By Jonathan Mirvis

Those who aspire to fill senior positions in the field of Jewish education, often face a difficult dilemma. Should they choose to do an MA degree within the field of Jewish Education or should they choose to specialize in Non-Profit Management.

An MA in Jewish Education is vital as it provides the aspiring professionals with a context and framework for understanding the field at large, enabling them to become a leader at heart. However they are also aware of the crucial importance of theoretical and practical knowledge needed to manage and lead a nonprofit organization. While learning “on the job” is always an option, it is far from desirable. Learning from experience can come at a high personal and/or professional price.

With this in mind, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and The Melton Centre for Jewish Education have collaborated to design an MA that will meet this dual challenge. In the 2015-16 academic year, they will be opening a Jewish Education specialization track within the prestigious program of Non-Profit Management and Leadership Program at The Rothberg International School.

This one year program is designed for overseas students. It is taught in English and the context is international. The studies are spread over three semesters; autumn, spring and an intense summer. During the autumn and spring semesters the courses take place over two intense days per week. The curriculum includes The philosophy of Jewish education and Experiential Jewish Education in addition to Leadership Development in Organizations, and Fundraising.

In addition to the course work, students will be required to do a one day per week internship at a Jewish Educational organization. This internship will provide a real life laboratory for experiencing and testing the theories which are studied in the lectures.

It is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds!

For further information regarding the Program in Non-Profit Management and Leadership Program please contact Dr Ron Shor.  ron.shor@mail.huji.ac.il For details regarding the Jewish Education specialization track, please contact Dr Jonathan Mirvis: jonathan.mirvis@mail.huji.ac.il

Dr Jonathan Mirvis is a Senior Lecturer in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation at The Melton Centre for Jewish education, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.