Shows
Adapting: The Future of Jewish EducationAn Optimist in Uniform: Reflections from IDF Reserve DutyTo kick off the new year, David Bryfman sits down with TAMID Group’s CEO, Yoni Heilman. In a conversation that humanizes one of our own heroes, Yoni shares stories as a soldier in reserve duty after October 7th, giving an honest account about his experiences in the war, about what Zionism means to him, on what Israelis need to know about Jews living outside of Israel, and why he remains an optimist. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and Rina Cohen Schwarz. The sho...
2026-01-0945 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationReflections After Bondi Beach from David BryfmanIn an unscheduled and urgent episode of Adapting, Australian-born CEO of The Jewish Education Project, David Bryfman, sheds light on his own Australian Jewish community, some of whom lost loved ones in this week’s tragic attack at Bondi Beach, and others who are holding hope and praying for the recovery of the wounded.David reflects on the responsibility of educators and parents to care for our children’s safety and wellbeing, calling on them to acknowledge their children’s fear and recognize that there’s both evil and good in the world. Most of all, he urges li...
2025-12-1916 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationA Wide Tent with Clear Boundaries: Lessons in Jewish Leadership and PeoplehoodDavid Bryfman engages with Dr. Mijal Bitton, one of today’s leading Jewish scholars and leaders, in an illuminating, nuanced conversation about defining Jewish peoplehood in a time of polarity. Is it better to be inclusive of all beliefs in a community, or to establish clear boundaries and principals? What if it's possible to have both? Mijal’s unique perspective, shaped by her personal background, serves as a model for how much introspection we need to become the best possible educators we can be. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at jewishedproject.orgThis...
2025-12-0444 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhat is This Thing Called Jewish Peoplehood?What does it mean to belong to the Jewish people, especially during a time of deep division? This week, Dr. Elana Stein Hain and David Bryfman explore the complex and often misunderstood idea of Jewish peoplehood, and how to navigate responsibility and nurture empathy. Whether you’re an educator, community leader, or simply grappling with questions of Jewish identity and connection, this episode will leave you reflecting on what Jewish peoplehood means to you. Learn more about The Jewish Education Project at https://www.jewishedproject.org/This episode was produced by Miranda Lapides and...
2025-11-1342 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWelcome Home: The Complexity of HopeThis morning, we received joyous news that all 20 living hostages are back home. At the same time, we’re awaiting the return of the bodies of the remaining hostages. So, as a community, how are we supposed to feel? As Jewish educators, how do we create the memory of what October 7th meant for the Jewish people?Joining David Bryfman to discuss this complex moment in history are Rabbi Menachem Creditor and Rabba Yaffa Epstein, who reflect on post-war rituals and where we’re moving as a people. This is an episode of Adapting we’ve been wantin...
2025-10-1328 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationTwo Years Later: A Message to Jewish Educators (and Their Supporters/Champions)Two years after October 7th, CEO David Bryfman delivers an unscripted, deeply personal message to Jewish educators who have carried impossible burdens through unimaginable circumstances. This isn't a typical Adapting episode. It's a raw, honest monologue about what it means to educate when the world feels broken. Speaking directly to all stakeholders of Jewish education—defined by anyone who cares deeply about the field and its future—David balances mourning and hope at a time when that future feels both fragile and urgent. Hope for the return of all hostages, for the end of suffering, and for the d...
2025-10-0513 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Secret Sauce of Jewish SurvivalWhat does it mean to bring your whole self into Jewish education? Activist, educator, and previously named one of the 50 most influential rabbis in the U.S. by Newsweek, Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, joins Adapting this week for a conversation about authenticity in Jewish education. Rabbi Dr. Yanklowitz and David Bryfman explore how Jewish education becomes most impactful when educators are “radically inspired” by their work, drawing from their own journeys, struggles, and commitments. They discuss how the very best Jewish educators, and supporters of Jewish education, embrace plurality and curiosity, and can seamlessly integrate both their person...
2025-09-2538 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationReclaiming Our Story with Sarah HurwitzHow can educators help Jews reclaim their identity from shame, assimilation, and antisemitism, and instead embrace the richness of Jewish tradition in all its complexity? In the Season 6 premiere ofAdapting: The Future of Jewish Education, David Bryfman speaks with Sarah Hurwitz, former White House speechwriter and author of Here All Along and the forthcoming As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. From her first adult Shabbat dinner to the ways internalized stereotypes still shape Jewish life, Hurwitz shares deeply personal insights that invite educators and parents to consider h...
2025-09-1140 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe State of Jewish Education: A Conversation with David (and David)For the Season 5 finale of Adapting, David sits down with a very special guest— himself! Before leaving for his sabbatical, David answers some of the most common questions he gets asked about Jewish education. From the need for a cohesive vision of Jewish education, to why we need more Jewish educators, to the importance of maintaining optimism, listen to hear the vision for the future of Jewish education. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and ed...
2025-06-1029 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIn Defense of Rest: The Importance (and Jewishness) of Taking a BreakSabbaticals, break weeks, and paid vacation, oh my! For many, the idea of taking a break from work is daunting. With the disruption in the work environment, how will anything get done? As he prepares his own upcoming sabbatical, David Bryfman discusses the role that rest plays in the workplace with Josh Feldman, CEO and founder of R&R: The Rest of our Lives.In a time marked by burnout and uncertainty, especially in the nonprofit world, stepping back is more necessary than ever. Josh suggests that it isn’t productive to be productive all of the ti...
