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Sunday, May 17
 

4:00pm EDT

A Queer Lens on Care
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this track, we will use a queer lens to explore practical ways to create spacious, inclusive, supportive, and holy camp opportunities and communities where every camper and staff member is seen, valued, and honored. We will be guided by the Jewish idea of B'tzelem Elohim: we are all created in the image of holiness. We will do this using meditation, journaling, text study and MORE! This session is for LGBTQIA+ Fellows.
Speakers
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

Educator, they/them
Dubbs Weinblatt is a nonbinary, trans, sober educator, facilitator, speaker, storyteller, podcaster, producer, consultant and the Founder/CEO of Thank You For Coming Out -- a podcast and DEIB Storytelling company. They're also the Social Justice Manager at SAJ; a progressive synagogue... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

4:00pm EDT

Radical Hospitality
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this track, we will explore how, from the first hello to the last day of camp, belonging is built in the small moments. Blending Jewish values, food, and the practice of radical hospitality, we will learn how to design intentional, welcoming experiences that help campers and staff feel seen, valued, and connected from day one.
Speakers
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer Moked relocated from Israel to Michigan in 2019 to take on the role of Director of NEXTGen Detroit at the Jewish Federation of Detroit, where he leads a board of 50 young adults and a team of seven talented professionals. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (M.C.I.) specializing... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

4:00pm EDT

Ritual Lab: Designing Jewish Camp Rituals
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this track, we will identify the Jewish rituals that already shape camp life, learn how to elevate them with meaning and intention, and create new rituals that deepen community, spirit, and belonging.
Speakers
avatar for Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Educator, he/him
Tony J. Westbrook, Jr. is a Jewish educator, DEI practitioner, and rabbinical student at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, currently serving as the Rabbinic Intern at Congregation Adath Israel. An award-winning Jewish educator, he creates accessible and joyful Jewish learning... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

4:00pm EDT

Social Justice
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this track, we will explore themes of Social Justice through a Jewish lens by way of games, art, experiences, and text, and how to integrate these themes into camp programming.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator, organizer and educator who offers a unique consultancy based in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, social emotional learning and the arts. She currently serves as the Director of Social Action and Courageous Conversations for Lab/Shul in... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

4:00pm EDT

The Power of Creative Quiet
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this session, we will explore the rich potential of camp's quieter spaces: listening to nature, practicing mindfulness and reflection, approaching rest creatively, crafting space for deep conversation, cultivating the leadership of our introverts, and so much more.
Speakers
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

Educator, she/her
Sarra Alpert is an educator who helps folks support and challenge each other towards deeper and more transformative social justice engagement in Jewish communal spaces and beyond. She has been on the Cornerstone faculty for 18 years and has taught at a whole bunch of Jewish camps... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

4:00pm EDT

Working with Younger Campers
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
In this session, we will explore the world of younger campers - joys, challenges and approaches to working with the youngest members of our camp communities.
Speakers
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is a singer/songwriter, Jewish and music educator, and ritual facilitator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Chana is thrilled to return on Cornerstone faculty where she provides professional development and is commissioned to write a theme song for hundreds of... Read More →
Sunday May 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA
 
Monday, May 18
 

12:00pm EDT

Endless Blessings: Exploring Holiness in Our Own Lives
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will reflect on the sources of holiness in our own lives inspired by the prayer Nisim B'chol Yom. Each participant will create a small reminder of the endless blessings and daily miracles they experience.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Stepak

Jill Stepak

Educator, she/her
Jill Stepak is an educator, instructional designer, musician, artist, and a proud Camp Interlaken JCC alum. For the past twenty years, Jill has worked to integrate arts, Jewish learning, and educational theories in a variety of settings, from synagogues to camps, schools, and for-profits... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Holy Rocks! Making the Ordinary Divine
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will reflect on Jewish values and express our own unique holiness through a creative art project, while also gaining tools to guide campers in exploring their values, strengths, and sacred sense of self.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Handelman

