Jewish Informal Education

Some of the most challenging and inspiring Jewish learning occurs outside the formal classroom setting—on a bus tour through Israel, around a campfire or during havdalah on a synagogue retreat.

By using the setting and social group as a natural starting point, educators introduce learners, in a very personal way, to Jewish concepts. For adolescents, in particular, experiential education is one of the most effective means to build identity and an understanding of Jewish living.

The Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership

and Camping—18 credits

This certificate program prepares you to serve as an effective leader of informal educational institutions and programs. Designed for youth directors, synagogue program directors, Jewish camp leaders, Israel program leaders and trip leaders, the curriculum focuses on the content, methodology and leadership skills that Jewish educators need to maximize the "teachable moment" that is the essence of experiential education.

Course of Study

Required Education Courses—10 credits

Models of Teaching (3 credits)
Lifespan Development (3 credits)
Seminar in Informal Education (3 credits)

Case Studies in Experiential Jewish Education (1 credit)

Electives—6 credit

Two electives, including one EDUC pedagogy/content course

Field Experience—2 credits

Field experience (2 credits)

Hebrew Language Requirements

Demonstrate at the Hebrew II level (via observation or placement exam)

Students strongly encouraged to achieve the equivalent of Hebrew IV

MJEd Option

Graduate credits earned toward the Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping may be applied toward the Master of Jewish Education (MJEd), upon approval of the academic advising faculty. Additional application materials are required for admission to the MJEd program.

Hebrew College - BBYO Partnership

A customized version of this certificate program is available for employees of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). Funded through the Jim Joseph Foundation and organized as a partnership between BBYO and Hebrew College, this program enables invited BBYO employees to pursue an MBA in Nonprofit Management at Indiana University and obtain a Certificate in Jewish Informal Education, Youth Leadership and Camping from Hebrew College in three years. Certificate requirements are completed during three summers-in-residence and a winter retreat.

Admissions Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a competitive grade-point average
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores for all foreign students whose first language is not English and who have not received a degree from an academic institution where the language of study was English.
One letter of recommendation, preferably from a supervisor