Meet Yael Eads, who balances two roles as the Youth Director and B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh and the Jewish Life Supervisor at Camp Harlam. Now in her third year as an ARJE member, Yael shares how the organization serves as a critical connection for those working in informal settings like summer camps. Below, she discusses her passion for Torah storytelling, the "bubble" of camp life, and how the ARJE has helped her navigate the Reform movement as someone who grew up in a different tradition.
What excites you most about the work you do in the synagogue and at camp?
I love looking at the future of Judaism through the eyes of children, watching them learn, grow, and connect the dots between what they experience at the synagogue and what they learn at home. The B’nai Mitzvah process is a particular passion of mine. Coming from a family of cantors and educators, I find so much joy in teaching Torah stories and melodies during such a pivotal moment in a child's life.
At camp, I get to see my dreams come to reality in a "bubble" where we live, eat, and breathe Judaism together. It’s a different way of experiencing Judaism than in the synagogue world because we’re all together every day. A major project of mine has been integrating our Middot (Jewish values) camp-wide, rather than keeping them confined to the "Jewish Life" corner of camp.
Can you tell us more about that Middot project?
I’ve worked to expand the program so that staff and campers engage with these values in every space, from the adventure course to the arts studio. Hearing a camper talk about a value while they are out on a hike is proof that they are truly getting it. Ideally, these values don't stay at camp. The goal is for kids to take these ways of interacting with one another and implement them into their day-to-day lives at home.
Do you have a favorite holiday to celebrate?
Passover. My family has some Sephardic roots, so our recipes are a bit different, and our Seders are both very long and very fun. I grew up Conservative, so I still love the tradition of doing two Seders. It’s a time when the whole family comes together, and I get to experience my daughter leading one Seder and then my crazy brother leading another.
What about a favorite holiday to teach?
Tu BiShvat. I usually teach older children, and I love the moment their eyes light up when we look at the actual Hebrew name. They often come in thinking it just means "Birthday of the Trees," but when they realize the name is simply the date — the 15th of the month of Shevat — it makes it click for them in a new way.
How has ARJE membership helped you?
ARJE is an incredible place to get to know people across the Reform Jewish world, regardless of whether they work in formal or informal education. For me specifically — having not grown up in the Reform community and not being a "camp kid" myself — ARJE has been essential. It has allowed me to learn from others' experiences and understand the deep way Reform Judaism relates to the camp world. It provides a professional network that values the camp experience as a vital educational setting.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel; especially to Disney Parks and Disney cruises — I’m a major Disney person. At home, I’m obsessed with my dog and love walking in the park. To wind down at the end of the day, my husband and I like to watch TV that doesn't make us think too much. Schitt’s Creek is definitely in my top three favorite shows.
Who should we profile next? We want to continue highlighting the diverse voices and innovative educators within our community. If you want to nominate an ARJE member to be featured, please let us know here!