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The NewCAJE conference is a vibrant gathering that unites Jewish educators and professionals to strengthen the Jewish community through education. Rooted in the legacy of CAJE, NewCAJE fosters innovation, collaboration, and inspiration. The conference offers space for sharing best practicesexploring new ideas, and deepening Jewish and educational learning. Committed to inclusivity and pluralism, it welcomes educators from all backgrounds, creating a supportive network that empowers them to make a lasting impact.

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Wednesday, June 25
 

8:30am EDT

Using Coaching as a Supervisory Technique
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
The concept of coaching isn’t just for the business world, the Jewish communal world can benefit too! This session will teach the fundamentals of one coaching model and demonstrate how implementing coaching strategies can elevate all aspects of the organization through building confidence, competence, and commitment. Come ready to learn and practice.

Speakers
avatar for Erica Hruby

Erica Hruby

Senior Manager, National Teen Education Initiatives, The Jewish Education Project
Erica Hruby, M.A. is a master Jewish educator with nearly 30-years of teaching, curriculum writing, and professional development experience in Jewish community, academic, and residential environments. Erica serves as Senior Manager, National Teen Education Initiatives at The Jewish... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

8:30am EDT

Two strange Torah passages: The Nephalim and the goat for Azazel
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
The story of the Nephalim and the description of the "scapegoat" which was sent to Azazel may seem strange in the context of the Torah, which we generally consider to be a monotheistic document. In this session we will examine these two stories and see how our various commentators have interpreted these passages. 
Speakers
avatar for Stuart Lewis

Stuart Lewis

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Tutor, Congregation Beth Torah
Stu Lewis has been attending CAJE/NEWCAJE regularly for the past 34 years. He is an active member of Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, KS. His current involvement in Jewish education is as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 121

8:30am EDT

Beyond the Textbook: Engaging Combined-Grade Learners
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Teaching combined grade levels in Jewish congregational schools presents unique challenges and exciting opportunities. This interactive session will equip educators with practical strategies and creative approaches for designing engaging lessons that cater to diverse age groups and learning styles. We'll explore how to differentiate instruction while fostering collaboration and a sense of community among students.

Speakers
avatar for Shira Sender

Shira Sender

Director/Head of School, Director of Client Care and Teacher Support
TBD
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

8:30am EDT

Building Skills for Empathy in Jewish Tradition
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
How we can use Jewish text and tradition to foster and reinforce social, emotional, and spiritual learning? By exploring the six stages of questions used at Makom Community, you will bring home tools that help support your educators to embrace deep and thoughtful questioning among their learners. The result will be learners seeing studying Jewish text not as something from the past, but a living relationship that evolves with them as they experience their homes, school, and larger communities.

Speakers
avatar for Terri Soifer

Terri Soifer

Terri Soifer is a strategic relationship builder who works at the intersection of Jewish education and fundraising. She spent her career strengthening Jewish community in Philadelphia. She completed her Master’s in Jewish Education from the Davidson School of Jewish Education at... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

8:30am EDT

Creating Classrooms that Support Inclusion, Behavior Management and Social-Emotional Learning
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Participants will explore how to design inclusive learning spaces by understanding children's complex behaviors as a manifestation of neurodiversity and sensory needs. Learning can be positively affected from the moment a child walks into a room and then supported during challenges and transitions, using the space, lesson design, and teacher language. There will be sensory play for attendees!
Speakers
EB

Erin Beser

Director of Whole Community Inclusion, Jewish Learning Venture
Erin Beser is the Director of Whole Community Inclusion at the Jewish Learning Venture. She also currently teaches 6th grade Jewish studies at the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy in Bryn Mawr and is the founder and CEO of Adoughma Dough Play Events, a sensory education initiative working... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

8:30am EDT

#10XSTRONGER: A 10-Day Challenge Like No Other! Strengthening Jewish Peoplehood, Identity, and Purpose
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Begin to build your students’ Jewish pride in as little as 10 minutes each day. The #10XSTRONGER 10-Day Challenge was developed as a successful response to the immediate and pressing issues of the war in Israel and rising antisemitism worldwide. Instead of retreating in fear or anger, we choose to stand up, strengthening our identity and purpose! Find out more and come away with the #10XSTRONGER digital booklet and teacher’s guide packed with engaging inspirations and challenges for learners of all ages.

Speakers
avatar for Nina Woldin

Nina Woldin

Adult Educator, Artist, Consultant, Exhibitor, Non-Profit Staff/CEO, curriculum writer, Chai Mitzvah
Nina Fondiller Woldin has worked in Jewish education for decades, creating student materials and programs for pre-K – adult. Her work has been published by Behrman House, Ktav, Kar Ben Publishing, Addison Wesley and Grolier. Back in the late 90s, she created one of the first online... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

8:30am EDT

Grandparents: A Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Learn how to transform grandparents from an untapped asset into powerful catalysts for Jewish identity and family engagement. Discover ways to strengthen the vital bond between grandparents and their grandchildren (whether in person or at a distance) thereby ensuring a vibrant and enduring Jewish heritage for all families. This session offers a quick self-assessment of grandparent engagement in your program, as well as 10 ideas for engaging grandparents including intergenerational holiday programs.
Speakers
IV

Ilene Vogelstein

Ilene has extensive professional and volunteer experience in the Jewish community. Ilene conducted the first survey on the state of Jewish preschools in America (2000). She was the Coordinator of the Early Childhood Education Department at Baltimore Hebrew University and was adjunct... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

8:30am EDT

Building Learning Communities with Intention
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
An interactive session that offers a hands-on introduction to MTEI’s approach to building community. Through a variety of engaging exercises, you’ll experience how intentionally designed structures can foster playful, joyful, and risk-taking environments—what MTEI calls a “relational learning community.”  Together, we’ll explore how community-building is not only a goal of our work but also a powerful method for how we do our work. Come ready to learn, connect, and imagine new collective possibilities.

Speakers
avatar for Deborah Niederman

Deborah Niederman

Leader of Recruitment, Mandel Teacher Educator Institute
Deborah Niederman, RJE is the Leader of Recruitment for the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute. She has been a leader in Jewish Education for over 30 years, serving congregations, acting as a consultant, researcher, curriculum writer and mentor.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 278

8:30am EDT

Songs, Stories, & Props: Tools for Engaging Families & Young Children
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
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
CF

Carla Friend

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 →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G11

8:30am EDT

T’fillah as TORAH: Tools Of Resilience And Hope
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
The science is clear: A strong spiritual core is key to resilience in our fractured world. T’fillah in form and content is a powerful pathway for exactly this, but only if we teach it and lead it that way. Together, we’ll dive into the science, experience simple practices that make a big impact, and explore what this means for our students, our families, ourselves, and our world.

Speakers
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

Songleader, Consultant, Musisian, Day School/Yeshiva, Synagogue Sunday or Afternoon School/Program, Early Childhood Center, Camp, Adult Education, Self Employed
Eliana is working towards a world of One-ness, guided and inspired by Jewish heritage. She is the founder and head T’fillahsopher at the Light Lab and the co-host of the Light Lab podcast. She is also a sought-after songwriter and performer of catchy, content-rich tunes for all... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

8:30am EDT

Back to School: Remarkable Facts Learned in Towson University’s Holocaust Education Certificate Program
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
For educators who want to take their Holocaust knowledge to the next level. Led by a current student in Towson University’s Holocaust Education Certificate Program, this session will uncover powerful stories of resilience, tragedy, and human spirit that are often left out of mainstream narratives. Participants will explore hidden histories, surprising facts, and remarkable individual experiences that shed new light on one of history's darkest periods. Prepare to be moved, challenged, and inspired by a presentation that brings the past vividly to life and deepens your understanding of the Holocaust in profound ways.

Speakers
avatar for Alana Snyder

Alana Snyder

Student, Towson University
Alana Snyder is an administrator and special educator with Baltimore County Public Schools. She also teaches a Holocaust course at Rosenbloom Religious School and founded the nonprofit 3G Baltimore, a local organization for grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. She is enrolled in... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 130

8:30am EDT

Dinosaurs and Other Derailments
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Great educators meet their students wherever they’re at.  If your students are into baseball and you can connect that to Judaism, you’ve hit a home run.  Come to this session with wild topics your students might be interested in, and I’ll show you how to make that work with your curriculum.  
 
Speakers
avatar for David Schwartz

David Schwartz

Education Director, Temple Har Zion
David Schwartz is the Education Director at Temple Har Zion in Chicago. When he is not doing that he is a B’nai Mitzvah tutor and a Jewish storyteller. David is also on the Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly and an MTEI graduate. However, his most important role is... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G27

10:30am EDT

Davenning and Trope – What do you need to Learn?
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
For teachers of students from Adults to Pre-Teens:  if you teach "synagogue skills" – Liturgy, Nusach chants, and/or Trope – what do you want and need to learn from a new textbook and videos on these subjects?  What would best meet your teaching needs?

