Distance learning has become one of the signs of the epidemic. • First article in the series "Judaism in the Shadow of the Plague"

• Receiving Shabbat through Zoom in Spain // Photo: Yael Klein

It is impossible to escape the new phenomenon that has spread throughout the world. Corona-sponsored, not to mention ramp, virtual space outperformed his physical rival. The compulsion of the world under the term "distance learning" has become commonplace and may, at one time, place more definitive decisions than we can think of.

In the Jewish world, vulnerability and change are even more tangible than in the general public in the United States and throughout the world. Jewish education and consciousness.

Jewish Peoplehood in the Reality of Corona - Rapid Change and Intelligent Educational Use of the Web

But not only disadvantages can be found in Corona in the mirror of Jewish education. The cost of Jewish education, in particular in the United States, has been known for many years as high and inaccessible to multiple populations. Therefore, taking advantage of current opportunities and a quality transition to "distance learning" may be an opening for widespread change - from learning methods to ways of thinking and to a whole worldview.

Thus, in the state of Florida in the United States, where about one-sixth of the total Jewish population lives in the United States, only about three percent study in Jewish educational settings and about 12 percent are in "supplemental Jewish education." In fact, more than 80% are not part of Jewish education.

"The challenge is to turn them into a connection to Israel and to strengthen Jewish identity," explains Zohar and Luski, JNF JNF representative and education envoy in the country, who explains the importance of increasing Israel's involvement in the US and the world.

"Israel is always the national home of the Jewish people, and certainly in an age of crisis. It is a privilege that it is our duty to strengthen our Diaspora brothers and sisters, especially in Jewish education, to promote online programs, and at the same time to bring more education messengers into the community, to strengthen identity and connection to Israel." According to him, the lack of knowledge and awareness in the Diaspora in Israel - and vice versa - is a gap that must be considered educational and value-based. "We must engage in Israel, in 'non-profit', in a partnership of destiny, in unity and in preventing further assimilation."

To realize these big words, you need a broad outlook and a far-reaching look. "Vision is one of the most important components to emerge from a crisis. It gives hope to the psychological face and to dealing with a changing reality on the practical side," notes Jacob Chaguel, World Zionist Organization Chairman. "The Zionist movement is based on a vision of return to Israel, immigration, resurrection, settlement, culture and language."

Of these, Chavuel chooses to see the current crisis as a catalyst for the long-awaited immigration to Israel. "The prospect of living in Israel seems far more realistic today than before. Therefore, it is surely only a catalyst for immigration to Israel because many of our Diaspora brothers have sincere aspirations, thoughts and desires to copy their seat and center of their lives to Israel and the crisis will only accelerate their intentions. Always aspire to the emigration of the Diaspora Jews to Israel and this is a great opportunity to unite during this period around the Aliyah program, "he says.

For Veloski, the keyword for Jewish education - is "PASSION", which is the basis for strengthening Jewish identity and connection to Israel even in the current challenging period. "All of us who are in the kind of quarantine and corona have allowed everyone in his community to do great and similar things, only in time differences. So maybe it's time to act more together today? We have more of a quirky and separating joint and together is a necessity."

The KKL-JNF Education Division recently launched an international English website that provides educational tools and content - for both Diaspora teachers and the lone user - "This is a great platform to learn about Israel and Zionism, and it is also important to create a common thematic framework for a project that will include the On-line" "Active" for example a tour of Israel or vice versa - a visit to the specific Jewish community in the Diaspora. In this way we will also create motivation and a passion for Israel and Jewish identity through warm and personal contact and mutual involvement. "

Chaguel finds the passion for the concept of immigration that he advocates for global crises that were previously a catalyst for making changes. "We must look at the overall picture in which the State of Israel will enjoy a tremendous momentum of manpower, scientists and entrepreneurs on the one hand - a firm stand for our mutual guarantee and our Diaspora brothers. A combination of an immigration plan during this period will lead to value and economic assistance to the State of Israel and its position as a home. To every Jew wherever he is, we will win together. "