Building on Reimagining Israel Education

Nearly two years ago, The Jewish Education Project's David Bryfman and Rabbi Dena Klein, alongside consultant Beth Cousens, launched a field-wide effort through Reimagining Israel Education, an initiative supported by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies and the Jim Joseph Foundation. Engaging more than 400 educators, funders, thought leaders and practitioners, the effort explored how Israel education should evolve in the wake of Oct. 7 and amid growing questions from young Jews about Israel, Jewish identity and belonging.

That work has now resulted in a new framework and 10 core principles designed to help the field align around a shared vision for Israel education. In an article for eJewish Philanthropy, our own Co-President, Lisa Eisen, joins Jim Joseph Foundation's Dawne Bear Novicoff to reflect on the framework's release and what it will take to bring that vision to life. They explore how Israel education can be woven throughout Jewish learning and grounded in strong educational practice, while giving educators the tools and confidence to engage complexity, nuance and diverse perspectives.

Looking ahead, Lisa and Dawne highlight priority areas for investment, including educator development, research, innovation and content. Together, these investments can help move the field from vision to implementation.