ARJE27
Mattering: Where Connection
Meets Purpose
St. Louis, MO
Jan. 25-27, 2027
- About the Gathering
- Registration Dates and Fees
- Location and Travel
- FAQ
- Tentative Schedule
- Conference Leadership
About the Gathering
ARJE27 invites Jewish educators to explore a simple yet profound idea: every person needs to know that they matter.
Mattering, the sense that we are valued by others and that we add value to the world, is fundamental to human well-being. Yet in a time marked by isolation, stress, and burnout, many people struggle to experience that sense of significance and belonging.
At a time when so many in our communities are asking whether they matter, Jewish educators are uniquely positioned to answer that question with a resounding yes.
ARJE27 is built around a core truth: mattering is not simply a feeling we hope for; it is something we intentionally create.
Inspired by Jennifer Breheny Wallace's book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, and grounded in both contemporary practice and Jewish tradition, this gathering will challenge us to think deeply about the ways we show up for our learners, our colleagues, and ourselves.
This is a gathering about practice, not just possibility; about relationships, not just roles; about building spaces where educators feel seen, valued, and essential.
Together, we will explore how Jewish educators can cultivate communities where every person knows they matter, and leave with a renewed understanding that we matter, too.
ARJE27 Co-Chairs Sharon Litwin, RJE and Matt Rissien in St. Louis
עֲשֵׂה לְךָ רַב, וּקְנֵה לְךָ חָבֵר, וֶהֱוֵי דָן אֶת כָּל הָאָדָם לְכַף זְכוּתMake for yourself a teacher, find yourself a friend, and treat each person as though they matter.- Pirke Avot 1:6
Day One: Aseh L’cha Rav — Learning, Growth, and Practice
Engage in substantive learning, text study, and professional development that deepens our understanding of mattering and strengthens our skills as Jewish educators. What do we need to know to understand our own value and create communities where others feel valued? How do we translate these ideas into lessons, programs, conversations, and vision?
Day Two: U’k’nei L’cha Chaver — Connection, Experience, and Community
Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and relationship-building, we will model and experience the kinds of environments where people feel seen, connected, and significant.
Day Three: V'hevei Dan et Kol Ha’adam L’chaf Zechut — Bringing It All Together
Guided by the idea of seeing every person as though they matter, we will explore the science of mattering, its implications for Jewish education, and how educators can intentionally create communities where every learner feels valued.
Who is ARJE27 For?
ARJE27 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 Dates and Fees
IMPORTANT: Use the same email you use for your ARJE Member Hub to access member pricing, and click Log in Now at the beginning; otherwise, you will not be able to register.
We offer several different rates to allow for flexibility for budget and planning:
|
ARJE Member Rates | |
|---|---|
| $750 Early Bird Subsidized Registration |
(Thru 8/20) For anyone needing a subsidy to attend |
| $875 Early Bird Registration |
(Thru 8/20) |
| $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 |
(Thru 12/1)* |
| $1150 | $1150 (Thru 12/1)* |
*After 12/1 there will be a $200 late fee, if space is available
Scholarships
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 January 25, through 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 27. 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 are pleased to offer cancellation insurance through our database, GrowthZone. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to prevent you or your employer from incurring losses if you have to cancel your attendance due to illness, an emergency, or other circumstances. In order to purchase travel insurance through GrowthZone, YOU MUST PAY BY CREDIT CARD AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION (not invoice).
Location and 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 | ARJE27 will be at a large hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Specific location information and hotel reservation links will be in your confirmation email. |
| Airport | The St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) is located approximately 20 minutes from the conference venue. |
| Arrival/Departure | |
|---|---|
| Arrival Time | We recommend you arrive on Sunday afternoon. Our official programming will begin at approximately 8:00 am on Monday morning with a First Timer’s Breakfast and registration. |
| 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 | |
|---|---|
| Hotel Room Rate | The ARJE has a limited number of rooms reserved at our conference hotel for $159/night 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
Conference Information
What will the experience be like? I have never been to a conference before.
The Annual Gathering stands out as a 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.
If you are 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.
What are the dates and timing of this conference?
The conference will begin early Monday morning, on January 25 and conclude Wednesday mid-day, on January 27.
We recommended arriving Sunday afternoon, January 24. Registration will be open Sunday, January 24 at 4:00 PM.
Departure flights can be booked after 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 27.
What will the schedule be?
