NewCAJE17

NewCAJE17

50th Anniversary Conference

Shabbat: 7/24 – 25, 2026

Conference: 7/26 – 29, 2026

NewCAJE17 is coming to Boston

Shabbat: July 24 & 25, 2026

Main Conference: July 26 – 29, 2026

Join us for NewCAJE's 50th Anniversary Conference, a landmark celebration uniting Jewish educators from all denominations in an inclusive community dedicated to Jewish education.

  • 180 Professional Development Sessions
  • 4 Concerts Plus Community Gatherings  and Keynote Speakers
  • Communal Meals 
  • Evening Programming & Late Night Kumitiz
  • LEEP Fellowship for Emerging Jewish Professionals 

Conference Ticket Costs

early bird $50 off until 3/25/26

Ready to purchase your ticket and register for the conference? Click PURCHASE TICKET below. 
For more information on registering and more about the conference tickets, click TICKET INFO below:

If you’re not ready to purchase a ticket, explore the pages below to learn more about the conference.

About the Conference

This three-day conference is a vibrant gathering of Jewish educators and professionals dedicated to strengthening pedagogy. Rooted in inclusivity and pluralism, NewCAJE welcomes participants from all denominations, educational settings, and professional roles, fostering a supportive network that empowers meaningful impact on their students and communities.

NewCAJE is more than professional development; it is a welcoming community that fosters collaboration and inspiration among peers who understand the trials, humor, and experiences of being a Jewish educator.

The Conference Experience

NewCAJE17 is the culmination of 50 years of teaching experience and a community that has dedicated itself to developing Jewish education and supporting one another. The programs offered at the conference are curated by this community and are divided into a series of engaging workshops and vibrant gatherings for the whole community.

Workshops

During the conference, you will have the opportunity to choose from many workshops brought to you by attendees like yourself. These workshops are platforms for educators and professionals from around the country to share their best practices. From Sunday afternoon to Wednesday morning, the conference includes 10-12 workshop time slots with over a hundred professional development sessions. You’ll be sure to find something that meets your interest. 

NewCAJE workshops cover a broad range of topics, so no matter what grade level you teach, your denomination, your area of expertise, or whether you work in a classroom or the principal’s office, there is a session here for you. For a better idea of what’s offered, click the button below to view past program guides.

Community Gatherings

The NewCAJE experience would not be complete without the communal gatherings where the conference comes together as a whole. These gatherings include but aren’t limited to:  

  • Communal meals 
  • Keynote speakers 
  • Musical performances 

Evening Programming

Evenings are filled with engaging programs designed to enrich and entertain participants. After dinner, attendees can enjoy music performances, storytelling sessions, and various presentations, while being introduced to emerging and established Jewish performers and artists whose creative work is shaping contemporary Jewish culture.

Late night Kumzits

The night concludes with a “kumzits,” a gathering where individuals come together to sing and socialize, fostering a sense of community and connection while discovering new voices and creative expressions within the Jewish world.

This Year’s Location

Regis College, Boston, MA

NewCAJE17 will be hosted at Regis College, 235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA — a small, welcoming Jesuit college just minutes from Boston. The compact campus makes it easy to move between dorm housing, dining, and classrooms throughout the week.

Boston During the 250th Celebration

Boston will be marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with citywide commemorations, special exhibits, and historic events, offering a unique opportunity to experience the place where it all happened. 


Historic tours will be organized as one of the additional Sunday morning intensives prior to the start of the main conference.


An email wil be sent out to all registered attendees to notify them of intensives once they are announced. 

50th Anniversary

Founded in 1973, CAJE was created to bring Jewish educators together for hands-on learning, open exchange, and connection across denominations. The first conference in 1976 drew 350 educators by word of mouth, sparking a national movement that continued through 34 CAJE and 16 NewCAJE conferences. Now marking its 50th year, this volunteer-driven community continues to honor its legacy while renewing its shared commitment to Jewish education.

The 50th Anniversary Celebrations will include a CAJE member reunion shabbat, retrospective workshops, and concerts. We invite past CAJE members and NewCAJE attendees alike to join us in celebration of this landmark in Jewish education.

We are committed to accessibility and will provide accommodations for attendees with reduced mobility and other disabilities. Please indicate your needs when you purchase your ticket so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience. If you have accomodation questions please contact the conference director Primo Catalano via email at Primo@newcaje.org.

Shabbat Weekend

NewCAJE’s Shabbat Weekend is an optional pre-conference gathering that invites attendees to arrive early and begin the experience in a spiritual, community-centered way. Beginning Friday afternoon, it includes prayer, learning, meals, and time to reconnect, meet new people, and enter the conference feeling grounded.

As a pluralistic community, we strive to make Shabbat welcoming to many levels of observance. In shared spaces, we follow the fullest possible halachic standards and ask participants to respect one another’s practice. Designated community areas are device-free and free of writing, instruments, and smoking; multiple minyanim are offered, and private dorm rooms allow for individual practice. Shomer Shabbat attendees may request a compatible roommate on the registration form. To preserve the communal experience, we ask that no one arrive after Shabbat begins or depart before it ends.

What is the LEEP Fellowship?

The Leadership for Emerging Education Professionals (LEEP) Program is a two-year fellowship for professionals at the beginning of their Jewish education journeys. It gives young Jewish professionals a chance to build community with their peers and strengthen the foundation of their careers.

If you have more questions about registration click Registration FAQ otherwise, when you’re ready to purchase a ticket Click Ticket Info.
If you have questions, please explore the Conference Menu, which covers many aspects of the event. You may also email the Conference Director, Primo Catalano, at primo@newcaje.org.

Ticket Info

The registration process is a little different this year. Taking feedback from attendees at previous conferences, we attempt to update our practices and systems to better serve our community.
To learn more, review the information below before registering.

Register before March 25th to receive early bird discount!

When you are ready to pay for your ticket and register click below:

Registration Process

When you are ready to register for the conference, follow these steps:

Step 1: Purchase a Conference ticket.

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This is where you will select your conference experience. You will be asked to fill out basic information for each ticket you purchase. These tickets:

    • Will determine which days you attend the conference.
    • Will cover your meals at the conference
    • Are one per attendee.

 

Once you purchase a ticket, you will receive a follow-up confirmation email that provides links allowing you to continue to the next steps.

Step 2: Conference Attendee Survey

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The confirmation email mentioned in Step 1 will provide you with a link to the attendee survey, where you can share important information that NewCAJE staff will use to improve your conference experience. This survey includes dormitory and roommate preferences, ADA accommodations, volunteer information, professional demographic information, and waivers.

Step 3 (optional): Conference Extras Website

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The confirmation email mentioned in Step 1 will provide you with another link that gives you access to the Conference Extras webpage. This page allows you to purchase overnight parking, linen packages, family add-on tickets, early arrival options, and other add-ons. Additional items such as merch, airport shuttles, and more will be added as the conference approaches.

Step 4 (optional): Workshop Proposal Submission

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The next link in the previously mentioned email from Step 1 will take you to the workshop proposal form. If you are interested, this is where you submit your proposal to present a workshop at the conference. Once submitted, a member of the Program Committee will contact you to discuss your proposal.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of  April 13th, 2026. Additional workshops may be accepted after that date as space allows. If your workshop is not accepted, you may cancel your conference registration for a full refund.

Important Note ABOUT PAYMENT

The payment platform Zeffy, which we use to process online payments, will ask for a second optional donation.
You can select the box that gives you the % and change the percentage amount by selecting the option “Other” and then choosing a new amount. It is okay to select 0%.If you selected the option to pay now with a card, you will receive an email with a link to the payment option.

Apply for a Scholarship


NewCAJE has secured funding for partial, limited, needs-based grants to help participants cover conference and travel costs.

Before you apply, ask about local sources of funding from your employer and/or federation and/or rabbi and cantor discretionary funds. More than likely, your local community wants to support your continued growth as a Jewish educator.

To apply for a scholarship, fill out the scholarship application form, which can be found by CLICKING HERE. All applicants will be contacted by NewCAJE staff by phone or email to discuss scholarship opportunities and fundraising.

You are welcome to purchase your ticket after filling out the scholarship application, or to wait until you hear back from the scholarship committee.

 

Cancellation Policy

The last day to cancel an existing registration is July 9, 2026. Cancellations received after this date will be charged in full, as NewCAJE is contractually committed to conference expenses. All cancellations made prior to this date will be refunded in full, minus a $50 non-refundable deposit. Please note that if you have reserved on-campus housing, you are financially responsible for your room reservation unless the space is successfully reassigned to another attendee.

How to Submit a Workshop

Each year, educators like you submit workshop proposals drawn from their own classroom practice, research, and professional passions. Proposals are reviewed and curated to reflect a broad range of topics, grade levels, and educational settings, ensuring a diverse and balanced program.

This collaborative process allows participants not only to learn from one another, but also to contribute their own insights, making the conference a dynamic exchange of ideas shaped by the community itself.

Never presented before? This is your moment. Submit your idea and a program committee member will work alongside you to develop it into a workshop proposal you’ll be proud to share.

 

Deadline for Workshop Submission is April 13th

Step 1: Register as an Attendee

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To present a workshop, you must first register for the conference. All workshop presenters are registered attendees, and every attendee is welcome to submit a proposal.

Step 2: Submit a Workshop Proposal

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After you complete your conference registration, you will receive a workshop submission form. This form will allow you to propose one or more workshop sessions for consideration.

Step 3: Discussion with a Workshop Committee Member

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After your proposal has been submitted, it will be reviewed by our programming committee, who will reach out to discuss how your proposal fits into the conference.

It is uncommon, but if your workshop proposal is not accepted, you will be notified with enough time to cancel your conference registration for a full refund by July 9th, 2026.

When you are ready to pay for your ticket and register for the conference click below:

Registration FAQ

The registration process is a little different this year. Taking feedback from attendees at previous conferences, we attempt to update our practices and systems to better serve our community.

For a step by step guide of the registration process and ticket specific information click here or select Ticket Info in the conference menu. 

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If you have other questions, please reach out to the conference direct via email at primo@newcaje.org

What if someone else is paying for my conference ticket?

We recommend that the organization or individual either reimburse you after purchase or send you the money prior to your registration.

If someone else is purchasing the full ticket for you, they can do so using the Zeffy link. Anyone can purchase a ticket for another person. They will need to indicate the ticket holder’s name in the related questions.

If someone else is purchasing a portion of your ticket and they can’t send you the money or reimburse you, please email the conference director, Primo Catalano, at primo@newcaje.org, who will help coordinate the two transactions.

How do I (or someone else) pay by Check?

To pay by check use the discount code CheckPayment2026 to skip the payment step during registration. It will show a 100% discount, but you will still be responsible for the cost of the ticket.

 

You or whomever is paying for you can mail your check to Primo Catalano P.O. Box 169, 710 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016 or email the Conference Director if you plan to bring a check to the conference.

 

Payment must be received before the conference unless other arrangements are approved.

Can I register for the conference without paying upfront, either partially or in full?

Yes, but in order to set up special payment arrangements, you will need to contact Conference Director Primo Catalano via email at primo@newcaje.org prior to registering for the conference.

Conference registration will run until July 9th, 2026, if you need more time to determine how you will pay.

How do I apply for a scholarship to the conference?

NewCAJE has secured funding for partial, limited, needs-based grants to help participants cover conference and travel costs.

Before you apply, ask about local sources of funding from your employer and/or federation and/or rabbi and cantor discretionary funds. More than likely, your local community wants to support your continued growth as a Jewish educator.

To apply for a scholarship, fill out the scholarship application form, which can be found by CLICKING HERE. All applicants will be contacted by NewCAJE staff by phone or email to discuss scholarship opportunities and fundraising.

You are welcome to purchase your ticket after filling out the scholarship application, or to wait until you hear back from the scholarship committee.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

The last day to cancel an existing registration is July 9th, 2026. Cancellations received after this date will be charged in full, as NewCAJE is contractually committed to conference expenses. All cancellations made prior to this date will be refunded in full, minus a $50 non-refundable deposit. Please note that if you have reserved on-campus housing, you are financially responsible for your room reservation unless the space is successfully reassigned to another attendee.

Are there one- or two-day passes?

At this time, we are not offering one- or two-day passes for NewCAJE17. If space is available, we may make some available closer to the start of the conference. 

Does teaching a workshop provide a discount?

Teaching a workshop does not come with a registration discount. NewCAJE is designed as a shared learning community, and all attendees are offered the opportunity to submit and facilitate workshops as part of that collective exchange of ideas.

How do I apply to perform at evening programs?

When filling out the registration form while purchasing a ticket, there is an opportunity to request more information about performing at the conference. After submitting your registration, a NewCAJE staff member will contact you to discuss your proposal. You will be asked to describe the type of entertainment you are proposing, and if this is your first time performing at NewCAJE, you will need to provide a link to an example of your work.

This variation comes down to lodging options.

The single and double dorm room options will be on Regis campus, walking distance from the rest of the conference. The no lodging option (Regular and Shabbat) are ideal for attendees who plan to commute or stay in a hotel.

For their respective dates, all tickets include:
● The main conference ● Evening programming ● Meals

Lodging & Dining Info

Attendees are encouraged to stay on campus at Regis College in the dormitories for convenient access to sessions and activities or choose from nearby partner hotels.

  • On-campus residence halls with single and double occupancy rooms
  • Dorm rooms include individual AC units
  • Short walk to classrooms, community gathering spaces, and dining halls
  • Shared restrooms per floor in most halls; private or semi-private restrooms available and prioritized for ADA accommodations

 

Lodging costs are a portion of the conference ticket price unless you plan to purchase one of the hotel/commuter tickets. Said portions are isolated from the rest of the ticket price below for your consideration.

Single Dorm Room

Double Dorm Room

No Lodging

Lodging Costs

  • Linens cost $35.00 per person and include a pillow, blankets, sheets, a mattress cover, and towels of different sizes. They can be purchased on the Conference Extras webpage, which is linked in the ticket confirmation email.

Dining at NewCAJE

At NewCAJE, the time we spend together at meals is an essential part of our community experience. Sitting together, continuing conversations, and meeting new colleagues fosters connection in ways that formal sessions cannot. Around the table, relationships are strengthened, ideas are exchanged, and the spirit of our educator community truly comes to life.

Meals are built directly into the conference schedule to ensure smooth transitions between workshop blocks and evening programming. While exact times may adjust slightly to align with overall scheduling needs and dining operations, the anticipated daily meal schedule is:

  • Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM*
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM*
  • Dinner: 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM*

*Final times will be confirmed and communicated prior to the conference.

All food is prepared under the supervision of the Kashrus Vaad Harabonim, and mashgichim will be onsite to ensure that proper standards are maintained. While we understand that not all attendees personally keep kosher, all conference dining is strictly kosher in order to uphold our mission of fostering a pluralistic and inclusive environment.

Conference tickets include breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all days your registration covers.

Dietary information will be collected at registration.

Lodging & Dining FAQ

What about campus accessibility?

I have food allergies. Can I eat in the dining hall?

Yes. The registration form includes a section for allergies and dietary restrictions. Please fill it out so we can accommodate your needs.

Do I have to stay on campus?

  • No, you do not need to stay on campus, but most NewCAJE attendees will be in the Regis dorm rooms. These are the most affordable option and offer the best accessibility to the rest of the conference.

  • Local Boston residents can either stay on campus or commute from home. Those coming from out of town and staying with friends may also commute.

  • Workshops begin early each morning and evening programming runs late into the night, so we strongly recommend staying in the on-site dorms to make the most of your conference experience.

Are the dorm rooms air conditioned?

Yes. Depending on the type of dorm room you select, you will either have a personal window unit or central AC.

Is there parking at the venue?

  • Yes, there is plenty of parking on the Regis campus, and there should not be many others using the campus while we are there. Overnight parking will cost $5 per evening and can be purchased on the Conference Extras page. A link to this page will be sent to you after you purchase a ticket.
  • CLICK HERE for Campus parking map.

Where are the nearest hotels to the venue?

Here are four of the closest hotels to Regis College (Weston, MA) with approximate distances and booking links:

1. Boston Marriott Newton – ~3.5 miles from Regis College. A full-service Marriott with indoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center.

3. Hampton Inn and Suites Boston/Waltham – ~3.7 miles from Regis College. Mid-range chain hotel with complimentary breakfast and modern rooms.

2. Crescent Suites Hotel – ~3.5 miles from Regis College. A highly rated hotel-style suite property with comfortable rooms and easy access to local spots.

4. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Boston Waltham – ~3.6 miles from Regis College. Comfortable, budget-friendly option with free breakfast and pool.

Can a family member who is not attending the conference stay with me in the dorms and join us for dining?

Yes, you will need to purchase an additional double-occupancy lodging ticket from the Conference Extras webpage and indicate that they will be your roommate in the roommate questions on that page at the time of purchase. Be sure to purchase an additional Dorm Room Linen Package unless you are planning to bring your own.

There is also a family member add-on dining ticket available on the Conference Extras webpage. You will receive a link to this webpage in the confirmation email sent to you after you purchase the conference ticket.

Family members are welcome to join evening programming and all community activities that occur during meals.

Conference Info

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the conference. For information about lodging, dining, registration, or tickets, see the other pages listed to the left in the conference menu.

How do I reach someone with questions?

Contact Primo Catalano, conference director with any questions via email at primo@newcaje.org

Additionally, If you are looking for information regarding registration, lodging, dining, and/or workshops, see the pages linked below.

How does NewCAJE handle kashrut, minyanim, and Shabbat observance during the conference?

All food is prepared under the supervision of the Kashrus Vaad Harabonim, and mashgichim will be onsite to ensure that proper standards are maintained. While we understand that not all attendees personally keep kosher, all conference dining is strictly kosher in order to uphold our mission of fostering a pluralistic and inclusive environment.

Morning and evening minyanim will be offered during the conference, along with a Women’s Torah reading on Monday. If you are interested in serving as a service leader, please indicate so under volunteer preferences in the attendee survey you receive after purchasing a ticket.

Shabbat will be observed as shomer Shabbat in all public areas of the conference, creating a shared communal environment of rest, prayer, and connection.

When can I see the program book and schedule?

  • At NewCAJE, we learn from each other and from experts in the field. The program committee is busy accepting workshops and putting together an excellent conference for you.
  • The final program for the conference will be posted on the online app SCHED. We will continue to update you via email on sessions and presenters as they are confirmed.
  • If you want to get a good idea of what the programs are like, look at past conference books in the “Past Conferences” tab on our website.

How can I find out about advertising, sponsoring an event, or exhibiting at NewCAJE 2026?

  • If you are interested in sponsoring an event, advertising, or exhibiting at NewCAJE17 and also plan to attend as an attendee, please complete the registration form and fill out the section requesting information about placing an ad or becoming a sponsor, vendor, or exhibitor. A NewCAJE staff member will reach out to discuss your options.
  • If you are looking to sponsor an event, advertise, or exhibit at NewCAJE17 without participating as an attendee, contact NewCAJE at info@newcaje.org.

Are there one- or two-day passes?

At this time, we are not offering one- or two-day passes for NewCAJE17. If space is available, we may make some available closer to the start of the conference.

Does teaching a workshop provide a discount?

Teaching a workshop does not come with a registration discount. NewCAJE is designed as a shared learning community, and all attendees are offered the opportunity to submit and facilitate workshops as part of that collective exchange of ideas.

