Jewtina y Co. – To develop PUENTES Fellowship cohorts designed for Latin-Jewish educators to deepen their connection to Jewish and Latin values and support their development as leaders within their diverse communities.

What inspired you to become a Jewish educator?

My journey to becoming a Jewish educator is deeply rooted in my identity as a proud immigrant and a sociologist with a lifelong passion for the human experience. Carrying this rich tapestry of traditions has been a profound responsibility. This blend of personal history and academic curiosity inspired me to delve into the world of Jewish education. My aim has always been to explore the diverse and diasporic nature of Jewish communities, understanding how different experiences shape the way we engage with Torah.

What excites you most about creating a PUENTES Fellowship cohort specifically for Latin-Jewish educators?

This initiative is about more than just learning; it’s about creating a community of educators who are deeply connected to their dual identities and are eager to explore and share this rich intersectionality. The Fellowship is designed to be a space where Latin-Jewish educators can bring their whole selves to the table, leveraging their unique perspectives and experiences to enrich the Jewish educational landscape.

What impact do you hope this project will have on Latin Jews, and the broader field of Jewish education?

The PUENTES Educators’ Fellowship aspires to be more than a transformative educational initiative; it’s a culturally-responsive leadership model designed to empower Latin-Jewish educators. By challenging the monolithic perception of Jewish experiences, this program equips educators to bring diverse narratives into the classroom, thus unflattening the notion that all Jews share identical histories. This approach not only enhances the educators’ abilities, but also enriches the Jewish education landscape with a multitude of lived experiences. As these enriched perspectives are translated into educational practice, they contribute to the continued vibrancy of the US’s Jewish community, ensuring that our classrooms are places where the full spectrum of Jewish life is acknowledged and celebrated.