Apart from Nothing: Towards an Organic Model of Congregational Education

Too much of Jewish education is disconnected from the actual lived experiences of Jews. What would a model of congregational life look like, one which acknowledges this fragmentation and yet tries to integrate the pieces? Rabbi Marc Margolius draws from two different experiences—one at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and one from the Legacy Heritage Fund—to speak about “meaningful Jewish education.” He argues that Jewish education is most meaningful when it acknowledges the learner’s actual experiences and amplifies the link between personal experience and tradition. Next, he argues that a systemic, integrative approach must be applied not only to individual learning but to the congregational system as a whole. He provides examples from congregations who have implemented a systemic approach to Jewish learning, and encourages the listener to commit to dramatic systemic change, no matter the difficulties.

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