Artificial Intelligence: Day School Leaders Explore the Possibilities
As we explore and experiment with this technology, we must do so wisely -- considering what and how we teach -- adapting its use to learners' interests and the world beyond the classroom, while upholding core educational values and providing opportunities to foster meaningful human interactions.
Ortal Klyman, Shalhevet High School
On March 25, 2025, BJE hosted 50+ administrators from 18 BJE-accredited day schools in greater Los Angeles for its annual day-long Day School Leadership Retreat. This year’s topic – Artificial Intelligence – is among the top issues concerning educators globally. The theme of Exploring Possibilities gave focus to the positive potential of AI, which is often seen through a negative lens.
“Our educators understand that technology and AI are simply a reality that all individuals and institutions need to address. Schools are no exception,” said Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Director of BJE’s Center for Excellence in Day School Education. “The idea of focusing on AI this year at our Day School retreat was to provide the space for discussion and expert knowledge to help our schools learn to harness this tool for their benefit while also establishing guidelines and guardrails to help all members of their communities use it responsibly.”
The day began with a keynote address from Malka Kaztin (photo above), an expert on digital workplace and technology, and parent of three children in local Jewish day schools. Her address, AI, Education, and the Jewish Future: Embracing Innovation with Purpose set the tone for a day devoted to exploring the pitfalls and possibilities of AI in schools. Workshops throughout the day focused on a range of topics including teaching in AI-enhanced classrooms, leveraging AI in school administration, and crafting ethical and effective AI guidelines for schools.
Orly Lavi Travish led the session “AI Wisdom in Jewish Education.” “She demonstrated the powerful intersection of creativity and practical application, showing how AI tools can enhance learning in Ivrit (Hebrew) and Judaic Studies. Her insights revealed what meaningful integration of technology in education can look like — grounded in tradition, yet forward thinking,” said Dr. Tamara Miller, Head of Academics at Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy. Pam Kleinman, Assistant Head of School at Wise School added, “Whether we are early adopters or farther along in the AI journey, today was extremely valuable. It…was filled with both high-level information and practical applications.”
In addition to the Keynote speaker, Session presenters included Dr. Josh Sharfman, Dr. Sarah Rubinson Levy, Orly Lavi Travish, Lauren Dolinka and Rabbi Yitzchak Feiglin. All are highly regarded experts specializing in a combination of technology, digital literacy, AI, Jewish education, business and school leadership and more.
“Very thought-provoking conference that gives pause to the need to transmit the educational lessons and skills of previous generations while being conscious of the tools and learning environment of the current and future generations,” said Rabbi Moshe Tropper, Vice Principal at Emek Hebrew Academy.
This year’s retreat was held at de Toledo High School and included participants from Bais Chaya Mushka, Wilshire Blvd Temple's Brawerman East and Brawerman West, Briskin Elementary School of Temple Israel of Hollywood, de Toledo High School, Emek Hebrew Academy, Gindi Maimonides Academy, The Heschel School, Hillel Hebrew Academy, Kadima Day School, Milken Community School, Pressman Academy of Temple Beth Am, The Jean and Jerry Friedman Shalhevet High School, Sinai Akiba Academy, Valley Torah High School, VBS Harold M. Schulweis Day School, Wise School, Yavneh Hebrew Academy.
This program was made possible in part through the support of JFedLA and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.
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For more information about BJE’s work with Day Schools, contact Rabbi Jim Rogozen, Director of BJE’s Center for Excellence in Day School Education.
