As we confront the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, ancient wisdom from the Babylonian Talmud offers a profound framework for distinguishing between human-like imitation and the Divine soul. JEIC Foundint Director Rabbi Shmuel Feld explores how we can guide the next generation to use technology as a tool for flourishing without losing the authentic thinking and spiritual essence that define the tzelem Elokim.
Reflecting on nearly 50 years of avodat hakodesh (holy work) in Jewish day school education, outgoing JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel shares a heartfelt message that celebrates a lifetime of Jewish education and issues a stirring call to action for the future of our schools.
At the 2026 Innovators Retreat Gala Dinner, Mayberg Foundation and JEIC leadership, together with peers and colleagues from across the Jewish day school field, gathered to honor Sharon Freundel upon her retirement as JEIC’s managing director, celebrating a remarkable career dedicated to Jewish education and the future of the Jewish people.
Lay leaders and funders from Atlanta’s Jewish day schools gathered at an event hosted by Manette and Louis Mayberg and Helen and David Zalik at Sara and Ross Kogon’s home. The evening fostered connections and shared visions for strengthening Jewish education in Atlanta across the denominational spectrum, setting the stage for JEIC’s 2026 Innovators Retreat in Atlanta this April. Read more at Mayberg.org
JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel and heads of several affiliated schools attended the invitation-only Tradition Summit, where their contributions helped shape six educational papers that will be published in an upcoming issue of Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought, reinforcing JEIC's leadership in advocating for God-Centered and Student-Centered Jewish day school learning.
Seattle’s Jewish day school educators are embracing student-centered and God-centered learning, thanks to immersive workshops led by JEIC’s Sharon Freundel in partnership with Tavi Koslow and Tikvah Weiner of Kadima Coaching. See how this collaborative effort left teachers inspired, spiritually energized, and ready to innovate in their classrooms.
As the digital age reshapes learning, Gratz College’s Grayzel Digital Platform is pioneering new ways to reconnect Jewish education with its richest sources—making centuries of wisdom accessible for today’s world.
What does it mean to be a "religious Jew" today?
In her latest eJewishPhilanthropy op-ed, JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel explores how God-centered learning can help Jewish students and communities find meaning beyond ritual — and why every authentic Jewish path deserves recognition.
Read her thoughtful take here: https://bit.ly/4njTsd8
Leadership in Jewish day schools doesn’t just shape schools—it quietly transforms families, inspires community leaders, and safeguards the Jewish future. In a world of easy fixes and shallow influencers, real educational leadership takes time, vision, and steadfast support. Jason Ablin, director of the Jewish School Leadership Enterprise (JSLE), explains how JSLE nurtures the mentors and heads of school whose impact is both profound and lasting.
Oren Kaunfer’s creative leap from MTV to JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School classrooms showcases how fresh perspectives can reinvigorate Jewish education. JEIC, together with partners such as the Mayberg Foundation, Prizmah, and Touro University, is working to strengthen the Jewish teacher pipeline through new fellowships, innovative pilot programs, and exclusive benefit programs.
JEIC Founding Director Rabbi Shmuel Feld reflects on the loss of Rabbi Dr. Berel Wein Z”L, a world-renowned Jewish thinker and leader, who shared his vision for Jewish day school education at JEIC’s 2014 Innovators Retreat.
At this year’s National Jewish Retreat in Washington, DC—a six-day event attended by more than 700 people—JEIC's Founding Director Rabbi Shmuel Feld and Managing Director Sharon Freundel joined a distinguished group of Jewish thought leaders to deliver insightful lectures, debates, and interactive workshops, expanding JEIC’s contributions to Jewish communal conversations and ideas.
What does it take to get kids thinking — and talking — about God in Jewish day schools? For most students, it’s not on the syllabus. But a growing movement, led by JEIC and fueled by creative educators, is putting God back at the center of classroom conversations. From digital siddurim (prayer books) to meditative walks, discover how schools across the country are helping students build real spiritual connections — in ways as varied as their own beliefs. Dive into the new approaches reshaping Jewish education, and see why “God-centered learning” might just be the most personal lesson of all.
As the school year begins, our Jewish tradition reminds us that every student—no matter their background or struggles—deserves respect and inclusion. Drawing from the Talmud and the Kol Nidrei prayer, JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel explores why classrooms should embrace every child, celebrating the unique value each brings to the community.
Jewish spirituality is coming alive in classrooms, thanks to JEIC and OpenDor Media/Unpacked for Eduators' Jewish Spirituality Video series partnership. See how this video series, which launched one year ago, is sparking deeper conversations and connections for students and teachers across the country.
Co-hosted by the Mayberg and Samis Foundations, JEIC’s first Innovators Retreat in Seattle brought together 90+ Jewish day school leaders and funders for hands-on learning, spiritual exploration, and new ideas to spark real change in schools.
Explore the crucial role of women in yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) with this engaging lesson plan for grades 6-12, developed by JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel. The plan examines both named and unnamed female figures who helped bring about this transformational moment in Jewish history. Through the use of text analysis, discussion questions, and a graphic organizer, students will gain a deeper understanding of women's contributions to this pivotal event.
JEIC Managing Director Sharon Freundel shares creative solutions for supporting Jewish educators without burdening parents with higher tuition in her latest eJewishPhilanthropy opinion piece.
Jewish Teachers Now (JTN), a partnership of JEIC and Touro University, is revolutionizing the recruitment and retention of Jewish educators through innovative community-wide benefits and engaging initiatives for the next generation. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for educators and inspiring young minds, JTN is shaping the future of Jewish education and ensuring a vibrant community for years to come.