Participants will be introduced to new teaching resources that are "in-progress", and in turn, participants are invited to express the topics, concepts, and specific skills that they need from these new materials, which are in the "preliminary stages" of preparation. 
Speakers
avatar for David Schwartz

David Schwartz

Education Director, Temple Har Zion
David Schwartz is the Education Director at Temple Har Zion in Chicago. When he is not doing that he is a B’nai Mitzvah tutor and a Jewish storyteller. David is also on the Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly and an MTEI graduate. However, his most important role is... Read More →
avatar for Cantor Neil Schwartz

Cantor Neil Schwartz

Director of Education, Temple Har Zion; River Forest, IL
Neil Schwartz graduated JTS in 1980; he has a Master of Arts in Religion and Culture, and 5 Units of Chaplaincy Training.  Cantor Neil retired after 42 years in 7 synagogues (3 as "Kol Bo"); he taught the IMUN Lay Leader program, and Trope and Nusach online for Hebrew College.  He... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 121

10:30am EDT

Learning Modalities: Thinking Beyond the Edible Sukkah
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
We encourage using various modalities to engage all our learners. And in the moment of lesson planning, teachers return to what they know. This seminar will support you by restocking teachers’ classroom toolkits with various modalities, increasing learners' engagement.

Speakers
avatar for Terri Soifer

Terri Soifer

Terri Soifer is a strategic relationship builder who works at the intersection of Jewish education and fundraising. She spent her career strengthening Jewish community in Philadelphia. She completed her Master’s in Jewish Education from the Davidson School of Jewish Education at... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

10:30am EDT

Tot-Shabbat Siddur (With Dino Stickers!)
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Come and get some new ideas for YOUR Tot-Shabbat Siddur, with manipulatives, and more new items than last year - 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!

Speakers
avatar for Shelli Aderman

Shelli Aderman

@Clal: Director of Program Administration and Operations; @T&V: Youth Educator (I lead all youth and family services, and teach in the Hebrew School), 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 synagogue administrator for over thirty years. Her diverse career complements her role at Clal, where she is responsible for the logistical and administrative aspects of Clal’s... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G27

10:30am EDT

Songs to the Tune of…
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Are you a preschool teacher who feels daunted by the idea of singing with your students?  Are you searching for easy-to-remember repertoire to sing in your classroom? Come learn adaptations to classic songs with early childhood music specialist, Lisa Baydush, who will share simple but engaging songs that will delight your students! Bring your inner child and be prepared to have fun!  (This workshop is not intended for music educators, though they are most welcome.)

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Baydush

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 →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

10:30am EDT

Bringing Nature into your Curriculum, Shomrei Adamah for ELC - 5th grade: Seedballs, Nature Mandalas and Pinecones
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Experience nature and its Jewish values through the eyes of a 3-year-old. Play with nature while creating mystical mandalas. Feed the earth and tree side neighbors by making seedballs and birdseed pinecones to take home. Hear the story of Pearlstone/Adamah and the Owings Mills JCC on our three-year journey to create an early childhood nature curriculum that teachers were comfortable to try and engaged the children's imagination. Educators are welcome to adapt these lesson plans for any age learner.
Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 278

10:30am EDT

Why Invest Time and Energy in Family Education?
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
We will begin by talking about why Jewish education must include the whole family to be effective. Teaching parents and other family members makes a difference in every aspect of a child's Jewish education. We will learn about the framework of family education, and how it connects to the holiday cycle, the life-cycle, and Mitzvot. Finally, we will talk about planning with the parents and the importance of spiraling the curriculum over at least seven years. Please plan to come back for the second session if you want practical advice and support.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

10:30am EDT

Making Space for the Divine: The Pedagogy of Cultivating Spiritual Meaning for Ourselves and Our Students
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
We live in a world where spiritual meaning is more important than ever. Students and educators alike yearn for more than just knowledge; they seek meaning, connection, and authenticity. In this interactive session, we will explore what it means to cultivate spiritual meaning in the classroom and in our own lives. Drawing on Jewish tradition and personal reflection, we’ll discuss how we talk about God, encounter the tension between transcendence and intimacy, and consider how spiritual growth can be modeled and nurtured through a pedagogy of presence, inquiry, and vulnerability.
Participants will leave with personal inspiration as well as the tools and curriculum to bring spiritual conversations into their teaching; Not as abstract theology, but as a living encounter with the Divine that invites both educators and students to grow. 
The session will draw from the Lookstein Center’s new free curriculum "Big Questions In Jewish Spirituality.”
Speakers
SS

