Choosing and Using Primary Texts in the PTJE Classroom - 3 part Webinar Series

Online
Free
Session 1: January 6, 2026, Online
Session 2: January 20, 2026, Online
Session 3: January 27, 2026, Online

Looking for more support in knowing which Jewish texts to choose and how  to use them in the classroom? 

This three part series is designed to train Education Directors and Assistant Directors in recognizing the right texts for their settings, gaining confidence in utilizing those texts, and bringing their teachers along this journey. Guided by experts Mara Braunfeld and Rabba Yaffa Epstein, participants will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into their existing curricula and identify where primary texts could be inserted to enhance learners' experiences and access. 

Each session will include practical application tools. Those who complete the course will also be offered an optional individual or small group coaching session. 

Setting
  • After School Programming
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educator Training
  • Camp
  • Congregational Learning
  • Family Engagement
  • Teen Engagement
Mara
Mara Braunfeld
Mara Braunfeld serves as Senior Manager of the Think-Action Lab at The Jewish Education Project, helping to innovate in structure, pedagogy, and content across diverse Jewish educational environments. A Jewish educator with two decades of experience, Mara has held leadership roles at Hadar, Temple Israel Center (White Plains), JCC Manhattan, and Temple Shaaray Tefila (Bedford Corners). She earned her B.A. from Brandeis University and a Master's in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Mara brings a deep commitment to progressive, pluralistic Jewish education and to building meaningful, relational communities.
Rabba Yaffa Epstein
Rabba Yaffa Epstein

Rabba Yaffa Epstein is the Senior Scholar and Educator in Residence at the Jewish Education Project. Formerly, she served as the Director of the Wexner Heritage Program at the Wexner Foundation. Epstein has also served as the Director of Education, North America for the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and was a member of the faculty. She has served on the faculties of Yeshivat Maharat and the Drisha Institute. Epstein has served as an Educator and Scholar in Residence for the Dorot Fellowship, Moishe House, Jewish Federation of North America, the Covenant Foundation, the Nahum Goldmann Fellowship, Repair the World, the Meorot Fellowship, and the KADIMA Fellowship. She has lectured at numerous Limmud events around the globe, has written curriculum for the Global Day of Jewish Learning and has created innovative educational programming for Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. She received Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshivat Maharat, earned an additional private Ordination from Rabbi Daniel Landes, holds a Law Degree from Bar-Ilan University, and studied at the Talmud Department at Hebrew University.

Rabba Epstein is passionate about making Jewish learning accessible and exciting, and creating learning environments that are welcoming, diverse, and inclusive to all who wish to participate. She has taught educators, rabbis and lay leaders from across the spectrum of Jewish denominations. Rabba Epstein is the winner of the prestigious Covenant Award.

Who's coming? (25 participants)

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