Introduction to Bar-Ilan University’s International Center for Jewish Identity

At Bar-Ilan University, Jewish scholars, scientists and educators share a common goal -- ensuring that Jews of all backgrounds discover their Jewish identity.

Bar-Ilan University’s International Center for Jewish Identity ties technology and tradition together in a new, dynamic tapestry; marries Internet, fiber-optic communication and other state-of-the-art means with the creative skills and broad knowledge of Bar-Ilan University educators; and supports dialogue between Jewish youth of all origins and persuasions.

All this, in a concentrated effort to stem the tides of assimilation that currently ravage the Jewish world, and to offer Jewish education to all, in a modern, enlightened and exciting fashion.

Bar-Ilan University, in Ramat Gan Israel, is the only university in Israel with a core curriculum of Jewish heritage courses. All of Bar-Ilan University's 25,000 students, more than half of whom do not have a traditional background, participate in these courses – knowledge of Jewish heritage and ethics which remains with the students for the rest of their lives.

Bar-Ilan University also is home to Israel's largest School of Education, an innovative developer of methods to convey an appreciation of Jewish tradition and values through long-distance learning projects.

The Center was founded in late 1996 by Prof. Moshe Kaveh, President of Bar-Ilan University. The Center is budgeted for $100 million of operational activity over the next ten years, with large portions of this budget allotted to the development of Bar-Ilan University’s Virtual Jewish University on the Internet, and for the operation of the International Competition on Jewish and Zionist Identity for Youth.

Ira Leon and Ingeborg Rennert (New York), Aharon and Rachel Dahan (Baltimore), and Drs. Mordecai and Monique Katz (New York), are among the founding supporters of the International Center for Jewish Identity.

Bar-Ilan University is building a first-class international headquarters for the Center for Jewish Identity on the university’s new northern campus in Ramat Gan. The Jewish Identity Studios Building and the Center for Jewish Identity Studies Building will house the Center’s ever-expanding activities.

For more information on the Center, return to main menu on the Center’s homepage. Or, write to the Center c/o the Office of the President, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900 Israel. Inquiries about donor and sponsorship opportunities can be addressed to globald@mail.biu.ac.il

 

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