The need to initiate scholarships and fellowships for young men and women who would dedicate themselves to service in the field of Jewish education in this country was emphasized at the three-day annual meeting of the American Association for Jewish Education held here. Representatives of school boards and central agencies for Jewish education of 53 communities in the United States participated in the session.
Speakers at the parley pointed out that it is an urgent necessity to intensify Jewish education for all age groups, to give special consideration to the Jewish education of the adolescent and young adult and to encourage the recruitment of promising young men and women who would prepare for the Jewish teaching profession.
Harry Starr of New York, president of the Littauer Foundation, was elected president of the A.A.J.E. to succeed Michael Stavitsky of Newark. Samuel H. Daroff of Philadelphia was elected chairman of the Board of Governors.
Reporting on community progress in Jewish education, Dr. Judah Pilch, executive director of the Association, said that while there was considerable progress in all quantitative and administrative aspects of the Jewish educational enterprise, the scholastic achievements in the schools throughout the country leave much to be desired.
He said that two special committees were set-up by the organization: 1. To evaluate the present day school curricula with a view to the recent changes in American Jewish education, and 2. To re-examine the textbooks used in the different schools, so as to encourage the use of those books which meet authentic educational criteria.
Dr. Pilch also called upon the delegates to the Conference to give greater support to those agencies that are engaged in organizing and maintaining pre-school and kindergarten classes and to those who endeavor to provide educational facilities for post-elementary school education. He also called upon them for a more positive attitude to the all-day school which, if properly staffed and financed, may serve as a reservoir for leadership training and for experimentation in Jewish education.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
