Welcome from the Associate Dean

I welcome you to the fall 2023 issue of Gleanings, a publication of the William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education. The issue, focusing on “Israel Education in Time of Crisis” finds us in a war, facing challenges on two fronts: the ongoing battles in Israel and the effects of public opinion on our communities.

For this issue, we approached experienced educators whose thoughtful and innovative initiatives inspire, educate, and support school-age learners, adults, and teens. We seek to highlight their knowledge and understanding of the events in Israel and here in the United States and to help communities think about different aspects of Israel education especially in difficult times.

To this end, we are profiling five educators, two of them Davidson alumni, one current student, and two professionals from an organization that hosts our students every year for a certificate program in Israel education. These educators think about Israel education and practice how to educate and teach about Israel to learners of all ages in diverse settings in a balanced and nuanced way.

Especially in this difficult time, the trauma of war and personal losses makes it even more challenging for educators, and we all need all the support and compassion we can get from our communities. We hope you will find this issue interesting and helpful in your own practice.

We send our thoughts to the people who lost their dear ones and to the families of all who have suffered. As we write this in early November, we pray for the return of safety for the land of Israel and all who dwell there.

On a personal note, I wish you, your families, and friends strength as we all hope for calmer and more peaceful days.

Ofra Backenroth

Associate Dean, William Davidson Graduate School of Jewish Education