Diversity and Informal Jewish Education

Publication Date: June 2007

Publisher: Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education

Author(s): Kerry M. Olitzky

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Informal Jewish Education; Jewish Outreach; Pluralism; Communal Organization

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author discusses the importance of informal Jewish learning environments such as Jewish camps, youth groups and trips to Israel. Although these forums gained legitimacy in recent years, Olitzky is concerned about the current decline of participation in these programs. He explains that informal Jewish educators and institutions must learn to reach secular Jews of all backgrounds and ideologies. Further, Olitzky challenges formal Jewish educators and institutions to reflect Jewish diversity so that more Jewish communities can be reached and engaged.