2025-05-2941 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationTech & Torah: How Jewish Educators Can Embrace TechnologyIn this episode of Adapting, host David Bryfman sits down with tech-savvy Rabbi Jason Miller, to discuss the role of technology in Jewish education. Rabbi Miller emphasizes the importance of embracing technology—not fearing it—and how it can bring the Jewish community closer together. If you’re worried about AI and other tech tools replacing Jewish educators, don’t worry! Rabbi Miller asserts that these tools will enhance the work of Jewish educators, empowering them to make learning more efficient and impactful. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive...
2025-04-1041 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhat AI Thinks About Jewish EducationThis week on Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with... well, robots. In an innovative and fitting approach, he leverages artificial intelligence — a platform called NotebookLM — to make a point about the current landscape of Jewish education and where it’s headed. Featuring an AI-generated dialogue that tackles critical issues like how Jewish educational institutions are responding to rising antisemitism, technological challenges, and the need for resilient learning strategies, Bryfman gives us a glimpse into what the future of Jewish education could look like when you mix technology with tradition. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum...
2025-03-2708 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationRevisiting Esther and Vashti: Heroines of the Purim StoryAs Purim begins tonight, we reflect on resilience, courage, and hidden miracles—themes that feel more relevant than ever. In this special re-release, Dr. Erica Brown of The George Washington University joins CEO, David Bryfman, and Chief Advancement Officer, Nessa Liben, to explore not only the heroines of the Purim story, but also the heroism of Jewish educators today and Jewish women across the world. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cummins, and Nessa Liben. This episode was engineered and edited by Nathan...
2025-03-1347 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Future of Israel Educational TravelFrom transformative teen programs like RootOne to life-changing Birthright and Masa trips, studies have shown that Israel educational travel has been the most essential tool for building a lasting connection to Israel. But October 7th has presented a new set of challenges in the field. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman talks with Anna Langer, who oversees the Israel Education Travel Alliance, a collective of over 140 organizations that facilitate Israel trips for North American participants. Their conversation—full of personal anecdotes and frontline insights from southern Israel—doesn’t shy away from how Israel educational travel is adapting...
2025-02-2039 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJewish Leadership for Such a Time as ThisIf you’re in a Jewish leadership role, don’t miss this pertinent conversation between David Bryfman and Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a prominent Jewish leader and author. Drawing on insights from Rabbi Cosgrove’s new book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, they delve into relevant topics, like: The generational divides within the Jewish community, as younger generations grapple with complex issues surrounding Israel and antisemitism.A vision for Jewish education that balances empathy with protection of Jewish concerns.How to navigate these challenges in a post-October 7th world. As the news is s...
2025-01-2342 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhat We Can Learn from the French-Jewish ExperienceAs the largest Jewish community in Europe and the third largest in the world, French Jewry—primarily of Sephardic descent from North Africa—blends a rich, thriving Jewish heritage with modern challenges.Giving a voice to the French Jewish community on this week’s episode of Adapting, David Bryfman sits down with Devorah Serrao, CEO of Alliance Israélite Universelle, to explore the unique dynamics of Jewish education and identity in France. Devorah shares insights into how young French Jews today balance their French and Jewish identities, as well as lessons for Jewish communities worldwide in navigating identit...
2025-01-1633 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationRedeeming the Hostages: An Educational ImperativeAs of this episode’s recording, 461 days have passed since Dalia Cusnir last heard from Yair and Eitan, her brothers-in-law who have been held captive in Gaza by Hamas. In the most important Adapting episode yet, David Bryfman speaks with Dalia about her personal journey, and the educational and moral imperative of pidyon shvuyim (redeeming the captives). At a time when compassion fatigue feels all too common, this episode reminds us of the importance of hope and not giving up. As Jewish educators, we must continue to stress that the freedom of the hostages is a human iss...
2025-01-1043 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Festival of Lights When We Need It MostIn the final 2024 episode of Adapting, David Bryfman hosts Jonathan Shmidt Chapman—award-winning artist, writer, and Jewish educator—for a lively conversation about bringing Jewish education to life through drama and creativity. Focusing on Chanukah, Chapman emphasizes using multi-sensory experiences, like smell and taste, to make Jewish traditions more immersive and meaningful for children and families. This episode explores how multi-sensory experiences like storytelling and imaginative play can make traditions more meaningful. At a time when we need it most, Chapman shares fresh ideas to illuminate Jewish education this holiday season and beyond. This episode was produced by Di...
2024-12-1931 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationResilience Down Under: Antisemitism in MelbourneIn the aftermath of an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, David Bryfman interviews two Melbourne-based Jewish educators Itzik Sztokman and Marc Light. Together, they explore the emotional and educational ripple effects of this act of antisemitism on their local Jewish community. Itzik reflects on the growing sense of unease among Jewish students and families, emphasizing the need for resilience, open dialogue, and proud visibility of Jewish identity in the face of adversity. Marc shares how his school balances heightened security measures with the essential mission of fostering a joyous and meaningful Jewish educational e...
2024-12-1238 min
Date Your Donors for Jewish EducationEpisode 2 - David Bryfman of The Jewish Education ProjectHost Jonah Halper sits down with David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project, to explore the evolving landscape of Jewish education and its impact on the Jewish community. They dive into the organization’s century-long mission to empower Jewish educators, discuss the challenges of adapting to modern needs, and share insights into how Jewish education fosters stronger individuals, families, and communities.
Topics include:
The Jewish Education Project’s history and mission, from its roots on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to its global reach today.
How strategic investments in educators and digital resources transformed the organization during COVID-19.
The evolvi...
