Developments in Jewish Education in Toronto

With the "end" of the war in Israel we now turn our attention back to matters at home. Again, Yossi and I feel strongly that a strong diaspora community is absolutely essential in ensuring a strong Israel and the cause of "yiddishkeit" wherever Jews may live.

Last week David Koschitzky, Chair of UJA/Federation of Greater Toronto sent a note to their list with the subject "A new approach to Jewish education services." A note with this subject will always attract our attention as it is the area we know best and is clearly one of our primary concerns.

In the note, the UJA informs us of substantial reductions in overhead and an increase in financial support for UJA affiliated schools. Here are the highlights - with some comments:
1) Enhancing financial support bringing total tuition subsidies to $15 million annually. Indeed, this represents a substantial amount but subsidization support was increased starting last fiscal year without any reduction in tuition costs. Yossi wrote Ted Sokolsky, UJA President, to ask him about this. Ted said that he was "studying" the situation and would get back to Yossi. Despite repeated requests over several months, no "study" or response ever emerged.

2) Reducing Education Overhead Costs at the Mercaz (formerly the Board of Jewish Education). This means that a number (we've heard 12) of people no longer have jobs. David tells us that these terminated employees are being "treated generously and sensitively." This is another UJA proclamation - kind of like when they say that no Jewish youth is excluded from Jewish education due to cost. We'll have more to say on this in an upcoming blog.

3) Strengthening our Day Schools - there are no specifics, no goals or standards, nothing to measure success.

4) Encourage Innovative Educational Programs - this is the same rhetoric they have been saying for years. Please write us and tell us of the substantial improvements in Jewish Education that you are aware of.

David assures us that "these changes represent an exciting, innovative development." Really? What about all the other "exciting, innovative developments" that have taken place over the years? For example, what about the transition from the Board of Jewish Education to the Mercaz? This took place a few years ago with lots of promise and no delivery.

The UJA tells us early on in this note that these changes have nothing to do with the downturn in the economy. The real question is, why is it that the UJA has spent so much money supporting a bureaucracy that did not improve the quality or accessibility of Jewish education for so long? Further, who did they consult with in making these changes? Were there any public forums where parents, who, collectively, raise more money then the UJA (about double) could determine how best to improve Jewish Education? The UJA could never tolerate that scenario as they might have to defend their record publicly.

In April 2005, in a meeting with several active Day School parents, I had the opportunity to ask: "Who among you are prepared to argue publicly that anything is improving in Jewish education?" Ted Sokolsky, UJA President, Seymour Epstein, BJE (now Mercaz) Director and UJA Sr. Vice President, among other well-paid, civil servants of the Jewish community simply looked down at the table in front of them and shook their heads indicating "not me." Today we're seeing captains of industry called-out to account for their record. For 15 years we've seen the same characters at the UJA run away from their responsibilities.

There are numerous initiatives that could realize all kinds of improvement in Jewish education and, as a result, strengthen our community and our standing. But the UJA has a history of disinterest and decline.

Below, the entire note from David Koschitsky.

As we'll repeat often - we hope that we can all agree on at least the need for Authentic Representation and Accountable and Transparent Leadership. We (meaning all community members) can, and should, have the opportunity argue the methods. We hope that you will participate in this discussion and encourage others you know to do likewise by forwarding the URL for this page to others. The Jewish Community is capable of much more.

Your comments are welcome.

Best wishes
Wayne J. Levin & Yossi Adler