Dr. Russell Jay Hendel holds a doctorate in theoretical mathematics from M.I.T., an associateship from the Society of Actuaries, and is in a doctoral program at the Spertus Institute for a degree in Jewish studies. He is currently an Adjunct II faculty member at Towson University which has recently become a Center of Actuarial Excellence. His research and publication interests include discrete number theory, actuarial science, biblical exegesis, the theory of pedagogy, applications of technology to pedagogy, and the interaction of mathematics and the arts. He regularly reviews books for the Mathematical Association of America.

The US Congress has passed four public laws each one addressing the universal right of access to education by all citizens. The Universal Design in Learning (UDL) movement responds to the need for universal educational access by focusing on the different ways different people learn. However, America still holds the belief that certain competencies in language and mathematics must be met by everyone. This presentation explores expanding UDL: Each person has a right to excel in a respectable vocation with possibly minimal Mathematics-English requirements. The i) Israeli High School system, ii) the use of vocational placement to minimize mental-illness relapse, and iii) the interpretation of the Biblical sacrificial code as vocational harmonization, illustrate this approach.