NewCAJE17: 50th Anniversary: Full Schedule

2:00pm EDT

Tot Shabbat' Is Not 'Just' for Tots: Intergenerational Design That Brings Families Back

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

How do we design musical Shabbat services that engage multiple ages and stages and bring families back? For folks who lead these experiences for children 0-10 and their families, this workshop combines research and 25 years of practice to explore the multiple audiences in the room, why music works, and what design principles should inform your approach, based on desired impact. The session will close with modeling, music, and movement.

Speakers

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 →

Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Early Childhood Education, Big Picture of Jewish Education

Company Early Childhood Education
Audience Early Childhood, Lower Elementary School, Upper Elementary
Track ECE
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

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

9:00am EDT

Purposeful Play in Every Setting

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

College Hall Rm 340

There is a difference between play as simply unstructured fun rather than a powerful tool for learning and connection. In this interactive session, participants will explore concepts of play including flow theory and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of the “100 Languages of Children,” and consider how these ideas can shape meaningful learning experiences in a variety of settings. Together, we will examine how purposeful play can support Judaic learning, strengthen social-emotional skills, spark creativity and curiosity, and foster a deeper sense of belonging and community. Participants will leave with practical strategies and inspiration for integrating playful, relationship-centered learning into their own work.

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 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Early Childhood Education, Family Education

Company Early Childhood Education
Audience Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, Teachers
Track ECE
Type Main

4:45pm EDT

Cooking and Art Fun for Pre-Kinder Kids

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

College Hall Rm 322

I've taught Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students at Torah school and have filled an entire suitcase with simple art and cooking projects perfect for our 4 and 5 year olds. Come prepared to create amazing things from simple materials and ingredients. Handouts will include ideas that span an entire year's curriculum of fun!

Speakers

Marcia Berneger

Torah School Teacher, Temple EmanuEl

Marcia Berneger teaches Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Temple Emanuel in San Diego. She has developed many projects and programs to help these young students enjoy learning about the Jewish holidays and traditions. She brings a full "bag of tricks" to share with preschool and TK... Read More →

Jewish Projects For Little Hands docx

Tuesday July 28, 2026 4:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
College Hall Rm 322

Early Childhood Education, Jewish Life & Identity

Company Early Childhood Education
Audience Early Childhood
Track ECE
Type Main

9:00am EDT

Make a HUGE, Interactive Tot-Shabbat Siddur!

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

College Hall Rm 340

Come and get some new ideas for YOUR Tot-Shabbat Siddur, with manipulatives, share what has worked (and NOT worked) for you, and learn some more engagement strategies for parents as well as kids that will keep them coming each Shabbat! (And bring home some fun dino stickers, too!)

Speakers

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 →

2 per page Shabbat b'Yahad for NewCAJE 2026 pdf

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
College Hall Rm 340

Early Childhood Education, Teaching Tools & Techniques