NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary: Full Schedule

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7:00am EDT

Minyan

Monday July 27, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT

Student Union The StAJE

Speakers

David Schwartz

Education Director, Temple Har Zion

David Schwartz is the Education Director at Har Zion in Chicago. When he’s not doing that he is a B’nai Mitzvah tutor and Jewish storyteller. David is also on the Board of the JEA and an MTEI graduate. However, his most important role is husband to Miriam and Abba to 10-year-old... Read More →

Neil Schwartz

Monday July 27, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Type Main

7:45am EDT

Breakfast

Monday July 27, 2026 7:45am - 9:00am EDT

Student Union Dining Hall

Monday July 27, 2026 7:45am - 9:00am EDT
Student Union Dining Hall

Type Main, Meal

9:00am EDT

Advancing in the Field of Jewish Education

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Who is a Jewish Educator? What do Jewish Educators do? What is the training needed to be a Jewish Educator? are questions that in 2026 have new answers, new relevance and new context. In this session, we will explore the mindsets and skillsets most used by Jewish educators, reflect on some recent career trends, and share more about who you are and where you might want to go. Stacy Rigler, CEO of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators, will use her experience and expertise to help you answer the big questions you have in the field as well as identify the more individual information you want to know to help you on your journey.

Speakers

Stacy Rigler

Non-Profit Staff/CEO, ARJE

Rabbi Stacy Rigler, RJE is CEO of the Association of Reform Jewish Educators. She served as a Rabbi Educator at Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, then worked at the Foundation for Jewish Camp. Stacy volunteers with RAC-PA Onward Hebrew and Camp Harlam. She received her MAJE and... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Big Picture of Jewish Education, Administration

Company Administration, Big Picture of Jewish Education
Audience Principals, Not Age-Specific
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Toddling Through Prayer

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 320

This workshop explores ways to make prayer engaging, meaningful, and accessible for young children. Participants will learn practical strategies, hands-on activities, and age-appropriate approaches to help toddlers and preschoolers connect with spiritual practice in ways that feel natural and joyful.

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 →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 320

Early Childhood Education, Spirituality/Tefilah

Company Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience Principals, Teachers
Track ECE
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Teach the Shoah: Giving Voice to Their Stories

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 347

Participants will use Holocaust testimony as well as images of an artifact to create a brief story as a tool for teaching the Holocaust. We will follow the approach of Teach the Shoah, first listening to a story and unpacking the process behind it, and then trying it ourselves.

Speakers

Tanya Wisoker

Adult Educator, Storyteller

Tanya Wisoker is a Jewish educator, playwright, and storyteller.
Tanya is a Board Member, Instructor, and Facilitator for Teach the Shoah, bringing the testimonies of those who experienced the Holocaust, their descendants, and anyone committed to the task of bearing witness to li... Read More →

Tanya Wisoker Giving Voice to Their Stories NewCAJE2026 pdf

Being Aware of Your Audience Teach the Shoah pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 347

History, Storytelling

Company History, Storytelling
Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers
Track Holocaust
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Sing Around the Calendar

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 202

Want to add some awesome new holiday songs to your toolkit for school-age kids? Want to explore music as a powerful tool to teach content, engage emotions, move the body, and inspire the spirit? Want to have a lot of fun singing together? Come sing around the calendar!

Speakers

Eliana Light

Educator, Musician, and 2025 Covenant Foundation Family Education, The Light Lab

Eliana is working towards a world of One-ness, guided and inspired by Jewish heritage. She focuses on translating liturgy, prayer practice, and g?d-concepts in ways that are deep and accessible for all people at any age. Eliana’s music, gatherings, and teaching reflect a spirit... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 202

Holidays, Music

Type Main, Virtual

9:00am EDT

Building Muscles for Challenging Conversations: Israel and Zionism

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 340

Struggling to talk with your students about Israel, Palestine, and Zionism? During this session we will explore how to approach this in a dual-narrative context. You can expect a collaborative session on utilizing primary sources and varied learning modalities to create a supportive environment promoting individualized understanding and safe discourse. I will share student projects from this school year to show how each student emerged after this unit with a personalized and rigorous understanding of their relationship, in this moment, to Israel and Zionism.