What is the LEEP Fellowship?

The Leadership for Emerging Education Professionals (LEEP) Program is a two-year fellowship for professionals at the beginning of their Jewish education journeys. It gives young Jewish professionals a chance to build community with their peers and strengthen the foundation of their careers.

For more information about the LEEP Fellowship, CLICK HERE.

Exhibit at NewCAJE

Whether you’re a vendor or school representative, NewCAJE17 offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your products and services to a passionate community of Jewish educators and leaders. With strong foot traffic, dedicated exhibitor time, and built-in networking, it’s an ideal space to build visibility and meaningful connections.

We are currently finalizing exhibitor details and will announce when we are ready to accept proposals.
Thank you.

Exhibitor Schedule at the Conference

Those interested in exhibiting full-time must stay set up for all three days of the conference, Sunday the 26th through Wednesday the 29th. If you want to vend for less time, sign up for an evening exhibitor space.

Exhibitors can start setting up on Sunday, July 26th. Exhibitors must be packed up after lunch on Wednesday the 29th. If you are accepted as an exhibitor, we will send mailing instructions if you require them.

Full-Time Exhibitors

Full-time exhibitors will have permanent tables located in the same space as the dining hall and evening programming, providing attendees with ample opportunities to interact with them before and after sessions. Full-time exhibitors are welcome to promote and make sales during the day and the evening.

Exhibitor space will be secured during off hours. In addition, there will be dedicated exhibitor time on Sunday as attendees arrive at the conference.

Full-time exhibitors will have access to the space from Sunday morning to the afternoon of Wednesday (7/26–7/29). Those interested in exhibiting for only one day are encouraged to submit an application for evening vending.

At the conference, full-time exhibitors will receive:

Evening Exhibitor Information

Evening exhibitors will have the opportunity to set up at a temporary table space during evening performances. Evening performances will run for 2 to 3 hours per evening.

Those interested in vending during the day must stay set up for all three days of the conference. If you want to vend for less time, sign up for evening vending.

At the conference, evening exhibitors will receive:

* Exhibitor rates do not include lodging. 

To exhibit at NewCAJE17, you are required to submit a proposal, linked below, about who you are representing and what you wish to display. After submission, you will be contacted by a NewCAJE staff member to discuss your proposal.

Exhibitor Information

Submitting a Workshop as an Exhibitor

If you are interested in submitting a workshop as an exhibitor, it is critical that purchasing your product is not a requirement for those who choose to attend. It is acceptable if your product enhances the learning experience, but workshop time should not be used to sell products. Instead, direct interested attendees to visit your exhibitor booth outside of class.

Upon submitting this application, you will receive an email with an access link to the workshop application form. If you are accepted as an exhibitor, you will need to show proof of insurance before the conference starts. 

Attending Workshops as a Exhibitor

Exhibitors are encouraged to join workshop sessions. While we ask that you do not interrupt the class to make sales pitches, you are welcome to participate in discussions and encourage attendees or instructors to visit your booth after class.

Sponsorship & Advertising Info

Sponsorship Opportunities

NewCAJE17 offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities at various investment levels, providing valuable exposure for your brand, company, or school to our engaged attendees. The items listed below are provided free to all attendees and will be an important part of their conference experience.

Attendee Conference bag: $2,500 / $5,000

CONFERENCE T-SHIRT: $312.50 - $2,500.00 ​

ITEM(S) IN THE CONFERENCE BAG: $200

SPONSOR AN EVENING PROGRAM: $2,000​

SPONSOR A LATE-NIGHT KUMZITZ: $300​

AD PLACEMENT IN PROGRAM GUIDE: $225 - $1200​

We welcome your ideas for partnership! Have an idea for how you’d like your organization showcased at NewCAJE? Let’s make it happen. 

How to submit a proposal

If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity or ad placement at NewCAJE 17, we ask that you submit a proposal, linked below, about who you and/or your organization are and what you wish to display. After submission, you will be contacted by a NewCAJE staff member to discuss your proposal.

