Jewish Experiential Education

Some of the most challenging and inspiring Jewish learning occurs outside the formal classroom setting—on a bus tour through Israel, around a campfire or during havdalah on a synagogue retreat.

By using the setting and social group as a natural starting point, educators introduce learners, in a very personal way, to Jewish concepts. For adolescents, in particular, experiential education is one of the most effective means to build identity and an understanding of Jewish living.

The Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping—18 credits

This certificate program prepares you to serve as an effective leader of informal educational institutions and programs. Designed for youth directors, synagogue program directors, Jewish camp leaders, Israel program leaders and trip leaders, the curriculum focuses on the content, methodology and leadership skills that Jewish educators need to maximize the "teachable moment" that is the essence of experiential education.

While emphasizing informal education for adolescents, the certificate applies to experiential programming for students of all ages and complements the field of Jewish family education.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM
Most students complete the certificate in two years on a part-time basis. Select courses are available online.

MJEd OPTION
You may apply credits earned toward the certificate toward a Master of Jewish Education with a specialization in Jewish Informal Education, by approval of the Dean of the Shoolman Graduate School of Jewish Education. Additional application materials will be required for admission to the master's degree program.

HEBREW COLLEGE-BBYO PARTNERSHIP
A customized version of this certificate program is available for employees of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). Funded through the Jim Joseph Foundation and organized as a partnership between BBYO and Hebrew College, this program enables invited BBYO employees to pursue an MBA in Nonprofit Management at Indiana University and obtain a Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping from Hebrew College in three years. Certificate requirements are completed during three summers summers-in-residence and a winter retreat.

All qualified students are welcome to apply to this certificate program; however, most participants come by invitation via the BBYO program or through Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater Boston, which funds a select number of informal Jewish educators to pursue the certificate.

COURSE OF STUDY

Required Education Courses—9 credits

• Models of Teaching (3 credits)

• Lifespan Development OR Foundations in Congregational Education (3 credits)

• Seminar in Informal Education (3 credits)

Electives—6 credits

• Two electives, including one EDUC pedagogy/content course

Field Experience—3 credits

• Network reflection (1 credit)

• Field experience (2 credits)

Hebrew Language Requirements

• Demonstrate at the Hebrew II level (via observation or placement exam)

• Students strongly encouraged to achieve the equivalent of Hebrew IV

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a competitive grade-point average

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores for all foreign students whose first language is not English and who have not received a degree from an academic institution where the language of study was English.

• One letter of recommendation, preferably from a supervisor

• Application, essay, interview

For more information, please contact the Office of Admissions:
617-559-8610; 800-866-4814; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .