Comings and Goings: The Jewish Education Project Names New CEO

Following an extensive national search, The Jewish Education Project has named David Bryfman, Ph.D. as its next CEO.

Founded in 1910, and later known as the Board of Jewish Education of Greater New York, the century-old Jewish nonprofit agency was rebranded under the direction of Robert Sherman, who assumed the role of CEO in 2007 and repositioned the organization as a catalyst for innovation.

“From the first time I met David Bryfman, I was inspired by his intellect, his vision, and his passion for creating Jewish education that would help young people thrive as Jews and in the world,” said Sherman, who will retire at the end of his contract in June 2019. “His ideas have had a profound impact on all of us at The Jewish Education Project, as well as on educators and funders across the country.”

Bryfman completed his Ph.D. in Education and Jewish Studies at NYU, focusing on the identity development of Jewish adolescents. In his current role as Chief Innovation Officer of The Jewish Education Project, he has been instrumental in raising awareness among practitioners and philanthropists through initiatives like the Jewish Futures conference, Israel education, and notably in building the field of Jewish teen engagement with the groundbreaking 2016 research report, Generation Now. Bryfman also helped direct a new study, to be published in 2019, believed to be the largest survey of Jewish teens ever conducted in North America.

The succession task force to identify a candidate was chaired by Tara Slone-Goldstein, chair of the board.

The Jewish Education Project is today regarded as a thought leader that has created initiatives in congregational education, day schools, early childhood, Israel and teen education. With the support and partnership of UJA-Federation of New York, it continues to expand its activities within metropolitan New York and nationally.

Bryfman is an alum of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship Program and the Schusterman Fellowship for executive leadership. Prior to moving to New York, David worked in formal and informal Jewish educational institutions in Australia, Israel, and North America.

David lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Mirm, and children, Jonah and Abby.