The Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy is a coalition of Jewish organizations, synagogues, and day schools who have joined together to work toward ending the problem of illiteracy among our community’s children.  Through long-term sustainable partnerships, hundreds of volunteers participate each year in our efforts by tutoring, donating books, and advocating to improve public education.

The Coalition began in 1996, when former President Clinton issued The America Reads Challenge.  His goal was to engage one million Americans as volunteer reading tutors in elementary schools across the country to help boost kids’ academic achievement.  The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston responded by forming the GBJCL, and joining with local partners including ReadBoston, Mayor Menino’s local campaign to improve children’s literacy, and Boston Partners in Education, an already existing organization which trains volunteers to tutor young students. 

The GBJCL was the pilot of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. There are now nearly 50 Jewish communities who have adopted Boston’s model.

Why Literacy?

Illiteracy creates social injustice. The GBJCL was established based on the principle that reading is fundamental to advancement in our society. 

The America Reads Challenge began as people recognized and emphasized the importance of learning to read at an early age.  Once a person knows how to read, he or she can continue to master new subjects including history, science, and social studies.  Students who have problems reading have a harder time learning new subjects, and an even more difficult time finding good jobs later in life. 

Jews have traditionally shared strong educational values, a love for books, and a commitment to tikkun olam (repairing of the world).  Throughout Jewish history, education has helped us to succeed socially and economically; literacy has helped to transmit our beliefs and values from one generation to the next.

Literacy is the building block to achieving independence.  In recognizing the role that literacy has played in helping us to preserve our own Jewish culture while advancing in a larger society, the Jewish community has committed to helping others do the same.

Coalition Supporters and Partners

The GBJCL is supported by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. 

The Coalition collaborates with community partner organizations, including:

• Boston Connects
• Brockton School Volunteers
• Cambridge School Volunteers
• Center for Jewish Service Learning at the Jewish Funds for Justice
• Framingham Partners in Education
• Jewish Family Service of Metrowest
• Literacy Collaborative
• National Jewish Coalition for Literacy

 Find ways to get involved! click here