Tentative schedule available here! Expect a combination of large-group inspirational moments, smaller-group deep dives, breakout choices, time with our sponsors, communal meals, and chances to connect with other educators.
Planning your meals?
Meals provided by ARJE: Monday lunch, Tuesday dinner, and Wednesday lunch.
Meals on your own: Monday breakfast and dinner, Tuesday breakfast and lunch, and Wednesday breakfast.
Please note: We will provide opportunities during all meals on your own to connect with colleagues.
I'm having trouble convincing my supervisor to send me. What should I tell them?
Use this handy document to help with those conversations!
Registration and Cost
What do the registration fees include?
Registration includes all conference programming from Monday morning, January 25 through Wednesday midday, January 27. It also includes lunch on Monday, dinner on Tuesday, lunch on Wednesday, and plenty of conference snacks and treats along the way. Participants are responsible for all other meals, lodging, and travel arrangements.
What methods of payment do you accept?
All registrations must be paid by credit card or invoice during the registration process. *Please note, if you plan to purchase travel insurance with GrowthZone, you must pay your registration by credit card.
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 11/15/26 results in a refund of the full registration less a $125 administrative fee.
- Withdrawal between 11/16/26 and 12/22/26 results in a refund of half of the conference registration fee.
-NO REFUNDS will be issued after 12/22/26 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 Greene for all information and fees associated with bringing a guest!
How do you accommodate individuals with special needs or requests for service animals?
Please contact Stacy Rigler, CEO, about any accommodation requests you have prior to registering. On the registration form there is an area to share dietary needs and accommodation requests and to request a member of the planning team to be in touch with you.
Hotel Information
How far away from the airport is the hotel?
St. Louis Lambert Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the hotel. Attendees should plan to utilize a ride-sharing app like Uber or 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 $40 per day for self-park or $50 per day for valet. 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 St. Louis?
A list of fun things to see and do around St. Louis will be coming soon!
Tentative Schedule
| Sunday • Feb 1 | Monday • Feb 2 | Tuesday • Feb 3 | Wednesday • Feb 4 | |
| Sunday • Feb 1 | Morning: Welcome Breakfast for First Time Attendees T’fillah & Opening Program | Morning: Breakfast hosted by HUC School of Education T’fillah Breakout Sessions (2 rounds) | Morning T’filllah An Interview with Sarah Hurwitz Closing Program | |
| 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 |
| Sun • Jan 24 | Mon • Jan 25 | Tue • Jan 26 |
Wed • Jan 27 |
|
Morning Travel to St. Louis |
Morning Tefilah & Opening Session |
Morning Tefilah & Morning Workshops |
Morning Morning Workshop |
|
Midday ARJE27 Registration |
Midday Welcome Lunch |
Midday Hands On Experiences |
Midday Closing Session |
|
Afternoon ARJE27 Registration ARJE Future Leaders Bootcamp |
Afternoon Intensive Sessions |
Afternoon Hands On Experiences (cont) |
Afternoon Depart for Home |
|
Evening ARJE27 Registration & Informal Meet UP |
Evening Late Night Activities |
Evening ARJE Installations and "Honoring the Educator" Celebratory Dinner |
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE?
We're putting the finishing touches on a program designed to help educators learn, connect, reflect, and recharge. Participants can look forward to a variety of experiences including dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, deeper-dive learning opportunities, networking, and hands-on experiences. Additional details, including the conference schedule and session formats, will be shared in the coming months as plans are finalized.
Who is planning the Conference?
Conference Co-Chairs
Sharon Litwin, RJE
Conference Co-Chair
Matt Rissien
Conference Co-Chair
Hospitality
The hospitality committee ensures a warm welcome and atmosphere of belonging for all participants, creating connections and building relationships.
Lindsey Dewey
Hospitality Co-Chair
Alisha Sawyer
Hospitality Co-Chair
Programming
The program committee oversees the learning, networking, and implementation of the conference program.
Leah Citrin-Nelson
Programming Co-Chair
Lori Levine
Programming Co-Chair
Communications
The communications committee is responsible for the advertising and sharing of all information so participants are informed and prepared for their experience.
Elana Beame
Communications Co-Chair
Sarah Canfield-Dafilou
Communications Co-Chair
Worship
The worship committee elevates our communal experience through spiritual expressions and communal prayer.
Jennifer Boyle
Worship Chair
Program and Operations
Jen oversees all invoices, scholarships, ad journal, and sponsor/vendor communications and support.
Jen Greene
Program and Operations Manager