NewCAJE16: Full Schedule

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 practices, exploring 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.

2:00pm EDT

God loves the Jewish people, but do we?: Teaching and Learning Ahavat Yisrael

Monday June 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 277

Many Jews find Judaism fascinating and meaningful but the subject of Jews—not so much. Peoplehood and religion fortify each other and may not be truly distinct, so how can we teach ethnic cultural particularism in a global age?

Speakers

Rabbi David Starr

Lead Congregation, Mishkan Tefila

Rabbi David Star leads Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Brooklline, MA. He was a Research Associate at Brandeis University and earned a Ph.D. at Columbia University. He is the author of a forthcoming biography of Solomon Schechter, and was the founder of the Me’ah program.

Monday June 23, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 277

American Jewish Community Creating Community

3:45pm EDT

Every Kippah has a Story

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

For egalitarian synagogues where students may wear head coverings. An intergenerational workshop on the reasons for wearing kippot, meeting and decorating kippot from previous life-cycle events. Every kippah owner tells a story to the "child" who chooses his or her event kippah. All followed by a "blinging" session.

Speakers

Karen Sacks

Interim Religious School Director, Congregation Habonim

Karen Sacks is the interim Religious School director at Congregation Habonim in NYC. She has worked as a music specialist in Jewish preschools, camps and religious schools and enjoys sharing her love of Judaism and education through music, creative programming, humor, and tradition... Read More →

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

Creating Community Spirituality

3:45pm EDT

Beyond the Gap: Connecting Effectively with Generation Z

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

Connecting with today's youth creates transformative moments, yet demands dedicated skill and persistence. Learn from an innovative Youth Engagement Director's successful strategies for vibrant programming across different developmental stages. Through an interactive Gallery Walk and collaborative problem-solving, you'll leave with actionable ideas to immediately elevate your youth engagement initiatives.

Speakers

Jacob Ruby

Youth Director, Jacksonville Jewish Center

Jacob Ruby is the Youth Director for the Jacksonville Jewish Center. With over 120 Youth ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade seniors, Jacob has been leading, connecting with, and developing successful programming for 4 years.

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

Creating Community Teens

8:30am EDT

Rewards Without Candy: Using A System of Positive Reinforcement to Manage Behavior and Build Classroom Community

Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 130

Explore a positive behavior reinforcement plan, with meaningful rewards and elements applicable to most classroom settings, that gets kids from grades 2-7 to "buy in." We’ll also discuss ways to build relationships through classroom management and take time to share our own strategies, challenges, and successes.

Speakers

Greg Sager

Religious School Teacher, Temple Shalom

Greg Sager is a religious school teacher at Temple Shalom in Newton, Massachusetts. A second-generation educator, he has over 20 years' experience working with children in every grade from K-12 in supplemental school, camp, and youth group settings, with a focus on upper elementary... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 130

Classroom Management Creating Community

10:30am EDT

B’Yahad: Living Our Judaism Together…Combining Experiential Education with a Spiral Curriculum for Small Schools

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 246

Do the traditional Religious School curriculums no longer work for your small school? Examine what one school did to solve this problem with all-school activities, flexibility and individualization and come away with tools and ideas to create a curriculum that better suits your school.

Speakers

Nichole Chorny

Education and Youth Director, Congregation Anshei Israel

Nichole Chorny has been serving as the Education and Youth Director at Congregation Anshei Israel in Tucson, AZ since 2020 and as the full-time Cantorial Soloist since 2014. As a clergy/educator, she values the importance of cutting down silos between the education department and... Read More →

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

Alternative Models of Jewish Education Creating Community

Subject Admin/School Directors Certificate

10:30am EDT

NewCAJE Chorale #1

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 1:00pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - G50

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. Note that this workshop will run until 1:00 p.m. THis is the first of two session. The second one is on Wednesday, 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.

Speakers

Michelle Cohn Levy

Tuesday June 24, 2025 10:30am - 1:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

Creating Community Torah L'shma

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

Julia Rogers: JR - 246

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

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

Creating Community Bible/Text

Subject Holocaust/Antisemitism Certificate

8:30am EDT

Grandparents: A Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - 101

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

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

Creating Community Family Education

8:30am EDT

Building Learning Communities with Intention

Wednesday June 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 278

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

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

Creating Community Teaching Tools & Techniques

Subject Admin/School Directors Certificate

1:00pm EDT

NewCAJE Chorale #2

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - G50

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.

Speakers

Michelle Cohn Levy

Wednesday June 25, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G50

Creating Community Torah L'shma

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

Van Meter Hall: VM - G02

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

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

Creating Community Israel/Zionism

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

Julia Rogers: JR - G50

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

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

Creating Community Storytelling

4:00pm EDT

Community Transformation in Fragile Times

Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - 121

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

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

Admin Creating Community

4:00pm EDT

Honey, I Became a Kid Again! - Creative Programs for Teen Engagement

Wednesday June 25, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G11

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

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.

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

Creating Community Teens

8:30am EDT

The Growth Mindset Educator

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - G46

Growth Mindsets to Unlock Communal Transformation
A growth mindset is crucial for both personal and organizational evolution. In this session, we’ll explore how to encourage curiosity, resilience, and persistence while also building a culture that values continual improvement. You’ll learn practical strategies to inspire others to experiment, learn from mistakes, and drive ongoing development, ensuring that your school community is one where everyone learns and grows.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G46

Admin Creating Community

Subject Admin/School Directors Certificate

8:30am EDT

Unaffiliated Teens : What Do We Owe Them? Deepdive into Rebuilding Community – How Dungeons & Dragons Worked for Us!

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - G27

Teens are disconnected and unaffiliated. USY’s regional support disappeared. Where do we go from here? Starting a Dungeons & Dragons Club for teens reinvigorated our local AAUSY chapter. Now, a year later, I have reflected on how and why other congregations could make this model work for them too!

Speakers

Zoe Steiner

Education & Engagement Coordinator and Youth Advisor, Congregation Agudas Achim

Zoe Steiner is the Education & Engagement Coordinator and Youth Advisor at Congregation Agudas Achim in Austin, Texas. Over the last 2 years in this role she has worked to rebuild the community’s inactive Chaverim, Gesher, and USY youth group membership and participation back... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G27

Creating Community Teens

10:30am EDT

Turning Difficult Conversations into Constructive Collaborations

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT

Julia Rogers: JR - G46

Educational leaders often struggle with challenging stakeholder interactions. This session transforms potential conflicts into meaningful partnerships through strategic listening and advanced preparation techniques. Discover how one leader evolved from managing contentious parent interactions to developing a groundbreaking "Parents as Partners" approach that fundamentally reshaped school culture.

Speakers

Ronni Ticker

Classroom Teacher - Elementary, Classrooom Teacher - Middle School, Consultant, Self Employed

Ronni Ticker, Founder & Chief Imagination Officer of Jewish Learning Central, is a creative strategic thinker consulting with synagogues and non-profits to reimagine learning and engagement. Ronni is also the Director of Family Engagement for the Federation of Palm Beach County. She... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G46

Admin Creating Community

Subject Admin/School Directors Certificate