Cornerstone 2026: Full Schedule

7:30pm EDT

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

In this session, we will participate in a variety of team-based challenges (e.g., building things, playing games, dancing), earn points, and embrace collaboration..

Speakers

Dr. Daniel Shore

Educator, he/him

Dr. Daniel Shore has a PhD in Workplace Psychology and has been on the Cornerstone Faculty for 7 summers. He is a researcher, consultant, and trainer across the gamut of human workplace experiences, from cybersecurity teams to summer camp leaders and staff. In addition to working... Read More →

Abby Kaufman

Event Intern, she/her

Abby Kaufman is a graduating senior from Omaha, Nebraska, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Legal Studies with a certificate in Education Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Abby works as an intern for Tribe Talk, an organization that educates and empowers... Read More →

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 →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Energizing physical activity
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Counselor to CEO: Using Camp to Launch Your Career

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

Everything I need to know about being a successful business professional, I learned at camp. In this session, join FJC’s CEO, Jamie Simon, and Board Chair, Jeffrey Solomon, for a conversation on leadership, life lessons, and launching your career in Jewish camp and beyond.

Speakers

Jamie Simon

Chief Executive Officer, she/her

Jamie Simon is Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Chief Executive Officer and previously served as FJC’s Chief Program and Strategy Officer, overseeing programs, strategy, and innovation. Prior to joining FJC Jamie Simon was the Chief Executive Officer of Tawonga Jewish Community Corporation... Read More →

Jeff Solomon

Chair, Board of Directors, FJC, he/his

Jeff is Special Advisor and Vice Chair of TD Bank. He previously held leadership roles as President of TD Cowen, a division of TD Securities, and as Chair and CEO of Cowen from 2018 until the company’s acquisition by TD in March 2023.

Prior to that, Jeff was President of Cowen after serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investment Banking. Earlier in his career, he was the co-portfolio manager of Cowen Investment Management’s (formerly known as Ramius) multi-strategy investment portfolio, having joined... Read More →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Dance Dance Revelation: A Hero's Journey to Holiness

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

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

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 →

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

Staffter Hours

Company Energizing physical activity, A creative/hands on project
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Dear Gavi Letters: Positive Masculinity and Gender Dynamics at Camp

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will imagine what expressions of "positive masculinity" might look like in our camp communities by exploring the Dear Gavi Letters initiative, role-playing, small group discussions, and workshopping real camp scenarios.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him

Jonah Canner is an ambassador from the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the sacred obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education... Read More →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Dip, Braid, Smash: DIY Shabbat

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

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

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 →

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 →

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

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion, A creative/hands on project
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Holy Walking, Holy Howling: Turning Dusk into a Holy Space

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will take a walk and let the forest help us decompress from the day with nature as a guide/healer. We will look for the moon to howl out our fear and love so we can rejuvenate our souls.

Speakers

Lauren Berger

FJC Staff, she/her

Lauren's passion for Jewish camp began at Camp Interlaken JCC and has grown through the Cornerstone Fellowship, her work as an event intern, and most recently at Camp Wise. She's excited to bring that love for camp into her role as part of the fourth cohort of the FJC Fellowship... Read More →

Idan Chazan

Educator, he/him

Idan Chazan is a PhD candidate at New York University, focusing on the history of Israel and Zionism. His research examines how Israelis have historically responded to national crises or scandals. Aside from academic studies, his professional experience has centered on Israel and... Read More →

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 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company A quiet, solo experience
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Let the Good Times Roll: A Jewish Joy Parade

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will design an immersive parade experience that brings Jewish joy into motion, through crafting, signing, and engaging text study.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

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

Staffter Hours

Company Energizing physical activity, A creative/hands on project
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Magical Mythology Tour

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

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

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 →

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 →

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

Staffter Hours

Company A creative/hands on project
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Pre-State Zionist Approaches to Jewish-Arab Relations in Palestine

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will do a close reading of early (1920s and 1930s) ideas about the relationship between Zionism and the local Arab population. Drawing from the works of Martin Buber, Zeev Jabotinsky, and Henrietta Szold, we will examine how the echoes of the past are present in the current discourse about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Supervisors of all viewpoints and content knowledge are warmly welcome to join! If you're looking for a spicy conversation across political difference, this session is for you. [SUPERVISORS ONLY]

Speakers

Lauren Cohen Fisher

Educator, she/her/theirs

Lauren Cohen Fisher (Fisher) holds a faculty appointment in Jewish Studies at Colby College, where she teaches courses about Israeli Society and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict & serves as the Director of Jewish Student Life. She is the creator of The Inquiry-Centered Model, an approach... Read More →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion, Thought provoking text study
Audience Fellows

7:30pm EDT

Share Your Sweetness

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will gather around a campfire, share a sweet treat, and create a space through engaging discussion to honor what we've been carrying, and thoughtfully reflect on how to move forward with greater intention, resilience, and hope for Summer 2026.

Speakers

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 →

Rachel Dubowe

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her

Growing up in Southern California, Rachel was raised with a love of Jewish experiential learning and sunshine. She is a proud alumna of URJ Kutz Camp, URJ Camp Newman, and NFTY SOCAL. Rachel is a firm believer in the power of summer camp and credits an integral part of her Jewish... Read More →

Shayna Ellsworth

Event Intern, she/her

Shayna Ellsworth is a recent graduate of Sam Houston State University, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts, major of 2D Studio Art. Shayna started as a camper at URJ Greene Family Camp and has since spent 9 summers at camp, with many more to come. This past year, she worked at URJ Greene... Read More →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion
Audience Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Singing Together: Welcome to our Table

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

In this session, we will experience a Cornerstone tish, breaking down the elements of this informal singing experience, full of tangible takeaways you can bring back to your camp. Tish means table in Yiddish and represents a Jewish communal practice of holy singing, storytelling, and snacking. Some songs will be led by our faculty team and there will be time for some participants to lead songs, too.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

Steph Sussman

FJC Staff, they/them

Steph Sussman is a Los Angeles native and recent graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where they earned a B.S. from the Experience Industry Management department with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation Management. Steph is the Wellness, Inclusion... Read More →

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
TBA

Staffter Hours

Company Engaging group discussion, Singing and/or music making
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

Wholly Holy: An Evening of Creative Play

Monday May 18, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

TBA

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

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 →

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

Staffter Hours

Company A creative/hands on project, A quiet, solo experience
Audience Fellows, Senior Fellows, Supervisors

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

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