2024-11-2750 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationFrom Bystander to Upstander: A Guide to Fighting AntisemitismDo you, as an educator or parent, wish there was a guidebook for combatting antisemitism? Look no further than Lynne Azarchi and Harlene Lichter Galen’s new curriculum: Countering Anti-Semitism and Hate: A How-to Guide for Youth, Family, and Educators. In a conversation with David Bryfman, the authors share insights from three years of research and emphasize the importance of transforming bystanders into upstanders by instilling pride in Jewish identity. Together, they explore how stereotypes and tropes have caused generations of harm and why fostering strong Jewish identity is essential for equipping youth to stand up a...
2024-11-2134 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Fight for Jewish Inclusion in Public SchoolsWhat does an inclusive classroom look like if there's no education on antisemitism? Public school teacher Shana Dworken knows and has been a vocal advocate for Jewish students and Jewish education, especially since October 7th.In this week's conversation with David Bryfman, they explore how to create lasting, systemic change in public schools and discuss why Jews, who have always played a significant role in public education, must be present where our kids and families are. This episode is for educators who may feel like a single, powerless voice in a vast system but who truly can...
2024-11-1441 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationSights and Visions of Israel EducationAs we look at the future of Israel education, it's just as critical to look back and reflect on how we as educators have succeeded and could have improved in this holy work.In this pivotal and hard-hitting Adapting episode on laying out the vision of Israel education, David Bryfman and Dr. Zohar Raviv create the space to look inward, encouraging educators to be self-critical and self-reflective. When it comes to the biggest challenges and how Israel education can improve, Raviv has opinions on this revolutionary moment in the evolution of the Jewish people. For those who...
2024-11-0739 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJudaism's Role in Democracy: An Election Season ConversationFor centuries Jews have contributed to American democracy, while American democracy has simultaneously contributed significantly to the success of American Jewry.In a lead-up to the election, David Bryfman has a timely conversation with Aaron Dorfman, founder and executive director of A More Perfect Union: The Jewish Partnership for Democracy. Their profound discussion highlights the importance of Jewish responsibility in the context of democracy, and how Judaism is always aspirational, just like America.Jewish educators will come away from this episode inspired to instill in their students a sense of civic responsibility and a commitment...
2024-10-3027 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationTogether, We Will Endure: A Special Rosh Hashanah EpisodeEducation has the power to break down divisions that separate us.This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Dr. Ethan Zadoff to discuss how a religious Zionist school has been navigating the aftermath of October 7th. Building on Zadoff's recent article, which advocates for open and nuanced conversations in the classroom. Together, they address the role of Zionism in the religious community, how to continue to pray when our prayers aren't getting answered, and other heavy questions just in time for Rosh Hashanah.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show...
2024-10-0132 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationOctober 7th as a Jewish Peoplehood MomentJudaism is many things—a religion, a culture, a history, a set of values—but above all, it is a people. This week on Adapting, David Bryfman is joined by Naama Klar from the ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. The two explore how Jewish peoplehood is about preserving continuity by safeguarding the stories and rich heritage of Jewish communities around the world. Learn how through education, we can not only bridge the divides among our diverse communities and strengthen our sense of connection, but also be proactive in cultivating resilience and a deep sense...
2024-09-2643 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Communal Reckoning We NeedZack Bodner is asking tough, necessary questions—engaging in a kind of post-October 7th Cheshbon HaNefesh, or self-reflection, for Jewish educators. In this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman and Zack Bodner have a provocative conversation inspired by Bodner's recent article in The Jerusalem Post on communal reckoning. Together, they explore where we've gone wrong as a Jewish community, and to try to figure out why some students stand as defenders of the Jewish people and nation, while others feel ashamed and distance themselves from Israel. They reflect on the idea that to move forward, we...
2024-09-1241 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationNavigating New Realities: Season 5 LaunchCEO David Bryfman kicks off Season 5 of Adapting with a powerful episode that sets the tone for the season ahead, now more critical than ever especially after the news of the six hostages who were murdered by Hamas. As Bryfman reflects on the podcast’s journey since its inception in 2020, he challenges listeners to think critically and deeply about the new reality confronting Jewish educators in a post-October 7th world—one that has upended many of our long-held beliefs. With a lineup of guests who bring diverse perspectives and a willingness to engage in uncomfortable yet necessary conve...
2024-09-0509 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhere Did We Go Wrong?October 7th has forced Jewish educators and parents to look inward as to how they are impacting Jewish youths' relationship to Israel.Since October 7th, The Jewish Education Project, along with many partner organizations, has brought over 300 educators to Israel on Mishlachot Areyvut ("Delegations of Responsibility") to bear witness firsthand and take that experience back to their learners. In this final episode of Season 4, sitting down with David Bryfman is Michael Witman, one of the delegation participants who was deeply affected by what he saw and felt in Israel. Their candid conversation on personal reflection a...
2024-07-2538 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Power of Jewish Summer Camp (Especially Right Now)What makes Jewish summer camp so powerful? How can it shape the lives and perspectives of Jewish youth and Jewish adults for years to come? How are camps approaching Israel education this summer? In this episode, David Bryfman explores the world of Jewish summer camp in a conversation with Jamie Simon, Chief Program Officer of the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Delve into the personal and professional journey of one senior Jewish educator, and the opportunities and challenges of summer camp in a post-October 7 world, as we acknowledge the tireless work of all Jewish educators after an extraordinarily ch...