Shani Sicherman

The Lookstein Center
For more than 15 years, Shani Sicherman has been teaching in a range of educational settings, creating engaging curricular materials, and training educators in all topics of Jewish education. She holds a BA in Special Education and Jewish History as well as a Teaching Certificate... Read More →
HB

Hyim Brandes

The Lookstein Center
Hyim Brandes has worked at the intersection of Jewish education and technology for more than two decades spearheading projects and initiatives focusing on student personalization and 21st century learning.  Hyim serves as the Director of Technology at The Lookstein Center for Jewish... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

10:30am EDT

Hebrew Through Movement - Insights from a Master Teacher
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Take Hebrew Through Movement (HTM) teaching up a notch, whether as an HTM teacher, education director, or just a curious colleague. Linda will share her expertise as an HTM Master Teacher and Nachama will place HTM within the bigger picture of Hebrew learning. Bring your curiosity and your questions!

Speakers
avatar for Linda Duke

Linda Duke

Teacher, Congregation B'nai Shalom
Linda Duke is a Hebrew Through Movement (HTM) Master Teacher and co-facilitator of the national HTM Community of Practice. Linda’s experiences teaching Hebrew in three synagogue Hebrew programs contribute to #OnwardHebrew’s research on Hebrew decoding. Linda was honored with a... Read More →
avatar for Nachama  Moskowitz

Nachama Moskowitz

Director, #OnwardHebrew
Nachama Skolnik Moskowitz is the director of #OnwardHebrew, a national Hebrew learning initiative that is building student competence, confidence, and excitement in synagogue/part-time settings. Previously, she served as Director of Curriculum Resources for the Jewish Education Center... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

10:30am EDT

This Is How You’ll Want to Teach the Holocaust: A Scope and Sequence for Middle School Holocaust Education
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Come learn from an experienced Holocaust educator how to design comprehensive and engaging lessons on this difficult subject. The session will also introduce five of the best interactive, multimedia resources that can help bring the history and lessons of the Holocaust to life for students. Effective strategies for fostering critical thinking and empathy will be provided.

Speakers
avatar for Alana Snyder

Alana Snyder

Student, Towson University
Alana Snyder is an administrator and special educator with Baltimore County Public Schools. She also teaches a Holocaust course at Rosenbloom Religious School and founded the nonprofit 3G Baltimore, a local organization for grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. She is enrolled in... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 130

10:30am EDT

Who is Dona Gracia de Nasi?
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Meet one of the most important women of the Renaissance, forgotten in the history books. Dona Gracia was an extraordinary secret Jew who was one of the richest women in the world. She saved hundreds if not thousands of Jewish lives while living as a practicing Catholic. What was it like to live in secret, to live in fear of being exposed? Discover this remarkable woman’s story and see how one woman could make such a difference. 

Speakers
avatar for Heléna Eilenberg

Heléna Eilenberg

Adult Educator, Consultant, Informal/Camp Educator, Online Tutor (Hebrew or Judaica), Storyteller, Merrick Jewish Centre
Heléna Geberer Eilenberg is an actress, a Jewish educator (Director of Education, principal) and a history teacher. In full character and dress, she portrays unique, fascinating women who are almost forgotten in our history books. For adults, middle and high school and upper elementary... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

10:30am EDT

A Curriculum of Wonder: The Educational Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Wonder, taught Abraham Heschel, is the chief characteristic of a religious person’s approach to life. What’s the role of wonder in our religious life? Where’s mystery, awe, insight? Abraham Heschel opened a radical way to understand Judaism’s spirituality. His works are treasures of insight for the seeking Jew and his life a testimony of God’s closeness.
Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G11

10:30am EDT

Text as Texture
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Explore the use of letters and writing as an artistic element. Participants use a variety of media to create experimental typographic art informed by inspiration both Jewish and not. We'll begin by looking at art involving words and text, including Jewish art from across the centuries. Then everyone will have the opportunity to make word-based art of their own. No artistic skill required!

Speakers
avatar for Hillel Smith

Hillel Smith

Artist
Hillel Smith is an illustrator and designer who expands the boundaries of Jewish art through contemporary media. He paints Jewish murals around the world and founded the Jewish Street Art Festival. He has created art for PJ Library, BBYO, and HIAS. He leads art workshops and teaches... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

1:00pm EDT

NewCAJE Chorale #2
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Come be a part of the NewCAJE chorale and practice for a grand performance at evening programs on Wednesday night! All are welcome, musicians and non-musicians alike. Please plan to attend both sessions and a short rehearsal before Wednesday's evening program. This is the second of two sessions, the previous one being on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. 
Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

