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Learning About Learning: Conversations with Scholars of Jewish Education

Learning About Learning: Conversations with Scholars of Jewish Education

Written by: Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University
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There is great scholarship being done in the field of Jewish education, but it’s not always accessible. And even when it is, it’s not always obvious why people in the field of Jewish education should care about it. That’s what this podcast is about—making really interesting scholarship on Jewish education accessible and talking with scholars about why it matters.

Learning About Learning draws on live conversations, originally conducted as Zoom webinars. Regular episodes feature discussions between core faculty members at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education (MCSJE) at Brandeis University, and a single scholar about a specific piece of their research. Bonus episodes include multiple voices, often discussing a newly released book, recently held conference, or other topic in Jewish education.

MCSJE is committed to advancing the field of Jewish educational scholarship, especially scholarship on teaching and learning, in order to make a deep and lasting difference in the lives of learners and the vibrancy of the Jewish community. That’s our mission. Thanks for being here, and we hope that you enjoy Learning About Learning as much as we do.

© 2026 Learning About Learning: Conversations with Scholars of Jewish Education
Judaism Science Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 45: The Impact of Everyday Antisemitism
    Apr 24 2026

    Reports from research centers and in the media make it clear that overt antisemitic incidents have surged on college campuses since October 7. But what about those subtle forms of antisemitism, which are much less likely to be reported and documented? Yael Silverstein and her colleagues asked university students, faculty, and staff about overt and subtle antisemitic experiences, and they found that both types had negative outcomes for individuals and institutions. In this session, she shares a framework for identifying, teaching about, and addressing antisemitic experiences in academic settings.

    Originally recorded: 3/26/26

    At the Mandel Center, we are committed to advancing the field of Jewish educational scholarship, especially scholarship on teaching and learning, in order to make a deep and lasting difference on the lives of learners and the vibrancy of the Jewish community. That’s our mission.

    To learn more about the Mandel Center, and sign up to attend upcoming virtual and physical events, visit our website.

    Learning About Learning is a production of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University, and is engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media LLC.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Episode 44: Spotlight on Israel Education Research
    Mar 27 2026

    What, if anything, can be considered “best practice” in Israel education? What are the challenges of learning about Israel in every stage of life? In this session, we explore what a team of scholars learned about research and practice in Israel education through a process of carefully sifting through the existing literature in the field. Through conversation, these experts share what their experience writing a recent article in the Journal of Jewish Education taught them about building a knowledge base about Israel education, and about Jewish education more broadly.

    Panelists include Alex Pomson (Rosov Consulting), Matt Reingold (Rosov Consulting), and Sivan Zakai (HUC-JIR), with Jonathan Krasner (Brandeis University).

    Co-sponsored by the Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University and the Journal of Jewish Education.

    Originally recorded: 2/26/26

    At the Mandel Center, we are committed to advancing the field of Jewish educational scholarship, especially scholarship on teaching and learning, in order to make a deep and lasting difference on the lives of learners and the vibrancy of the Jewish community. That’s our mission.

    To learn more about the Mandel Center, and sign up to attend upcoming virtual and physical events, visit our website.

    Learning About Learning is a production of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University, and is engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media LLC.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 43: Why Teaching Jewish Texts is Not Enough
    Mar 6 2026

    The heart of Jewish education, it seems, is the study of the Jewish textual tradition, or what insiders call “learning Torah.” There are good reasons to think about Jewish education that way. But there are also some reasons to question that assumption, based on the history of Jewish textuality and the history of Jewish culture. In this session, Jon A. Levisohn discusses a recent book chapter, where he argues that we need to think more broadly about how and why Jewish education helps young people engage with a wide range of Jewish cultural practices.

    Originally recorded: 2/26/26

    At the Mandel Center, we are committed to advancing the field of Jewish educational scholarship, especially scholarship on teaching and learning, in order to make a deep and lasting difference on the lives of learners and the vibrancy of the Jewish community. That’s our mission.

    To learn more about the Mandel Center, and sign up to attend upcoming virtual and physical events, visit our website.

    Learning About Learning is a production of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Center for Studies in Jewish Education at Brandeis University, and is engineered and edited by Nathan J. Vaughan of NJV Media LLC.

    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
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