Moving from General Education to Jewish Education: Some Personal Reflections

Publication Date: January 1991

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Arnold Zar-Kessler

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Education; Religion; Communal Organization

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Is there a difference between the world of Jewish education and general education? In this article, I present a somewhat anecdotal analysis of the two systems from my position as standing with a foot in both worlds. For example, the most striking feature of Jewish education when contrasted with the general educational system in North America is its lack of coercive power. This lack of coercive power in Jewish education creates an educational system that is more sensitive to the marketplace.It is interesting to note that these two features of Jewish education —a free-market educational system based on choice and greater parental involvement —are often mentioned among more progressive platforms for change in American public schools.