Speakers

Samara Weinberg

Sami Weinberg is a Resident at Makom Community in Philadelphia, as well as the Anafim and Teen educator. She has worked with just about every age and grade from 2 years old to teens. Sami grew up all over the East Coast United States. She loves anything to do with yarn, clay, or... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Israel, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students
Track Israel
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Writing Your Own Torah: Creative Expression as a Source for Discovery

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 323

“…Write this song for yourselves and teach it to the Children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this poem may be My witness within the people of Israel.” (Deut. 31:19).

This last commandment in the Torah tells us to each write our own Torah, to teach it, and bring it to the mouths of others. Art is a powerful tool to bring our unique selves into the text and to engage and empower our students.

Andrea will share from her Torah song cycle “She Flows From Eden” and demonstrate techniques that inspire her writing process. After a text study, participants will tap into their own artistic expression, discovering and sharing insights gained through individual writing.

Speakers

Andrea Shupack

Cantorial Soloist

Andrea Shupack is a cantorial soloist, musician, educator, and storyteller in the Pacific Northwest. She is studying for Rabbinic and Cantorial ordination at the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York. For the past 25 years she has worked in Conservative, Reform, and Renewal communities... Read More →

NewCAJE Writing Your Own Torah handout 2026 pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 323

Jewish Life & Identity, Spirituality/Tefilah

Company Jewish Life & Identity, Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience Adult Students, Teachers, Middle School, High School, Not Age-Specific
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Everything Is a Game: Gamifying Hebrew & Judaica for Young Learners

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 319

Children learn best when they’re actively engaged, moving, laughing, and participating—so why not turn everything into a game? In this session, we’ll explore practical, ready-to-use ways to bring Hebrew and Judaica to life through familiar game structures like “Who Has…?”, Headbands, scavenger hunts, and simple icebreakers reimagined as learning tools. We’ll look at how holidays, Hebrew vocabulary, stories, and Jewish concepts can be embedded into games that already work, and how small shifts can turn transitions, review moments, and even introductions into meaningful learning experiences. Participants will leave with adaptable game ideas and frameworks that make it easy to bring energy, joy, and participation into any Hebrew or Judaica setting.

Speakers

Shana Fruchter

Shana Fruchter is an early childhood music and Jewish educator based in New York City and founder of Music with Shana, music for babies and toddlers, and Sababa with Shana, an independent Hebrew school. As a Hebrew School Education Director for the past two years, she developed curriculum... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 319

Teaching Tools and Techniques

Type Main

9:00am EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Shalom Learning AI Sandbox

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 239

ShalomLearning invites NewCAJE attendees to an open sandbox, a drop-in space where teachers, administrators, and school leaders can explore and experiment with AI tools being used right now in Jewish education. This is not a lecture. There are no slides. Come for 15 minutes or stay for an hour. We will showcase the AI integrations we have built directly into our own curriculum, and share the broader practices and tools that any congregational school can adopt.

Speakers

Heidi Lovitz

[email protected], ShalomLearning

Heidi Lovitz is the Senior Managing Director of ShalomLearning, where she leads curriculum development, program delivery, and strategic operations to bring innovative Jewish education to students and families in diverse communities. With 20+ years of experience, she holds a Master's... Read More →

Shira Sender

Director of Client Care and Teacher Support, ShalomLearning

Shira Sender is the Director of Client Care and Teacher Support with ShalomLearning, where she collaborates with, supports, and trains educators and educational leaders to ensure Jewish education is accessible and engaging for today's learners. With over 20 years of experience in... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 239

Technology, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Not Age-Specific
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Adding Elders to the Classroom: Enhancing Jewish Learning with Intergenerational Connections.

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 348

DOROT has been connecting generations for nearly 50 years for meaningful learning and Jewish engagement. Students of all ages can grow and deepen their relationship to Jewish traditions and text through ongoing relationships with older adults (65+). Learn practical ways to incorporate intergenerational learning into your Pedagogy. In this session we will experience and discuss tools to inspire identity formation and joyous Jewish learning through intergenerational connections.

Speakers

Shai Rosenfeld

Director - Intergenerational Program Enagagement, DOROT

Shai is the Director of Intergenerational Program Engagement for DOROT, a non-profit social services agency in New York City with a mission to bring generations together for mutually beneficial learning and connection. He and his team create spaces of play and possibility for youth... Read More →

Texts pdf

DOROT – Intergenerational Practices, NewCAJE17 2026 pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 348

Teens/Youth Engagement, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Spirituality/Tefilah, Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers
Type Main

11:00am EDT

What I Wish I'd Known My First Year As Education Director

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 323

Surprise! You're the new Education Director for a supplementary school. Now what? Hear from a new Director about her experiences during her first year and connect with other new-ish directors to build your network. Participants will gain advice and practical skills they can use going forward in their careers.

