LOCAL NEWS Education • Continued from Page 1 MUST® QUARTZ WATCH COLLECTION lei maul de Cartier JULES R. SCHUBOT jewellers— gemologists 41.4''C4 PI GEM 'PCs 3001 West Big Beaver Road • Suite 112 • Troy, Michigan 48084 • (313) 649-1122 NEW STUDIO LOCATION 61 1 4010/1 PHOTOGRAPHY 29655 W. 14 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48018 932-1780 LOOK FOR ME IN THE QUAINT RESTORED HISTORIC FARMHOUSE ON 14 MILE (Just West of Middlebelt Rd.) Award Winning Wedding & Portrait Photography I INSTANT PASSPORTS 22 FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1990 I BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL the Community High School have participated in joint programs. He would welcome more joint pro- graming but believes there is still a place in the com- munity for synagogue-based high schools. The educational task force, chaired by Joel Tauber, was formed to address problems that have arisen in the past decade. Enrollment has been steadily climbing at local Jewish day schools, yet some afternoon schools have been struggling to attract students. Although Fisher has seen some growth in United Heb- rew Schools afternoon pro- grams and Community Jew- ish High School enrollments, she admits, "The attitude toward Jewish education isn't what it was 30 or 40 years ago." Results of an enrollment survey conducted by The Jewish News and the recent Federation demographic study of Detroit's Jewish community show that the majority of school-age Jew- ish children are not enrolled in formal Jewish education classes. Of 24,000 school-age youngsters, nursery through 12th grade, just under one- third, — 7,700 — are enroll- ed in a Jewish nursery, elementary or high school program. Although some educators questioned the accuracy of the Federation's population figure, they admit they need to convince parents and children of the importance of getting a Jewish education. Margaret Eichner, head- master at Yavneh Academy, said some parents believe a Jewish education ends at the bar mitzvah "even though it should be the beginning." Other educators attribute the low enrollment figures to interfaith marriages and the unwillingness of some parents to drive long distances to bring their chil- dren to classes. "The community is not buying into Jewish edu- cation," Aronson said. "We need to start selling it. Jew- ish education in all its forms should be among the highest priority of funding for the Federation." The consultant, Aronson said, is symbolic of Federa- tion's commitment to edu- cation. The consultant would design new programs and implement services such as teacher training and in- novative marketing methods for formal and informal Jew- ish educational oppor- tunities. "We want a plan to pro- vide overall support services and attract more people to Jewish education," Aronson said. "We have to make it more attractive for youngsters, singles, families and adults." The consultant would work with Jewish educators, including the Agency for Jewish Education, which oversees four Jewish elementary school branches, special education programs, the Community Jewish High School and the Midrasha College of Jewish Studies. Federation last year allocated $1.5 million for Jewish education programs. That money is divided among four Jewish day schools and the Agency for Jewish Education. Smaller day schools and private afternoon, Sunday and nursery schools, such as those at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Beth Abra- ham Hillel Moses and Tem- ple Israel, do not receive Federation funds. A revamped system pro- posed by the task force could provide funding and pro- gram options for these organizations, enabling them to work more closely with others and possibly in- tegrate programs. ❑ Senior Group Aids Hearing Impaired The Senior Adult Depart- ment of the Jewish Com- munity Center at Maple- Drake is planning to host a group for the hearing impaired. Through participation in social, educational and physical education pro- grams, hearing impaired older adults will have the op- portunity to participate in group activities. The group will offer an environment to share experiences, learn of adaptive devices and coping methods, and entertainment programs which will include captioned movies. For information, call Margo Weitzer, 661-1000, Ext. 314. Detroiters Attend Meetings In Israel Jerusalem — Soviet aliyah, employment and housing are expected to be the major issue at the Jew- ish Agency Assembly meetings June 24-28. Detroiters at the meetings will include Jewish Agency board members Mandell Berman, Max Fisher and Jane Sherman, and Robert Aronson, Reva Kogan, Mar- vin Novick and Joe Epel.