A Nice, Jewish Teacher: How American Elementary Education Became “Women’s Work”

Date: Nov 01, 2021 - Nov 01, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Sponsor: Online Learning

Location: Online

Category: Online Learning

A Nice, Jewish Teacher: How American Elementary Education Became “Women’s Work”

Part of our fall learning series, “Six Days Shall You Labor”: Perspectives on Work in Jewish Text and Tradition

November 1, 2021, 2:00–3:30 p.m. ET

This session is generously sponsored by Jane and Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein in honour of Dean Shira D. Epstein

Learn how you can sponsor a Monday learning session. Contact learninglives@jtsa.edu.

Early 20th century elementary school teaching became synonymous with being female, and particularly in NYC, with being the right kind of Jewish young woman.

In this session, led by Dr. Shira D. Epstein, we will explore the sociocultural and historical forces that shaped this image of teachers, and how many of the discourses of what makes for an “effective teacher” have endured in Jewish settings. 

If you have previously registered for another session in this series, your registration admits you to all sessions in the series, and you may attend as many as you’d like. 

Did you know that you can sponsor a learning session to honor a loved one, celebrate an occasion, or commemorate a yahrzeit? To learn more, contact learninglives@jtsa.edu

About the Series

Many of us spend more time at work than anywhere else over the course of our lives—but are we defined by what we do? In this text-based series, JTS scholars will explore ideas about the meaning of work and rest in Jewish tradition, Jewish social movements around work, as well as the roles that gender, geography, and shifting economic and social circumstances have played in Jews’ professional paths and our understandings of the meaning and value of work. 

Note: The Zoom link for this session will be in the confirmation email that you will receive after you register.