Speakers

Elizabeth Moore

Elizabeth has been the Education Director at Congregation Beth Evergreen for three years, after being suddenly thrust into the role when her predecessor left unexpectedly. She also doubles as the temple's administrator, and has been working in an administrative capacity for nearly... Read More →

Teacher Handbook pdf

Family Handbook pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 323

Administration, Administration

Company Administration
Audience Principals, Early Childhood
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Welcome to ShalomLearning: Engaging Jewish Education for Your School or Community

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 239

Are you looking for high-quality, engaging Jewish education resources for your school or community? Join ShalomLearning for a dynamic introduction to our comprehensive suite of curricula and discover how we partner with synagogues and community organizations worldwide to bring Jewish learning to life. This session is designed for educational and congregational leaders and teachers who are curious about ShalomLearning but haven't yet experienced what we offer. Our facilitators will walk you through our signature Jewish Values, Jewish Pride and Unity, and Hebrew curricula with live demonstrations of each, share what the teacher and student experiences look like, and give you a clear picture of how the ShalomLearning partnership model works. We will also explore our online options, homeschool models, and our newest plans for grandparents as family educators. The session closes with open Q&A and oneon-one time with our team.

Speakers

Shira Sender

Director of Client Care and Teacher Support, ShalomLearning

Heidi Lovitz

[email protected], ShalomLearning

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 239

Big Picture of Jewish Education, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Big Picture of Jewish Education, Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Lower Elementary School, Teachers, Upper Elementary
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Holocaust Discussion Hands-on Tools

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 319

This interactive session equips educators with practical, ready-to-use tools for engaging students in meaningful Holocaust education. Through art, poetry, storytelling, and guided discussion strategies, participants will learn how to foster empathy, critical thinking, resilience, and historical understanding in age-appropriate ways. Educators will leave with hands-on activities and resources designed to help students connect Holocaust lessons to contemporary issues of identity, courage, kindness, and human responsibility.

Speakers

Jennifer Alembik

Cheryl is an educator and advocate for Holocaust remembrance and youth empowerment. She is the Founder and President of the Holocaust Youth Survivors Legacy Foundation, Inc., where she creates arts- and poetry-based programs that bring survivor voices to students. Her work is dedicated... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 319

History, Big Picture of Jewish Education

Company History, Big Picture of Jewish Education
Audience Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers, Principals
Track Holocaust
Type Main

11:00am EDT

To Be A Free People - Telling Our Story Through Israel's Declaration of Independence

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 347

Struggling to pack in a lot of Jewish history in already limited time?
What better way than through the medium of Israel's Declaration of Independence? The first 10 statements or mini paragraphs are about us as a People - our History, Culture, great teachers and Rabbis, and so much more.This project-based program helps middle school students research and create mini posters while learning about the extraordinary history of our People.

Speakers

Ilona Shechter

teacher, Cong. Sinai

Ilona Shechter is a semi-retired Jewish Studies and Hebrew teacher who has been in the classroom for over 40 years. She has taught everything from Kindergarten to Adult education but her true love is Middle School. Her passion is Holocaust education.

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 347

History, Jewish Life & Identity

Company Jewish Life & Identity, History
Audience Middle School
Track Israel
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Music That Rocks the Preschool Classroom, part 1 (Rosh Hashanah to Chanukah)

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Come sing the songs that ROCK with preschoolers! Early childhood music specialist, Lisa Baydush, will share the songs that delight and engage her students throughout the year. Learn how to make these songs POP! and get dozens of ideas to energize your music program. In addition to teaching repertoire, Lisa will discuss how to plan a set list that achieves your goals. This session will focus on holidays in the first half of the year, Rosh Hashanah – Chanukah, as well as Shabbat. (Just to let you know in case you’ve taken Lisa’s workshops before, this workshop will have NEW repertoire!)

Speakers

Lisa Baydush

Early Childhood Music Specialist, Temple Beth Ami (Rockville, MD), Congregation B'nai Tzedek (Potomac, MD)

Lisa Baydush is an engaging early childhood music specialist who delights in transmitting the values, stories and traditions of Judaism through the medium of Jewish music. A dynamic teacher and Tot Shabbat service leader at two congregations in Maryland, Lisa is also a prolific... Read More →

Music That Rocks the Preschool Classroom song list pdf

Music That Rocks the Preschool Classroom, 2026, NewCAJE pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Music, Early Childhood Education

Company Early Childhood Education
Audience Early Childhood
Track ECE
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Judaism and Positive Intelligence - Gym for the Soul

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 340

Discover a powerful "operating system" for spiritual life by integrating Positive Intelligence (PQ) with Jewish tradition. This interactive workshop will help participants identify their saboteurs (internal critics) and learn strategies for grounding themselves and amplifying spirituality in their lives and the lives of their students or school. This session will help you transform ritual into a mental fitness gym and move from self-generated distraction to soulful, decisive action by using Jewish PQ reps like sensory anchors to activate the five Sage Powers and ancient Jewish values.

Speakers

Bonnie Cooper

Life Coach, Pre K Teacher, Religious school teacher, Rumson Jewish Center @ CBI

Bonnie Cooper is currently a Preschool teacher at Rumson Jewish Center and Congregation B'nai Israel as well as A Religious School Teacher for Judaics for 3rd and 4th graders. She is also a Certified Life Coach focusing on Positive Intelligence.

Positive Intelligence and Judaism for NewCAJE pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Self-Care/Wellbeing, Spirituality/Tefilah

Company Self-Care/Wellbeing, Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Experiential Learning for Beginners

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 348

There are so many ways to create learning experiences that engage our students. What if you could create experiences where the students are the masters of their own learning? Experiential learning may be the answer. In this session we will begin to explore how one educator has helped teachers adapt the methods and ideas developed by the Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, where he trained. We will attempt the deliberate infusion of Jewish Values (Middot) into engaging and memorable experiences that impact on the formation of Jewish Identity.

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 →

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 348

Teaching Tools and Techniques, Jewish Life & Identity

Audience Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Teachers, Principals
Type Main

11:00am EDT

Motivations, Misconceptions, and Missed Opportunities in Engaging Today's Jewish Teens

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 202

Today’s Jewish teens care deeply, but parents and stakeholders often misunderstand what matters to them. Explore the gap between what teens want and what the Jewish community offers. Through discussion and interactive activities, we’ll examine teen motivations, adult misconceptions, and identify missed opportunities. Leave the workshop with insights to foster authentic connection with your teens.

Speakers

Loen Amer

Loen Peltz Amer (she/her/הִיא) is The Jewish Education Project’s Senior Manager, Teen Education and Engagement. A thirteen-year synagogue experiential educator, Loen most recently worked at Temple Israel of Great Neck and Bet Torah in Mt. Kisco. Loen lives on Manhattan’s Upper... Read More →

Link to Slides for Sched Motivations, Misconceptions, and Missed Opportunities pdf

Looking to build more joyful, proud Jewish experiences? pdf

PD. Resources. Inspiration. It’s all waiting for you. The Jewish Educator Portal pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 202

Teens/Youth Engagement, Jewish Life & Identity

Company Jewish Life & Identity
Audience Middle School, High School
Type Main, Virtual

11:00am EDT

A Taste of Bartenura

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 320

This session will illustrate the sources of the iconic commentary of Rabbi Ovadiah [Yare ben Avraham] of Bartenura (1450-1516) as an entry point to the further study of Rabbinic sources and an understanding of the development of Halakha up to his tine period, based primarily on the rulings of Maimonides

Speakers

Robert Alpert

Rabbi Robert Alpert has served as a substitute Judaic studies teacher at the Leffell School in Hartsdale, NY. He has taught electives and prepared students for comprehensives at the Academy for Jewish Religion.

Monday July 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 320

Torah Lishma, History

Audience Middle School, High School, Adult Students, Teachers
Type Main

12:30pm EDT

Lunch

Monday July 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT

Student Union Dining Hall

Monday July 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
Student Union Dining Hall

Type Main, Meal

12:30pm EDT

Dine and Dialogue about Israel (Lunch Activity)

Monday July 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT

Student Union The StAJE

If you are new to the conference or if you just don't like the noise in the dining hall, please consider coming to this pre-sign-up lunch. This is a chance to meet people and to talk about this important and confusing topic.NewCAJE is a pluralistic organization where we come to discussions with curiosity about how other people think about things and never to defend our own position except to explain why you feel the way we do.

