Why is Jewish Day School Education Important?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 11:01PM Because Kohelet is committed to strengthen Jewish identity and faith it is important to address why Jewish education, in particular Jewish Day Schools, are such a key component in achieving the goals of the foundation.
In 2007 the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education conducted a review of studies relating to the impact of a Jewish education. The studies found, that (quoted from the review of the studies):
- The longer and more intensive that a person is trained in Judaism, the greater likelihood that the person will be committed to practicing Judaism
- 80% of adults with 6 or more years of day school training are married within the faith to another Jewish adult
- Extensive Jewish day school education is the most important contributor to the formation of strong Jewish identities
- Students who attended Jewish high schools...are more observant, are involved more actively in the community, have visited Israel
A more comprehensive review of the studies can be found at: http://www.peje.org/docs/researchstudiesimpact.pdf
What it means to us at the Kohelet Foundation is that a strong relationship and commitment to Judaism begins with a formal education rooted in the traditions and teachings of our faith. In our fast paced worlds where it is easy to not make time for family and faith, we want to remind every member of the Jewish community that the tradition of thousands of years moves forward because we place importance and value on this. In a world that is rapidly embracing secular values, we need to remind ourselves the importance of the traditions and values that have brought us to this point.
Education, specifically that which is given at the Day School level, is critical to keeping those traditions alive within “us” as individuals and “us” as a community. I would like to challenge all parents, educators and members of the faith to think about ways that we can renew and strengthen our relationship with our faith and the community at large. At the Kohelet Foundation we believe it starts in the schools, but we also believe that is up to all of us to continue the effort beyond school and throughout life.
Thank you.
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