The Lookstein Center

16/06/2026

This summer, we're hosting our annual Young Jewish Educator Roundtable because we want to hear your story! We’re bringing together a select group of teachers for honest, thoughtful conversations about what it’s really like to teach, grow, and lead in the field today.

We're looking for Jewish Studies educators with 3–10 years of classroom experience to join a single 75-minute Zoom session in July, followed by a quick follow-up survey.

To show our appreciation for your time, all participants will receive a small gift! 🎁

Spaces are limited to keep the conversation intimate and meaningful. Want to join us? Send us a DM, and we’ll reply with the link to apply!

15/06/2026

“It’s not just the Hebrew; their presence is an important part of the broader mission of the school—making our students feel part of the community of Israel.” 🇮🇱

What is the real value of bringing shelihim into our schools? In the latest issue of our Jewish Educational Leadership journal, Rabbi Bini Krauss (Principal of SAR Academy) shares his perspective on why shelihim are essential—not just for mastering native Ivrit beIvrit, but for building lifelong, personal connections to Israel.

From Hebrew immersion in early childhood to deep community bonds that extend long after they return home, the impact is undeniable.

📖 Read the full article, “Successful Shelihim,” in the our Hebrew Language and Culture journal edition to explore the unique opportunities of bringing Israeli shelihim into the heart of your school.

🔗 Link in bio to read!

14/06/2026

Only ONE WEEK left to register for our Summer PD courses!
Our two online courses are designed to better equip Jewish educators to teach more meaningfully, deeply, and effectively.

If you are looking for the perfect, flexible way to continue growing professionally this summer, our asynchronous format allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own schedule!

🗓️ Summer Semester: June 21, 2026 – July 29, 2026

✨ Bonus: Are you a Lookstein Member School? Enjoy 10% off your registration!

Don’t miss the chance to elevate your classroom practice before the next school year begins.

🔗 Sign up today: https://www.lookstein.org/professional-development/upcoming/

11/06/2026

Don’t miss the chance to bring Israel to life in your classrooms for the upcoming school year!

Our 3rd-grade Israel workbook is designed specifically to build a deep and meaningful connection to the land, history, and people of Israel through 4 dynamic, age-appropriate units. We’ll be launching our 4th-grade workbooks next year, so stay tuned!

Want to secure copies for your students or take a look inside? DM us to see a sample or to place your school’s order.

10/06/2026

❓Use these Parashat Shelah discussion questions with your students to spark meaningful conversations in your classroom!
🔗See all Parashat Shelah resources here: https://www.lookstein.org/resources/torah/sefer-bemidbar/parashat-shelah-resources/

09/06/2026

We love highlighting the incredible learning happening across our member school network! Today, we’re spotlighting an awesome project from the 8th Grade Beit Midrash Fellowship at .

Students stepped into the shoes of classical rabbis navigating the aftermath of the Second Temple’s destruction. Using LEGO bricks for hands-on, project-based learning, they were challenged to design a “Third Temple” that honored ancient traditions while embracing the rabbinic revolution that reshaped Jewish life.

Drawing directly from their text study, these students made intentional choices about what to preserve, transform, or leave behind—with many shifting the focus from traditional sacrifice to tefillah (prayer), Torah learning, and community.

The results perfectly showcase how experiential education can foster deep historical understanding, creativity, and a meaningful connection to Jewish resilience.

Kol HaKavod to the students and educators at Milken for bringing Jewish history and text study to life so beautifully!

Swipe through to see their amazing designs! 👉

09/06/2026

The last days of school are not just for wrapping up — they are also a powerful opportunity to prepare for what comes next.

While the year is still fresh, teachers can learn from students, gather insight from colleagues, and record what they want to remember before summer begins.

A few intentional minutes now can make the start of next year smoother, stronger, and more thoughtful.

Share your tips for maximizing the last days of school!

09/06/2026

Check out the schedule for our new Mekorot year long training program for Jewish studies educators in Jewish Day Schools next year!

Throughout your time in the program, you’ll join a vibrant cohort to explore Jewish texts, master new pedagogical tools, and learn from top Jewish educators and coaches.

You’ll cap off the year with our summer cohort trip to Israel! We’ve just confirmed the new dates for next summer: June 28 – July 15, 2027. 🇮🇱

Ready to inspire your students to see themselves as part of the ongoing Jewish story and advance your career?

Click here to learn more and to secure your spot for the upcoming year!

Teaching Tanakh brings complex moral and theological questions. This course equips educators with tools to navigate those challenges with confidence and care.

04/06/2026

❓Use these Parashat Behaalotekha discussion questions with your students to spark meaningful conversations in your classroom!
🔗See all Parashat Behaalotekha resources here: https://www.lookstein.org/resources/torah/sefer-bemidbar/parashat-behaalotekha-resources/

03/06/2026

Much of Jewish education focuses on big ideas, values, and texts. But for generations, the "how-to" of daily Jewish life—from reciting Birkat Hamazon to navigating a shiva home—was caught, not taught. It was absorbed naturally at home and in the community.

Today, that reality has shifted. For the vast majority of youth, formal schools are carrying the weight of teaching these essential day-to-day Jewish "life skills."

How do we teach halakha and ritual practice in a way that respects diverse family backgrounds? How do we keep it from turning into a rote memorization checklist of dos and don'ts? And how do we bridge the divide between what we do as Jews and our actual connection to God?

If you are a teacher, school leader, or informal educator with a perspective, strategy, or classroom-tested pedagogy to share, we want to hear from you.

Our CALL FOR PAPERS for our upcoming issue: "Educating Towards Jewish Practice and Halakha" for our Jewish Educational Leadership journal is open! See here: https://www.lookstein.org/call-for-papers/