About the IJE

The Institute for Informal Jewish Education at Brandeis University, the only university-based organization that focuses on Jewish education for teens, is uniquely qualified to strengthen informal Jewish education in North America.

The IJE is dedicated to keeping Jewish youth engaged and involved by developing professional leadership, sponsoring dynamic new programs, and supporting communities and organizations.

With its track record of success in professional development, innovative program grants and technical expertise the IJE has the know-how and the resources to grow and strengthen the field.

Through its Seminar in Professional Leadership and its innovation grants, the IJE has developed new methods for:

• identifying existing best practice and understanding how to adapt and replicate it for other settings
• designing supervised mentoring experiences that advance professional skills and the implementation of innovative programs
• initiating new ventures with cutting-edge ideas, careful evaluation and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances or new settings
• disseminating new ideas and bringing professionals together to mutually strengthen their work.

As an institute based at Brandeis University, the IJE is able to take advantage of all the resources Brandeis brings to bear. As the only non-sectarian Jewish-sponsored research university in North America, Brandeis is committed to the future of North American Jewry. The university has been deeply involved in Judaic scholarship and service to the Jewish community in the fifty-five years since its inception.

Today the university is known for its commitment to the highest level of research and scholarship, its commitment to religious and intellectual pluralism and its history of collaborative problem-solving through partnerships with local and national groups. As a model community of diverse Jewish expressions and a neutral meeting ground where Jews of all backgrounds interact comfortably and fruitfully, Brandeis is making a major impact on Jewish education throughout North America.

The IJE relies on support from foundations, philanthropic organizations and individuals. We welcome inquiries into how you can continue to strengthen the field of informal Jewish education. For further information, please contact us.