Experiential Jewish education

reaching the tipping point

David Bryfman

pp. 767-784

in: Helena Miller, Lisa Grant, Alex Pomson (eds), International handbook of Jewish education, Berlin, Springer, 2011

Abstract

Experiential Jewish education, building on some recent significant accomplishments, stands poised to reach its Tipping Point within the Jewish communal landscape. This chapter offers a comprehensive definition of experiential Jewish education as a means of laying the foundation for describing the field in both theoretical and practical terms. Developing robust and compelling instruments to measure its success; creating systematic and comprehensive professional development programs; and building and maintaining a comprehensive unifying structure (or structures) are offered as three major steps that the field of experiential Jewish education needs to take in order to reach its maximum potential in the near future. This chapter offers a language and strategies to elevate the field of experiential Jewish education as one of the most powerful and viable strategies to develop and maintain the positive individual and collective identity of Jewish youth and young adults today.