Jewish Education

The SIG aims to convey Jewish culture, values and traditions to the young generations of the Jewish communities in Switzerland. For this purpose, it supports and promotes specific programmes for young people at different age levels. The SIG also provides factsheets on various aspects of Judaism and on the history of Jewish communities in Switzerland. They have been designed for pupils, students and teachers in order to raise the level of knowledge about Jewishness and Judaism.

Jewish educational programmes

The PJ Library Programme was created for children aged two to eight. Once a month, the children get a Jewish good-night story sent home to them, free of charge. A first standard textbook on Jewish ethics was written with adolescents, young adults and teachers as the target audience. It provides a comprehensive overview of ethical issues from a Jewish perspective. With two programmes in particular, the SIG supports aspiring young adults in the Jewish communities. Through the dialogue and prevention project Likrat, young Jewish adults are trained in conveying knowledge about Judaism and Jewish ways of life in schools and, later on, in companies and other organisations. This is an important measure against prejudice and stereotypes. Candidates are given intensive training. The SIG programme Next Step is an international training programme for up-and-coming Jewish business and community leaders. It provides them with an opportunity to develop their professional potential and acquire management and leadership skills.