2024-07-1133 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationTech-Forward Teaching: Revolutionizing Jewish EducationIf Jewish educators want to produce kids of tomorrow, then they must embrace the technology of today to help get them there. Technological tools like artificial intelligence, social media, and 3D printers aren't an elective or an addition, but are part and parcel of what we as educators should be using to get ahead of the curve. No one probably agrees with this more than David Merel, founder and CEO of Thinkbright LLC, who is at the forefront of the intersection of education and technology. Tune in to his riveting interview with David Bryfman, which will inspire you...
2024-05-1631 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIsrael Education in a Post-October 7th World: Jewish Pride as a Radical IdeaJewish pride isn't just an emotion, but is an idea that can be taught. According to this week's Adapting guest, if it's not taught, it's dangerous to suppress. Joining David Bryfman this week is educator, author, and founder of the modern Jewish pride movement, Ben M. Freeman. The pair discuss his experiences and overlap between the LGBTQ+ community and being Jewish, and how knowing our story leads to empowered Jews who know the innate value of being a Jew. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David...
2024-04-0442 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIsrael Education in a Post-October 7th World: Jewish Education Goes to HollywoodThis week on Adapting, we return to the series, Israel and Jewish Education in a Post-October 7th World, with a conversation on antisemitism, particularly in the film industry. Join David Bryfman as he sits down with Todd Shotz, an acclaimed film and television producer, Jewish educator, and a leading consultant on Jewish representation in Hollywood. Shotz recently won an Emmy Award as consulting producer on "Recipe for Change: Standing Up to Antisemitism," a groundbreaking special by YouTube Originals and The SpringHill Company. The pair discuss Jewish representation in media, the timeliness and relevance of his awa...
2024-03-2137 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationUplifting Women in the WorkforceRecorded on International Women’s Day, this week's episode of Adapting poses the question: if the workforce of Jewish education is largely dominated by women, why are there still disproportionately more men in the senior leadership positions? This introspective conversation with Dr. Sara Shapiro-Plevan and David Bryfman explores many of the inequities that exist in the Jewish communal workspace and offers both employees and employers advice and tactics on how to bridge these divides. It emphasizes that when we uplift women in the workforce, it creates a more equitable environment for all. This episode was prod...
2024-03-1441 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJews Don't Surf, or Do They?Danny Mishkin and Lynn Lancaster are making waves in experiential Jewish education. Sababa Beachaway, a co-ed residential summer camp in Virginia Beach, is where spirituality and tradition intersect to empower teens and tweens.Their conversation with David Bryfman takes you into a day in the life of a Sababa participant, and even leads listeners in a short breathing meditation! You might think this episode is all about surf camp, but at the heart of the message is something deeper: learning resilience through Jewish values in an unexpected setting.This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum...
2024-02-2934 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationLeading the Learning RevolutionStarting from kindergarten, how do we as educators connect Jewish tradition to where children are developmentally? This week on Adapting, David Bryfman speaks with Rachel Happel, an experiential Jewish educator who is leading a Jewish learning revolution through unconventional programs. With the use of Jewish Learning Guides, "learning spaces" (a term used instead of classrooms), and the power of listening, Rachel helps children understand Judaism as a lived experience and answer: "What does it mean to be Jewish?"This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides. The show’s executive producers are David Bryf...
2024-02-2238 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIsrael Education in a Post-October 7th World: No School is Immune to AntisemitismThis week's multi-faceted conversation between David Bryfman and Jonathan Cannon demonstrates that even deeply religious and Zionist schools are not immune to the ripple effects of October 7th. In times of heightened antisemitism, they too need to empower their students more than ever. As part of a limited series, Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World, this forward-looking episode of Adapting not only sheds light on the most critical needs in Israel education, but the critical actions one Zionist school is taking to address them. Bryfman and Cannon also discuss parental involvement, creating safe spaces, le...
2024-02-0848 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIsrael Education in a Post-October 7th World: All Changes Great and Small in EducationThis episode kicks off a new series: Israel Education in a Post-October 7th World. Stay tuned for more episodes in this series. In the aftermath of October 7th, it's clearer than ever before that there is a need for both advocacy and education to bring about the changes necessary in independent and public-school education. David Bryfman and Laura Shaw Frank of AJC discuss teaching history and current events while ensuring moral clarity remains center stage, responsible speech versus free speech, and stories from school that will shock you. At the end of the...
2024-01-2555 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationTu BiShvat: Where Nature Meets Tradition"Each and every tree has something important to say. If you listen closely, you might too hear their whispers." Rabbi Jackson Mercer creates intentional spaces as a song leader. He is also the author of Wise Friends, a children's book that's really a book for everyone, filled with millennium-old Hebrew teachings. He also just happens to be this week's guest on Adapting! Get ready for Tu BiShvat with Rabbi Mercer and David Bryfman by learning how to connect to "the new year for trees" through art, tradition, wisdom, and growth.Buy a...
2024-01-1835 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Beating Heart of Jewish EducationAccording to Rabbi Danny Burkeman, the congregation is the beating heart of Jewish education, a driver of change which brings community together and inspires Jewish learning. So how does a synagogue adapt to keep Jewish education stimulating? In an inspiring conversation recorded before October 7th, Rabbi Danny Burkeman and David Bryfman discuss innovative ways to engage people in their Judaism, whether Jewish learning is a spectator sport or a participatory sport, and the Torah of Ted Lasso. This week's episode of Adapting serves as an important follow-up to the Census report that The Jewish Education Pr...
