared history of Black and Jewish liberation struggles. They emphasize vulnerability a…
- Breaking the Barriers to Israel Education
Dr. Keren Fraiman joins the Adapting podcast to discuss the critical need for Israel education in Jewish classrooms. She addresses educators' hesitation due to controversy and complexity, offering strategies for confident discussion and co…
- Strengthening Jewish Identity Through Israel-Centered Education
This episode explores strengthening Jewish identity by centering Israel in education, featuring Adam Eilath discussing methods like partnering with Israeli educators and creating intentional learning experiences. The discussion highlights…
- The Big Problems Facing Holocaust Education
Author Dara Horn joins the show to discuss critical issues in Holocaust education, explaining how current teaching methods and language can inadvertently erase modern Jewish culture and perpetuate antisemitism. The episode explores how pop…
- Tech & Torah: How Jewish Educators Can Embrace Technology
In this episode of Adapting, David Bryfman and Rabbi Jason Miller explore the role of technology in Jewish education. Rabbi Miller advocates for embracing tech tools, stating they will empower educators and improve learning efficiency and…
- What AI Thinks About Jewish Education
In an innovative approach, David Bryfman uses AI platform NotebookLM to discuss the current state and future of Jewish education. The episode features an AI-generated dialogue on critical issues facing educational institutions, including a…
- What's God Got to Do With It?
This episode of Adapting features Dana Sheanin, CEO of Jewish Learning Works, discussing the impact of recent political activism on Jewish education. She explores how reconnecting with spirituality, community, and the divine offers resilie…
- Revisiting Esther and Vashti: Heroines of the Purim Story
This episode revisits the Purim story heroines Esther and Vashti, discussing themes of resilience and courage. It features Dr. Erica Brown, David Bryfman, and Nessa Liben, also highlighting the heroism of Jewish educators and women globall…
- The Future of Israel Educational Travel
David Bryfman interviews Anna Langer about the impact of October 7th on Israel educational travel programs like Birthright and Masa, and how the Israel Education Travel Alliance is adapting to the new reality.
- Rooted in Responsibility: A Jewish Approach to Environmentalism
On the Adapting podcast, Yoni Stadlin explores Jewish environmentalism, drawing parallels between caring for the planet and self-care, and highlighting the significance of Tu BiShvat as a call to action.
- Finding Light in Loss with Rabba Yaffa Epstein
In this episode of Adapting, Rabba Yaffa Epstein discusses Judaism's capacity for holding both joy and pain simultaneously. She shares Torah in memory of her nephew, Yakir Hexter z”l, who died fighting in Gaza, and reflects on finding ligh…
- Jewish Leadership for Such a Time as This
Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove joins David Bryfman to discuss Jewish leadership challenges, generational divides within the Jewish community regarding Israel and antisemitism, and a vision for Jewish education. They explore navigating these issues…
- What We Can Learn from the French-Jewish Experience
This episode of Adapting features Devorah Serrao discussing the unique dynamics of Jewish education and identity in France, exploring how young French Jews balance their dual identities and offering lessons for global Jewish communities.
- Redeeming the Hostages: An Educational Imperative
This episode features David Bryfman speaking with Dalia Cusnir about the ongoing captivity of her brothers-in-law in Gaza and the moral and educational imperative of redeeming captives. Bryfman stresses that the freedom of hostages is a hu…
- The Festival of Lights When We Need It Most
Host David Bryfman speaks with artist and educator Jonathan Shmidt Chapman about making Jewish education engaging through drama, creativity, and multi-sensory experiences, especially during Chanukah. Chapman offers ideas for illuminating J…
- Resilience Down Under: Antisemitism in Melbourne
This episode features a discussion on the emotional and educational effects of antisemitism in Melbourne, with a focus on fostering resilience and Jewish identity in the local community.
- From Bystander to Upstander: A Guide to Fighting Antisemitism
Authors Lynne Azarchi and Harlene Lichter Galen discuss their new curriculum, 'Countering Anti-Semitism and Hate,' with David Bryfman. The guide, developed over three years, aims to transform bystanders into upstanders by fostering Jewish…
- The Fight for Jewish Inclusion in Public Schools
Public school teacher Shana Dworken talks with David Bryfman about creating inclusive classrooms and advocating for Jewish students and education, especially since October 7th. They discuss systemic change and the importance of Jewish pres…