(This update is dedicated to the memory of Michael Mostyn. He was, truly, a young Lion of Judah, a guardian and champion of Jews – at home and abroad – all of his adult life. He fought from the ramparts of justice on behalf of the inherent dignity and human rights of all peoples, He was a “Shield of David” who brought honour to his people and thus, to his God. Mostyn – the CEO of B’nai Brith Canada – passed away this week after a typically courageous, year-long battle against a mortal disease. His memory will always be for blessing and inspiration.)
•••
As GAJE has noted in previous weekly updates, it is no coincidence that the brazen manifestations of antisemitism and Israel-hatred on the streets of North American cities since “October 7”, have given rise to increased efforts by Jewish families to find ways to affiliate more directly with other Jewish families. The documented uptick in enrolment in Jewish day schools in various cities has been one example of this new striving for communal affiliation.
Last month Nira Dayanim reported in eJewishPhilanthropy, (eJP), that the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation awarded a $90 million matching grant aimed at strengthening the Jewish day school system in Cleveland. This is an important philanthropic initiative that may potentially infuse $180 million in support of five Day Schools there.
It is neither exaggeration nor overstatement to write that community leaders, especially in the U.S., are experiencing something of an awakening or re-awakening regarding the importance of Jewish education in securing a Jewish future. Some of the official statements that accompanied the announcement of the Mandel initiative are illustrative.
“According to Jehuda Reinharz, president and CEO of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, the decision to make this contribution was rooted in research that highlighted the role the Jewish day schools play in creating a long-lasting Jewish identity. “Today’s day school graduates are tomorrow’s Jewish community leaders,” Reinharz said in a statement.
Paul Bernstein, CEO of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, hailed the foundation’s investment, saying it reflects a growing interest in Jewish day schools nationwide. “We think that these kinds of investments will have major impacts on excellence, on affordability and ultimately in growing enrollment in the schools.”
GAJE agrees with the above statements. And so do the professionals and philanthropists of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toronto, as overtly implied by Jewish community officials in Cleveland.
As reported in the story, Rachel Lappen, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s chief development officer, said that the Mandel Foundation initiative “was inspired by other community-wide fundraising initiatives, such as the Toronto Federation’s Generations Trust scholarship.”
Lappen’s publicly-expressed accolade for Toronto’s approach to getting more children enrolled in Jewish day school is deserved and worthy. But, as Federation officials here also acknowledge, more needs to be done to abate even further the cost of tuition.
These days, members of Jewish communities everywhere are connecting the dots of Jewish connection with greater clarity and urgency. Jewish day schools – Jewish education – plays a critically important role in creating a long-lasting Jewish identity.
Dayanim’s article is available at:
•••
If you wish to contribute to GAJE’s lawsuit for fairness in educational funding in Ontario, please click here. Charitable receipts for donations for income tax purposes will be issued by Mizrachi Canada. Your donations will be used for the sole purpose of underwriting the costs of the lawsuit. For further information, please contact Israel Mida at: imida1818@gmail.com
•••
Shabbat shalom
Am Yisrael Chai
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education (GAJE)
February 7, 2025
Grassroots for Affordable Jewish Education 