American Jewish University – To expand the university’s Jewish learning program for high school students by launching cohorts in new locations and strengthening relationships with community and educational partners.

How does this program prepare Jewish teens for their futures beyond high school?

Today’s college students may encounter situations where Judaism or Israel are questioned, and they may encounter anti-semitism. JLE participants are better able to articulate their Jewish identity because their learning is based on deep, factual content. Additionally, students are better prepared for the rigors of college academics, as our classes are designed as college courses, not as high school courses. Students develop skills in JLE that include planning, communicating with instructors, calendaring assignments, and other academic self-support skills.

This program has already made an impact on a number of students. What accomplishment are you the most proud of so far?

For our students, learning how to face contemporary Jewish issues is the exciting part. As part of their developing maturity, our students encounter ideas that are counter to their beliefs or understanding. Wrestling with conflicting ideas is a critical center to Jewish thought and learning. As we know from the debates of Hillel and Shamai, we don’t record the answers, we record the conversations.