2024-01-1137 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationEmbracing the Future of Artificial IntelligenceIn the midst of war, the essential and timely work of Jewish educators must continue. That is why on this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman discusses the ongoing hot-button issue of Artificial Intelligence and its role in education. On the cusp of 2024, educators don't have a choice: they must embrace this technology, or else they're going to fall behind. At least that's what Dr. Sarah Rubinson Levy suggests. As an AI & Jewish Organizational Expert, Dr. Levy says that for all its challenges, AI can be used as a powerful resource to enhance your teaching. Learn how i...
2023-12-2133 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationHanukkah Special: Identity, Safety, & PrideDuring the eight nights of Hanukkah, Jews all over the world publicize the miracle of the holiday by lighting menorahs by the window for everyone to see. However, this year feels different, as we grapple with the horrors of October 7th and the current climate of antisemitism in the midst of war. In this special Hanukkah episode of Adapting, here to discuss this topic with David Bryfman are The Jewish Education Project's Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath – Senior Director of Knowledge, Ideas, and Learning, and Rabba Yaffa Epstein – Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence. Their conversation, focused around intention, cultu...
2023-12-0635 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Power of Secular PrayerDuring a time of war, it's so important to maintain and uphold our spiritual selves as well as community, two traits that are essential to Judaism. As the first yeshiva of its kind in Israel, the BINA Secular Yeshiva serves as a place where young adults can do just that while promoting Jewish pluralism and social justice. This week's episode of Adapting finds David Bryfman speaking with Ayala Deckel, head of the Secular Yeshiva. This episode will open your eyes to the Israeli secular perspective as Ayala divulges the power that comes from what happens when Jews un...
2023-11-2141 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIsrael at War: The College Campus ConversationImagine that you work on a U.S. college campus today while Israel is at war. Meanwhile, your Israeli cousin texts you from her mamad (safe room in an Israeli home) asking if you're okay given the rise in antisemitism on college campuses.That's what happened to Merav Fine Braun, executive director at Hunter College Hillel in New York City, given the staggering rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses across the country.In this week's episode of Adapting, Merav engages in a heartfelt conversation with David Bryfman. She recounts her campus experiences from the...
2023-11-1636 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationMaintaining Hope and Humanity in the Face of EvilRebecca Bardach has devoted her life to progressive education and coexistence between Jews and Arabs living together in Israel. How does she maintain strength and hope during these dark times? Listen to a candid discussion with David Bryfman as she provides a firsthand, on-the-ground account of life in Israel, where she retells the heart-wrenching moment when she discovered her cousin's kidnapping by Hamas. She also recounts a poignant encounter with an Arab psychologist, highlighting moments of shared humanity, and offers poignant messages for educators to maintain optimism in times of crisis. This episode was produced by...
2023-11-0241 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJewish Educators on the Frontlines in the War of IdeasRight now, alongside the war in Israel, there is a battle occurring in America, one that plays out in academic settings through ideas that use Israel as a weapon for antisemitism.Joining us in this provocative and timely episode is Dr. Rachel Fish, esteemed scholar and self-proclaimed warrior on the Middle East and Israel. David Bryfman and Dr. Fish discuss the wake-up call of how the war is affecting Jewish life in America, the impact of decades of festering antisemitism on university campuses and in many high schools, and how it’s imperative to include Israel in al...
2023-10-2642 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationEducating and Parenting in a Time of WarThe Jewish community is still reeling from the massacre that Hamas carried out in Israel over one week ago.In a somewhat cathartic conversation, David Bryfman and Rabbi Dr. Josh Ladon unpack their experiences as both educators and parents in helping educators and children grapple with a multitude of feelings. They emphasize that when dealing with war, one cannot deal with it in isolation, and to prioritize mental health by looking after one another in the field—from other teachers to kids—and ourselves. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Miranda Lapides.The...
2023-10-1646 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJewish Educators: Flicking the Proverbial SwitchIn the wake of devastation and sorrow coming out of Israel, Jewish educators have been grappling with how to best communicate the events unfolding with their students.Through grief and heartbreak, they will flick some imaginary switch in their minds and hearts and do what they do best: be Jewish educators.This week on Adapting, CEO David Bryfman shares his own emotional experiences and challenges in addressing such traumatic events with students. He stresses the need for educators to provide a sense of belonging and support to their students, acknowledging the affective, behavioral, cognitive, and...
2023-10-1112 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationResearch and Practice in Jewish EducationAs a reputable scholar of contemporary American Jewish education, Dr. Arielle Levites is curious about all things Jewish, from "Jews of no religion" to what Jewish education looks like both inside and outside the institutional setting. On this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman and Dr. Levites talk about using curiosity to fuel research on the vast topic of Jewish education — its ever-evolving trends, aspects of intersectional diversity, and ideal practices for conducting the research itself. Get a bird's-eye view on the behind-the-scenes research that works to ignite shared knowledge, build on the past, and propel us forw...
2023-09-2837 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhere Does the Pendulum Swing?To kick off an inspiring new season of "Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education," David Bryfman dissects the origins of Sunday School in America with Laura Yares, as the pair discusses her new book, Jewish Sunday Schools: Teaching Religion in Nineteenth-Century America. This exploration, including a deep dive into the important role women played in pioneering accessible Jewish education, prompts a question that's still very much relevant to educators today: What holds greater significance in Sunday School, the content children learn or the emotional impact they experience? And where should that pendulum be swinging?This ep...
