Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
8-1-2019
Abstract
Jewish education has been a core value to the Jewish people throughout history and is essential to carry on Jewish tradition and values. Jewish education influences Jewish identity, engagement, and continuity. A decline in enrollment in non-Orthodox Jewish educational programs poses a real threat to the future of the Jewish community. Many young adults decide to stop participating in Jewish educational experiences after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah experience at age 13 since students often fail to find meaning, positivity, and relevance in their Jewish educational experiences, which can influence their future engagement in Jewish life. Positive psychology and positive education can serve as a pathway to propel Jewish education, enabling students to find new meaning in Jewish values and tradition. Positive education infuses academics with a focus on character strengths and well-being and can lead to academic and personal flourishing. While many secular schools have embraced positive education, the vast majority of Jewish schools have yet to adopt this growing field. A positive Jewish education framework for implementation and recommendations for interventions can strengthen the future of Jewish education and help schools and students thrive in the 21st century.
Keywords
positive psychology, judaism, positive interventions, religious education, positive education, religion, gratitude, optimism, education, well-being, jewish education
Topic
Well-Being/ Flourishing, Religious Education, Religious Studies, Jewish Education
Format
Thesis
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Other Education Commons, School Psychology Commons, Secondary Education Commons
Date Posted: 26 August 2020