American Jewry “will lose another generation” unless drastic steps are taken to meet the shortage of educational personnel, Federal Judge Simon E. Sobeloff warned here last night; addressing the 17th anniversary dinner of the American Association for Jewish Education. He termed the shortage of Jewish teachers “staggering.”
The former U.S. Solicitor General told the 500 Jewish educators and leaders who attended the dinner that American Jewry is “witnessing a great boom” in Jewish school enrollment. He ascribed this development to a religious revival and to the desire for identification and belonging.
“Sufficient attention,” he said, “should be given to the recruitment of educational personnel to providing the proper training for this personnel in suitable terms and developing the social and economic position of the profession to the point where the turnover can be reduced and people of caliber attracted to enter and remain in the field.” The American Association for Jewish Education, which has dealt with this problem and is sponsoring and financing a national study of Jewish education, is best equipped to launch this recruitment drive, he stated.
The dinner that was presided over by Michael A. Stavitsky, honorary president of the Association, was highlighted by the presentation of the Mark Eisner Award to Philip W. Lown president of the Association, in recognition of his 40 years of distinguished service to Jewish education and to the American Jewish community. Certificates of honor were also presented to 17 veteran Jewish religious teachers who have given 40 years or more of service to the Jewish teaching profession.
Mr. Stavitsky, addressing the audience, said: “We, in the American Association for Jewish Education, firmly believe in the future of America and in the growth and development of the religious Jewish community. We maintain that instead of repudiating our tradition and our culture, we have every reason to love it and to strive for its enhancement. We are committed to the principle that if our children shall carry their Jewishness with dignity and find happiness in it, a sound Jewish education in indispensable.”
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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.