Lisa Handelman

Educator, she/her
Lisa Handelman is a camp kid first and foremost. She is a coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, youth mental health first aid instructor and is the Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. Lisa has over twenty-five years of experience... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Jumping In: Mikveh and the Power of Ritual
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Ritual is a tool to help us notice time passing, mark transitions in life, and bring meaning to moments. Mikveh is the ancient Jewish ritual of immersing one's body in water to mark a person's transition from one state of being to another. In this session, we will explore the mikveh experience to discover how we can create our own rituals to bring meaning to moments of transition at camp and beyond.
Speakers
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Educator, she/her
Aki Yonekawa is a Jewish educator who lives mostly in Massachusetts, sometimes in California, and all the time in a state of wonder. She grew up going to the Wilshire Blvd. Temple Camps and worked at Camp JCA Shalom and Camp Alonim. Her current camp gig is a program for 20-29 year-olds... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Sacred Table
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will explore how care for the body, intention, and presence, rooted in the teachings of Maimonides, can transform ordinary gatherings into meaningful moments. Through a guided tea experience, ritual, reflection, and shared food, participants will learn practical ways to elevate staff meetings, bunk time, and daily camp moments into spaces of connection and renewal.
Speakers
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer Moked relocated from Israel to Michigan in 2019 to take on the role of Director of NEXTGen Detroit at the Jewish Federation of Detroit, where he leads a board of 50 young adults and a team of seven talented professionals. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (M.C.I.) specializing... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

Art with Intention: From Craft to Kadosh (Holy)
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will learn to use art as a dynamic tool for creating meaningful Jewish learning experiences for your campers. Together we will explore how various art forms (painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, fiber and moreâ) can be used to bring Jewish values, stories, and traditions to life. By the end of the session, you will have a toolkit of creative ideas and techniques to make Jewish learning both impactful and memorable, inspiring campers to see the beauty of Judaism through the lens of artistic representation and expression.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Stepak

Jill Stepak

Educator, she/her
Jill Stepak is an educator, instructional designer, musician, artist, and a proud Camp Interlaken JCC alum. For the past twenty years, Jill has worked to integrate arts, Jewish learning, and educational theories in a variety of settings, from synagogues to camps, schools, and for-profits... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

Nature
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will explore Jewish nature through hands on, fun activities like: making fires (esh), solo sits (Hitbodedut), natural art, interactive games, and planting trees all while being a community in the forest and learning from and with nature, trees/bushes, and each other.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh Lake received a Master's degree in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the founder and principal operator of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, a company whose goal is to explore Creation and the role Jews play as partners in Creation. Josh works with teachers... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

Science
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will dive into the most awe-inspiring science activities and discover how they can help achieve the most important goals at camp.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
Long before he earned a BFA from OCAD University, a BEd from York University, and an MEd from OISE at the University of Toronto, Daniel Abramson was just a curious kid with an urge to take things apart to figure out how they worked. His passion for inquiry, curiousity and discovery... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

Storytelling: The Silly. The Sacred. The Special.
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will play with the ways that stories (and storytellers!) show up at camp. We will learn how to use storytelling effectively with campers using collaborative games, writing, drawing, improv, Jewish texts, and our holy, limitless imaginations!
Speakers
avatar for JessAnn Smith

JessAnn Smith

Educator, she/any
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, JessAnn is a dedicated educator, social worker, and storyteller committed to building inclusive and accessible Jewish communities. With experience at organizations like Keshet, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, and most recently Stony Brook... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

Tale as Old as Time: Integrating Jewish Texts into Programming
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will explore what it means to be interpreters and teachers of Torah and learn the skills and strategies to make Jewish texts engaging and "campy."
Speakers
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Educator, she/her
Aki Yonekawa is a Jewish educator who lives mostly in Massachusetts, sometimes in California, and all the time in a state of wonder. She grew up going to the Wilshire Blvd. Temple Camps and worked at Camp JCA Shalom and Camp Alonim. Her current camp gig is a program for 20-29 year-olds... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

2:30pm EDT

The Music in You
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
In this track, we will explore techniques to unlock and reveal the hidden songs inside of us so that we can add new awesome meaningful songs to our camps and beyond. Songwriting for everyone!
Speakers
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator, he/him
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creator and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Dance Dance Revelation: A Hero's Journey to Holiness
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
In this session, we will embody holy inspiration through dance, movement, and active construction to get the malevolent out and bring the marvelous in!
Speakers
avatar for Josh Friedman

