Strengthening Jewish Identity: Federation Partners With The iCenter

April 2024

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In today’s ever-changing world, nurturing a deep and meaningful connection between young Jews and Israel is of critical importance. This connection must be built on genuine relationships, shared values, and a personal understanding of Israeli culture. Recognizing this need, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, through its Outshine Hate initiative, has forged a partnership with The iCenter, a renowned organization dedicated to transforming Israel education across North America through workshops with teens and educators alike.

The most recent workshops held in March were made with the intention of teaching different viewpoints, understanding the discourse that can arise from having them, and connecting these understandings to discussions surrounding Israel. Teen participants sat in a session utilizing a resource called “values in tension,” which looks at the tension that can arise between individuals from potentially conflicting personal values, such as democracy and safety, and how we can use this tension to further constructive conversations.

The workshop for educators focused on the timeline of Israeli history and the differing perspectives that might exist on each major event, allowing attendees to use a more worldly approach to teaching and discussing Israel as a whole. By bringing The iCenter workshops and programs to Charlotte, our educators will have access to cutting-edge resources and strategies designed to enhance Israel education in the classroom and beyond.

The iCenter stands at the forefront of Israel education, inspiring and supporting a vast network of educators and teens across various settings, including day schools, public schools, summer camps, synagogues, and universities. Through workshops, training sessions, and tailored programs, The iCenter equips educators to teach the multifaceted narratives of Israel while fostering critical thinking and empathy among students.

In a world where the bonds between Jewish communities in the U.S. and Israel are continually evolving, partnerships like the one between the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte and The iCenter are invaluable. By engaging educators and the next generation, Federation and The iCenter are shaping the future of Jewish education and laying the foundation for a vibrant and resilient Jewish community in greater Charlotte.