2:00pm EDT

What Does a Haftarah Text Have to Say to a Thirteen-Year-Old?
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Using Haftarat Va-yeshev (from the book of Amos) as an example, we will study the background of the haftarah and its connection to the Torah portion. After unpacking the poetry of the text, we will discuss how we would teach this Haftara, focusing on what will speak to a thirteen-year-old. Applicable to any haftarah; the session is not restricted to B-Mitzvah teachers.
Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 121

2:00pm EDT

Putting the LGBT in Inclusion
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
I regularly speak with educators who don't have or know about the tools or who think some students are just too young to address LGBT perspectives. This workshop will include a list of resources (including Jewish picture books) and ways to seemlessly integrate them into your religious school, day school, library, summer camp or early childhood center. Resources are inexpensive and the presenter does NOT get paid for the advertising or sale of these resources.

Speakers
avatar for Laurie Green

Laurie Green

Rabbi, Unemployed
Laurie Green is a rabbi, educator, activist, author and aspiring yogini.  She has been a Jewish educator for 30 years. Most recently, she ran a religious school in the DC suburbs of Maryland. She lives in Baltimore with her wife, their two children and three dogs.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

2:00pm EDT

From Sinai to Silicon: AI in Jewish Classrooms
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
What if you had a chevruta who could help plan your next lesson, write thoughtful parent emails, and check student comprehension? A hands-on workshop in AI —from simple time-saving tools to full-scale collaboration across schools and staff.

Recommended: bring a laptop (or phone) and ChatGPT account (free or paid).


Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

2:00pm EDT

From Israel with Insight: Bringing Shlichut (Israel Emissaries) to Life in Your Community
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
How can a young Israeli emissary become a living bridge between your community and Israel? In this dynamic and interactive session, we’ll explore the transformative impact of the Jewish Agency’s Shlichut program. Co-led by a Jewish educator and a current community shlicha, this workshop will highlight how authentic relationships, meaningful conversations, and creative programming can deepen connection to Israeli culture, history, and current events—especially in times of complexity. Come ready to share, learn, and walk away with adaptable ideas for your own setting.

Speakers
avatar for Laura Naide

Laura Naide

Director of Congregational Learning, Temple Emanuel, Maryland
Laura Naide is the Director of Congregational Learning at Temple Emanuel, Maryland. She has a BA in  Psychology from CSULB, a JD from Georgetown, and a MA in Religious Education from HUC-JIR. Avia Halevi is the Educational Engagement Shlicha at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

2:00pm EDT

Full Circle Storytelling: Bringing Your Stories to Life and the World (Zoom session)
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Discover how to turn meaningful family histories, powerful historical events, and important stories into published books that inspire the next generation. As students write to be read by others they enter a virtuous cycle of learning, self-expression, and cultural preservation. Whether you're capturing memories from a grandparent or reimagining pivotal moment is history, etc... this session will show how this kind of storytelling can enhance learning in your classroom. 
Speakers
JY

John Yen

John Yen is the CEO and Co-Founder of StoryJumper, a full circle educational technology platform that empowers students and adults to become published authors and share their books with the world. With a passion for making learning joyful and meaningful, John has helped millions of... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

2:00pm EDT

Music That Rocks the Preschool Classroom, part 2 of 2 (Tu B’shvat, Purim, Pesach, Yom Ha-atzmaut)
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
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 second half of the year, Tu B’shvat – Yom Ha’atzmaut and Shabbat.  (Just to let you know in case you’ve taken Lisa’s NewCAJE workshops before, this workshop will have NEW repertoire!)

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Baydush

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 →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 130

2:00pm EDT

Amazing Nature / Ma Rabu!
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
This session will empower participants to use the wonders of nature in order to engage their students in any subject matter.
Takeaways 
"1. Understand the Rambam's guidance on using nature and science in order to engage Jewish learners.
2. One or more techniques for employing this strategy in your classroom."
 
Speakers
avatar for Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld

Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld

Adult Jewish educator, Jewish Teachers Institute
Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld, PhD started teaching right out of college in rural Mississippi. With over 10 years of classroom experience and 20 years as an adult Jewish educator, he founded the Jewish Teachers Institute in 2016 which trains and mentors day school teachers, creates curricula... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 278

2:00pm EDT

g?d-talk and exploration for grade-age kids
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
God is the central character of the Torah and the subject of our prayers, yet we don’t often talk about what God is or how we relate to the Divine. Where can we start? Focusing on kids from K through B Mitzvah age, we’ll explore frameworks, strategies, songs, and stories for engaging with the idea of God in developmentally appropriate ways. We’ll put the “?” in g?d, expanding a limiting word and making room for our beliefs, struggles, and questions.
Speakers
avatar for Eliana Light

