Each summer, the ECE-RJ board has an opportunity to gather in person to set a vision and plan for the upcoming year. In July, we gathered in Denver, CO for a few days of planning and playing together. We welcomed three new exceptional members to our board. Jen Schiffer as our new VP of Organizational Growth, Dana Robinson is the VP of Financial Support, and Meagan Friedman as the co-VP of Learning. They each bring a fresh perspective to the work and are excited to dive in!
Over our three days together, we reflected on the past year as we celebrated our 25 years of advocating, elevating, and strengthening our Jewish early childhood community. This past year, we offered monthly roundtable discussions on emerging issues with colleagues from across the country, supported new directors through our mentorship and affinity groups, and with our partners at ARJE put on an inspiring conference with deep learning, networking, and celebration of Jewish educators. We also know we are stronger together as we deepened our partnerships with ARJE, NATA, our colleagues in the Conservative movement, and across the field of Jewish early childhood education. I could not be more proud of what we accomplished last year and build on this momentum in the coming year.
This year, we want to continue to tell the story of Jewish early childhood education. We want to uplift our voices in the larger Reform Movement to highlight just how critical our early childhood centers and ECE leaders are to our congregations. This work is challenging. This summer, the board committed itself to engaging with our members more deeply through meaningful professional development and building a space that is nurturing and inspiring.
We want to hear your story. Share the amazing things you are doing at your school on the Forum. Our roundtables will be starting up again in the fall. We are planning meet-ups on topics such as managing up and how AI can support our work. ECE-RJ is your place for connection and camaraderie. Together, let’s shine a light on Jewish ECE! On behalf of the board, we can’t wait to see you in Philadelphia and immerse ourselves in the joy that brought us to this work. Wishing you a wonderful start to a new school year!
Ellen Lefkowitz
President
Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism
