Advertise on podcast: Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education

This episode features Omri Rose, author of Echoes of October, a graphic novel exploring events leading up to October 7th through four young people from different backgrounds.  In conversation with Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath around the themes of memory and Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, Omri reflects on how the events of October 7th reshaped his understanding of the world, and how we remember loss. Designed with education in mind, the novel serves as a meaningful tool for educators and families to spark thoughtful conversation around grief, empathy, and human stories beyond headlines. Their dialogue invites us to reflect on both absence and presence, asking whose stories we tell and how we carry the legacy of those we’ve lost.   Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

Yom HaShoah begins this evening. As we remember and honor the legacy of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with Dave Reckess, a third-generation survivor and executive director of 3GNY.  3GNY empowers grandchildren of survivors to share their family’s Holocaust stories with students to educate and inspire future generations. Samantha and Dave discuss Holocaust education as an effective tool to address antisemitism, and how it shouldn’t be the only antidote to hate, but as an entry point into the richness and nuance of Jewish culture and the obligations we have in building a more just world. They also reflect on how the Holocaust isn’t just history and serves as a reminder for how hate manifests today.   We owe this education not only to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, but also to the generations who will carry these lessons forward.   Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

What does it actually look like to live Judaism in today’s world?   And what does it mean to be part of a collective when we have so many different worldviews, orientations, and perspectives?  In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath and Cantor Laura Stein explore this question through the lens of practical theology, or looking at how religion is lived, especially when paired with modern reality.  As a Ph.D. candidate in practical theology at Boston University, Cantor Stein and Samantha discuss her research in the psychology of religion, burnout for educators and clergy, turning struggle into growth, and moving through the world with our Jewish values. This episode is perfect for anyone who has ever felt both deeply connected to their Jewish community and at odds with it, and is searching for a more authentic way to belong.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

In an urgent episode following the recent attack at Temple Israel in Michigan, David Bryfman sits down with Daniel Held, Chief Program Officer of United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto, whose community has also faced recent antisemitic threats and attacks.   Daniel offers perspective and hope during this challenging time, sharing how educators and parents can help raise Jewish children who are proud, knowledgeable, and empowered, even in the face of hate.  The pair explore how difficult this important work is, the surge in participation in Jewish life during this moment, and how to address heavy questions from children like, “Why does everyone hate us?” Finally, they address what educators need right now, from thinking about security to developing the resilience required to support students and build a better Jewish future.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

Mister Rogers famously said that in scary times, look for the helpers. But what happens when the helpers themselves are exhausted?  This week, host Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with certified coach, facilitator, and speaker Shoshana Bloom for what she calls a “love letter to Jewish educators.” Together, they explore some of the immense pressures educators are facing today: burnout, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and chronic stress.  In a moment of polarization, new technology, and when Jewish educators are being asked to do more than ever, this episode asks an essential question: If educators are the helpers, how can the community better support them?  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send a text Send us Fan Mail

The world feels overwhelming right now. Amid war and uncertainty, Jewish educators are overworked, and parents and students are pummeled with headlines and some with siren alerts.  So how do we return to what makes us human: creativity, play, connection, and belonging?   Stephanie Malia Krauss joins Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath to discuss simple but powerful shifts we can make in the classroom and in our own lives, like incorporating movement, prioritizing creative projects, embracing Shabbat, and thinking about our own sense of purpose. Even in the most difficult moments, our humanity is worth protecting.  Learn more about Stephanie Krauss and her books at stephaniemaliakrauss.com Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Dina Nusnbaum. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

The goal of a healthy argument in educational settings is to help one grow, learn, strengthen relationships, and gain new perspectives. On this week’s Adapting, Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras share their research of anti-Zionist Jews across the U.S. in conversation with David Bryfman, with the goal to reduce alienation, deepen understanding, and support healthier argument within the Jewish community.  Their discussion leads the three of them to wrestle with questions such as: Should institutions display an Israeli flag even if it risks alienating some Jews? Are all welcome in every Jewish organization, even if their views offend or denigrate others? This episode will challenge you, and that’s exactly why it's worth a listen.  Learn more about For the Sake of Argument at forthesakeofargument.org Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