Eliana Light

Songleader, Consultant, Musisian, Day School/Yeshiva, Synagogue Sunday or Afternoon School/Program, Early Childhood Center, Camp, Adult Education, Self Employed
Eliana is working towards a world of One-ness, guided and inspired by Jewish heritage. She is the founder and head T’fillahsopher at the Light Lab and the co-host of the Light Lab podcast. She is also a sought-after songwriter and performer of catchy, content-rich tunes for all... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G11

2:00pm EDT

Echoes & Reflections: Foundations of Holocaust Education
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
This program is designed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and capacity to teach about the Holocaust. Educators will have the chance to explore classroom lessons, visual history testimonies and other resources that examine aspects of the history and its continued relevance today.  Resources will be highlighted that will expand upon your existing classroom approaches, in addition to providing foundational resources for new educators.
Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

2:00pm EDT

Holiday Programming to Leave Your Students Breathless and Sweaty (and Knowledgeable)!
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Years ago, I attended a workshop at NewCAJE by Barb Moskow (z’’l) that revolutionized how I approach holiday programming in my supplemental school. Imagine teams of students racing to complete holiday-related tasks – perhaps team members create a human dreidel, or an eight-line rhyming song with dance movements about latkes and Maccabees, or put together a chanukkiah out of recyclables. During this workshop, participants will develop a template to create fun, meaningful activities which weave together multi-sensory experiences for your students. These programs, designed for K-2nd grade groupings and 3rd-6th grade groupings, create team spirit among various ages and challenge students to take ownership of their own learning. Participants will receive complete program outlines for five holidays.

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Pescatore

Melissa Pescatore

Director of Religious Education, Temple Shaari Emeth
Melissa Pescatore just celebrated her 10th year as the Director of Religious Education at Temple Shaari Emeth in Manalapan, NJ. Serving as Educator in the congregation where she grew up, she is passionate about instilling a love of learning and building a strong, positive Jewish identity... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

2:00pm EDT

Sew Cool: Hands-on Learning for All
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Students love hands-on experiences.  Come learn to implement some easy hands-on Tefillah and holiday art projects, and a few songs, that can be used in various ways with preschoolers through fourth grade!  Participants will be able to make and take examples home.
Takeaways
1) How to make a Shema #1 pillow;
2) How to make hamantaschen out of construction paper; 
3) How to use a Holiday Box for preschool Judaics; 
4) How to build a Mi Chamocha Wall of Freedom  
Speakers
avatar for Karen Daniel

Karen Daniel

Teacher and music specialist, Beth Meyer synagogue Raleigh NC
Karen Daniel is a preschool music specialist and religious school teacher at Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh, NC.  She has taught and performed for many years at CAJE and NewCAJE and has recorded the Teachable, Singable and Jewish series of educational music, and her songs have been... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G27

2:00pm EDT

Using Colored Scarves in Programs
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Colored scarves enhance programming for all ages. Learn different ways to use colored scarves and discover how you can expand the use of scarves in your programs.
Speakers
BD

Betsy Diamant-Cohen

Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen developed the Mother Goose on the Loose (MGOL) early literacy program while working at the Israel Museum Youth Wing Library. MGOL has won numerous awards in the US; Betsy received the "Distinguished Services Award" from the Association for Library Service to... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

4:00pm EDT

Advocacy for Educational Leaders
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Today's Jewish institutions sometimes feel like challenging places to work.  In this session, we will identify our wants and needs that would help us be more successful in our work.  We will then work together to recognize the barriers in our way, the competing tensions that may exist, and craft a plan to advocate for those needs or creatively address the challenges.

Speakers
avatar for Stacy Rigler

Stacy Rigler

Non-Profit Staff/CEO, ARJE
Rabbi Stacy Rigler, RJE is Executive Director of the Associatiom of Reform Jewish Educators. A lifelong learner, Stacy is passionate about inspiring excellence, advancing the field of Jewish education, and supporting fellow educators and students. Stacy serves as a member of the leadership... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

4:00pm EDT

Community Transformation in Fragile Times
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
CBent is in a period of deep transition with the recent change of Rabbinic leadership. The community is diverse and the divisions within it are clearly recognizable. No one wants the community of 65 years to die and yet consensus is difficult to achieve. We are one of many such communities in the USA and the dilemmas of the Rabbi and the lay and educational leadership are sadly not unique. We have come up with creative solutions and would like to share and hear from you! Come join Rabbi Michal's welcoming and supportive intention to create a community of practice and be ready to try on new lenses for big questions involving retention, growth, spiritual leaning, programming and prioritization. 

