Jewish Education – Filling in the Gaps

As a 22 year old recent college graduate, I feel like I still have a lot to learn about this whole “adulting” shpiel. I cannot help but feel a little frustrated by the fact that in my 18+ years as a student I never learned how to do my taxes, change a tire, or how to invest my money in the stock market and a 401k. Also, how long is a block of cheese good once you open it?

Although I still have much to learn, I am extremely grateful for the wonderful education I received growing up all the way from preschool to college. I feel especially appreciative of the additional Jewish education that my parents supported me to pursue through my five years of Hebrew school, fourteen years of Religious school, eight summers at overnight camp, and four years of involvement at Hillel. These unique educational experiences that I was fortunate enough to have participated in helped to prepare me to face a wide variety of life’s challenges in a way that my core education could not.

My knowledge of Hebrew allowed me to help some new friends bargain for some delicious dried fruit in the shuk in Jerusalem on my Birthright trip. At my supplementary religious school in High School my Rabbis and educators taught classes and guided engaging discussions on the Jewish perspective of important but controversial topics like abortion and sex education, racism in America and LGBTQ+ rights. This prepared me to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations with people whose opinions and experiences might differ from mine instead of shying away from a potentially uncomfortable interaction. The sense of kehilah (community) I felt every summer at overnight camp inspired me to build positive communities in other aspects of my life, including helping to build a strong Jewish student and faculty community at Marquette University and in my work as a Resident Assistant.

Hillel empowered me to serve as a leader among my peers, and supported my goal to pursue a career as a Jewish professional. Now in my role as the Outreach coordinator for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, I am serving as an educational concierge for the community in an effort to guide and empower families in their decision-making surrounding their Jewish educational choices.

I look forward to working with your family on finding the best Jewish education choice for you! Interested in a consultation? Fill out a GoJewish! connection card to get started.

Anna Goldstein is the Outreach and Teen Philanthropy Coordinator for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Anna grew up in the Northwest Chicago suburbs and attended Marquette University. Anna graduated in May 2017 with a B.A. in Social Welfare & Justice and minors in Political Science and Spanish. Anna coordinates six outreach programs for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation including Shalom Milwaukee, Shalom Baby, One Happy Camper, J-Pride, the Milwaukee Jewish Teen Philanthropy Board, and GoJewish!