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.

3:45pm EDT

Tot Shabbat with Savta Goose on the Loose

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

Julia Rogers: JR - 121

Explore new ways to present Tot Shabbat using the Mother Goose on the Loose method! Tried and true techniques involving the flannel board engage children from birth to age four and their parents/ caregivers.

Speakers

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 →

Monday June 23, 2025 3:45pm - 5:15pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 121

Early Childhood Education Holiday/Lifecycle

Subject Early Childhood Education Certificate

2:00pm EDT

Holiday Programming to Leave Your Students Breathless and Sweaty (and Knowledgeable)!

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Van Meter Hall: VM - G07

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

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

Holiday/Lifecycle Teaching Tools & Techniques

8:30am EDT

Make a Plague Ball!

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

Julia Rogers: JR - 246

Using just fabric, paper, and a needle and thread, make a plague ball that you can teach others to make to bring home as a part of their Seders. This session will teach you the art of "English Paper Piecing," as well as enjoying a dive into how to make the Ten Plagues educational with a physical object you've made yourself!

Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 246

Holiday/Lifecycle

8:30am EDT

Yom Kippur Through the Lens of Purim

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

Julia Rogers: JR - 251

Yom Kippur is also called “Yom Kippurim”, which could be broken up to mean “Yom K’-Purim”, “a day like Purim”. Can Yom Kippur be a happy day? Can Purim be a holy day? The answers are yes and yes — come explore how!

Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - 251

Holiday/Lifecycle Torah L'shma