November 2009 - Conference Call and Links

• Rabbi Kenneth Brander and Dr. Hillel Davis updated us on the continuing conversation on the Year of Study in Israel. The challenges were revisited and YU's role and what we can provide were discussed: research, information and connecting constituencies.  
• Dr. Davis discussed how many view the year as a gap year or as an end to high school, but we must look at this year as another stage of development, leading towards richer Jewish lives in both living and learning. The year in Israel is part of the Odyssey Years. 
• It was stressed by Rabbi Brander and Dr. Davis that a coalition must be formed of all parties invested in the process, enabling them to work together. 
• The New Guide to Israel Schools was presented, and can be viewed here  
• To view the Israel Study Summary of Findings and Recommendations, summarizing a study conducted by Dr. David Pelcovitz and the Azrieli Graduate School, click here. Click on Israel Study Summary of Findings and Recommendations 
• We were delighted to have Rabbi Ari Solomont, director of Yeshiva University's S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program, share with us the unique aspects of the YU SDA program. 
• We were happy that Rabbi Jay Goldmintz, principal of Ramaz and co-chair of the task force, shared his perspective and expertise about the unique challenges to this educational experience, for parents, students and our community at large. Rabbi Goldmintz emphasized that each of the constituents in the process have their own needs. For example, parents want information about a variey of issues, from larger ones such as Religious Zionism, to smaller ones like travel on busses. We can help the Israel schools serve us better, and can standardize the application process to make it easier for students. 

A suggested article, titled, "Reaccrediting Israeli Yeshivot and Seminaries," can be read here Commentator article