NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

2:00pm EDT

Opening the Door: Engaging All Educators in Jewish Life

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

This workshop offers practical strategies for creating an inclusive, supportive environment where nonJewish educators can confidently participate in and teach Jewish traditions and values. Participants will explore cultural context, hands-on approaches, and communication techniques that honor diversity and spirituality while fostering understanding and collaboration in the classroom.

Speakers

Elyssa Brinn

Director of the Early Years Program, Strelitz International Academy

Elyssa Brinn is the Director of Early Years at Strelitz International Academy. She has been in this role for 10 years, and a dynamic Jewish educator in the field for over 25 years. Elyssa's experience and expertise spans Infancy through Kindergarten, with extensive experience in each... Read More →

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose 2

Big Picture of Jewish Education, Administration

Company Spirituality/Tefilah, Administration
Audience Teachers, Principals
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

2:00pm EDT

Building Bridges: Creating Empathy Across Cultures Through Jewish Food

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 323

This workshop will be a look at how an introduction to how Jewish foods can be used to teach teens and adults about Jewish culture, it's similarities to other cultures around the world, and how that culture was impacted by 20th century Jewish history. The goal of this workshop is to build empathy, fight anti-semitism, and encourage people of all cultures to look for the similarities and the good in others.

Speakers

Cathy Polakoff

Storytelling Director, Teach the Shoah

Cathy Polakoff is a Storytelling Director at Teach the Shoah. She has held a variety of roles in education since earning her M.Ed in 2014. She now focuses on guiding people in telling factual stories to educate others about the Holocaust. Cathy frequently volunteers at her synagogue... Read More →

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 323

History, Storytelling

Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers, Principals
Track Holocaust
Type Main

2:00pm EDT

All My Values Come from the Movies (and streaming and binging...)

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 237

What can Ryan Gosling, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba and Jenna Ortega teach our teens about Jewish Values? A lot when they star in a popular film or series...and then YOU help them unpack what is on the screen! We will explore how to bring clips from current releases and classics and make your classes come alive. This session comes with a three year warranty!

Speakers

Ira Wise

Ira currently serves as Temple Educator at Temple Beth Tikvah, a Reform congregation in Madison, CT, and has served as a mentor for other synagogue educators through the Leadership Institute, HUC-JIR and Beit T'shuvah. He has attended and presented at CAJE and NewCAJE off and on... Read More →

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 237

Teaching Tools and Techniques, Teens/Youth Engagement

Company Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers, Principals
Type Main

2:00pm EDT

Walking Together: Helping Teens Support Others through Uncertain Times

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Judaism recognizes that life includes moments of illness, grief, and loss. Rather than avoiding these moments, Jewish tradition offers guidance for how we care for one another when life is most difficult. This session explores how we, as educators, can guide tweens and teens to support those who are suffering and show up with compassion, presence, and courage. Take-home tools: Jewish texts, conversation starters, and experiential activities to effectively engage with teens in your educational setting.

Speakers

Nina Woldin

Adult Educator, Artist, Consultant, Exhibitor, Non-Profit Staff/CEO, curriculum writer, Chai Mitzvah

Nina Woldin, Managing Director of Chai Mitzvah, has worked in Jewish education for decades, creating student materials and programs for all ages, pre-K – adult. Her work has been published by Behrman House, Ktav, Kar Ben Publishing, Addison Wesley and Grolier. She created one of... Read More →

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Teens/Youth Engagement, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers, Principals
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

How We Talk Matters: Communication Skills for Educators

Sunday July 26, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Every educator faces moments when conversations feel challenging. In this interactive workshop, grounded in the MTEI principle How We Talk Matters, we’ll build practical skills for listening with empathy, speaking with clarity, and responding thoughtfully in the moment. Through real-life scenarios and guided practice, participants will explore how to turn everyday interactions into opportunities for connection, trust, and meaningful learning.

Speakers

Seymour Kopelowitz

Program Director, MTEI

Seymour Kopelowitz is the program director of MTEI at the Mandel Foundation. He has served as a day school principal, Director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, and Executive Director of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. Seymour has a Ph.D. in educational leadership... Read More →

Deborah Niederman, RJE

Leader of Recruitment, Mandel Teacher Educator Institute

Deborah Niederman, RJE is the Leader of Recruitment for the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI) and Director of Education at Temple Shalom in Dallas, TX. With over 30 years in Jewish education, she is passionate about mentoring leaders, fostering innovation, and integrating learning... Read More →

Sunday July 26, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Classroom Management, Administration

Audience Adult Students, Teachers, Principals
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary

2:00pm EDT

Elyssa Brinn

2:00pm EDT

Cathy Polakoff

2:00pm EDT

Ira Wise

2:00pm EDT

Nina Woldin

4:45pm EDT

Seymour Kopelowitz

Deborah Niederman, RJE

Get help with the event