ARJE26 Planting Seeds Harvesting WisdomFebruary 2-4, 2026Minneapolis, MN
- About the Gathering
- Registration Date & Fees
- Location & Travel
- FAQ
- Tentative Schedule
- Speakers
- Sponsors
- RFP
- Conference Leadership
- Ad Journal
About the Gathering
This year, our gathering begins on Tu B’shvat. At ARJE26 we will plant the seeds for growth and harvest the wisdom found within ourselves and the wisdom that can only be found when we gather together.
What Will We Do At ARJE26?
ARJE26 will plant SEEDS of inspiration. We will find a variety of learning opportunities, meaningful worship, and creative methodologies.
ARJE26 will nourish our ROOTS. We will connect with colleagues in similar roles and career stages and have many chances to build and strengthen networks of support and understanding.
ARJE26 will extend our BRANCHES to new heights. We will engage in intensive skill building that will give each of us more expansive ways to do our work and embrace our passions.
Who is ARJE26 For?
ARJE26 is for those who are brand new to Jewish education and those who have been in the field for years. It is for educators who work in community organizations, lead immersive experiences, oversee synagogue or after-school education, or work as guides and consultants to Jewish educators. It is for anyone who identifies as a Jewish educator who has wisdom to share or could benefit from a nourishing community of colleagues.
Registration Date & Fees
IMPORTANT: Use the same email you use for your ARJE Member Hub for member pricing and ensure you click Log in Now at the beginning or you will not be able to register.
We offer several different rates to allow for flexibility for budget and planning
|
ARJE Member Rates | |
|---|---|
| $1000 Regular |
(Thru 12/1)* |
| $1200 Supporter: |
To support scholarship for the conference in addition to your registration |
| $300 Vatekei |
(Thru 12/1)* For retired ARJE members |
|
ARJE Non-Member Rates | |
|---|---|
| $1150 |
$1150 (Thru 12/1)* |
| $1150 | $1150 (Thru 12/1)* |
*After 12/1 there will be a $200 late fee if space is available
Scholarship
ARJE has several scholarships to support members attending the conference in addition to the subsidies above.
Our members have specifically donated to support individuals whose communities can not or will not subsidize their registration and one full scholarship with travel is available each year. Please fill out the ARJE Scholarship Form prior to registration. Scholarship requests are processed in the order they are received.
What Registration Covers
Registration includes all conference programming beginning 9:00 AM Monday morning February 2, through 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 4. It also includes three meals, coffee and snacks.
Cancellation
Intent to withdraw must be completed through your confirmation email link. To transfer registration to another person (at any date) please contact, JGreene@reformeducators.org.
- Withdrawal on or before 11/15 results in a refund of the full registration fee less a $125 administrative fee.
- Withdrawal between 11/16 and 12/22 results in a refund of half of the conference registration fee.
- NO REFUNDS will be issued after 12/22
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to prevent you or your employer from incurring any losses should you have to cancel your attendance due to illness, emergency, or other conflict.
Location & Travel
| Location | ARJE26 will be at a large hotel in Minneapolis Minnesota. Specific location information can and reservation links found in your confirmation email. |
| Airport | The Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is located 16 minutes from the conference venue. |
| Lodging | |
|---|---|
| Location |
ARJE26 will be at a large hotel in Minneapolis Minnesota. Specific location information can and reservation links found in your confirmation email. |
| Airport |
The Minneapolis Airport (MSP) is located 16 minutes from the conference venue. |
| Arrival/Departure | |
|---|---|
| Arrival Time |
We recommend you arrive on Sunday afternoon. We anticipate offering optional programming on Sunday evening to celebrate our 70th anniversary and deepen member connections. Our official programming will officially begin at 8:00 am Monday morning. |
| Departure Time |
We recommend you plan on departing late Wednesday afternoon/evening. Our programming will end at approximately 2:00 PM. |
| Arrival Time | We recommend you arrive on Sunday afternoon. We anticipate offering optional programming on Sunday evening to celebrate our 70th anniversary and deepen member connections. Our programming will officially begin at 8:00 AM Monday morning. |
| Departure Time | We recommend you plan on departing late Wednesday afternoon/evening. Our programming will end at approximately 2:00 PM. |
These details and any pre/post conference activities will be updated throughout the summer.
| Hotel Room Rate | One benefit of Minneapolis in February is a lower room rate to help our members with travel costs. The ARJE has a limited number of rooms reserved at our conference hotel for $139 plus tax/fees. |
| Hotel Room Rate |
One benefit of Minneapolis in February is a lower room rate to help our members with travel costs. The ARJE has a limited number of rooms reserved at our conference hotel for $139 plus tax/fees. |
Reserving the room through ARJE helps our organization. Should you need help with lodging, contact Jen Greene at JGreene@reformeducators.org
For more information, please visit the FAQ page.
| More information | For more information, please visit the FAQ page. |
FAQ
What will the experience be like, I have not been to a conference before?
The Annual Gathering stands out as the premier conference for networking, learning, and support tailored specifically for Jewish Educators. Not only will you gain access to top-tier educational opportunities directly aligned with your professional needs, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with over 250 peers who share your experiences and understand the challenges you face.
Recognizing the unique nature of your role, we understand the vital importance of tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of fellow educators who empathize with your journey.
As a first-time attendee, you’ll be paired with a dedicated “Conference Buddy” who will serve as your guide, ensuring you make the most of your time at the conference. Additionally, you’ll be warmly welcomed to a First Timer Breakfast, designed to help you feel at home and kick off the conference experience with ease.
Membership in the ARJE is not required to attend the conference.
Conference Information
What are the dates and timing of this conference?
Conference will begin early Monday morning, February 2nd and conclude Wednesday mid-day, February 4th.
We recommended arriving Sunday evening, February 1st. Registration will be open Sunday, February 1st at 4:00 PM.
Departure flights can be booked beginning after 3:00 PM.
There will be an optional evening program on Sunday, February 1st at 7:00 PM celebrating 70 Years of ARJE. This will be at an additional cost. Details to follow.
What will the schedule be?
Sample Schedule coming soon! Expect a combination of large group inspirational moments, smaller group deep dives, and breakout choices as well as time with our sponsors, communal meals, and chances to connect with other educators.
Planning your meals?
Monday lunch, Tuesday dinner and Wednesday lunch will be provided for you during the conference.
Monday breakfast and dinner, Tuesday breakfast and lunch and Wednesday breakfast will be on your own. Opportunities to connect with colleagues will be provided.
Registration and Cost
What do the registration fees include?
Registration includes all conference programming from early morning Monday, February 2 through mid-day Wednesday, February 4, Monday lunch, Tuesday dinner, Wednesday lunch and conference treats. Other meals and hotel/travel are on your own.
What methods of payment do you accept?
All registrations must be paid by credit card or invoice during the registration process.
What is the cancellation policy?
Intent to withdraw must be completed through your confirmation email link. To transfer registration to another person (at any date) please contact, JGreene@reformeducators.org.
-
Withdrawal on or before 11/15/25 results in a refund of the full registration fee less a $125 administrative fee.
-
Withdrawal between 11/16/2025 and 12/22/2025 results in a refund of half of the conference registration fee.
-
NO REFUNDS will be issued after 12/22/2025 for any reason - we strongly recommend travel insurance to avoid losing money for weather/illness related cancellations.
Can I bring a guest?
Please be in touch with Jen Green for all information and fees associated with bringing a guest!
Hotel Information
How far away from the airport is the hotel?
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is approximately 12 miles to/from the hotel. Attendees should plan to utilize a ride-sharing app like Uber and Lyft to schedule a ride to/from the airport. There are no airport shuttles provided through the hotel.
Is there parking at the hotel? What is the cost?
The current daily parking rate for local attendees is $30.00 per day. Keep in mind that these rates are subject to change. Please check with the hotel as it gets closer to the conference.
Looking for fun things to do in Minneapolis?
A list of fun things to see and do around the Twin Cities will be coming soon!
I'm having trouble convincing my board to send me. What should I tell them?
Use this handy document to help with those conversations!
Tentative Schedule
| Sunday • Feb 1 | Monday • Feb 2 | Tuesday • Feb 3 | Wednesday • Feb 4 | |
| Sunday • Feb 1 | Tefilah & Opening Sessions | Tefilah & Morning Workshops | Morning Workshops | |
| Monday • Feb 2 | Midday Workshops | Midday Workshops | Closing Session | |
| Tuesday • Feb 3 | Afternoon Activities | Intensive Sessions | Intensive Sessions | |
| Wednesday • Feb 4 | Late Night Activities | Late Night Activities | Dinner and Late Night Activities |
|
Arrival/Departure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday • Feb 1 | Monday • Feb 2 | Tuesday • Feb 3 |
Wednesday • Feb 4 |
| Tefilah & Opening Sessions | Tefilah & Morning Workshops |
Morning Workshops | |
| Midday Workshops | Midday Workshops |
Closing Session | |
| Afternoon Activities | Intensive Sessions | Intensive Sessions | |
| Late Night Activities | Late Night Activities | Dinner and Late Night Activities | |
What will happen in these various sessions?
- Intensives: These longer sessions, facilitated by experts in the field, will focus on the most pressing issues in the field and develop in-depth knowledge. Intensives will help participants enact broad changes and apply new ideas and skills into their long-term professional vision.
- Workshops: The workshops are brief introductions to specific topics and tools. Participants will leave with strategies, tangible outcomes, or resources that you can enact in your work.
What else can I expect to do during the gathering?
- Team Time: Team time allows participants to learn and connect with colleagues (both familiar and new) serving in similar roles or at similar career stages. Throughout the gathering, there will be opportunities to reflect, socialize, and play in these teams.
- Sponsor Sessions: Hear directly from our sponsors about the interesting products and resources that you can bring to your setting.
A more detailed schedule will be available closer to ARJE26, with timing and meals.
Coming Soon
We invite you to join us in Planting Seeds, Harvesting Wisdom: ARJE’s 2026 Annual Gathering happening February 2-4, in Minneapolis, MN!
ARJE is the professional association of Jewish Educators who are connected to the Reform movement through personal or professional affiliation. ARJE members inspire excellence through the work of Jewish teaching and learning in congregations, immersive experiences, after-school programs, communal and national organizations and more. Our Annual Gathering attracts more than 150 Jewish educators seeking professional development and personal nourishment.
Your organization can connect with conference attendees at ARJE26:
As a Sponsor
Sponsors have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with conference participants throughout the program, be featured in our Sponsor Marketplace, and select a level of support that meets your organization's goals (see more details about each Sponsor Level and Benefits below). To thank you for sustaining our work, we showcase sponsor organizations’ branding and programmatic offerings to our nearly 600 members through weekly email newsletters and posts in our members-only Facebook group.
As a Vendor:
- Vendor Level I secures a spot in our marketplace to meet and connect with conference attendees AND provide a branded swag item in our welcome bags.
- Vendor Level II provides the opportunity to place a branded swag item in our welcome bags.
Sponsor Levels
Presenting Sponsor
- Speaking Opportunity (all attendees)
- Exclusive Brand Promotion Via Social Media, Website, and Newsletters
- Host 1 Sponsor Session for Attendees
- Virtual Ad Journal Ad
- Verbal Recognition During Conference
- Exclusive Branding - Prominently placed throughout conference materials
- 2 Conference Registrations ($2300 value - includes meals)
- Sponsor Marketplace Table Premium Placement with linen and 2 chairs
- Promotional Items in the Welcome Bag
Featured Bag Sponsor
- Greeting Opportunity at major program
- Your branding on 1 side of attendee Welcome Bag
- Highlighted Brand Promotion Via Social Media, Website, and Newsletters
- Host 1 Sponsor Session for Attendees
- Virtual Ad Journal Ad
- 2 Conference Registrations ($2300 value - includes meals)
- Sponsor Marketplace Table Premium Placement with linen and 2 chairs
- Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
Level I Meal Sponsor
- Branding opportunity at a meal (e.g. table tents)
- Brand Promotion Via Social Media, and Website
- Host 1 Sponsor Session for Attendees
- Virtual Ad Journal Ad
- 1 Conference Registration ($1150 value - includes meals)
- Sponsor Marketplace table with linen and 2 chairs
- 1 Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
Level II Deep Dive Sponsor
- Branding opportunity for 1 learning track (approximately ¼ of attendees)
- Brand Promotion Via Social Media and Website
- Host 1 Sponsor Session for Attendees
- Virtual Ad Journal Ad
- 1 Conference Registration ($1150 value - includes meals)
- Sponsor Marketplace table with linen and 2 chairs
- 1 Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
Level III Sponsor
- Brand Promotion Via Social Media and Website
- Host 1 Sponsor Session for Attendees
- Virtual Ad Journal Ad
- Sponsor Marketplace table with linen and 2 chairs
- 1 Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
Vendor I
- Marketplace table with linen and 2 chairs
- 1 Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
Vendor II
- 1 Promotional Item in the Welcome Bag
ARJE 2026 Request for Speaker Proposals
This year, our gathering begins on Tu B’shvat. At ARJE26 we will plant the seeds for growth and harvest the wisdom found within ourselves and the wisdom that can only be found when we gather together.
