Educational institutions – both formal and non-formal – are regarded as essential players in the transferral of Jewish identity from one generation to the next. With intermarriage and assimilation levels at their highest ever, these institutions are critical to the future of the Jewish People. In this section, educational thinkers and analysts explore educational ideas, and examine which educational interventions are best-placed to succeed.

It may be the Jewish buzzword of the moment, but even a quick scan of the landscape reveals considerable evidence of creative, entrepreneurial Jewish activity taking place outside the auspices of traditional communal institutions. While the durability and long-term impact of these initiatives is not yet known, the phenomenon is significant enough to have attracted the attention of mainstream organizations and funders. Compiled here are investigations into the background, content and aims of contemporary Jewish innovation, as well as analyses of some significant case studies.

The young adult generation (those aged roughly between 22 and 35) is one of the most talked-about demographic groups in Jewish community life. Often portrayed as unaffiliated and unengaged, widespread concern is expressed about where future leadership and financial investment is likely to come from. This section contains some of current research on this population, as well as links to some of the new young adult initiatives that have captured the Jewish community’s attention.

In order to thrive, all forms of community require high quality leaders. However, defining what a high quality leader is, figuring out the kinds of leaders we need and determining whether leaders are born or made, have been questions that have challenged all of those who study the phenomenon. In this section, we share links to some of the more insightful and influential thinking that is accessible on-line.