JEWISH STUDIES SPEAKING PROGRAMS
Research driven insights that challenge assumptions, reveal overlooked realities, and strengthen the way Jewish communities and schools support their people.
Why Jewish Community Leaders, Educators, and Organizations Need This Work
1. Longstanding assumptions about Jewish upward mobility obscure the economic challenges people are facing in the 21st century.
2. Assumptions of Jewish affluence are obscuring growing economic vulnerability.
3. Jewish communal organizations and day schools are seeking practical, research based tools to respond to evolving needs.
Ilana has given talks at
The Jewish Funders Network, The General Assembly, the Spertus Instiute, Limmud, The National Council of Jewish Women, the ARK, the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, and several synagogues and JCCs nationwide.
Speaking Program 1
On the Edge: Understanding Economic Vulnerability in the American Jewish Community
Topics covered:
- Jewish community demographics
- economic insecurity
- social class
- financial vulnerability
- communal belonging
- Jewish philanthropy
- stigma and identity
Description:
Contrary to common assumptions of universal Jewish affluence, Ilana’s research shows that at least one quarter of American Jews struggle to pay their bills. Her national study, On the Edge, reveals the lived experiences of Jewish individuals and families who face financial insecurity within communities that often assume stability or prosperity. Through powerful stories and data driven insight, she helps leaders understand the real factors behind financial vulnerability and why so many are reluctant to acknowledge their struggles. This keynote challenges stereotypes, deepens communal awareness, and equips organizations to support their members with accuracy and compassion.
Participants will learn how to:
1
Recognize the scale and diversity of economic vulnerability within Jewish communities.
2
Understand how stigma and communal expectations shape who feels comfortable asking for help.
3
Design programming, communication, and support structures that reflect the real economic landscape of their community.
Speaking Program 2
The Gender Confidence Gap in Jewish Day Schools
Topics covered:
- Jewish day school education
- student confidence
- gender differences
- Israel education
- classroom practices
- adolescent development
- educational outcomes
Description:
In this eye opening keynote, Ilana presents findings from her research on confidence gaps in Jewish day schools. Two thirds of boys feel confident discussing Israeli politics and history, compared to about half of girls. By 11th and 12th grade, girls display the same confidence levels as boys in seventh and eighth grade.
This pattern appears in four out of five day schools across the United States and Canada. Ilana explains why emotional attachment to Israel does not automatically translate into confidence and offers practical strategies for educators seeking to elevate girls’ voices and create more balanced learning environments.
Educators will be able to:
1
Identify the classroom dynamics and cultural messages that contribute to confidence gaps.
2
Measure and support confidence growth, not just content knowledge.
3
Implement strategies that create more equitable participation and strengthen students’ readiness for future discussions.
Tailored for Maximum Impact
Ilana customizes each keynote to the needs of your school, organization, or community. She adapts her examples, data, and strategies so they align with your audience, program goals, and educational philosophy. Every session is designed to spark meaningful conversation and support lasting change.
Partnership and Extended Learning Opportunities
To maximize the value of this work, Ilana offers follow up workshops, educator trainings, facilitated parent conversations, and multi session learning series. Organizations often pair these keynotes with deeper dives that help teams turn insight into practice and ensure long term impact.
Why Hire Ilana Horwitz
- She is a respected sociologist whose research on Jewish education and Jewish economic vulnerability has been featured in major media outlets.
- Her work is grounded in rigorous qualitative and quantitative research rather than assumptions or narratives.
- She offers rare, data informed insight into topics that are often discussed informally but seldom studied deeply.
- She provides tools and language that help organizations address sensitive issues thoughtfully and productively.
- She has extensive experience presenting to Jewish leaders, educators, and communal organizations across the country.
- She brings clarity and compassion to topics that can otherwise feel complex or difficult to navigate.
If your school or organization is ready to understand the real challenges facing today’s Jewish communities and students, bring Ilana Horwitz to your next event.
Her research driven insights will help you respond with accuracy, confidence, and care.