 

The 50th Anniversary of CAJE and NewCAJE

To celebrate this history, NewCAJE17 is inviting CAJE members to a reunion Shabbat that precedes the conference, as well as dedicated evening programming Saturday and Sunday. This is a unique opportunity to celebrate with CAJE friends and the innovative educators in the field today.

50th Anniversary Programing

If you are interested in joining us for this celebration and the main conference, purchase the Shabbat + Main Conference ticket. If you’re interested in just the reunion Shabbat and celebration, purchase the 50th Anniversary celebration ticket which will include the programming from Friday to Sunday.

We are committed to accessibility and will provide accommodations for attendees with reduced mobility and other disabilities. Please indicate your needs when you purchase your ticket so we can ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience. If you have questions regarding accommodations, please contact the conference director via email at primo@newcaje.org. Tickets are available for those who are interested in joining just for this special programming.

When you are ready to pay for your ticket and register for the conference click button below:

Our History

In 1973, Network, the American version of the World Union of Jewish Students, voted to have a national conference for Jewish educators. Earlier conferences that they had held focused on controversial topics of the day, such as Jewish feminism.

In the autumn of 1975, a planning committee met in Cambridge, Mass. Most of them were graduate students at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Three principles were articulated. First, the conference should be structured around meeting the needs of the teacher, an idea that was perceived as an opportunity for hands-on learning, the sharing of information and materials, and the breaking down of isolation. Second, the term Jewish “teacher” was broadened to include everyone working in both formal and informal settings whose principal concern was the transmission of Jewish custom, culture, and belief. Third, the conference needed to provide a space where Jewish teachers could share freely with one another, regardless of denomination or ideology.

The first conference was held August 29 to September 2, 1976. Word spread by mouth, and 350 people found their way to Providence. The 350 people who attended further confirmed the belief that the Jewish community needed to focus more attention and resources on Jewish teachers. By the end of the conference, everyone asked, “When would the next conference be?” The organizers had seen it as a one-off, but there was so much enthusiasm and people were invigorated. A continuation committee was formed to make it happen. The Bureau of Jewish Education in Rochester and the Norry Family gave a grant of $10,000 if the conference was held there, so it was.

There were 700 people in Rochester in 1977 and hundreds of volunteers. The Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education grew out of the need for such a venue. Without computers or money for telephone calls or stamps, people came from all 50 states and Canada. This happened for one reason: “It was time.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of CAJE and NewCAJE. In all those years, there was never one year without a conference. By the fourth conference, 2,500 of us came together to mount a major effort to improve Jewish education and to break the silos of isolation that did not allow innovation to spread. Despite the financial woes that caused CAJE to go bankrupt in 2008, NewCAJE grew up, thanks to the fact that the volunteer nature of the conferences meant many people knew how to run it. Thirty-four CAJE conferences and 16 NewCAJE conferences have brought us to this summer.

We call upon those for whom CAJE was very important in their lives, and those who volunteered their time and talent to make it happen, to come together at this conference. We feel that it would be great fun to reunite with the friends we made through our time at CAJE. We also feel that it would be good to meet and dialogue with the next generation of Jewish educators, to share our wisdom with them, and to learn from them. We believe this is an opportunity to honor those educators who spent their lives in the field and never received the recognition they deserved.

Come to Boston, July 24 to 29, for a meaningful reunion and reflection. Bring with you the materials you want to pass on to others. Bring the hopes you have for the future of the Jewish people. And most of all, bring yourselves.

Come to Boston

Come to Boston, July 24 to 29, for a meaningful reunion and reflection. Bring with you the materials you want to pass on to others. Bring the hopes you have for the future of the Jewish people. And most of all, bring yourselves.

Come to Boston. There will be financial help for those who need it and an opportunity to help others if you are blessed with resources. We promise you a wonderful time and a conference that you will recognize and feel at home in.

Come to Boston. As always, we welcome volunteers who want to help us plan the program for the CAJE group and how it will intersect with the NewCAJE group.

