Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education
'Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education' is a podcast hosted by The Jewish Education Project. Hear CEO David Bryfman and a different guest each episode explore the big questions, challenges, and successes that define Jewish education. Available on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
Episodes
151 episodes
The Future of Israel Educational Travel
From transformative teen programs like RootOne to life-changing Birthright and Masa trips, studies have shown that Israel educational travel has been the most essential tool for building a lasting connection to Israel. But October 7th has...
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Season 5
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Episode 19
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39:27
Rooted in Responsibility: A Jewish Approach to Environmentalism
This week on Adapting, in honor of Tu BiShvat, Yoni Stadlin of Adamah challenges us to see our connection to the earth through a Jewish lens. From his unconventional journey—spending three months living in the canopy of Cal...
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Season 5
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Episode 18
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29:34
Finding Light in Loss with Rabba Yaffa Epstein
Judaism gives us the tools to hold both joy and pain simultaneously. Few understand this better than Rabba Yaffa Epstein, The Jewish Education Project’s Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence, who tragically lost her nephew, Yakir Hexter z”l,...
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Season 5
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Episode 17
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23:24
Jewish Leadership for Such a Time as This
If you’re in a Jewish leadership role, don’t miss this pertinent conversation between David Bryfman and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a prominent Jewish leader and author. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Cosgrove’s new book, For Such a...
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Season 5
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Episode 16
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42:23
What We Can Learn from the French-Jewish Experience
As the largest Jewish community in Europe and the third largest in the world, French Jewry—primarily of Sephardic descent from North Africa—blends a rich, thriving Jewish heritage with modern challenges.Giving a voice to the French Jewis...
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Season 5
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Episode 15
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33:43
Redeeming the Hostages: An Educational Imperative
As of this episode’s recording, 461 days have passed since Dalia Cusnir last heard from Yair and Eitan, her brothers-in-law who have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas. In the most important Adapting episode yet, David Bryfman sp...
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Season 5
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Episode 14
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43:34
The Festival of Lights When We Need It Most
In the final 2024 episode of Adapting, David Bryfman hosts Jonathan Shmidt Chapman—award-winning artist, writer, and Jewish educator—for a lively conversation about bringing Jewish education to life through drama and creativity. Focusi...
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Season 5
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Episode 13
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31:05
Resilience Down Under: Antisemitism in Melbourne
In the aftermath of an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, David Bryfman interviews two Melbourne-based Jewish educators Itzik Sztokman and Marc Light. Together, they explore the emotional and educational ripple effects of ...
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Season 5
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Episode 12
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38:27
From Bystander to Upstander: A Guide to Fighting Antisemitism
Do you, as an educator or parent, wish there was a guidebook for combatting antisemitism? Look no further than Lynne Azarchi and Harlene Lichter Galen’s new curriculum: Countering Anti-Semitism and Hate: A How-to Guide for Youth, Family, an...
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Season 5
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Episode 11
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34:32
The Fight for Jewish Inclusion in Public Schools
What does an inclusive classroom look like if there's no education on antisemitism? Public school teacher Shana Dworken knows and has been a vocal advocate for Jewish students and Jewish education, especially since October 7th.In this w...
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Season 5
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Episode 10
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41:54
Sights and Visions of Israel Education
As we look at the future of Israel education, it's just as critical to look back and reflect on how we as educators have succeeded and could have improved in this holy work.In this pivotal and hard-hitting Adapting episode on laying out...
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Season 5
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Episode 9
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39:25
Judaism's Role in Democracy: An Election Season Conversation
For centuries Jews have contributed to American democracy, while American democracy has simultaneously contributed significantly to the success of American Jewry.In a lead-up to the election, David Bryfman has a timely conversation with...
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Season 5
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Episode 8
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27:14
Prayer and Presence: A Conversation Between Rabbis
In this essential episode for Jewish educators, Rabba Yaffa Epstein, an Orthodox rabbi, and Rabbi Dena Klein, a Reform rabbi, discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading prayer in today’s world. With the High Holidays approaching, they ...
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Season 5
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Episode 7
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33:05
Together, We Will Endure: A Special Rosh Hashanah Episode
Education has the power to break down divisions that separate us.This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Dr. Ethan Zadoff to discuss how a religious Zionist school has been navigating the aftermath of October 7th. Bui...
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Season 5
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Episode 6
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32:04
October 7th as a Jewish Peoplehood Moment
Judaism is many things—a religion, a culture, a history, a set of values—but above all, it is a people. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Naama Klar from the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. The...
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Season 5
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Episode 5
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43:21
From Classroom to Combat
Over the last 10 months, Dr. Tuvia Book, an author, tour guide, and educator, has been serving in the Israel Defense Forces as a paramedic. His experiences are stories of people doing the work on the ground, and while we may feel the distance b...
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Season 5
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Episode 4
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40:43
From Educator to Activist
Since October 7th, Australian educator Sharonne Blum has been on the frontlines on the war of information both in the classroom and on social media. Her courageous approach raises important questions for both the Australian and global Jewish co...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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47:53
The Communal Reckoning We Need
Zack Bodner is asking tough, necessary questions—engaging in a kind of post-October 7th Cheshbon HaNefesh, or self-reflection, for Jewish educators. In this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman and Zack Bodner have a prov...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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41:05
Navigating New Realities: Season 5 Launch
CEO David Bryfman kicks off Season 5 of Adapting with a powerful episode that sets the tone for the season ahead, now more critical than ever especially after the news of the six hostages who were murdered by Hamas. As Bryfman reflects on the p...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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9:57
Where Did We Go Wrong?
October 7th has forced Jewish educators and parents to look inward as to how they are impacting Jewish youths' relationship to Israel.Since October 7th, The Jewish Education Project, along with many partner organizations, has brought ov...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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38:01
The Power of Jewish Summer Camp (Especially Right Now)
What makes Jewish summer camp so powerful? How can it shape the lives and perspectives of Jewish youth and Jewish adults for years to come? How are camps approaching Israel education this summer? In this episode, David Bryfm...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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33:27
Tech-Forward Teaching: Revolutionizing Jewish Education
If Jewish educators want to produce kids of tomorrow, then they must embrace the technology of today to help get them there. Technological tools like artificial intelligence, social media, and 3D printers aren't an elective or an addition, but ...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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31:27
Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World: Mourning and Celebrating Together
In the wake of October 7th, this year's observances of Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut feel different and carry a profound sense of weight. How do we mark this time both inside and outside of Israel? How do we, as a co...
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Season 4
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Episode 24
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47:50
Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World: Mastering the Art of Israel Education
Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the Iranian attacks on Israel on April 13th.In our ongoing series, "Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World," Ilana Gleicher-Bloom emphasizes the new era of Jewish education we find o...
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Season 4
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Episode 23
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38:55
Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World: Jewish Pride as a Radical Idea
Jewish pride isn't just an emotion, but is an idea that can be taught. According to this week's Adapting guest, if it's not taught, it's dangerous to suppress. Joining David Bryfman this week is educator, author, and fo...
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Season 4
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Episode 22
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42:13