Inside the Jewish School: A Study of the Cultural Setting for Jewish Education

Publication Date: January 1983

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Samuel C. Heilman

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Youth Engagement; Educators; Day schools; Jewish Continuity

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author reports findings based on on-site observations of three different Jewish day schools -- Orthodox, Conservative and Reform. The author describes what is actually going on inside the classroom and recommends policy and program changes. His findings illustrate the theme of dissonance between parents, teachers and students, each of which approaches the subject matter with its own set of experiences and values. The author recommends efforts to transform the school into a total community. He also advocates the creation of Jewish boarding schools.