Speakers
avatar for Rabbi Michal Morris Kamil

Rabbi Michal Morris Kamil

Rabbi, Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid, Broomall, PA
Rabbi Michal has led Beth El-Ner Tamid in Broomall, PA since September. With experience for over three decades in both formal informal Jewish education in Israel, New Zealand, England, and the USA, she was ordained as Rabbi in 2022 in AJRCA. A Sabra, who has worked in building bridges... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 121

4:00pm EDT

Uplifting Sephardi & Mizrahi Voices in Jewish Education
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
“Uplifting Sephardi & Mizrahi Voices in Jewish Education,” will highlight the Sephardi & Mizrahi Education Toolkit (free). This session equips educators and school leaders with resources and strategies to integrate the heritage of Jews from Muslim majority countries into curricula, fostering inclusive learning environments and expanding students’ understanding of global Jewish communities. The Toolkit provides recommendations for classroom teachers in Tanakh, Halakha, Holidays, Jewish Languages, Arts & Music, Literature, STEM, Jewish History, Israel, and Holocaust studies.

Speakers
avatar for Ty Alhadeff

Ty Alhadeff

Director of Education, JIMENA
Ty Alhadeff serves as the Director of Education at JIMENA, where he leads educational initiatives to promote awareness of the history and culture of Middle Eastern and North African Jewish communities. Recently Alhadeff created the free Sephardi & Mizrahi Education Toolkit, a compendium... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 278

4:00pm EDT

What do I need for Bar/Bat Mitzvah Preparation - Topics for Literacy: Sarah and David's Bar/Bat Mitzvah Book
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Participants will be able to broaden Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation to include an introduction to Tanakh, Torah, parashah, the structure of a service. Students can ground themselves in the geography of Tanakh to help see the big picture.  On the Hebrew side, students will have key prayers and overview of essential Hebrew reading skills. Attendees will receive a copy of the Sarah and David Bar/Bat Mitzvah Book.  

Speakers
avatar for Diana Yacobi

Diana Yacobi

Ed Director - retired, Read Hebrew Now
Diana Yacobi  has completed a Masters in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary.  She served as the Educational Director of synagogue schools and published articles about after school Jewish education. She is a product of synagogue school education and created Read... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

4:00pm EDT

Honey, I Became a Kid Again! - Creative Programs for Teen Engagement
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
This workshop is designed for educators, youth leaders, and program coordinators eager to create compelling and enriching experiences for tw/teens. We will explore programmatic challenges and create resources to help tw/teens take ownership and leadership in their programs. Participants will emerge with a comprehensive toolkit for creating engaging and impactful programming that empowers tw/teens to thrive, connect, and explore their passions in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Speakers
avatar for Brandon Gabay

Brandon Gabay

Youth and Teen Engagement Manager, Temple Sinai Atlanta
Brandon (he/him) serves as one of the Youth and Teen Engagement Managers at Temple Sinai in Atlanta, Georgia. Brandon attended URJ Camp Coleman and URJ Kutz Camp. He is a lover of all things books, baking, and Broadway and is excited for his third NewCAJE. 
avatar for Hannah Foleck

Hannah Foleck

Teen Engagement Manager, Temple Rodef Shalom
Hannah (she/her) serves as the Teen Engagement Manager at Temple Rodef Shalom (TRS) located in Falls Church, Virginia. Originally from Virginia Beach, she has resided in Northern Virginia for the past four years. Hannah holds a Bachelor's degree in Musical Theater from the University... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G11

4:00pm EDT

Let's Plan a Family Ed Program from Soup to Nuts or from Study to Production
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
In this session, we will plan a family event or two together and how to build on family education from year to year. We will share ideas for appropriate crafts, cooking, music, field trips and adult education and give you the tools to be able to plan the next steps for your community. You will be able to join a monthly support group that will help you through the first year of implementing  the ideas, inspired by these sessions and tailored for your own community. You can attend this session if you have been to the first one or taken a class from me previously on family ed. We won't be able to go into depth on the material of the first session if you only attend this one.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

4:00pm EDT

Curious about Yiddish? Get started with YiddishPOP!
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
YiddishPOP is a free, online language program built around short, animated videos that make learning Yiddish fun, visual, and accessible for all ages. Whether you have just a few minutes, want to integrate Yiddish learning into an existing class, or run an afterschool program, the materials are flexible, engaging, and easy to adapt to your setting. Veteran Yiddish teacher and YiddishPOP co-creator Brukhe Lang will share her experience from a recent YiddishPOP pilot for the 3rd grade at a Baltimore day school, and demonstrate the platform by teaching you some Yiddish! You’ll leave the session with practical ideas and inspiration for bringing Yiddish into your own classroom.
Speakers
BL