Before the Iranian Revolution, nearly 100,000 Jews lived rich, deeply rooted lives in Iran. Activist Tabby Refael, whose family fled in the 1980s, tells Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath in great detail how she holds complex identities of being Iranian, American, and Jewish. With the recent rise in protests against the Islamic Republic, Tabby’s conversation – taking us from Tehran to LA – feels more relevant than ever, and offers a window into a personal and oftentimes emotional world full of memory and meaning. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.     Send us Fan Mail

What does Jewish belonging look like in an age of scrolling, searching, and self-guided learning?  In this episode, Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath sits down with independent Jewish educator Netta Asner-Minster, who is inspiring and guiding people on their Jewish journey both in one-to-one classes and on social media to her tens of thousands of followers.  Their conversation enthusiastically dives into what it means to coach people through their exploration while meeting them where they are: from curiosity to fluency, from questioning to pride, and sometimes from struggle to belonging.  Learn more about Netta's work at nettajewished.com. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue reflects on her journey, from growing up in Tacoma, Washington with a strong sense of communal purpose, to finding belonging and identity, and feeling like a stranger along the way.  In a reflective conversation with David Bryfman, Rabbi Buchdahl provides lessons applicable to any Jewish educator: how pluralism has helped shift her views, the power of music, and more.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

Even with all of the challenges in the world today Jewish education must strive to emphasize the joy and celebration of what it means to be Jewish in today’s world.  The Bible Players are experts at bringing laughter and joy to Jewish education, from using improvisation to teach mitzvot, to playing their own version of Rock, Paper, Scissors (“Candle, Cup, Challah, Bless”) to teach the order of Shabbat.   This week, enjoy a conversation between David Bryfman and Andrew Davies, co-founder of The Bible Players, and recipient of The Jewish Education Project’s Young Pioneers Award and The Covenant Foundation’s Pomegranate Prize. Hear from Andrew on why holding both the “joy” and the “oy” is essential in Jewish education, and how he brings that balance to their learners.  To learn more about The Bible Players, visit thebibleplayers.com. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

October 7th was the largest attempt at genocide against the Jewish people since the Holocaust. What does this moment reveal about modern antisemitism and the importance of Holocaust studies today?  Joining Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath this week is Alyssa Weinstein-Sears, a longtime educator and Holocaust and genocide scholar. Ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Alyssa emphasizes the goals of Holocaust education at a time when most students have a narrow view of what it was, unpacking how inflammatory language to talk about Israel can obscure historical truth, and what gives her hope.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

How can we turn collective responsibility and shared values into meaningful action for the future of the Jewish people?  Josh Schalk, Executive Director of Jewish Future Promise, believes the answer begins with how, and why, we give. The Jewish Future Promise invites individuals to commit 50% of legacy giving to Jewish causes, to help ensure that Jewish life, learning, and values endure for the next generation.  This episode goes beyond the Jewish Future Promise. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath talks with Josh about what matters most to those invested in the Jewish future: how to give based on our values, how we model those values for our children, and how to show up Jewishly through our own giving.   Learn about the Jewish Future Promise at jewishfuturepromise.org Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

To kick off the new year, David Bryfman sits down with TAMID Group’s CEO, Yoni Heilman. In a conversation that humanizes one of our own heroes, Yoni shares stories as a soldier in reserve duty after October 7th, giving an honest account about his experiences in the war, about what Zionism means to him, on what Israelis need to know about Jews living outside of Israel, and why he remains an optimist.   Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail

In an unscheduled and urgent episode of Adapting, Australian-born CEO of The Jewish Education Project, David Bryfman, sheds light on his own Australian Jewish community, some of whom lost loved ones in this week’s tragic attack at Bondi Beach, and others who are holding hope and praying for the recovery of the wounded. David reflects on the responsibility of educators and parents to care for our children’s safety and wellbeing, calling on them to acknowledge their children’s fear and recognize that there’s both evil and good in the world. Most of all, he urges listeners to take care of themselves and to maintain hope, especially during this season of Chanukah.  Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.org This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben.  This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media.  If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a 5-star rating and review, or even better, share it with a friend. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and be the first to know when new episodes are released. To learn more about The Jewish Education Project visit jewishedproject.org where you can find links to our Jewish Educator Portal and learn more about our mission, history, and staff. We are a proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York.  Send us Fan Mail