By Michael Witman, Director of Lifelong Learning, Temple Emanu-El
As Director of Lifelong Learning at Temple Emanu-El and a parent deeply committed to my child’s Jewish identity, I’ve had many conversations about the importance of Israel education. One phone call stands out: a mother, distressed at the uptick in antisemitism and anti-Zionism since October 7th, reached out to me. She wanted her son to have a strong Jewish identity and a deep connection to Israel before heading off to college. This conversation was a poignant reminder parents often feel unqualified to teach their children about Judaism and Israel so they outsource it to congregational religious schools. While our schools play a vital role in education, parents have to be the primary transmitters of Jewish beliefs, practices, values and even connections to Israel.
In our family, my wife, Rabbi Melissa Buyer-Witman, and I regularly talk with our children about our connection to Israel and our belief in the self-determination and statehood of the Jewish people in our ancestral homeland. We have three daughters, ages 20, 16 and 7, and we are looking forward to visiting Israel with them later this year. It will be my youngest daughter’s first trip, and we are eagerly anticipating this opportunity for her to build her own relationships with the land and the people, our brothers and sisters.
We often forget the profound impact we have as parents. It’s crucial to tell our children why Israel is important to us and model that importance through our actions. Taking your children to Israel, sending them to Jewish camp, volunteering at your synagogue or simply sharing your personal stories about Israel can have a lasting impact—even, and perhaps most critically, when we’re conflicted. Our children can hold multiple truths; they can be in relationship with Israel while understanding its imperfections and dreaming of a better future.
Growing up, I didn’t fully grasp why my parents prioritized trips to Israel over more immediate pleasures like concessions at baseball games or popcorn and candy at the movies. It wasn’t until I became a parent myself that I understood their reasons for these sacrifices. They saved to ensure that my siblings and I could experience Israel firsthand, fostering a deep and lasting personal connection. All three of us were able to have our b’nei mitzvah in Israel because our parents made it possible. In college, I traveled to Israel on a pilgrimage where I spent an entire semester learning about archaeology and studying Hebrew. I have fond memories of hosting Israeli exchange students in our home, many of whom are still dear friends today. These formative events, shaped by my parents, built the foundation for the relationship I still have with Israel today.
Recently, I traveled to Israel—my first time in nine years—on a post-October 7 mission trip for U.S. Jewish educators. I engaged in deep conversations with friends, colleagues and family about the future of Jewish and Israel education. I spoke with Palestinian cab drivers about their hopes for peace and listened to the heartbreaking stories of families who were living in my hotel after losing their homes to rocket attacks. Despite the complexities and challenges, I witnessed a vibrant, diverse population striving for normalcy amid adversity.
October 7th and the ensuing war have left indelible scars. Visiting the sites of the massacre and seeing the devastation firsthand was a gut-wrenching experience. Yet, amid the sorrow, I found the reaction the Jewish people have always had following tragedy: resilience and a renewed commitment to life. This resilience is what we must pass on to our children.
Our approach to Israel education needs to start with building relationships. I am passionate about fostering connections between Israeli and American families from a young age. These connections can bridge cultural divides and nurture mutual understanding. I believe investing in family exchange programs can lay the foundation for meaningful interactions and collaborations in the future.
Sharing stories is a crucial part of raising children committed to Israel and Jewish life. Children who understand and can share their familial stories exhibit higher self-esteem, resilience and belief in the strength of their families. We need to expand these questions to include Israel: Do you know why Israel is important to your grandparents? What is their connection to Israel? By weaving Israel into our family narratives, we can strengthen our children’s Jewish identities.
Visiting Israel is essential for people of all ages. Firsthand experiences can deepen our relationship with Israel and build our understanding of Israel’s complexities. It helps us foster stronger connections to the land and its people that won’t be broken by transient political issues. Additionally, with so many excusing and denying the October 7th massacre, it is crucial to witness the evidence and share these impactful stories. I encourage families to join congregational and religious school trips, where children can engage with personal testimonies and internalize these experiences in age-appropriate ways.
Supporting our Israeli emissaries (mishlachot) and envoys (shlichim) is also critical. Providing them with better training and compensation can help them effectively represent Israel and engage with diverse audiences.
Finally, we must recognize the pain Israel is currently experiencing. Remembering this enables me to approach the situation’s complexities with empathy and patience, acknowledging the need for thoughtful dialogue and understanding in addressing their challenges and concerns.
Reflecting on my own life, I see the importance of modeling Kesher L’Yisrael (“connection to Israel”), ebbing in relationship with Israel. While what we teach in congregational schools is valuable, what we live and share as families is paramount. We must teach our children of all ages to be critical thinkers and question their assumptions and also to love and dream of a more perfect Israel. By building bridges with Klal Yisrael (“the international Jewish community,”) we can ensure that our children develop a strong, resilient Jewish identity.
Revitalizing Israel education in congregational schools is not just about new strategies, curricula, or policies. It’s about deepening our personal connections to Israel and sharing those connections with the next generation. It’s about building relationships, exchanging stories, and fostering interconnection that can endure even through the most challenging times. Now is the time to commit to this journey together for our children and for the future of our people.