2023-09-1438 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationStraight to the Source: Kids and Jewish EducationAs educators, we all have a lot to say. But in this special season finale of Adapting, we flipped the script and got to hear from the learners! CEO David Bryfman sits down with his two kids, Jonah and Abby, for an exclusive interview about their Jewish education.Join us as the dynamic duo reveals favorite topics they've learned at Jewish Day School like the story of Joseph and learning Hebrew, what they think their dad does for a living, the teaching qualities that earned a "favorite teacher" designation, and excitement over summer camp and Jewish surf cam...
2023-06-2918 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationA Tap on the Shoulder: From Students to Educators, Season 3, Episode 34According to the latest CASJE study, there are more than 14,000 Jewish Day School educators in the U.S. How would the future of the Jewish people change if every one of these educators made it a priority to tap students on the proverbial shoulder who they identify as becoming part of the next generation of Jewish educators?Joining David Bryfman on Adapting this week is Rabbi Marc Wolf of Prizmah, who addresses the pipeline challenge or decline in Jewish educators specifically through a lens of Jewish Day Schools in North America. Rabbi Wolf's "tap on t...
2023-06-2233 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationBrave Spaces for Jewish Teens, Season 3, Episode 33Building educational spaces for teens is no easy task -- especially for those with viewpoints considered by some to be outside the mainstream, or even radical. Enter Club Z, a community for teens to connect and socialize over a shared love of Israel and being Jewish. In this episode, David Bryfman speaks, and even spars, with Club Z founder and executive director Masha Merkulova over philosophical differences about how to best empower teens to navigate the complex subject of Israel, including some bold moves Club Z has taken in its support of Israel, and other topical Jewish i...
2023-06-1535 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe I and Thou of Jewish Education, Season 3, Episode 32Every person has a story to be told, and today’s episode of Adapting tells one individual’s unlikely journey to become a Jewish educator.David Bryfman met Elyssa Hurwitz of Moishe House at a recent conference for Jewish educators when she volunteered from the audience to partake in David's interactive keynote presentation, to explore what it means, in philosopher Martin Buber's language, to strive to create I-Thou relationships. This experience had an unintended but profound impact on both Elyssa and David.What transpires in this episode is a powerful conversation about the consequences of our inte...
2023-06-0835 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationMeaning Makers: Supporting Our Educators, Season 3, Episode 31In a time of shortage of Jewish educators, today’s episode of Adapting focuses specifically on why one would even consider becoming a Jewish educator today, asking such challenging questions as: how has the role of educator become more difficult than it once was? And how can we, as a culture, better champion the profession?This week's guest is Aviva Lauer, Director of the Pardes Center for Jewish Educators in Jerusalem. Aviva speaks with David Bryfman about equipping educators with the Jewish knowledge, pedagogical skills, and supportive onboarding needed to succeed – and avoid burnout.Aviva shares her pit...
2023-06-0236 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationA Shavuot Special: Learning with Rabba Yaffa Epstein, Season 3, Episode 30Your Shavuot is about to be elevated by this special episode of Adapting, where you will experience the profound wisdom of Rabba Yaffa Epstein, The Jewish Education Project's Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence.Rabba Epstein and David Bryfman's discussion, brimming with intellectual insights and ideas around the holiday, practically becomes a midrash in the making as they touch on two key components of Shavuot: receiving the Torah and the delivering of the first fruits. Once you hear how Rabba Yaffa explains what these incredible physical and spiritual gifts mean to the Jewish people, you'll feel an overwhel...
2023-05-2421 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhere Jewish Education Meets Feminism, Season 3, Episode 29Gender, feminism, and power are all salient features of adolescent development today. Jewish youth is certainly no exception, and Jewish education must tackle some of these challenging issues today if it is to be relevant and meaningful for today’s learners.This week's Adapting guest, Shuli Karkowsky, is incorporating these themes into Jewish education through her own work as CEO of Moving Traditions, an organization that merges Jewish learning with social and emotional learning to serve the needs of teens today.Don't miss Shuli's profound discussion with David Bryfman about insights from her non-traditional career path, the...
2023-05-1836 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationFinding Possibilities from the Census Findings, Season 3, Episode 26There is much at stake for the future of Jewish education in these rapidly changing times. Last week, The Jewish Education Project released a comprehensive report, From Census to Possibilities: Designing Pathways for Jewish Learners, on the current state of Jewish supplementary schools in North America, the first of its kind since 2008.On this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman delves into the report's findings, but more importantly potential pathways forward, with Jewish educator Marisa Kaiser, who not only is immersed in the religious school environment daily, but has a broader perspective on the field as well. Mar...
2023-04-2832 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationHow to Use Data to Make an Impact, Season 3, Episode 25Data can be used as an effective and important tool for measuring success of Jewish engagement. But what are the data points we are looking for? And once we have that data, how can we use it to the best of our ability to better understand our audiences and the factors that motivate them to live a more Jewish life?On this week's episode of Adapting, Jennifer Zwilling draws from her experiences at Hillel International and the Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, and how she successfully collected data to measure the impact of Jewish engagement and f...
2023-04-2028 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationArtificial Intelligence or Artificial Education?, Season 3, Episode 24Today we can interact with machine learning in new, unprecedented ways. Educators can ask a chatbot to write lesson plans at the click of a button. Students can incorporate their selfies into the Exodus story. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize Jewish education, and this emerging technology is also raising ethical concerns amongst educators.This week's Adapting includes a frank conversation with David Bryfman and Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, Senior Director of Knowledge, Ideas, and Learning at The Jewish Education Project, as they review key takeaways from discussions about AI at the Jewish Futures Conference on Mar...
