5 questions with Dafna Ben-Yosef, director of Jewish Lifelong Learning for the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program
As director of Jewish Lifelong Learning for the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University, Dafna Ben-Yosef believes lifelong learning should do more than educate—it should create connection, spark dialogue and enable individuals to connect tradition with intellectual inquiry and meaning. Born and raised in Israel, she was drawn to the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program nearly two years ago by the opportunity to combine her interdisciplinary academic background in bioethics and medical science with community-centered Jewish education.
Today, Ben-Yosef brings a fluency in Hebrew and a deep familiarity with Israeli culture, history and religious practice to her role, where she helps oversee more than 200 in-person and online programs serving over 2,000 learners through courses and lectures focused on Jewish history, ethics, religion, art and culture and contemporary issues.
Since joining the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program, Ben-Yosef has helped expand the Jewish Studies program’s scope and visibility, growing offerings across various subjects including Jewish culture, philosophy, Holocaust studies, Hebrew language and Jewish medical ethics.She also supervises 8-9 groups of Siegal Lifelong Learning’s Hebrew language program, which serves more than 60 students each semester across all proficiency levels.
A key part of her work involves developing interdisciplinary programming that connects Jewish learning with modern social and ethical questions. One recent initiative, a nine-session bioethics series titled "Bioethics: Navigating the Challenges of Today’s Ethical Frontiers in Healthcare", explored topics ranging from genetics and public health to neurotechnology and end-of-life ethics.
Building on that success, Ben-Yosef developed “The Posthuman Horizon: Ethics in an Age of Enhancement,” a series examining emerging medical technologies through ethical, legal and social lenses.
“Social justice is a central value in Jewish ethics, and I intentionally design programs that meaningfully engage with and reflect this commitment,” she said.
These programs include visits by Israeli authors, supported by the Cleveland Israeli Art Connection—a program of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland that brings Israeli arts and culture to Northeast Ohio through collaborations with local institutions.
In her position, Ben-Yosef has also strengthened partnerships between the Siegal Lifelong Learning Program and organizations across Northeast Ohio, including the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, Beachwood Library, the Mandel Jewish Community Center and local synagogues.
Most recently, she initiated a collaboration with the Oxford University Interfaith Forum in the United Kingdom, where she delivered a lecture exploring the ethical dimensions of the patient-physician relationship.
Beyond program development, Ben-Yosef notes that one of the most rewarding parts of her work includes building relationships with students and community members.
“Participants are not simply attending classes—they are engaging in meaningful dialogue, forming connections with peers and instructors and becoming part of an ongoing intellectual community of curious and committed adult learners,” she said. “[Siegal Lifelong Learning Program] provides a space where ideas, people, and disciplines intersect, making lifelong learning intellectually enriching and socially meaningful.
When Ben-Yosef is not at work, she can be found spending time outdoors with family and friends, watching documentary films and attending local cultural events such as the Cleveland Jewish Film Festival and the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival.
In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month—observed annually in May—read on to learn more about Ben-Yosef in this week’s five questions.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
1. Name a spot in Cleveland you haven’t checked out yet, but would like to see.
I would like to explore Cleveland Metroparks more extensively, as they offer a remarkable natural escape within the city and an opportunity to experience its landscapes, trails and seasonal beauty in greater depth. I also enjoy the Great Lakes Science Center and would like to visit it more often and explore its offerings. I would also like to return to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and spend more time engaging with its exhibits and cultural narratives to better appreciate its role in documenting the evolution and broader social impact of music.
2. What is an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
In addition to my role as director of Jewish Lifelong Learning, I was recently appointed to part-time faculty in the Department of Bioethics, where I plan to contribute to the course offerings. I also serve as a part-time faculty member at John Carroll University in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. This role involves teaching “Healthcare Ethics and Social Justice,” a course that examines ethical and social justice challenges in the United States and globally, through religious, social justice, philosophical theories and ethical frameworks. The course encourages future healthcare professionals to critically reflect on issues such as bias, conscientious objection, the right to healthcare and virtues in medicine.
3. What’s the best way to unwind after a long day?
After a long day, I enjoy listening to music—including Israeli and classical works and artists such as Genesis, Eurythmics, Bob Marley and David Bowie—and spending time outdoors with my family. I also enjoy reading, and often finish my day reading a book. One of my favorite hobbies is jewelry making and sewing. I try to engage in these hobbies as much as time allows after working hours, as it encourages my creativity and I enjoy creating gifts for friends and family.
4. Where would you most like to travel next?
I would like to visit Alaska and experience its landscapes and natural environment, animals and the unique people who choose to live in a remote place and be close to nature.
5. What’s your favorite thing about Case Western Reserve University?
My favorite thing about CWRU is its vibrant, diverse, intellectual, multidisciplinary and highly professional environment. This environment fosters academic excellence while encouraging collaboration with faculty, fueling my intellectual curiosity and supporting program innovation across disciplines. I often attend the Office of the Provost’s Forum for Breaking Boundaries and other lectures and professional conventions, which provide valuable opportunities to learn about trends in different fields, as well as connect with faculty and engage them as speakers and collaborators.