We are seeking interactive presenters to facilitate breakout sessions on Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026.
ARJE26 will plant SEEDS of inspiration. We will find a variety of learning opportunities, meaningful worship, and creative methodologies.
ARJE26 will nourish our ROOTS. We will connect with colleagues in similar roles and career stages and have many chances to build and strengthen networks of support and understanding.
ARJE26 will extend our BRANCHES to new heights. We will engage in intensive skill-building that will give each of us more expansive ways to do our work and embrace our passions.
Our goal for conference attendees is to both better connect with colleagues and to engage in intensive skill building that will give ARJE educators deeper ways to do our work and embrace our passions. Our conference attendees appreciate the opportunity to learn from colleagues and thought leaders, both in content and in style and diversity of presenters.
With your session, we hope you will provide our participants the opportunity to explore some of these meaningful questions:
| Duration of sessions | There are two types of sessions: 3-hour deep dives or 75-minute presentations. Please indicate your preference for session length or if you might be interested in leading both a deep dive session as well as a 75-minute session. | Submission deadline | Priority will be given to RFP submissions received by September 8, 2025. The final deadline is October 14, 2025. | Compensation | The ARJE can offer presenters a small stipend for presentations for individuals who are not affiliated with either organization. We are happy to offer more transparent information about our compensation through individual outreach. If you want to discuss stipends before submitting the presentation, please contact ARJE Executive Director Stacy Rigler at srigler@reformeducators.org. The ARJE does not offer compensation to members or sponsors. | Eligibility | Proposals will be selected based on experience and expertise in this area, the conference theme, connection with education, and/or familiarity with ARJE settings. Please include any relevant experience or expertise in your application to help us determine how your work will fit with our conference. PLEASE NOTE: SUBMISSION OF THIS APPLICATION DOES NOT GUARANTEE ACCEPTANCE OF PRESENTATION. |
*Breakout session presentations may not involve promotional content. Contact JGreene@Reformeducators.org if you would like to share your company’s expertise or resoruces with attendees through sponsorship. Sponsorship opportunities can be found HERE.
Questions? Please reach out to Sharon rabbislitwin@nertamid.org or Matt matt@templejeremiah.org to talk through your presentation or find out more about our conference.
Who is planning the Conference?
Conference Chairs
The Conference chairs set the vision and direction and oversee the planning of the Annual Gathering for ARJE
Rina Rifkin, RJE
Conference Co- Chair
Julie Wohl
Conference Co- Chair
Hospitality
The hospitality committee ensures a warm welcome and atmosphere of belonging for all participants, creating connections and building relationships.
Sarah Canfield-Dafilou
Hospitality Co-Chair
Dan Plotkin, RJE
Hospitality Co-Chair
Programming
The program committee oversees the learning, networking, and implementation of the conference program.
Sharon Litwin
Programming Co-Chair
Matt Rissien
Programming Co-Chair
Worship
The worship committee elevates our communal experience through spiritual expressions and communal prayer.
Rebecca Robbins
Worship Chair
Communications
The communications committee is responsible for the advertising and sharing of all information so participants are informed and prepared for their experience.
Rachel Barnehama, RJE
Communications Co-Chair
Anjelica Ruiz
Communications Co-Chair
Alica Gallant
ARJE Administrative Assistant
Program and Operations
Jen oversees all invoices, scholarships, ad journal, and sponsor/vendor communications and support.
Jen Greene
Program and Operations Manager
Calling all supporters of Jewish education!
Purchase an Ad in The Virtual Ad Journal at ARJE26
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The journal will be displayed on screens throughout the gathering and will remain on the ARJE website for the entire year.
Every donation allows us to celebrate and support ARJE members.
Select from the following levels:
Roots
$180 donation
Flowers
$360 donation
Branches
$720 donation
Please submit your ad by December 22, 2025.
Virtual Ad Design Guidelines:
- File saved as a picture format (JPG or PNG)
- Your ad will be placed on this event background
If you have any questions? Please reach out to jgreene@reformeducators.org
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Level II
Level III