We believe that people are not having enough chances to talk about Israel today and would welcome the chance to do so.

Get your lunch and come into the STAGE which is right next to the dining hall.

There are limited seats so if you'd like to reserve a space click here to sign up. It is a free option in the conference extras page.

Speakers

Cherie Koller-Fox

NewCAJE

Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox is well known in the Boston area and beyond. She was ordained by the Academy for Jewish Religion in New York which is a pluralistic Jewish seminary. She has served as rabbi at Congregation Eitz Chayim in Cambridge, Temple Emanuel of Marlborough, Newton-Wellesley... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Israel

Type Main, Meal

1:45pm EDT

How Did We Get Here? The Story of American Jewish Education

Monday July 27, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

Student Union The StAJE

How did American Jewish education become the field we know today—and who has had the power to shape it? This session explores the intertwined histories of professionalization, gender, and leadership, asking why a profession built largely by women has so often been led by men, how that story has changed over time, and what it means for Jewish education today. Along the way, we'll examine how changing ideas about the purpose of Jewish education in a democratic society have continually reshaped what we teach, how we teach, and what we expect Jewish education to accomplish.

Speakers

Jonathan Krasner

Mandel Associate Professor of Jewish Education Research, Brandeis University

Jonathan Krasner's 2020 book, Hebrew Infusion: Language and Community at American Jewish Summer Camps (Rutgers University Press), co-authored with Sarah Bunin Benor and Sharon Avni, was the recipient of the 2020 National Jewish Book Award in Education and Jewish Identity. His 20... Read More →

Eliana Light

Educator, Musician, and 2025 Covenant Foundation Family Education, The Light Lab

Monday July 27, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Big Picture of Jewish Education

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Conference Partner Spotlight

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 202

We hope you will visit the conference partner tables in the cafeteria. But a chat that lasts a few minutes tableside isn't always enough to learn what these amazing partners have to offer our schools and our students. These sessions are designed to allow for deeper exploration. Stop by for a sequence of 20-minute presentations, and enjoy a sweet cold treat while you learn!

Monday's Conference Partners include:
Gateways ~3:00PM
Unpacked ~3:20PM
The Jewish Education Project ~3:45PM
ARJE ~4:10PM

Speakers

Brian Coonley

Gateways

Stacy Rigler

Non-Profit Staff/CEO, ARJE

Loen Amer

Jonathan Golden

Dr. Jonathan Golden is a Senior Educator at OpenDor Media who works in the Unpacked for Educators and ConnectED divisions. He teaches at the Hebrew College in Boston and for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. Previously, he served as the Israel Curriculum Coordinator and... Read More →

Looking to build more joyful, proud Jewish experiences? pdf

PD. Resources. Inspiration. It’s all waiting for you. The Jewish Educator Portal pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 202

Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Create, Move, Explore

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

An afternoon shift combats the notorious mid-day energy dip. Using your brain differently, incorporating physical activity, or pushing out of your comfort zone dramatically boosts knowledge retention and prevents cognitive exhaustion. It's also a great time for networking and will give you renewed energy for the rest of the day.

Check out our Beyond the Workshop activities listed separately. Several options are drop-in, so you can take advantage of more than one.

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Israeli Folk Dance Fun

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Maria Lounge

Join Barbara for Israeli dancing. Lift your heart rate and your spirits.

Here is the playlist that Barbara used for the session!

Look up teaching videos on YouTube Rokdim

Speakers

Barbara Birenbaum

San Diego, California, Cre8ive Educator

Barbara has decades of experience teaching a variety of creative arts to folks of all ages as well as multiple academic subjects. She holds a California Teaching Credential since 1989, a Master’s of Arts in Jewish Education since 2014, and has been growing her passion for leading... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Maria Lounge

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Sew Crafty: A Make and Take Session

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 348

Get ready for a hands-on crafting session packed with fun, holiday, and prayer-themed projects! Join expert crafters, religious school teachers, and tefillah leaders Shelli Aderman and Karen Daniel for a fun, interactive workshop. You’ll learn how to bring these creations to life from scratch using fabric, colorful markers, and basic sewing materials. You’ll walk away with step-by-step instructions and the skills to create your very own handmade "plague balls," "prayer pillows," and more. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity!

