NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary: Full Schedule

11:00am EDT

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

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

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

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

9:00am EDT

Navigating Any Negotiation

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 239

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

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

Administration, B-Mitzvah

Company Administration
Audience Not Age-Specific
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

3:00pm EDT

Beyond the Workshop - Wool Needle Felting and the Energy of Separation

Tuesday July 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT

College Hall Rm 340

This unique study combines the tactile, meditative art of wool needle felting with a deep dive into the holiness of separation—a principle rooted in the biblical prohibition of mixing wool and linen. The Art of Wool Needle Felting is a dry-sculpting technique that uses specialized barbed needles to tangle animal fibers—typically sheep’s wool—into solid forms. The repetitive motion of "strategic stabbing" is often described as a relaxing, stressfree creative outlet.

Speakers

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 3:00pm - 4:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Administration, Self-Care/Wellbeing

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

4:45pm EDT

Onboarding for Productivity and Retention

Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT

Maria Hall Multipurpose 2

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

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

Administration, Early Childhood Education

Company Administration, Early Childhood Education
Audience Principals, Not Age-Specific
Track Adminstrative track
Type Main

NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary

11:00am EDT

Elizabeth Moore

4:45pm EDT

Seymour Kopelowitz

Deborah Niederman, RJE

9:00am EDT

Stacy Rigler

3:00pm EDT

Jill Eisen

4:45pm EDT

Sasha Hass

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