This summer, I was very privileged to be a member of the committee that brought together, with great optimism and excitement, some 350 Jewish educators from all over the U.S., Canada, England and Israel, for the founding conference of NewCAJE (New Coalition for Alternatives in Jewish Education).

NewCAJE President Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox, said, “There has never before been a Jewish organization that died and came back to life.”  This fresh start offered opportunities to “re-imagine Jewish education for the twenty-first century.”

The new organization had come into existence for three reasons; first, the technology of the Internet and email had allowed those who had participated in former conferences to stay in touch, to mourn the loss of the old organization, and to plan steps forward. Secondly, a culture of voluntarism which had pervaded CAJE made it possible for its veterans to step in and plan another conference. Thirdly, it brings together people from all denominations and points of view and gives us the opportunity to share and enhance what we do as Jewish educators.

The conference included workshops given by 133 presenters on a broad spectrum of challenging topics and innovative ideas.There were also opportunities built into the program for  young educators to meet, network, and discuss their visions of the future.

 On Monday evening, 3 “vatikim” (veteran educators) were honored .The stories of their careers in Jewish education were individually presented, emphasizing how their passion, caring and dedication, served as inspiration for the future.

I was totally speechless (well, not really, but almost!!) and amazed to have been chosen as one of the 3 veteran educators who were honored. A young, talented professional interviewed each of us and presented the story of our career at the evening program.  The young woman who was me, Leah Wolff -Pellingra, an extremely talented educator and Cantorial soloist, made me look really good! It was an unbelievably humbling, moving, emotional and very energizing experience. When I work with you, our children and our community, my vision and love for the Jewish people and our future, is inspired anew.

The evening programs featured entertainment by outstanding Jewish musicians, singer-songwriters, storytellers, and stand-up comics.  Storytelling, Israeli dancing, and kumsitz singing continued far into the night.

 

The Tuesday evening program was highlighted by a panel on “Israel Education in the Twenty-first Century: Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Landscape.” Our Virtual Mifgash with the Nili School in Zichron Yaakov and partnership with Oranim College was recognized. They loved the pictures of our Israel Garden!

 

By my attendance and participation in NEWCAJE, I am able to see the best and newest strategies, techniques and practices and to bring this home to share with our students. It allows us to maintain quality and to always be open to meeting the needs of all our students with the best that is available.

As we prepare for the 5771 school year, we have made some exciting changes. Our Confirmation program will offer topical and essential course selections for our teens, as well as service learning opportunities. Two talented professionals, Shira Gold and Huguette Rosenthal have been engaged to teach our new Confirmation curriculum. In addition, we owe a huge thank you to The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Princeton, Mercer Bucks and their Executive Director Linda Meisel. They met with our students and staff and helped us design a meaningful course of study. JFCS will be teaching and leading our students in their Tikkun Olam (Social Action) learning.

We will also be working with The Kingsbury Learning Center to create a Big Brother/ Sister Outreach at their Trenton site.

 For the first time in many years, we have a weekly Kindergarten class. We are so fortunate to have Jennifer Vistoso leading this class, as they begin their journey of Jewish Discovery.

Amy Deutsch will lend her considerable talents to leading Gan Chaganu in another year of preschool learning and growing.

We are also welcoming two of our former students back home, this time as staff members.  Both of these talented professionals became B’nai Mitzvah and were Confirmed right here!! Bill Agress takes over the responsibility of our 4^th grade and Joseph Kessel will guide our 6^th grade.  They are true examples of our belief that well- learned Jewish lessons and experiences grow into Jewish living!

So, NO EXCUSES, we need every adult to PLEASE join us

(Check the Flyer for details) on

September 12 at 9:15 AM,

As we begin another year and kick off our

Jewish Story Corps!!

Set the example of living jewishly, and join us-

 

ALL OUR KIDS ARE YOUR KIDS-

WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE ONE FOR THE OTHER!

Shannah Tovah U’metukah

Joan