The 18x18 Framework
The 18 Dimensions
of Jewish Life
The 18×18 Framework is a bold, practical tool to inspire and guide Jewish educational vision and purpose.
What should a Jewish person know, care about, and be able to do? 18×18 offers a powerful response: a set of dimensions that reflect the richness and complexity of Jewish life spanning spirituality, learning, community, identity and justice.
It provides language and structure that help educators, professionals, and organizations define what matters most—and use that clarity to drive programs, priorities, and impact.
CLARIFY WHAT MATTERS
The 18 dimensions offer a shared language for articulating the ideas, experiences, and connections that animate Jewish life. From engaging with Jewish role models to accessing Jewish memory or interpreting core texts, the framework helps you identify what you want to elevate—and why it matters.
MOVE FROM INTENTION TO ACTION
By pairing each dimension with dynamic verbs—like explore, celebrate, participate, or respond—users can translate broad concepts into specific goals and experiences. This approach supports clearer design, sharper communication, and more intentional decision-making.
ADAPT TO YOUR CONTEXT
The 18×18 Framework isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a flexible tool that adapts to your setting, your audience, and your mission. Whether you’re designing a program, setting strategic direction, or rethinking what Jewish life can look like, 18×18 helps you move forward with purpose and creativity.
WHAT IS the 18x18 framework?
The full 18×18 Framework introduces each of the 18 dimensions in detail, including their core principles, possible action verbs, examples of content and experiences, and potential outcomes.
It’s a practical guide for educators, professionals, and organizations to better understand and apply the dimensions in their work.
APPLYING THE 18X18 FRAMEWORK
M² offers a range of tools and opportunities to help you put the 18×18 Framework into action—clarifying purpose, strengthening alignment, and deepening impact. Explore the approach that best fits your goals:
The 18×18 Compass is a diagnostic tool that helps organizations:
- Clarify the aspects of Jewish life they aim to prioritize
- Assess how those priorities show up across their programs
- Identify opportunities for greater alignment, innovation, and growth
Currently in pilot and evolving through partnerships, the Compass supports organizations in crafting intentional, community-responsive approaches to transforming Jewish education and engagement.
Community Convenings bring together local educators, leaders, and stakeholders for facilitated exploration of the 18×18 Framework. These gatherings:
- Map the current landscape of Jewish life in your community
- Surface shared strengths, gaps, and areas for growth
- Build trust, alignment, and shared language among partners
Convenings create the space for reflection, imagination, and collaboration—strengthening the local ecosystem for Jewish learning and engagement.
The 18×18 Summit is a transformative gathering that brings together educators from across the field for immersive learning and collaborative visioning. Through interactive sessions, reflection, and peer exchange, participants:
- Revisit their educational vision and goals
- Explore how the 18 dimensions can expand their practice
- Gain tools and strategies to implement change
- Connect with colleagues and thought leaders
Summits are designed to spark new thinking, build professional capacity, and equip educators to create deeper, more relevant Jewish experiences.
A PATH FORWARD
At a time when many Jews are seeking connection, belonging, and relevance, the need for intentional, inspiring experiences has never been greater.
The 18×18 Framework responds to this moment—offering a clear, flexible tool to help educators and organizations align priorities, reflect their learners’ needs, and build collaborative ecosystems of purpose and meaning.
18×18 is an invitation to reimagine what Jewish education and engagement can be—and to help ensure that Jewish life remains vibrant, resonant, and responsive for generations to come.
M²’s 18×18 initiatives are generously supported by the Maimonides Fund.
