Vision and Mission

We envision a future when every Jewish person learns the radical spiritual depth of Jewish wisdom and traditions.

Our mission is to foster a paradigm-shift in Jewish education, towards an experiential pedagogy that transforms students with its spiritual clarity and direction.

In order to achieve this goal, we are creating and marketing classes and materials for both formal and informal learning, and innovative teaching methods for Jewish educators of all backgrounds. Both our "direct to consumer" and teacher training programs are inspiring students to seek further learning opportunities, to forge a warm, lasting connection to the Jewish community and Israel, and to lead ethical, fulfilling lives that contribute to Tikkum Olam.

History

Founded in 2003, Jewish Spiritual Literacy is a collaborative project that developed from years of spiritual exploration between Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld and learning partners around the country.

These partners and other kindred spirits make up JSL's Advisory Board and supporters. We come from all walks of Jewish life, from the most active to the non-affiliated. Our common denominator is a shared vision of a Jewish People revitalized by ancient wisdom.

Measurement

JSL employs a standardized outcomes-based evaluation (OBE) system for most of our programs. Measured results indicate that 85-90 percent of participants have significantly increased their Jewish spiritual literacy through our programs (detailed data available upon request).

People

Alexander Seinfeld, Executive Director. Rabbi Seinfeld completed degrees in Classics and Anthropology at Stanford and is currently a PhD. candidate in Jewish Studies. He began to investigate ancient Jewish wisdom after working for two years in rural Mississippi, "surrounded by folks who knew my people's book better than I did!" That wake-up call eventually led him to seven years of yeshiva study in Israel. He has been active in Jewish education for ten years and lives with his wife and children in Baltimore, Maryland.