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Monday, July 27
 

9:00am EDT

Advancing in the Field of Jewish Education
Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
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
avatar for Stacy Rigler

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

9:00am EDT

Writing Your Own Torah: Creative Expression as a Source for Discovery
Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
“…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
avatar for Andrea Shupack

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

9:00am EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Shalom Learning AI Sandbox
Monday July 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
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
avatar for Heidi Lovitz

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 →
avatar for Shira Sender

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

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Shalom Learning AI Sandbox
Monday July 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
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
avatar for Shira Sender

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 →
avatar for Heidi Lovitz

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

4:45pm EDT

Beyond the Binary: Gender Identity and Inclusion in the Jewish Classroom
Monday July 27, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
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
avatar for Gail Terman

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
 
Tuesday, July 28
 

9:00am EDT

Navigating Any Negotiation
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
An educators job hinges on the ability to communicate others and create agreement often where there are shared or different and/or conflicting interests. These negotiations hinge on assumption, preparation, and research. In this session we are going to learn how to best prepare for negotiations based on literature from the business world and then workshop areas that you might want to negotiate for yourself.
Speakers
avatar for Stacy Rigler

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 →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 239

9:00am EDT

Cultivating Connection: Why Spiritual Development Matters at Every Age
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Jewish tradition has been cultivating spiritual development for thousands of years, and Dr. Lisa Miller's research now demonstrates it is one of the most powerful protective factors for lifelong well-being. This workshop defines spirituality, examines the research, walks through the developmental stages, and equips educators with practical tools to nurture spiritual growth at every age. Participants will leave with language, a framework, clarity, and practices they can use right away.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Aronoff

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 →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 202

9:00am EDT

High Holidays and Tikkun HaYam: Repair the Sea from Your Backyard
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Is it Jewish to save the turtles? Microplastics and other pollutants are an increasing problem in our waterways and your students are likely very aware of the plight of sea turtles in the ocean. How can you use Jewish values to help students and families take action in your own community? Repair the Sea has a great program linked to Jewish holidays that you can use no matter where you are located!
Speakers
avatar for Tanya Wisoker

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 →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 322

9:00am EDT

Level Up Your Classroom: The Power of Team-Building Games
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Unlock the potential of play to transform your learning environment. This session explores how teambuilding games serve as more than just "icebreakers"—they are essential tools for building a strong, inclusive community where every student feels they belong. Beyond social connection, you’ll learn how to seamlessly integrate these activities into your existing curriculum to increase student engagement. Discover creative strategies to use games to reinforce core lesson content and turn learning into an interactive, high-energy experience. Wear comfortable clothes as we will learn and build kehillah by participating in these games.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Eisen

Jill Eisen

Jill Eisen is the Director of Program Partnerships at Pearlstone, the Headquarters of Adamah. She has her BA from Penn State and two Masters from Baltimore Hebrew University. Working at Pearlstone entwines the environment and Jewish values she holds dear. Each day holds a new adventure... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 348

4:45pm EDT

Onboarding for Productivity and Retention
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Join ElevatEd for a workshop for educators in any educational setting! Together we will discuss strategies to create effective onboarding experiences that boost productivity and foster long-term retention. Participants will explore best practices for welcoming new staff, setting clear expectations, and creating a supportive environment that encourages growth and connection. Through interactive discussions and practical tools, attendees will leave with actionable steps to enhance their onboarding processes, ensuring a smooth transition for new team members and a stronger, more cohesive teaching staff.
Speakers
avatar for Sasha Hass

Sasha Hass

Sasha Kopp Hass is the Senior Director of Education and Engagement at ElevatEd, where she helps strengthen and support the field of early childhood Jewish education across North America. She is a passionate Jewish educator, artist. Through all of her work, Sasha seeks to foster joyful... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose 2

