Oren Kaunfer once worked at MTV, producing promos and animation. Today, he is reshaping Jewish education in Boston. Since 2012, he has taught at the Jewish Community Day School, where he now leads the Jewish life team.

Kaunfer brings music, media, and technology into his classroom. Students create stop-motion films to study Bible texts. Others use coding to explore prayer. During the pandemic, he mailed VR headsets so families could join services from home. He also reimagined Kabbalat Shabbat as a lively Zoom show with music and interaction.

His path reflects a broader challenge: a shortage of Judaic studies teachers. Groups such as JEIC and Prizmah are testing ways to attract new educators. They offer incentives and pipeline programs. Leaders say Kaunfer’s journey proves that people from creative fields can make a strong impact.

Kaunfer finds the work meaningful. He blends his family’s history in Jewish education with his own love for media and music. Colleagues praise him for transforming prayer and school culture. His story suggests that Jewish schools may discover solutions in unexpected places.

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Read the full article from the original source:
JTA – TRL: Totally Reimagined Learning. How an MTV alum is remixing the Jewish day school experience
Source: JTA, September 2025