March 31, 2025

"There Are No Shortcuts to a Healthy Jewish Education": Empowering Growth Without Guilt or Fear, with Rabbi Dr. Judah and Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg (244)

1 hour 40 minutes

We are now less than two weeks away from the night of the Seder, which is almost certainly the most widely practiced example of Jewish education in action. And that raises the issue of how we should define healthy Jewish education in general, and how best we can achieve it.

These questions are doubly important because while there are many wonderful Jewish schools, there are, unfortunately, numerous educational institutions where religious growth and educational goals are met through the use of fear, guilt, charismatic authority, manipulation, and condescension. Whether or not it “works” is irrelevant; education that relies on unhealthy approaches is damaging, unfair, and destructive.

This episode with Rabbi Dr. Judah and Rabbanit Shayna Goldberg, explores fresh, student-centered approaches to Jewish learning that prioritize autonomy, personal meaning, and emotional well-being. We challenge guilt- and fear-based models, advocating for an education that nurtures curiosity and critical thinking, while emphasizing lifelong love of Torah, Jewish law, and Jewish tradition. How can we empower our children and students to take ownership of their learning while staying rooted in the values we want to impart? How do we create environments where kids feel both supported and free to make their own choices? We examine how Jewish education can inspire, uplift, and cultivate independent, engaged learners who embrace Torah Judaism without losing their sense of self.

This week's episode is sponsored by Jewish Communal Fund, where strategic philanthropy meets impact. Visit https://jcfny.org/orthodoxconundrum/ to request an information kit.

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Music: "Happy Rock" by bensound.com

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By Scott Kahn

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