2026 Conference Recap:
A Transformative Gathering in Philadelphia

B’Simcha: Do it with Joy!

Our ECE-RJ conference in Philadelphia was a profound journey of learning, connection, and renewal. From the opening notes of Shira Kline’s music, songs and prayers to the final reflections before we dispersed to our corners of the country, this gathering embodied the core values that guide our work: Kehillah (community), Masa (journey), D’rash (spirit of inquiry), Hitorerut (awakening), Kedusha (holiness), and Hoda’ah (gratitude).

Conference Format & Structure

The conference began with a transformative Pre-Conference Day of Learning, where participants explored agency in early childhood education through materials and loose parts, guided by Miriam Beloglovsky’s challenge to “let the materials guide YOU.” This set the tone for a conference experience designed around deep, sustained learning through three intensive tracks that met throughout the week.

“When I first walked into the room for the pre-conference day of learning as a first-time attendee I was nervous not know what to expect. I was quickly greeted by the people at the table with warm smiles as felt at ease. During the rest of the conference I felt whole. I have never been surrounded by so many people that just got it. A place where I don’t have to explain what I do and the dynamics of the role in Jewish Education. I found great value from the learning, singing and in-between times  just checking in with each other. I can not wait for my second conference!” – Sara Baum, Director of Early Childhood Education, Congregation Beth Or, Maple Glen, PA

The Three Intensives

Refreshing the Professional with Jillian Best Adler, Early Childhood Consultant, invited participants to set down their many professional responsibilities and reconnect with an essential but often overlooked role: nurturing ourselves and the adults around us. Using developmental theory, participants explored the roots of trust and security, examined their own biases, and investigated how our nervous systems impact our professional practice.

“This session couldn’t have come at a more perfect time… Tonight felt like it was for ME. It was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of my work and how hard it can be! I left the session breathing a little easier and excited to take the time to reflect on how to keep my staff and me feeling energized to do this very important work.” – Rebecca Roseman, Westchester Reform Temple, Scarsdale, NY

Trust the Children with Noah Hichenberg, Preschool Director, Author & Adjunct Professor at Adas Israel Congregation & American Jewish University, challenged participants to examine how contemporary American practices have been built to control preschool children, and how this diminishes their capacity to participate in and contribute to their world. Through ethnographic research and concrete classroom strategies, participants explored how to reorient relationships with children away from control and towards trust.

“When society respects children’s voices and abilities, we help them develop confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility. Guidance and structure should empower children, not silence, limit, or diminish them.” – Randi Cohen and Maricela Garcia, Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, TX

Joyful Leadership through Partnership: A Deep Look at Shared Leadership with Mindy Gold, Founder & Principal Consultant of Gold Learning Solutions, explored leadership models that strengthen our ability to lead with others. Through collaborative inquiry and reflection, participants connected their existing leadership capacities to shared leadership development and discovered how this approach can transform their work and revitalize their sense of purpose.

“Dr. Mindy Gold’s Intensive, Joyful Leadership Through Partnership: A Deep Look at Shared Leadership, was an incredibly impactful session. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultivating a shared vision, a shared understanding, and a shared sense of responsibility within an early childhood setting. When leadership is approached through partnership, it creates the conditions for collaboration, trust, and alignment… ultimately setting both educators and children up for success. I truly enjoyed learning with her.” – Mykenzie Busser, MAEd, Leslie Family Preschool, Assistant Director

Opening Program: B’Simcha = Kehillah (Joy = Community)

JOY brought us together, and JOY is what we built from the very first moments. Conference Co-Chairs Meagan Friedman and Heidi Baker welcomed participants into the space, followed by spiritual leader Shira Kline, who set the tone with her inspiring presence. Rabbi Liz Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, and Michael Balaban, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, offered words of inspiration that grounded us in the power of community.

“As a newbie, I felt very inspired throughout the entire day, especially when led through song by Shira. The sentiment of moving through the conference with joy is an intention that I would like to carry on through my day to day life.” – Katelyn Clark, Congregation Albert, Albuquerque, NM

Daily Spiritual Grounding: Kabbalat HaYom

Thursday – B’Simcha = Masa (Joy = Journey): Each morning began with Kabbalat HaYom led by Shira Kline, setting intentions for the day before continuing the journey of learning. Participants gathered in a sacred circle in the heart of the garden around the Tree of Life, practicing blessings, embracing the power of “I AM,” and selecting personal mantras to carry with them.

“As we walk into the room for our morning vow—coffee in one hand, song sheet in the other—we’re welcomed by a melody, a smile, and open hearts… Shira’s gift for metaphor helps us slip into the blessings like a warm onesie.” – Elinor Rifkin, Temple Emanuel, Denver, CO

Friday – B’Simcha = Hitorerut (Joy = Awakening): The second morning invited participants to ground, root, and dream their way into the day. We were joined by Cantor Faryn Rudnick representing the American Conference of Cantors and the teachers of Main Line Reform Temple., Rabbi Stacy Rigler who  led reflections on moments of awe, darkness and light ,by asking: “Which prayer do we choose—a prayer of request, or a prayer of gratitude?” Shira invited everyone to choose a mantra, a single word meant to fulfill and carry us forward.

Thursday Reflection Program: B’Simcha = D’rash (Joy = Spirit of Inquiry)

In smaller groups, educators connected, created, and processed what we learned and where they were headed. This reflection session tied museum experiences to the work in our schools.  Participants chose art activities that allowed for personal expression and creativity while unpacking the day’s learning together.  A reminder that as Jewish educators, we rely on both sides of our brains to excel in our profession.

Museum Visit & Learning in Context

Participants visited the Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History.  They explored connections between Jewish leadership throughout American history and their own work in early childhood education. The intensive groups used this experience to deepen their learning, identifying examples of joyful shared leadership, reflecting on intergenerational dynamics, and examining how communities celebrate collective success while uplifting those less fortunate.

Breakout Sessions

Friday featured rich breakout sessions, including “Sacred Spaces in the Jewish Early Childhood Classroom: Intentional Design for Connection, Community and Growth” with Jessica Robins and Lori Kowit. Participants explored how to create classroom environments that embody Jewish values like B’tzelem Elohim, Hachnasat Orchim, Kavod, Kedushah, Kehillah, and Simcha—transforming spaces from “pretty” to truly sacred.

Shabbat Programming

Friday evening brought the community to Main Line Reform Temple, where Director Mihaela Schwartz and her educators opened their hearts, minds, and classrooms to the ECE-RJ attendees. We celebrated Shabbat with the MLRT community with services led by Rabbis Mollo and Kleinman and Cantor Rudnick followed by Shabbat dinner filled with conversation and community connection, carrying the warmth of the experience.

Shabbat Morning: B’Simcha = Kedusha (Joy = Holiness)

Joy is a form of holiness, and this sacred gathering renewed hearts and strengthened our holy work. Saturday morning’s Kabbalat Shabbat featured Torah chanting by Fern Katz and reflections on Parashat Bo’s invitation to “come in”—to courage, connection, and purpose. Carla Friend’s beautiful voice reminded participants of the strength of friendship, while Shawn Fogel’s music challenged everyone to “stand my ground” and choose whether to react to the story around us or write our own.

“Over these days together, we were invited to come in—to learning, to each other, and to moments of deep meaning… As we leave this gathering and return to our classrooms and communities, may we go changed—more connected, more courageous, and more confident in the stories we are brave enough to write.” – Cathy Goldberg, Congregation Beth Israel, San Diego, CA

Closing Program: B’Simcha = Hoda’ah (Joy = Gratitude)

The joy we shared deepened our gratitude, and our gratitude multiplied our joy as we prepared to return to our sacred work with children. Though smaller in number to ensure safe travel home, the closing program was filled with love, joy, and connection. Participants reflected on the conference’s guiding themes and sat with the questions that emerged to carry home. ECE-RJ leadership invited everyone to continue the journey at the February 18 Engage & Energize Bash. Conference Co-Chair Heidi Baker offered closing reflections, and participants departed carrying not only new ideas and inspiration but a renewed sense of connection to one another, their work, and the sacred journey they share.

“When I first walked into the room for the pre-conference day of learning as a first-time attendee, I was nervous, not knowing what to expect. The people quickly greeted me at the registration table with warm smiles, and I felt at ease. During the rest of the conference, I felt whole. I have never been surrounded by so many people who just got it. A place where I don’t have to explain what I do and the dynamics of the role in Jewish Education. I found great value in the learning, singing, and in-between times, just checking in with each other. I can not wait for my second conference!” – Sara Baum, Congregation Beth Or, Maple Glen, PA

We look forward to seeing you next year in Seattle, January 20-23, 2027!