This speech was delivered by Cyd Weissman at NATE’s 50th anniversary conference in 2004. She emphasizes that Jewish educators have the ability to shape the future by looking at the signs of today’s Jewish education, and by anticipating necessary changes and strategies to prepare for the future. Weissman explains that two futures are possible: one, based on an ever-improving model of Jewish education; the other, a second model that goes beyond an improved school, but requires an entire re-thinking of Jewish education. Weissman discusses four questions addressed by congregations that work with the Re-Imagine Project: (1) How is learning structured to create a link between Jewish learning and living? (2) How do we create educational experiences that build long lasting memories? (3) What is the role of parents in a child’s Jewish education? (4) What is the role of community in a child’s Jewish education? She calls on the listener to decide how they will commit their energy for the future of Jewish education.
