NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

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

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

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 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Student Union The StAJE

Big Picture of Jewish Education

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

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

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 →

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

7:00am EDT

12:30pm EDT

1:45pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

7:45pm EDT

Get help with the event