Four Major Problems Facing Jewish Education in U.S. Cited by Leaders

Jewish leaders interested in promoting Jewish education in this country were urged to concentrate on the following four vital problems requiring immediate attention: Hebrew high school education; school accreditation; teacher welfare; summer study. The call was issued by Nathan A. Levine, newly-elected president of the Jewish Education Committee of New York, in his inaugural address.

“The jugular vein in Jewish education is the afternoon Hebrew high school,” Mr. Levine said, “We must not sever the child’s schooling at this point. We are obligated to create a proper atmosphere, design materials and a fresh curriculum, develop local responsibility, and coordinate the efforts of all Hebrew high schools. We are also duty bound to certify only such schools as meet our high standards. A school testing program to ascertain how well we teach, and how effective our work is, becomes of paramount importance. “

Analyzing the teacher situation, Mr. Levine indicated that it was in a “sinister” condition. He proposed that the JEC appoint a special committee to work in liaison with teacher training schools. He stressed the growing need for good teachers, for the establishment of fringe benefits such as group insurance and pension in order to attract first-rate teaching personnel. “To encourage young people to accept the call of teaching Torah, we must make the profession an attractive one. “

In urging the utilization of the summer months for Jewish educational experience, Mr. Levine said. “The summer was for two generations a total loss to Jewish schools. Today it is fast becoming a tremendous asset to Jewish education. The JEC must begin to make summer camps, both in and out of town, Jewish education institutions of the first magnitude. Mr. Levine also stressed the need for fostering the growth of yeshivot or all day schools.