by David J. Steiner In his book, The Struggle for the American Curriculum, Herbert Kliebard examines approximately eighty years in the history of American public education through the lens of interest groups. He paints a picture of a pendulum culture, which swings back and forth between progressive notions of the curriculum and more conservative notions triggered by things like the launch of Sputnik. The battle he describes is not strictly between conservatism and innovation but rather a culture of great books versus a capital “P” Progressive culture. As a multimedia producer for textbook companies in a prior life, I experienced a different aspect of the trajectory of American education: capitalism. Innovation was the need of a consumer culture largely agnostic about Progressivism and … [Read more...]
Sharing Memories of JJ Greenberg
by Blu and Yitz Greenberg Sometimes it is hard to be a Jewish professional. JJ's path into this role was particularly rocky. He began as a volunteer advisor to Jewish teenagers at NCSY (Orthodox youth movement), then at Jewish Public School Youth (JPSY), a startup organization, and professionally at Bais Ezra, a home for developmentally disabled young Jews. JPSY was particularly challenging. It was founded by a brilliant, charismatic young rabbi whose goal was to reach out to teenagers from non-affiliated Jewish families attending public schools. JJ started work part-time at JPSY and quickly moved up the ladder - only to discover that the founder was hitting on teenage girls drawn into the JPSY orbit. The discovery was painful, and confronting a dynamic, dominating father figure daunting. … [Read more...]
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essay: Adam Simon
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essays Adam Simon - 2010 recipient There's a phrase from Pirket Avot that rests in the back of my mind and at the forefront of my work. Offered by JJ’s closest friend during his eulogy, it instructs, “In a place where there is no man, strive to be the man.” As someone who aspires to lead and make an impact on the world, I am drawn to this lesson (despite its gendered language) because of its clear, simple wisdom: identify places where leadership is needed, where I can use my voice, where I can advocate for a stronger Jewish people and a more just world, and go for it. Be the man. Build the initiative. Raise awareness for the issue. Step in and solve the problem. Lead. However, there is a nuance in the shadow of this aphorism: Where there is already a man, … [Read more...]
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essay: Adene Sacks
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essays Adene Sacks - 2011 recipient One of the benefits of time passing is the opportunity to reflect, contextualize and learn from past experience. That includes how often fleeting events and casual acquaintances expand in their import and impact. My connection with JJ Greenberg falls squarely in that category. Though our actual exchange was brief, his life continues to inspire me to think deeper about my own journey. I met JJ in my first year out of college. I was new to the professional world and even newer to the Jewish world. My 23-year-old self marveled at his ability to integrate Judaism with an impressive professional acumen. It offered a connection to community, a pathway to Jewish learning and a legacy to emulate. He was the Jewish professional I aspired … [Read more...]
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essay: Charlene Seidle
JJ Greenberg Memorial Award Essays Charlene Seidle - 2013 recipient I never had the privilege of meeting JJ but I have pored over remembrances and reflections of him - trying to learn more about what inspired, sustained and strengthened such an amazing person. Again and again, JJ is described as possessing a deep curiosity that was driven by an agenda of urgent action. From what I can tell, his inquisitiveness went beyond the abstract or academic and was manifested in genuinely caring for those with whom he engaged - on all levels - and a desire to make a difference in their lives. I understand he combined questioning and due diligence with brainstorming and idea development. Using a subtle, low-key approach, he gained knowledge and was a valuable thought partner - both at the same time. … [Read more...]
A Purim Message for the PJ Library
by Victoria L. Steinberg As a Jewish mother, I read with interest a recent blog post explaining the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s decision to make "The Purim Superhero" - a story about a boy, Nate, who has two dads - available only to PJ Library families who request it, but not to all of its subscribers. My husband and I have two daughters under four years old. We signed up to receive PJ Library books immediately after our first daughter was born. In our home, PJ Library books and CDs are much more than wonderful stories and songs. They create another way that our home is a Jewish home. They reflect back to our children the holidays, words and values that define our lives as Jews. They introduce visitors to those things as well, including some without previous exposure to Judaism. As Jews … [Read more...]
