A “Jewish Study Hall” Influenced Approach to Social Work Professional Identity Development: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT

The article presents the findings of a qualitative research study focused on the ancient “Jewish study hall” (Beit Midrash in Hebrew) approach. The research was conducted in the context of the Beit Midrash for Social Work and Judaism established at one school of social work in Israel. Twenty participants were included in the study. Content analysis of transcribed Beit Midrash sessions revealed four central themes: reflection on participant identities; expansion, stabilisation, and acceptance of one’s personal identity; clarification of professional identity; and convergence between Jewish and professional identity. Study results raise questions as to both the place and the space for exploration of religious and spiritual identity in social work education. Findings suggest that alternative learning spaces such as the Beit Midrash can enable social work students and practitioners to reflect honestly and profoundly on their religious and spiritual identity, helping them to integrate their different identities towards becoming “whole persons” better prepared to meet the challenges of the social work profession.

本文是对古代“犹太讲习所”学习方法的定性研究，其语境是以色列一所社工学校内的社工与犹太教讲习。二十一人参与此次研究。研究者对讲习班课目做了内容分析，发现有以下主要论题：反思参与者的身份；个体身份的扩展、稳固及接受；犹太人身份与职业身份的汇合。研究结果对于在社会工作教育中探讨宗教以及灵性身份的地点和空间都提出了问题。作者认为，犹太传习所这样的另类学习空间有助于的社会工作学生及实践者对其宗教和灵性身份进行真诚而深入的反思，帮助他们整合不同的身份，从而成为一个应对社工行业挑战的“整体人”。

KEYWORDS:

• Social Work Education
• Religion
• Spirituality
• Professional Identity
• Indigenous Identities

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.