2023-03-3130 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationA More Inclusive Jewish Education, Season 3, Episode 23The way educators talk about identity has direct impact on how learners see themselves reflected in Jewish tradition. That is why LGBTQ+ advocacy and embracing gender identity work is imperative for Jewish education.Talking to David Bryfman this week on Adapting is Dubbs Weinblatt (they/them), Founder and CEO of Thank You for Coming Out, who advocates for creating a more just and inclusive world. Bravely sharing their story as a genderqueer trans Jew, Dubbs teaches us this work is inherently Jewish, intertwined with the values of B'tzelem Elohim ("In God's Image") and Shmirat Halashon ("Guarding one's use...
2023-03-2334 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationUncovering the Israeli-American Jewish Experience, Season 3, Episode 22There are almost one million Israelis living in the United States today. This includes immigrants who came to America as Israelis and discovered their Jewishness in different and exciting ways, and their children who have grown up pretty much like other Jewish Americans... just with Israeli parents. Now these families as Israeli American Jews and their children face a unique set of challenges as they balance maintaining their Israeli with their American Jewish experience. Joining David Bryfman on this week's episode of Adapting is Dr. Yakir Englander of the Israeli American Council to discuss what it means to...
2023-03-1637 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationWhy Yiddish Education is Anything but Meshugah, Season 3, Episode 21Schlep, klutz, shvigger... Yiddish is more than a few kitschy words. The language embodies and celebrates Jewish culture and daily life that is often lost to a younger generation, and can be used as a tool to get learners excited about connecting to Jewish life.This week on Adapting, David Bryfman speaks with Susan Bronson, Executive Director of the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA, who advocates for studying Yiddish as a way to create a generation of Jewishly literate youths. With themes of activism, persecution, and modernity, reading seemingly "dying" Jewish languages like Yiddish and Ladino...
2023-03-0933 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationRaising the Bar: Jewish Learning at the Tavern, Season 3, Episode 20A rabbi walks into a bar... and opens a Jewish house of learning.Imagine a tavern playing Israeli music, the walls lined with old books written in Hebrew or even Aramaic, and patrons coming together to discuss those texts and other Jewish ideas while sharing food and drink inspired by cuisine of the diaspora. You don't have to imagine a communal Jewish house of learning because it exists, and it is called Lehrhaus.This week on Adapting with David Bryfman, Rabbi Charlie Schwartz discusses his innovative concept of Lehrhaus, a Boston-based nonprofit designed to increase...
2023-03-0231 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJewish Leaders: You Need to Hear This, Season 3, Episode 19Since the pandemic, the Jewish nonprofit sector has faced the same changes and challenges as the rest of the working world: the Great Resignation, shifted expectations of work, and Gen Z entering the workforce, to name a few. Joining this week’s episode of Adapting is Amy Born, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer from Leading Edge, an organization that supports Jewish nonprofits on their quests to become even better places to work.Together, David Bryfman and Amy Born explore the themes that, as Jewish nonprofit leaders – from CEO’s to directors and beyond – are on our minds: work-life balance...
2023-02-2335 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationNot Your Parents' Youth Movement, Season 3, Episode 18Empowerment. Ownership of your own destiny. Social engines of change. These were factors that spurred on the Zionist youth movement phenomenon and established their prominence in the 20th century. As historian Walter Laqueur once said, "[The youth movement] won't be merely a footnote in the story of the Jewish people, but a whole chapter." But can Zionist youth movements succeed in the 21st century? Are they equipped to fight the powerful forces at work today? David Bryfman waxes nostalgic on Zionist youth movements with this week’s Adapting guest, Jonny Ariel, an “Education Connoisseur” with 35 years of experie...
2023-02-1634 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationPower to the Youth!, Season 3, Episode 17Since the early 20th century, Jewish and Zionist youth movements have inspired individuals to come together as a collective around a shared aspiration. Today, in the age of social media and an overwhelming number of causes to support, they are more relevant than ever, but in some ways more challenged, as they strive to activate young people to speak out and actualize a vision for the future. Joining David Bryfman this week on Adapting is Adina Frydman, CEO of the U.S.'s oldest Zionist youth movement, Young Judaea. They discuss how a youth movement is different f...
2023-02-0932 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationBeyond the Bubble: Making the Magic of Summer Camp Last, Season 3, Episode 16Summer camp creates a unique environment that resembles a Jewish utopia inside a bubble. It's a culture built on kindness and connection without outside academic or societal pressure, and in many cases, access to technology, that enhances cherished face time with friends as well as young staff members who serve as mentors. Plus, campers enjoy aspects of Jewish life they may not experience at home.This week’s episode of Adapting takes you inside the bubble of summer camp with Debby Shriber, the Executive Director of the URJ Northeast Camps. David Bryfman and Debby explore the secrets of...
2023-02-0233 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationImplicating and Activating Learners, Season 3, Episode 14From the classroom to camp, at the top and the bottom of an institution, anybody can be a great leader. As we look at what makes an adaptive leader, we see that what matters is learners feeling "implicated and activated" to create an expanded identity within a collective framework, the ultimate purpose of Jewish education.In this week's inspirational episode of Adapting, David Bryfman talks to Sarah Mali, former Vice President of Masa Israel Journey's Leadership & Impact Center and current Director General at Jewish Federations Canada UIA, about how we embrace a new type of leadership beyond th...
2023-01-1933 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Ruach Behind the Rhythm, Season 3, Episode 13Think of a time from your childhood when song helped you learn, whether it was memorizing all 50 states in the U.S., Jewish prayers, or the ABC's. How effective was learning that topic through song? How did it feel to recall this? Music not only helps us learn, but also builds connection, boosts happiness, and holistically embodies learners, well into adulthood.We’re excited to kick off Adapting in the new year on an upbeat note - pun intended! - with the talented Naomi Less, an internationally celebrated singer/songwriter, ritualist, and educator. David Bryfman and Naomi ta...
