To understand how to make a difference in Jewish education, I interviewed a range of funders and recipients across the country for their hard-won wisdom. There is no magic bullet, neither in general education nor in Jewish education. If anyone claims that he or she has the answer, be skeptical. Investing in education is powerfully rewarding, but real change takes time. Act local, but think global.
Most Jewish education takes place locally.
If you are looking for a dynamic principal to run the new Jewish community high school being established in your city, you will have a hard time finding a candidate who is at once steeped in Judaica, trained in education, and experienced in administration. If the problems are systemic, the solutions can also be systemic, even at the local level. Foundations are uniquely capable of partnership with a range of local institutions across denominations as well as with other foundations. Educational change demands change in people. Changing a program or curriculum is not enough.