The Leep Fellowship

The Leep Fellowship

The Leadership for Emerging Education Professionals (LEEP) Program is a two-year fellowship for professionals at the beginning of their Jewish education journeys. Through intentional gathering before, during, and after the annual NewCAJE conference, LEEP Fellows create a strong community of practice that will last a lifetime.

The Experience

LEEP is a two-year fellowship for emerging professionals to create a strong peer community and enhance their own education. Eligible applicants are educators who have attended fewer than two previous NewCAJE conferences and are in the first five years of their career in Jewish education. Graduate students and recent grads are eligible to apply, too!

Applications will be reviewed and acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

The LEEP Fellowship supports early-career Jewish educators by providing reduced conference registration and professional growth opportunities over two years. Fellows commit to full participation in the NewCAJE community, including conference attendance, ongoing gatherings, and teaching in their second year.

Requirements:

  • Open to educators in their first five years with fewer than two prior NewCAJE conferences attended
  • Graduate students and recent graduates are eligible
  • Must attend NewCAJE17 and return for NewCAJE18
  • Expected to secure funding with employer/community support
  • Register and pay upon acceptance
  • Participate in all LEEP sessions (Shabbat + conference days)
  • Attend monthly gatherings (webinars, check-ins, social events)
  • Teach a workshop in year two
  • Applications reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis

Application Process

Click the button above to fill out the LEEP application. After filling out the application, you will have a phone interview with a member of our LEEP leadership team. Once you are accepted into the LEEP fellowship, you can register using the regular conference registration form.

Applications will be reviewed and acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis.

FAQs

What form do I use to apply to be a LEEP Fellow? Will I be charged when I apply?

You will not be charged until you’re accepted to the program and register for the conference. Once you are accepted into the program, you will be prompted to register using the regular conference registration form.  The LEEP discount will be embedded in registration, and you will submit payment then.

Yes! Email Cherie Koller-Fox, or give us a call at 857-288-8765.

While we do think giving LEEP Fellows a significant discount is important, we also believe there’s real value in educators teaching their communities to provide professional development funds. Making NewCAJE a budgetary priority is a matter of personal and professional advocacy: not just for you as an individual, but for the field as a whole. When you come to NewCAJE, you gain knowledge and skills that are an investment in your community. In return, they should invest in you and the future of their community’s education. You may apply for additional funds to put toward conference or travel expenses but we have limited money and it must extend to regular participants as well. We recommend the following as a guide for raising money:

  • Ask your synagogue board to include professional development in its yearly budget
  • If it is not included, ask for a stipend to attend the conference for this year
  • Ask the Rabbi(s) you work for to provide additional funding from their discretionary funds
  • Ask the Rabbi(s) from your home congregation to provide additional funding from their discretionary funds
  • Ask your local Federation and/or Bureau for funding
  • Face to face meetings with your peers and experts in your field enrich your professional life and goals.
  • The connections you will make here will serve you for many years to come.
  • You can use your NewCAJE connections to get jobs, troubleshoot problems in your school, start organizations, and bring experts to your communities.
  • NewCAJE is where you can meet both the folks who write the books you use in your classrooms and the ones who are doing the most innovative work in the field today.
  • You will be engaged and entertained by the best Jewish musicians, storytellers, dancers, artists, comedians – and so many more!
  • Become inspired to go back to your setting ready to make a difference in the lives of your students and their families.

NewCAJE is well-worth your time and is a great investment in your future!

If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out that section on your registration and indicate what you’d like to do. If you’re looking to be part of conference planning, write to info@newcaje.org. Another important job is recruitment — we’re looking for the best people in Jewish education, so if you know anyone, please put us in contact with them or send them to our website. Lastly, if you have a dream for the conference and there’s time to implement it this year, talk to us and we’ll try to help you make it happen.

We're Here to Help

At NewCAJE, your feedback and inquiries are important to us. Whether you have questions, need support, or want to learn more about our programs and initiatives, our team is here to help.