First Hebrew Congregation in Peekskill will host a screening of the documentary, “Unorthodox Education,” which explores New York’s debate over yeshiva education and the state’s oversight of non-public schools, on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Directed by Jewish filmmakers Joe Kolman and Elana Sigall, the 40-minute documentary presents interviews with people who have left the ultra-Orthodox world as well as journalists, academics, and advocates. including YAFFED (the nonprofit Young Advocates for Fair Education).
“Unorthodox Education” focuses on what the filmmakers and advocates contend are gaps in education in New York’s Hasidic and Haredi yeshivas, and how those gaps shaped the lives of their students.
The Peekskill screening comes as New York’s 2025 changes to nonpublic-school oversight face a legal challenge. YAFFED argues that the changes weakened accountability for schools failing to provide a basic education.
“We hope our neighbors in Peekskill will hear their stories and recognize that protecting a child’s right to learn is a responsibility we all share,” said Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, executive director of YAFFED, who is expected to attend the Peekskill screening. “Children should be able to grow up rooted in their faith and community with the skills to build the future they want.”
Screening details:
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
First Hebrew Congregation
1821 Main St., Peekskill, NY 10566
Watch the trailer:
