First Timers, Ducks, and the Most Welcoming Space Imaginable

Betsy: “There is an ECE-RJ/ARJE Conference in Memphis, and are we going?”  

Mary: “Oh, okay. What about the schools?”  

Betsy: “Don’t worry. We will figure that out later. We are going!!!” 

Learning about this year’s ECE-RJ/ARJE Yom Chadash Gathering came at a perfect time. The conference gave us an opportunity, for the first time since starting as directors, to embrace our roles and collaborate with other educators. Memphis was the perfect location to dive into the theme of B’tzelem Elohim, which explored racial justice, intersectionality, and reimagining what it means to belong in Jewish spaces. As first-time attendees, we were excited to join colleagues from around the globe to engage in conversations about best practices, struggles, hopes, and dreams. We had no idea what to expect, but it would be an unforgettable experience. 

It began when we arrived at the renowned Peabody Hotel late in the evening. The concierge welcomed us warmly and even opened the double doors for us as we entered our gorgeous room. The hotel's duck theme was delightful and charming, featuring duck soaps, duck artwork, duck bathmats, duck chocolates, and even duck pillowcases! We were thrilled and eagerly looked forward to the learning and adventures that awaited us. 

When we entered the conference space on the pre-day of learning with ECE-RJ, we were asked to consider what it would feel like for a space to be non-inviting. It was hard for both of us to come up with answers since the space was incredibly inviting.  We felt welcome everywhere we went. One item offered was bracelets with the following blessing: May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make. We have not taken our bracelets off. In fact, we ordered the bracelets for our teachers as well. This small yet impactful item made us feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. 

It's important to note that Mary is not Jewish and had no idea what to expect when she attended the event as part of a team. She was excited and felt welcomed by the group immediately. She felt a strong connection to the beautiful music and the overall positive atmosphere of the event. 

The informal conversations with other people in our field were impactful. Not only were we able to speak freely, everyone was welcoming and friendly. Our time at the conference was informative, uplifting, inspiring and validating.  "The experience was both inspiring and exhausting, but we would do it all over again without hesitation. We left feeling like we had entered a whole new world that we never knew existed, and we didn't realize how much we needed it until we were there. We would be remiss if we did not express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in organizing this conference. We want to give a very special thank you to Tricia Ginnis for her encouragement and enthusiasm in helping us make our dream of attending our first conference a reality. 

Betsy Kachel, Director of Education, The Preschool at Temple Emanuel & The Lillian S. Kessel Religious School  

Mary Russo, Assistant Director of the Preschool at Temple Emanuel