I read with interest your story “For Jewish Education Reform, A ‘Very Messy Period’ ” (Feb. 1). Thank you for helping readers be more aware that Jewish education needs ongoing organizational support. Education is a fundamental priority for meaningful Jewish continuity — and Jewish organizations have responded in various ways to the challenges of the current economy.
I write to point out that the response of the Reconstructionist movement as portrayed in the story is not accurate. The article states that the education department serving the movement was eliminated. The truth is that the total hours now available for educational consulting are more, not fewer.
Prior to movement restructuring last June, the one staff person assigned to education also had other responsibilities. Now four staff members — including the faculty member of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College who teaches education to rabbinical students — support congregations’ educational needs.
By consolidating administrative and executive staff , we are able to operate efficiently and to provide cutting-edge Jewish educational resources to congregations.
President, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
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