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.

8:30am EDT

Mahloket (Debate) Matters

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

Julia Rogers: JR - G48

This workshop will look at the Mahloket Matters Framework as a useful tool in your religious school classroom. Mahloket (debate) is a vital tool to generate discussion, critical thinking, personal growth, and the deepening of relationships. The workshop will introduce the Mahloket Matters framework and its connection to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Jewish texts. Through these lenses, we examine how you can begin to help foster a culture of constructive disagreement with Jewish texts in Hebrew and English and with specific activities to apply them to real life situations. Emphasis will be on the “constructive conflict mindset,” as we explore it in Jewish tradition. Resources will be provided for those interested in future study.

Speakers

Karen Morris

Karen Morris, Education Director of Dor Hadash Religious School just completed cohort 4 of the Pardes Senior Educator Learning Fellowship studying Mahloket Matters. Karen has been involved in Jewish education her entire career with work ranging from early childhood Judaics specialist... Read More →

Thursday June 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G48

Teaching Tools & Techniques

10:30am EDT

Wee Jam for Justice

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

Julia Rogers: JR - G48

Are toddlers too young to learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ)? As it turns out, research shows us how important it is to scaffold these concepts from a young age. Together we’ll explore how Tkiya teaches DEIJ through a Jewish lens. Join in with participatory songs, stories, t’filah, and more. We’ll discuss why it is important to support families in having conversations about these difficult topics in ways that are developmentally appropriate and centered around Jewish values. You will have the opportunity to come up with ways small and large to bring these ideas back to our communities.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Julia Rogers: JR - G48

Early Childhood Education

Subject Early Childhood Education Certificate