Jewish education and Israel education are at a critical inflection point after the events of October 7, months of the ensuing war, and rising antisemitism in North America. With institutions under constant strain from both external demands and internal pressures, leaders and educators have expressed increasing despair at the prospect of helping their communities find a path through this current moment.  

At the same time, there has been a massive surge in interest in Jewish communal life and participation at Jewish institutions, and the reawakening of a sense of Jewish Peoplehood among North American Jews that is reversing decades-long trends. 

We are facing both unprecedented challenges and once-in-a-generation opportunities. The Shalom Hartman Institute is proudly convened the Wellspring Summit for Educators to bring together leaders from across the educational landscape to learn, connect with colleagues, and think creatively and constructively about education during this most difficult time.

Key questions we explored: 

• How can we teach about Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with nuance and sensitivity in today’s complex world? 
• What strategies can we employ to address the rise of domestic antisemitism and its impact on Jewish education? 
• How can we leverage the current surge of interest in Jewish communal life to revitalize Jewish communities for future generations? 
• What are the boundaries of discourse, especially when it comes to Israel and Zionism, on campuses, in schools, and beyond?

The 5-day summit included study sessions with Hartman scholars and other expert faculty, workshops to explore and share challenges and best practices, networking opportunities, and unique programs to collectively strengthen our work and reinspire and reinvigorate us for the future. 

Working together, we can reimagine Jewish and Israel education and our role as educators during these uncertain times.

Featuring The Jewish Education Project