Includes a presentation about My Felt Story - a resource for your school.

Speakers

Sarah Cohen

My Felt Story

Karen Daniel

Teacher and music specialist, Beth Meyer synagogue Raleigh NC

Karen Daniel is a teacher in the religious school and musical accompanist at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh NC. Having grown up in Nashville, TN, she is also a singer/songwriter of original Jewish and country/folk songs.

Shelli Aderman

@T&V: Youth Educator (Family Service Leader, and Hebrew School Teacher) @Clal: Office and Events Manager, Clal - NYC; Town and Village Conservative Synagogue - NYC

Shelli Aderman (she / her) has been fortunate to work as a theatrical stage manager, Jewish educator, and administrator for over thirty years. In addition to her work at Clal, Shelli continues to be an active lay leader and educator at Town and Village Synagogue, and she resides with... Read More →

Plague Balls 2026 pdf

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 348

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Shared Legacies (Film Screening)

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 340

Teachers can enroll for the license, training and free curriculum here: Home | Spill the Honey | Black-Jewish Alliance

Shared Legacies is a powerful and timely documentary that revisits the enduring partnership between Black and Jewish communities during the Civil Rights Movement—and challenges us to reclaim that spirit today.

Through rare archival footage and deeply personal interviews, Shared Legacies brings this history to life. The film features voices of eyewitnesses, activists, Holocaust survivors, and movement leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Clarence Jones, Louis Gossett Jr., members of the King family, Dr. Susannah Heschel and many others.
Shared Legacies is ultimately a story of unity, empathy, and partnership—affirming that freedom and equality can only be achieved when we come together.
We will watch the classroom version and then review howyou can bring it to your schools and use it in your classrooms!

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Jewish Life & Identity, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

NewCAJE Chorale

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

Student Union The StAJE

Come be a part of the NewCAJE chorale and practice for a grand performance at evening programs on Tuesday night! All are welcome, musicians and non-musicians alike.

Resources for chorale can be found at:
tinyurl.com/NewCAJEChorale

Speakers

Michelle

Cantor, B'nai Vail

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Music, Torah Lishma

Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Shalom Learning AI Sandbox

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 239

Speakers

Shira Sender

Director of Client Care and Teacher Support, ShalomLearning

Heidi Lovitz

[email protected], ShalomLearning

Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 239

Technology, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Not Age-Specific
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

From Learning to Leading: How MTEI Alumni Create Change in Their Schools

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose I

In this session, MTEI alumni will share how they have brought core MTEI principles to life in their settings. Participants will explore concrete examples of instructional leadership in action from curriculum innovation to faculty growth and community building. Participants will gain practical ideas, strategies, and resources they can adapt to their own work, while reflecting on how they, too, can lead meaningful change in their communities.

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 →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose I

Administration, Teaching Tools & Techniques

Company Administration
Audience Principals
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Creating Space for Lifelong Conversations, Difficult Questions and Spiritual Growth is Jewish Education

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 340

In this session, we will discuss how to talk about God with children from preschool through teens. We will talk about the questions that they are likely to raise at various ages and how to address them. It will also empower you as the classroom teacher or clergy to address their questions with honesty and give them the skills that they need to continue thinking about the concept of God-- without getting stuck in their thinking along the way.

Speakers

Cherie Koller-Fox

NewCAJE

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Big Picture of Jewish Education, Jewish Life & Identity

Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Making the Most of Madrichim

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 202

Investing time, energy, and money in having a team of Madrichim (teen teaching assistants) can be a costeffective way to support students who need extra help, get younger children focused on learning, and bring in a fresh perspective on Jewish education. But without clear goals and support, many madrichim wait impatiently to be told what to do, display disdain for being asked to put away their phones, or find other ways to undermine teachers. Join Rabbi Daniel Brenner, VP- Education for Moving Traditions, Melissa Pescatore, Director of Youth Learning and Engagement of Temple Shaarei Emeth in Manalapan, NJ, and other education directors who partner with Moving Traditions to learn how schools are supporting high school students in making the most of their opportunity to serve as Jewish educators.

