What is the “Graduate Seminar on Career Choices in Jewish Education”?
- A unique and innovative approach to encourage post-university students studying in Israel to consider careers in Jewish education by introducing them to the exciting and diverse opportunities available in formal and informal Jewish education.
- The only organized effort by a broad partnership of institutions to translate the enthusiasm and heightened self-identification of Jewish young adults into a lifelong commitment to serving the Jewish people.
- Individuals engaged in post-graduate studies at various universities and yeshivot in Jerusalem such as the Conservative Yeshiva, Hebrew University, the Liberal Yeshiva, Nishmat, and the Pardes Institute.
- Participants on Project OTZMA, a 10-month volunteer leadership development training program with an educational component geared for university graduates. (The Graduate Seminar is modified for Project OTZMA participants in order to fit the program’s schedule.)
- Actively involved young adults who are thinking about their personal involvement in the Jewish community, both as lay leaders and as career possibilities.
- Attend monthly seminars featuring leading professionals in the field of formal and informal Jewish education to educate participants about the variety of opportunities available in this field.
- Participate in field trips and hands-on workshops designed to involve Seminar participants to key educational issues.
- Meet outstanding North American and Israeli Jewish educational leaders.
- Receive career counseling and resources such as JESNA’s annual Academic Guide to Programs in Formal and Informal Jewish Education which list Masters programs in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service.
- Pursue graduate degrees in Jewish education and Jewish communal service.
- Accept teaching, youth work and/or administrative positions in day schools, synagogues, central agencies for Jewish education and communal Jewish organizations.
- Become involved as lay leaders in the Jewish community.
- Remain in contact with JESNA to receive career counseling and guidance.
- Make Jewish education a part of their life, while pursuing other work or study plans.
- Sponsor, recruit and administer all aspects of the program in Israel.
- Provide professional counseling and assistance in identifying appropriate placements in the Jewish community.
- Promote graduate education and career placement through personal contacts and referrals.
- Keep Seminar alumni informed about new opportunities in the field.
Funding for this program is generously provided by the Jewish Agency For Israel and the Lainer Family.