Educational Choices for My Own Children: The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class of 5755

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present data from the most recent wave of theLongitudinal Study of Young Jews Raised in Conservative Synagogues. Participants were part of the b'nai mitzvah class of 1994–1995 (or, the year 5755 in the Hebrew calendar) and members of Conservative synagogues in the US and Canada. Approximately 400 panel members took part in this follow-up. We explore the degree to which adolescents’ educational experiences carry weight into adulthood, specifically as parents making educational choices for their own children, with particular interest in the role of gender. Results show that respondents attribute a variety of lasting effects to their past Jewish education, particularly those receiving formal education. Correlations were stronger for females than for males. One’s past affective appraisal of one’s Jewish education appears to be associated as well, as does marital status (interfaith or not). Results are discussed in terms of the social-affective goals of Jewish education and parental decision-making.