Our Values & Commitments

מנהיגות · Manhigut · Leadership

We are fearless in our pursuit of continuous improvement, experimentation, and thought leadership that expands the intellectual horizons of those with whom we work.

סקרנות · Sakranut · Curiosity

We are lifelong learners who delight in discovery, and strive to spark imaginative inquiry among those we serve.

קשר · Kesher · Connectedness

We believe in the power of belonging, and seek to equip Jewish educators not only with the tools and practices they need to thrive alongside their learners, but also to foster a strong community of support.

אחריות · Achrayut · Mutual Responsibility

We share responsibility with learners and educators alike to bring our best selves to the experience of vibrant Jewish learning, and to the pursuit of a more just and perfect world.

הגשמה עצמית · Hagshama Atzmit · Personal Fulfillment

We recognize every Jewish educator and learner as a whole, creative and resourceful person worthy of finding joy and meaning in Jewish life.

Our Anti Racism Commitment

Holding fast to the value of b’tzelem elohim/all humans are created in the divine image, Jewish LearningWorks celebrates belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to our mission. Through our value of achrayut/mutual responsibility, we advance the shared responsibility of learners and educators to bring their best selves to the experience of vibrant Jewish learning, and to the pursuit of a more just and perfect world.

One of the ways we enact these values is by acknowledging that we are part of an existing system of racism and privilege and by committing ourselves to an anti racist practice. At Jewish LearningWorks, this commitment requires centering racial equity in our organizational priorities, committing resources for educators to develop cultural and anti-racist competencies, and diversifying our staff, educators, participants, and board members. Our board and staff commit to working towards this vision by developing an action plan and reevaluating it regularly as our community and the needs of Jewish educators evolve. Adopted August 2023.

Our Commitment to Israel Education

Exploring Israel with learners of any age has perhaps never been more difficult. When we teach about Israel, each of us in the room — whether teacher or learner — comes with our own knowledge, experiences, and assumptions. It is in this context that Jewish LearningWorks develops its Israel education offerings.

We acknowledge that no teacher, and no topic can be value neutral, and we choose partners that we believe will create a safe, learning environment for participants. 

We embrace an approach Rabbi Laura Novak Winer termed Yedidat Yisrael/Knowing Israel as we work together to sharpen our content knowledge, and develop the tools required to reach learners with divergent ideas, experiences and positions. Rabbi Novak Winer writes: “Yediat Yisrael more accurately reflects the type of knowledge, understandings, and connections our learners need. Yes, it may lead to ahavat Yisrael, but that is not the primary objective. Yediat Yisrael aims for learners to find and navigate their own meanings and connections with Israel, as the historic homeland, as a global, diverse Jewish community, and as the modern State. Yediat Yisrael aims to build understanding.”

Ultimately, meaningful Israel education (in fact all education) depends on educators bringing themselves to the work. We are committed to taking an intentional, and  learner-centered approach to this topic, and remain open to your feedback.