Do 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 es ..read more

What 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 make a pro ..read more

As 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 care about the fate ..read more

For 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 student ..read more

In this essential episode for Jewish educators, Rabba Yaffa Epstein, an Orthodox rabbi, and Rabbi Dena Klein, a Reform rabbi, discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading prayer in today’s world. With the High Holidays approaching, they offer practical advice for anyone guiding services, from maintaining your own spiritual energy to engaging children who may not feel connected.  They share thoughtful tips on how to handle diverse needs in a prayer space, reflections on Yizkor this year, and how to find moments of divine connection and flow. The episode wraps with a heartfelt blessi ..read more

Education 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 ..read more

Over the last 10 months, Dr. Tuvia Book, an author, tour guide, and educator, has been serving in the Israel Defense Forces as a paramedic. His experiences are stories of people doing the work on the ground, and while we may feel the distance between Israel and U.S. Jewry, Tuvia's Zionist story, one of optimism, courage, and strength, brings it all back together.  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 J. Vaughan of NJV M ..read more

This 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 me ..read more

Rebecca 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 ti ..read more

According 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 the shoulder" method is an innovati ..read more