Avi Chai

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. By Yossi Prager The Book of Ruth, which we read on Shavuot, is my favorite book of the Bible.  It is a great story, wonderfully told – concise, fast-paced, emotionally stirring.  Without masking the flaws in human nature, the plot progresses though heroic acts of chessed, loving kindness.  Ruth sacrifices to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, who in turn selflessly seeks a re-marriage opportunity for Ruth.  … Read More »

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. This article is part of a series focusing on new ideas emerging from the day school field with relevance for Jewish professionals in Jewish education and beyond. The post contributes to the conversation on the topic of Leadership. Interview: Jonathan Cannon and Mitch Malkus The topic of leadership transitions – when they should happen, how they should be carried out, and their implications – is a … Read More »

Later this week we will be celebrating Yom Yerushalayim, an Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in June 1967. As we look forward to this minor religious holiday thanking Hashem for our victory in the Six-Day War and for answering the 2,000-year-old prayer of “Next Year in Jerusalem” we would like to share the following video from Kenneth Stein, Professor of Middle Eastern … Read More »

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. This article is part of a seriesfocusing on new ideas emerging from the day school field with relevance for Jewish professionals in Jewish education and beyond. The post contributes to the conversation on the topic of Leadership. At Gann Academy, we decided that, if we wanted this language, culture, and practice to impact our entire school, we needed to start with the adults in the building, … Read More »

Watch the following captivating short video to learn how See3 Communications, with AVI CHAI’s support, helped Jewish day schools all over the country learn how to be better online communicators. Through participation in social media and video academies, school staff learned how to tell their stories to parents, donors and community members; involve their alumni in becoming advocates for their alma mater; conduct online fundraising; and engage their communities in the life of their school. … Read More »

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. This article is part of a series on day schools focusing on new ideas emerging from the day school field with relevance for Jewish professionals in Jewish education and beyond. The post contributes to the conversation on the topic of Leadership. What are the challenges for Jewish leaders in assuming this responsibility, and how can training better prepare them for it? Cheryl Finkel has a unique … Read More »

The results of MATCH 4[1] are in and the numbers are impressive. Consider the following statistics: 119 Jewish day schools have received $9.7 million of gifts, including approximately $2.8 million of matching funds from the AVI CHAI and Kohelet foundations. The 235 schools that submitted a MATCH application came from a wide range of denominations and geographies. Cumulatively, these schools have a $1.4 billion annual operating budget and serve over 72,000 students. This suggests an … Read More »

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. This article is part of a series on day schools focusing on new ideas emerging from the day school field with relevance for Jewish professionals in Jewish education and beyond. The post contributes to the conversation on the topic of Leadership. We must commit ourselves to taking very seriously the challenges of day school leadership now and into the future. The challenges encompass not only professional … Read More »

This article is cross-posted from the eJewish Philanthropy Blog. In February 2013, more than 900 day school professional and lay leaders gathered at the annual North American Jewish Day School Conference to network and explore new ideas around 21st century education and leadership. It was, as always, a chance to look at the day school field’s challenges and opportunities through a lens of shared optimism, excitement and innovation. Three months later, as we continue to … Read More »

By: Yossi Prager This article is cross-posted on eJewishPhilanthropy. Drawing of brick-making from Tomb of Rekhmire. Click for a presentation with more images relevant to the Exodus. At its heart, the seder is a vehicle for telling our children and grandchildren the story of the Jews’ enslavement in and miraculous Exodus from Egypt.  For all the importance of Jewish schooling, the Torah views parents as the most important educators in their children’s lives – every day … Read More »