2023-01-1234 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationRe-cast: What it Takes to be an Adaptive Leader, Season 3, Episode 12When the world went into lockdown in 2020, there was a lot of uncertainty, but there was also a great deal of innovation and adaptability, especially in education. This week's episode of Adapting is a re-release on this very topic, with a fresh and reflective introduction by David Bryfman. On May 13, 2020, just six weeks into the pandemic, David Bryfman kicked off the first episode of Adapting with Maya Bernstein about adaptive leadership in the thick of such a tumultuous time. Their discussion so early on during the pandemic is eerily relevant today, as they unpack the characteristics of adapt...
2022-12-2341 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Secret to Teen Engagement, Season 3, Episode 11Connecting with Jewish teens has always been a challenge, but today it brings more questions than ever, as teens have exponentially more demands on their time and attention than in decades prior. The work of engaging Jewish teens is deeply personal, with youth-serving professionals being called upon to tap into the emotional as much as the practical in order to meaningfully and effectively work with young people at pivot points along their lifelong Jewish journeys.On this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman interviews Ira Miller, who is recognized in the field of synagogue youth education, having...
2022-12-1530 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationGaming Jewish Education, Season 3, Episode 10It is both an exciting and perhaps terrifying era for Jewish educators when digital technology is empowering learners in their own learning. Rather than being seen as a fountain of knowledge that learners turn to for information, 21st century educators must adopt a different set of skills – including flipping their classrooms, utilizing principles of gaming, and enabling people to learn in ways that work best for them. On the latest episode of Adapting, David Bryfman discusses with Barry Joseph how digital technology can help model what these cutting-edge, engaging methods look like.With 25+ years of experience in di...
2022-12-0835 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationThe Pedagogy of Death, Season 3, Episode 9Death and dying are topics that are often avoided, both in the world at large and in the realm of Jewish education. Rabbi Melanie Levav—award-winning educator, chaplain, and certified social worker—not only makes these topics easier to discuss, but suggests that Jewish educators cannot and should not avoid the topic. In this week’s episode of Adapting, Rabbi Melanie and David Bryfman discuss her work and how she brings ancient Jewish wisdom into this emotional space. Their discussion pushes Jewish educators to consider how we can normalize conversations about death and dying, and in doing so reduce fear, p...
2022-12-0132 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish Education#antisemitism and Empowering Gen Z, Season 3, Episode 8Antisemitism is often referred to as the world’s oldest hatred, and perhaps it is not surprising that it's rearing its ugly head again in popular and sporting culture today. Now, with Ye, Kyrie, and Dave Chappelle at the forefront of educators' minds, it is as important as ever to analyze and discuss these issues with their learners – and the broader Jewish community must support and empower them to do so. Joining David Bryfman on this week’s episode is Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath, Gen Z expert and author of #antisemitism: Coming of Age during the Resurgence of Hate. They...
2022-11-1726 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationIs the Writing on the Wall for Jewish Day Schools? Season 3, Episode 7Jewish Day Schools are having a celebrated moment, but will they be viable in 20 years? Are the trends and challenges that may impact day schools in the future...leadership turnover, a quality educator pipeline, and affordability, being sufficiently acknowledged and addressed? In this week's episode of Adapting, David Bryfman explores these topics and more with Dr. Chaim Botwinick, an executive coach, consultant, and day school executive director who is bravely challenging the status quo. His frank assessment of the strengths and deficiencies in the Jewish Day School landscape is both illuminating and disquieting, but ultimately leaves listeners with a n...
2022-11-1031 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationSetting the standards in experiential Jewish education, Season 3, Episode 3For what was once regarded as fluffy education, experiential Jewish education has grown exponentially in recent decades. It’s dramatic rise has also surfaced many challenges for Jewish educators, academics, and those who support them. Does experiential Jewish education need a set of formal standards for educators and learners? And if so, who should be responsible for crafting these standards in a way that captures the breadth and diversity of everything that falls under the banner of experiential Jewish education. In this conversation the contrasting viewpoints, of friends and close colleagues, Shuki Taylor and David Bryfman, might surprise you....
2022-10-1231 minAdapting: The Future of Jewish EducationJewish Educators and Impostor Syndrome, Season 3, Episode 1Imagine a job where you are expected to know every detail about a 5,000-year-old tradition and its sacred texts. Sounds difficult, right? Welcome to the world of Jewish educators. These unique challenges are one of the reasons that some Jewish educators struggle with impostor syndrome. It's something that concerns Rabba Yaffa Epstein, who has worked as a Jewish educator around the world for decades. On the first episode of season 3 of Adapting, Rabba Epstein and David Bryfman, The Jewish Education Project's CEO, ask: What do we need to do to help educators overcome this challenge?This epi...
2022-09-2923 min
Adapting: The Future of Jewish EducationSneak Peek: Adapting Season 3This season of Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education will tackle some of the more challenging issues facing Jewish education today. You’ll be hearing from some of the most influential voices, discussing some of the more controversial issues – the ones that are more frequently spoken about behind closed doors than they are in public spaces. Adapting is hosted by David Bryfman, The Jewish Education Project's CEO. Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Dina Nusnbaum and Gabriel Weinstein. The show’s executive producers are David Bryfman, Karen Cu...
2022-09-2201 min