Josh Friedman

Educator, he/him
Josh is a professor of psychology at Manhattan University studying how people help each other learn. In 15 summers at URJ Greene Family Camp, Josh worked with almost every age group, spending the bulk of his time on challenge courses, working with teens, and training CITs. Before... Read More →
avatar for Zachary Snyder

Zachary Snyder

Educator, he/him
Zach Snyder (MA,LMHC) is a current resident of Seattle and a graduate of the mighty Camp Solomon Schechter gaga pits. He is passionate about Positive Youth Development, whimsy and a darn good snack. Zach wholeheartedly believes that summer camp is the best place to experience profound... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Dip, Braid, Smash: DIY Shabbat
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
In this session, we will make the three essential components for a Shabbat experience: candles, grape juice, and challah. Around the table, we will explore how preparing for Shabbat can make it feel even more holy.
Speakers
avatar for Bradley Epstein

Bradley Epstein

FJC Staff, he/him
Bradley Epstein is a Fellow in Cohort IV of the FJC Fellowship, focusing on Jewish and Israel Education! Bradley first experienced the magic of Jewish camp as a camper at Z Frank Apachi Day Camp, and then truly fell in love with Jewish camp after his first summer at Beber Camp in... Read More →
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Ariella is an educator and rabbi who has dedicated her career to supporting people of all ages (but especially young people) in building personally meaningful Jewish communities and identities. She lives in Northampton, MA, where she serves as rabbi and director of education at Congregation... Read More →
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer Moked relocated from Israel to Michigan in 2019 to take on the role of Director of NEXTGen Detroit at the Jewish Federation of Detroit, where he leads a board of 50 young adults and a team of seven talented professionals. Tomer is a certified life and career coach (M.C.I.) specializing... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Let the Good Times Roll: A Jewish Joy Parade
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
In this session, we will design an immersive parade experience that brings Jewish joy into motion, through crafting, signing, and engaging text study.
Speakers
avatar for Jodie Goldberg

Jodie Goldberg

Founder and Principal, Fleurish Consulting Inc.
Jodie Goldberg is the Founder and Principal of Fleurish Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping individuals and organizations design gatherings that cultivate connection and deepen belonging between people. As a seasoned Jewish professional, Jodie's career features roles such... Read More →
avatar for Raphaela Levi

Raphaela Levi

Event Intern, she/her
Raphaela Levi is a recent graduate from American University with a Bachelors of Arts in International Relations. However, her second home is her summer camp in Southern California where she was on staff for the past 4 summers. She attended Cornerstone in 2024 and is ecstatic to return... Read More →
avatar for Sara Beth Berman

Sara Beth Berman

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Sara Beth Berman is an enthusiastic member of the FJC Cornerstone team, the Director of Youth and Family Education at Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City, and an experiential education consultant. SBB is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, spending her career working on curricular... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Magical Mythology Tour
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
In this session, we will explore the history and profiles of Jewish mythological characters through play, costumes, and highly-experiential activities. Come prepared to get to know the supernatural and make some mischief.
Speakers
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator, he/him
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creator and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator, organizer and educator who offers a unique consultancy based in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, social emotional learning and the arts. She currently serves as the Director of Social Action and Courageous Conversations for Lab/Shul in... Read More →
avatar for Sophie Schwarz

Sophie Schwarz

Event Intern, she/her
Sophie Schwarz is a second-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, pursuing a B.A. in English with a minor in Applied Psychology. She is passionate about youth engagement and community building. Sophie has spent eight summers at Camp JCA Shalom, most recently... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

7:30pm EDT

Wholly Holy: An Evening of Creative Play
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
In this session, we will play with fun (and potentially messy) art materials to imaginatively and creatively explore the holiness, awe, and wonder that can be found all around us.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
Long before he earned a BFA from OCAD University, a BEd from York University, and an MEd from OISE at the University of Toronto, Daniel Abramson was just a curious kid with an urge to take things apart to figure out how they worked. His passion for inquiry, curiousity and discovery... Read More →
avatar for Jill Stepak

