JEA holds 64th annual conference in New Jersey

The Jewish Educators Assembly (JEA), the professional organization of educators in the Conservative movement, just completed its 64th  annual conference at the Westin Mt. Laurel in New Jersey.  Lawrence Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island, was among those in attendance. He is a past president of the organization. The four-day gathering brought together congregational school principals, heads of Solomon Schechter Day Schools, early childhood directors, bureau and agency personnel, and family and informal educators from all across North America and Israel.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Back to the Future – Integrating Basic Skills with the New Models of Jewish Education.” Dr. Bill Robinson, dean of the Davidson School of Education at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and Dr. Saul Wachs, professor of Liturgy and Education at Gratz College, were among the featured speakers. Field practitioners Nancy Parkes, Danny Kochavi and Susan Werk all shared how they had introduced new structures yet incorporated basic skills into their own schools and synagogues. Additional sessions were led by Rich Walter (formerly of Pawtucket), Eli Sperling, and Steve Kerbel of the Center for Israel Education in Atlanta and by a variety of speakers sharing the newest and latest programs and approaches in Jewish education.

Conference participants had a chance to get out into Philadelphia and visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Constitution Center and the Liberty Museum. A series of “Table-top Discussions” allowed participants to share ideas and information on topics such as teacher supervision, report cards, and evaluations and standards for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Another round of workshops showcased new ideas and materials from organizations, including Chai Mitzvah, the Kallah Project, Shinui, Musical IQ, Visrael, Shalom Learning, Jerusalem U and Behrman House’s Online Learning Center. Participants also had the opportunity to view new texts, materials, and resources as they browsed our vendors and exhibitors.

The Early Childhood Track allowed EC Directors to delve more deeply into issues of building community through the early childhood center with a Yom Iyun (study day) for all area EC Directors which was an integral part of the program.

Torah Lishma study was led by Dr. Saul Wachs of Gratz College. Participants shared ideas and information over meals and get-togethers.

The conference provides an opportunity for professional growth, exploration of new trends and ideas, and acquisition of concrete programs and materials to bring home to each school and synagogue.