From the Hartman Institute
Identity/Crisis
Strong beliefs and open minds: a graduation challenge
Yehuda Kurtzer talks with principal of SAR High School Jonathan Kroll about his recent commencement address to SAR’s graduating class of 2026.
Graduates from Harvard Kennedy School hold globes as they celebrate during their commencement ceremony on May 29, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Libby O'Neill/Getty Images/AFP)
In a polarized age, how do we raise young Jews who can think deeply—and listen across disagreement?
In this episode of Identity/Crisis, Yehuda Kurtzer talks with principal of SAR High School Jonathan Kroll about his recent commencement address to SAR’s graduating class of 2026, where he challenged students to embrace a “revolution of moderation,” and integrate conviction with openness. Together, they explore pluralism in Orthodox education, the formation of Jewish identity, and what it means to prepare the next generation for a divided world—without sacrificing commitment or clarity.
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