Beatrice Lang

Yiddish Language Program Director, Johns Hopkins University
Beatrice (Brukhe) Lang has been teaching Yiddish language and culture for over 25 years. She holds a doctorate in Yiddish Studies from Columbia University and is currently the Yiddish Language Program Director at Johns Hopkins University. Besides her university teaching, she is a... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

4:00pm EDT

Echoes & Reflections: Foundations of Holocaust Education (2nd occurance)
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
This program is designed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and capacity to teach about the Holocaust. Educators will have the chance to explore classroom lessons, visual history testimonies and other resources that examine aspects of the history and its continued relevance today.  Resources will be highlighted that will expand upon your existing classroom approaches, in addition to providing foundational resources for new educators.
Speakers
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G01

4:00pm EDT

Six Ways of Chanting Trope During a Full Year
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
During the cycle of a Jewish Year, we use one set of Trope Symbols to chant six different ways:  Torah, Haftarah, High Holy Days Torah, Esther, Eichah, and RaKa"SH (Ruth–Kohelet–Shir HaShirim).  Learn how these melodies reflect the moods of each Book!
Takeaways 
How a complete set of Trope marks reflects the grammar, punctuation, and accentuation of each Biblical book, and how the specific set of melodies within a given Trope system reflects the ambience and mood of each different type of Biblical book. 
Speakers
avatar for David Schwartz

David Schwartz

Education Director, Temple Har Zion
David Schwartz is the Education Director at Temple Har Zion in Chicago. When he is not doing that he is a B’nai Mitzvah tutor and a Jewish storyteller. David is also on the Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly and an MTEI graduate. However, his most important role is... Read More →
avatar for Cantor Neil Schwartz

Cantor Neil Schwartz

Director of Education, Temple Har Zion; River Forest, IL
Neil Schwartz graduated JTS in 1980; he has a Master of Arts in Religion and Culture, and 5 Units of Chaplaincy Training.  Cantor Neil retired after 42 years in 7 synagogues (3 as "Kol Bo"); he taught the IMUN Lay Leader program, and Trope and Nusach online for Hebrew College.  He... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G27

4:00pm EDT

Art for Non-Artists
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Does creativity make you queasy? Does “art” send shivers up your spine? You’ve come to the right place! In this workshop, we'll explore practical, easy-to-implement techniques to make your lessons come alive through visual arts, dance, poetry, and other creative projects. No artistic skills required—just a willingness to explore!

Speakers
EM

Emily Meyer

Rabbi Emily Meyer believes that creativity fosters a meaningful and enduring sense of belonging. She is the creator of Doodly Jew, a project designed to spark creativity in Hebrew learning and calls Temple Emanuel of the South Hills in Pittsburgh, PA home.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 130

4:00pm EDT

Engaging Meaningful Play in Religious School
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
How can teachers find a balance between creating a joyful classroom environment and covering meaningful Jewish curriculum? In this session, participants will explore the WHY of playful learning for grades K through 8, as well as actually creating many activities that can be utilized right away in classes.

Speakers
avatar for Meredith	Silverman

Meredith Silverman

Assistant Director of Education, Temple De Hirsch Sinai
Meredith is the Assistant Director of Education at Temple De Hirsch Sinai in Seattle, Washington. She has her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and enjoys developing teachers in their careers. Meredith is also a Second Year participant in the LEEP program.
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

4:00pm EDT

Playing with words: Jewish Ekphrasis
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Ekphrastic poetry, derived from the Greek word for "description," uses words to interpret a work of art.  ‘Ekphrasis’ will be demonstrated through the instructors new book, Vessels of Light, a conversation between a poet and photographer,  written in this style. In this class, we will play with words, drawing vocabulary from Jewish prayer, Israel and the Holiday cycle to create small poems.

Speakers
avatar for Karen Webber

Karen Webber

Adult Educator, Artist, Cantor, Clergy Educator, Entertainer, Musician, Online Tutor (Hebrew or Judaica), Spiritual Leader, Specialist, Storyteller
Karen Webber is a liturgical, teaching and performing artist who builds theatre/music pieces for elder care facilities, mental health centers, public parks and the bimah. An ordained cantor since 1990 (HUC-JIR), Karen is also an accredited teaching artist and a certified Peer Support... Read More →
Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - 101
 
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