4:45pm EDT

Why Singing Together Works: The Neuroscience of Music, Breath, and Bonding
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Music is one of the most powerful pathways we have for Jewish engagement and education. For songleaders, music specialists, and educators who use music with kiddos and their grown-ups, this workshop teaches brain-based principles that turn song into strategy: preventative care, engagement enhancement, and chaos control. We explore how singing syncs breath, builds bonding, anchors memory, and supports mood modulation and meaning-making. Songs are modeled throughout to demonstrate each principle in practice.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Aronoff

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 →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

4:45pm EDT

Built to Last: Jewish Practice and Lifelong Resilience
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
On hard days, our sense of mission can feel elusive. This session offers something grounding: evidence from neuroscience and epidemiology research that building ritual literacy, fostering belonging, and transmitting meaning can be directly linked to children's long-term ability to manage anxiety and depression, resist addiction, and recover from trauma. Your work as a Jewish educator is, quite literally, protective! We'll discuss empowering practical strategies for classroom choices and for parent communication aligned with these important findings.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Hirschfeld

Julie Hirschfeld

Dr.Julie Hirschfeld (MA, Oxon., PhD, NYU) is a clinical psychologist and founder of The Jewish Resilience Initiative, which promotes awareness of the mental health benefits of Jewish practice. Trained in family therapy, spiritually integrated psychotherapy, and Mussar facilitation... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 239

4:45pm EDT

Waterworld or Desertville: Why Does Torah Tell Us Two Different Creation Stories?
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
Quickly: when and how were humans created, according to the Book of Genesis, Breisheet?
Did you know that there are two COMPLETEY different accounts of Creation: chapter one and chapter two?
Water-world and desert-scape. Humans last, then a human first.
What? WHY?! Which one is the “real” one??
Interested? Hope so – this is a tremendously valuable key to understanding basic Jewish theology regarding the connections between humans and the planet, human and humans, and humans and their Creator.
Bonus question: Where was Adam while Havah had the exchange with the serpent & ate the “fruit”? Learn about a certain cover-up conspiracy…
Speakers
avatar for Ruz Gulko

Ruz Gulko

Rabbi/Cantor/Educator, Gan Argaman
Ruz Gulko accidentally became a Hebrew teacher in 1986, and then a lay cantor / rabbi, thus proving that no matter how you plan your life, God always has some other interesting ideas. She has worked with most of the Jewish educational and religious institutions in the greater Seattle... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Graduate Lounge
 
Wednesday, July 29
 

9:00am EDT

When an IEP Arrives: Supporting Inclusion in Jewish Educational Settings
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
What should an educator do when a family shares an IEP? This workshop helps administrators and educators understand how to respond thoughtfully, support students with diverse learning needs, communicate effectively with families, and create meaningful accommodations in Jewish education settings. Participants will explore practical strategies, confidentiality considerations, and inclusive practices grounded in Jewish values of dignity, belonging, and accessible learning for every child.
Speakers
avatar for Nancy Wilkenfeld

Nancy Wilkenfeld

Nancy Wilkenfeld is an attorney specializing in special education law and a dedicated Jewish educator with more than 30 years of experience. She currently teaches fifth, sixth, and seventh grade at Temple Beth Am, where she is committed to fostering inclusion in the classroom. She... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 202

9:00am EDT

Ayin Tovah - A Good Eye - Focusing on the Good: Cultivating a Positive Outlook through Creative Movement and Expressive Arts
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
How can we develop Ayin Tovah, a positive, healing outlook? Through creative movement! We will “move” and “be moved by” its Hebrew letters, עין טובה, explore their kabbalistic meaning, and further our understanding via drawing/journaling. Learn my holistic approach to teaching Hebrew letters, whose gestural, spatial designs connect us to Jewish spirituality. For both children and adults!
Speakers
avatar for Davida Adelberg

Davida Adelberg

Teaches Jewish Studies and Beginning Hebrew, Congregation Sinai
Davida Adelberg teaches Jewish Studies and Beginning Hebrew at Congregation Sinai in San Jose, CA.  She enjoys creative movement and Jewish spiritual connection, uniting both in "moving" the Hebrew letters with the gestural Alef-Bet, created by Stan Tenen, z"l.  Davida is blessed... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Maria Hall Multipurpose 2
 

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