Actor and co-host of the “Unorthodox” podcast Joshua Malina (“West Wing,” “Scandal,” “Leopoldstadt”) joined the stage with David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, at the organization’s annual spring event to discuss the role of Jewish education in strengthening Jewish identity and the Jewish community in the wake of Oct. 7.
The nearly 400 people at the event learned how The Jewish Education Project has responded to support educators, learners and parents, and how it is leading new and expanding programs that will accelerate the field of Jewish education moving forward.
“One of the hardest things in the world, at least for me, is trying to feel anchored to the world, trying to feel like I know who I am or what I am,” Malina said at the event. “Well, every day I wake up and I know who I am and what I am … I’m a Jew. And that’s really helpful and enriching for me.”
The event also honored trailblazing lay leader Dammara Markowitz, and presented the 2024 Robert M. Sherman Young Pioneers Award Recipients.
Highlights included the announcement of the New York Education Initiative, which provides educational resources and advocates for inclusiveness and a safe learning environment on behalf of Jews in New York City public schools, the expansion of RootOne, an immersive Israel education travel program for high school teens, and a series of spring delegation trips to Israel for more than 300 educators to bear witness to Oct. 7 so that they can share their experience with their learners back home.
“Since Oct. 7, Jewish educators and leaders have and continue to support and guide young people through deeply challenging circumstances,” said David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project. “We applaud their efforts and thank them deeply. They keep our communities thriving. We also need to think in entirely new ways — unafraid of change and innovation — about how we continue to make Jewish learning a relevant, meaningful part of people’s lives and empower children to stand up for their beliefs.”
Lois Kohn-Claar, president of The Jewish Education Project, added, “Educators have immense influence in helping children build the fortitude to stand up for their beliefs and embrace Judaism to live confident and meaningful Jewish lives. And while we could not have predicted the events of the past year, I’m so proud that The Jewish Education Project was not only poised to respond when tens of thousands of educators and parents turned to us for support, but we’re also charting the future of Jewish education with bold, new initiatives.”
