Reaching and Teaching Jewish Youth: A Study of Post B'nai Mitzvah Retention and Engagement


 

Publication Date: January 2002

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Sharon M. Ravitch

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Jewish Education; Jewish Identification; Jewish Continuity

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Despite differences in ideology and school structure across synagogue schools in the United States, there is widespread consensus that post B'nai Mitzvah dropout is an epidemic that threatens the future of American Jewry as current studies document. American Jews are at an historical moment in addressing serious and ongoing assimilation into mainstream American society. However, despite serious concern and widespread attention in this area, there seem to be many more questions than answers about how to remedy the current situation.