Dr. Keren Fraiman and Dr. Sivan Zakai - The Future of Israel Education
From What Gives? The Jewish Philanthropy Podcast by Jewish Funders Network
October 16, 2025 · 53 min · Episode 72
About this episode
The episode discusses the future of Israel education with leading researchers in Jewish education.
Episode 72 of What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, hosted by JFN President and CEO Andrés Spokoiny. In this episode, Andrés speaks with Dr. Keren Fraiman, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, and Dr. Sivan Zakai, Professor of Jewish Education at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and director of the Children’s Learning About Israel Project. Both are leading researchers in Jewish education whose work examines how young people form their understanding of Israel, identity, and Jewish life. And both are recent recipients of the Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award for the work they’ve done in this field. In this conversation, we explore their latest findings, what Jewish children are really learning and feeling, and how funders and educators can better support honest, nuanced approaches to Israel education in today’s climate. Take a listen.
People in this episode
Host: Andrés Spokoiny
Guests: Dr Keren Fraiman, Dr Sivan Zakai
Topics covered
- Israel education
- Jewish identity
- Jewish life
- children's learning
Keywords
- Jewish education
- funders
- nuanced approaches
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion
Books & works: What Gives?—the Jewish Philanthropy Podcast from Jewish Funders Network, the Ilia Salita Excellence in Research Award
Places: Israel
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