Congregational/Religious School Education: The Center for Cultivating Jewish Identity
CAJE's Department of Congregational Education aims to inspire and empower congregational educators to become visionary leaders in innovative Jewish learning for children, teens, and families.
Israel Education
In a post-October 7th world, Israel education is at the forefront of every congregational education educator’s mind. CAJE’s mission is to support the programs in creating the most effective, impactful, and meaningful Israel educational experiences for all ages:
- CAJE subsidizes attendance by educators at national conferences that focus on Israel Education such as those given by M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education.
- CAJE supports congregational educators in the opportunity to expand their Israel education through trips to Israel, such as the Jewish Education Project’s Mishlachot Areyvut’s solidarity trip to Israel.
- CAJE facilitates workshops focused on bringing Israel educational programming to every community
M2: The Institute for Experiential Jewish Education's Rethinking How We Commemorate Yom Ha'Zikaron & Yom Ha’Atzmaut
The Jewish Education Project’s Mishlachot Areyvut’s solidarity trip to Israel
Sharsheret Enhancement Grants
Because each of Miami’s congregational programs has its own distinct culture and unique needs, this generous grant from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation plays a vital role in enhancing educational experiences and offerings through:
- Professional Development: CAJE provides outstanding, individualized professional development opportunities to our school directors and educators in order to impact the experiences of children, teens, families, and faculty.
- Purchasing Technology: Equipping classrooms with the latest tools and resources, such as smart boards, tablets, and educational software, which can enhance the learning experience.
- Growing Teaching Resources and Supplementing Programming: Enabling educators to provide more comprehensive and diverse programming, catering to different learning styles and interests.
- Offering Professional Coaching: Helping teachers address specific challenges they face in the classroom, leading to more effective teaching and improved student outcomes.
- Funding New Projects: Including special events, workshops, or community outreach programs that foster a deeper connection between students, their families, and the broader Jewish community.
Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Synagogue Supplementary School Scholarship Program
Each year, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation generously provides scholarship funding to support congregational programs in Miami, helping to offset the costs associated with Jewish education for children in kindergarten through 7th grade and their families. This financial assistance has had a significant impact on the community by making Jewish education more accessible and affordable for families.
Nurturing a Thriving Community of Practice
The Congregational Educators Professional Network (CEPN), consisting of Miami's congregational education directors, meets regularly in a collegial and supportive environment to share ideas, address concerns, and develop a shared vision.
Innovation: CAJE leadership continually explores new resources, concepts, research, and theories that inspire excellence in congregational and religious education.
Professional Development: CAJE provides outstanding, individualized professional development opportunities to our school directors and educators Even the most creative and innovative educators need to be lifelong learners to effectively impact the experiences of children, teens, and families.
For more information on Congregational Education in Miami Dade County, please contact Carly Orshan.