Speakers

Melissa Pescatore

Director of Youth Learning and Engagement, Temple Shaari Emeth

Melissa Pescatore is the Director of Youth Learning and Engagement at Temple Shaari Emeth in Manalapan, NJ. Serving as Education Director in the congregation where she grew up, she is passionate about instilling a love of learning and building a strong, positive Jewish identity in... Read More →

Daniel Brenner

Chief of Education and Program, Moving Traditions

Daniel Brenner is a rabbi who serves as the Vice President-Education for Moving Traditions.

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 202

Classroom Management, Teens/Youth Engagement

Company Classroom Management
Audience Middle School, High School, Teachers, Principals
Type Main, Virtual

4:45pm EDT

Songs, Stories, & Props: Tools for Engaging Families & Young Children

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 323

Explore some tools from the Tkiya Toolkit that will make your experiences for young children and their families more engaging, welcoming, and inspiring. Whether or not you are a musician, you'll leave with ideas you can implement right away, including tricks for keeping everyone in the room engaged, from the tiniest babies to the chattiest adults. This session is for anyone who works with toddlers, preschoolers, families, tot Shabbat, and early elementary groups.

Speakers

Carla Friend

Founder & Executive Director, Tkiya

Carla Friend is the Founder & Executive Director of Tkiya, an organization with the mission of creating joyful Jewish connection through participatory music experiences. Through Tkiya, Carla reaches 15,000 people per year with her unique methodology of Jewish education and engagement... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 323

Early Childhood Education, Music

Track ECE
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Words to Action: Empowering Jewish Students

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 319

Words to Action empowers young Jewish people to become leaders in addressing antisemitism and encourages them to explore and connect to their Jewish identity and to each other. This session will demonstrate activities that young people engage in, and share the ways WTA can be brought to school and Jewish communities.

Speakers

Shayna Meisel

Shayna Meisel is Director of Education Content & Advocacy for ADL (the Anti-Defamation League). She began her career with ADL as the D.C. region’s Education Director, after an 8-year career as a classroom teacher. Shayna oversees the development, editing and updating of ADL’s... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 319

Jewish Life & Identity, Teens/Youth Engagement

Company Jewish Life & Identity
Audience Middle School, High School, Teachers
Track Holocaust
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

A Tale of Two Tefillah Styles

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 239

How do you get students to participate in and enjoy tefillah? They need to learn the Hebrew words and the traditional chanting, but how can we make tefillah time meaningful? Different teachers have different styles, both in the classroom and when it comes to leading tefillah. We will show how we transformed our Sunday morning tefillah for grades 3-5 from reciting/chanting prayers to a combination of traditional chanting led by one teacher and another teacher's current/original songs, adding in holiday music and a bit of spirituality, using a slideshow with lyrics to make participation easier for all ages.

Speakers

Shoshi Braman

rel school teacher, Beth Meyer Synagogue

Julie (Shoshi) Braman grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and moved to Raleigh in 2018. For over 36 years she has enjoyed teaching students from preschool through adult. She has worked in day schools and preschools, synagogue supplementary school and public elementary schools... Read More →

Karen Daniel

Teacher and music specialist, Beth Meyer synagogue Raleigh NC

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 239

Music, Spirituality/Tefilah

Company Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Circle Singing Workshop

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 348

Join me for a joyful circle-singing workshop inspired by Jewish music, where we’ll create spontaneous music together through rhythm, harmony, and playful vocal improvisation. No experience is needed—just your voice and your curiosity. We’ll build layered soundscapes, listen deeply, and celebrate the magic that happens when a group becomes one living instrument. Come add your voice to the circle and explore the power of shared creativity.

Speakers

Jen Keren

Rabbi Cantor Jen Keren, a native Texan, received her B.A. from the University of Miami, J.D. from Nova Southeastern University, cantorial ordination and M.A. in sacred music from JTS , M.A. in Jewish education from Towson University and rabbinic ordination from AJR. She is currently... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 348

Music, Spirituality/Tefilah

Company Music, Spirituality/Tefilah
Audience High School, Adult Students
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Between Word and Deed: Music, Middot, and Meaning-Making

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose 2

Between Word and Deed: Music, Middot, and Meaning-Making invites educators into a dynamic, hands-on exploration of how language, values, and lived experiences shape identity and action. Through music, Jewish text, and storytelling, participants interpret anonymous acts of giving, uncovering the diverse motivations and middot behind them. This interactive workshop highlights how different pathways lead to similar actions, offering fresh insights and practical tools for fostering empathy, meaning-making, and relationship-centered learning in Jewish educational spaces.

Please bring a charged smartphone and Bluetooth earbuds (or headphones) for one interactive activity. A limited number of loaner earbuds will be available.

Speakers

Deborah Peretz

Deborah Peretz is an Israel educator and AJU doctoral student focused on language in Israel education. In her role with IsraelLINK, she designs curriculum, leads trainings, and works with educators across the Northeast and Canada. She’s passionate about creating spaces that are... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose 2

Storytelling, Music

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

4:45pm EDT

Beyond the Binary: Gender Identity and Inclusion in the Jewish Classroom

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

College Hall Rm 347

A primer on gender identity, pronouns, and how to use them appropriately in classrooms of all ages. In this workshop, we'll dive into the Jewish values of inclusion, and B'tzelem Elohim - and why it truly matters.

Speakers

Gail Terman

Gail Terman (she/they) teaches 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, and 10th graders at Congregation B'nai Shalom in Westborough, MA. They are also a software engineer, volunteer convention runner, singer, and big Red Sox fan. They're passionate about Judaism, diversity, inclusion, using technology... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 347

Teaching Tools & Techniques, Teens/Youth Engagement

Company Teaching Tools & Techniques
Audience Not Age-Specific
Type Main

6:15pm EDT

Dinner

Monday July 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:30pm EDT

Student Union Dining Hall

Monday July 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:30pm EDT
Student Union Dining Hall

Type Main, Meal

7:45pm EDT

Evening Program: Spotlight at the StAJE

Monday July 27, 2026 7:45pm - 9:15pm EDT

Student Union The StAJE

Join us at the StAJE for a one‑of‑a‑kind NewCAJE night of comedy, song, and soulful stories. Fresh voices share the stage with longtime legends in this 90‑minute celebration of creativity and community.

Doors open at 7:30, program begins promptly at 7:45 with gorgeous prelude music by Adrian Durlester on the keys!

Emceed by Aaron Friedman of the Bible Players
Performances by:
Adrian Durlester

Jen Keren

Rick Lawrence

Andrea Shupack

Jennifer Zunikoff

Abba’s choir

Morgan Zwiebel

Rebecca Gundersheim

David Schwartz

Devorah Gartner

Emily Aranoff

Rachel Haymer

Aaron Friedman Comedy set closer!

Speakers

David Schwartz

Education Director, Temple Har Zion

Rachel Haymer

Co-director of rappers and rabbis, Rachel Haymer is a Honolulu native now in NYC for over a decade. With an extensive Jewish and secular résumé, she brings her experience as.Tkiya music, leader, cantorial, soloist, Jewish educator, and the new creative program director of the women’s... Read More →

Jen Keren

Emily Aronoff

Dr Emily Celebrates

Dr. Emily Aronoff cultivates connection through songleading that sparks joy, makes meaning, & secures a Jewish future. With 25 years of practice, she leads music & movement with kiddos & their families, offers professional development, consulting, & curriculum to Jewish institutions... Read More →

Morgan Zweibel

Education Coordinator, Tkiya

Morgan is the Education Coordinator at Tkiya where she teaches, manages curriculum, and trains teachers, helping to bring joyful Jewish connection to thousands of families each year. She was chosen as a Jewish Rock Radio’s Jewish All Star for 2023-24. Morgan is thrilled to combine... Read More →

Rebecca Gundersheim

Musician & Educator, Central Synagogue

Cantor Rick Lawrence

Education director, United Jewish School/Temple Emanuel

I'm a huge nerd in so many categories:Judaism (shocking)Music (also shocking)Jewish Music (cantillation, nusach, Infected Mushroom...)Games!Board gamesCard gamesVideo games (I have my Steam Deck with me)Tabletop Role Playing GamesTechnology/Computer stuffs (I have a little server... Read More →

Monday July 27, 2026 7:45pm - 9:15pm EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Music, Storytelling

Type Main

9:30pm EDT

Kumsitz/ Late Night Hang Out

Monday July 27, 2026 9:30pm - 10:00pm EDT

Angela Hall Social Space

Write a thank you note to a Jewish educator

Speakers

Michelle

Cantor, B'nai Vail

Monday July 27, 2026 9:30pm - 10:00pm EDT
Angela Hall Social Space

Type Main

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7:45am EDT

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