The purpose of the current study was to explore the meanings, regulation, and sources of male teacher empathy in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools in Israel from a cultural perspective. More specifically, the study posed three questions: (1) What are the particular meanings attached to empathy by ultra-Orthodox teachers? (2) How do ultra-Orthodox…

Community-based, Judaism-intensive action groups (Hebrew: Gar'inim Toraniim--GTs) are religiously motivated to settle in Israeli development towns, seeking to narrow social gaps through education. However, their influence has never been fully clarified. This study is grounded in the theory of educational gentrification and introduces the concept…

In recent years, a number of studies have explored the link between Zionism and the latent racism prevalent in Israeli society. As a result of these studies, it has become clear that successive generations of Israeli citizens (and non-citizens) are exposed to a single historical and cultural narrative. Such a narrative is intentionally designed to…

With a fertility rate that nearly triples the national average and increased political power that accompanies demographic growth, Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews in Israel are becoming an increasingly important piece of the country's diverse national mosaic. This raises economic concerns: Haredi women earn low wages, while most Haredi men do not…

In this article, Yaccov Katz describes Israel as a unique country housing a population that has increased ten-fold since independence in 1948. It is a country composed of Jews and Arabs, veterans, and immigrants hailing from over 100 countries throughout the world. On the one hand, Israel has a population of secular Jews who profess to be Jewish…

This paper studies one ultra-Orthodox group--Habad community, exploring its members' attitudes towards four languages: Hebrew, Loshen Koydesh (LK), English, and Yiddish, and focusing on usage, affection for the language, ascribed importance, and holiness. Research questions were: (1) What are the attitudes of Habad members towards these languages?…

The integration of highly religious minority students into institutions of higher education poses significant pedagogical and value challenges for students and teachers alike. We offer a framework for analyzing such challenges, distinguishing between practical concerns, identity issues and value conflicts. By contrasting a deficit perspective to…

Jewish educators today need to be aware of Torah responses to homosexuality. Educators may be called upon to defend the Torah's approach in class, or may be approached for counseling by a student involved in a personal struggle. Fortunately, much has been written on the subject in recent years. This bibliography of over sixty articles focuses on…

Examined effects of planned encounters between religious and secular Jewish children and parents at a school in Jerusalem, Israel, on perceptions of religiosity and secularism. Results suggest that each group was aware of its affiliation, could discern similarities and differences, and did not have stereotyped perceptions. Social encounters…

Reports on a study of 102 Israeli males, ages 22-30, on the relationship between religiosity and the obligation work norm. Finds that the level of obligation to work was significantly higher in the religious group than in the nonreligious group. (CFR)

This book examines the history, customs, language, crafts, recipes, geography, and music of Israel. Written in a format that appeals to juvenile readers, the book contains stories, facts, legends, photographs, maps, and illustrations to enhance the text. The 17 chapters include: (1) "All Around Israel"; (2) "A Mishmash of…

Explores recent theoretical works in language, identity, culture, and implications for cultural ethnic education, specifically Jewish education. Argues that these works can help educators interested in the creative and participatory development of Jewish and other ethnic religious groups to rethink the content and processes of their educational…

In 1998, the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Metropolitan Ministry's Task Force on Religious Understanding, in partnership with the National Conference for Community and Justice, the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, and three local universities, began planning an interfaith study abroad experience in Israel for adult learners within the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim…

Reports on a study of the link between religiosity, gender, and subjectivity among 37 secondary female students in an all-girls' religious boarding school in Israel. Finds that the girls' experiences shaped a religious subjectivity that was subject to divine law and the male world. (CFR)

Examines Israel's 1953 State Education Law, the product of a religious and political compromise, that was responsible for unifying schools into a national system. Gives the historical perspective of this system that is comprised of five types of schools: four Jewish, one Arabian. Examines how the schools reflect Israel's religious and political…