Jill Stepak

Educator, she/her
Jill Stepak is an educator, instructional designer, musician, artist, and a proud Camp Interlaken JCC alum. For the past twenty years, Jill has worked to integrate arts, Jewish learning, and educational theories in a variety of settings, from synagogues to camps, schools, and for-profits... Read More →
Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA
 
Tuesday, May 19
 

12:00pm EDT

Crafting for a Cause: Bringing Service to Camp
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will craft bookmarks and pack school kits for local students while diving into Repair the World’s Jewish service learning cycle. Leave with practical tools and creative ideas to create powerful service experiences that you can weave into camp.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Herrmann

Jessica Herrmann

Guest, she/her
Jessica serves on Repair the World's Field Activation Team, working closely with the Jewish Service Alliance. She is committed to empowering her generation to connect with Judaism through service, building meaningful partnerships across diverse communities, and creating transformative... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

From Broken to Beautiful: Creating "Whole-iness" in Imperfection
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will explore the Japanese art of kintsugi by repairing broken pottery while emphasizing the beauty in its brokenness. We will reflect on how we can create internal wholeness and find holiness even during our most challenging moments.
Speakers
avatar for Noga Melnick

Noga Melnick

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), she/her
Noga Melnick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in working with families who have experienced trauma. Noga earned her Master’s in Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis and she currently works as a therapist for college students... Read More →
avatar for PJ Litvack

PJ Litvack

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), he/him
PJ Litvack worked at Camp Shalom and Camp Solelim, taking on meaningful roles in both communities. He is serving on the Cornerstone Alumni Board for his third year, bringing experience and dedication to the team. PJ also loves Cornerstone—a lot—and it continues to be one of his... Read More →
avatar for Shayna Lebowitz

Shayna Lebowitz

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), she/her
Shayna Lebowitz is an enthusiastic young professional with a passion for Jewish education, youth development, and of course camp! Her flame was first lit at Camp Laurelwood, where she spent the past fourteen summers— first as a camper, and more recently as prayer leader, division... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Jewish Environmentalism at Camp
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will learn how Judaism and environmental stewardship are interconnected and explore the importance of protecting the land that we use for our summer camps.
Speakers
avatar for Jared Richie

Jared Richie

Guest, he/him
Jared Richie is the Adamah on Campus National Coordinator, where he supports Jewish college students in bringing Jewish and environmental programming to their college campuses. He is a proud alum and serves on the Board of Directors for Habonim Dror Camp Moshava in Street, Maryland... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Making Space for Hebrew at Camp
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will explore how Hebrew can naturally fit into camp life, no matter your level, and how shared ownership with Hebrew-speaking staff and shlichim, along with your own choices and enthusiasm, can turn small moments into powerful connections for your campers and fellow staff.
Speakers
avatar for Sharon Schoenfeld

Sharon Schoenfeld

Guest, she/her
Sharon Schoenfeld is an informal educator and language-learning advocate whose work focuses on the intersection of experiential and informal learning environments, and Hebrew language learning and engagement. Since 2019, she has served as the National Director of Kayitz Kef/Hebrew... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Stick Dough: A Fun & Delicious Activity Around a Campfire
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will learn to make safe fires, to make simple dough, to wittle a stick, and to make stick dough!
Speakers
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh Lake received a Master's degree in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the founder and principal operator of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, a company whose goal is to explore Creation and the role Jews play as partners in Creation. Josh works with teachers... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA

12:00pm EDT

Tzitzit Making: Learn To Tie Your Own Set, Strings Attached!
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
In this session, we will learn how to tie your own set of traditional tzitzit (ritual fringes on 4 cornered garments).
Speakers
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator, he/him
Meir Balofsky has spent more summers at Camp Moshava Canada than most people. That might sound remarkable, but when you consider the world population is like 8 billion, it suddenly looks less impressive. A master of camp ruach, surprise skits, and perfectly timed dad jokes, Meir has... Read More →
Tuesday May 19, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
TBA
 
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