CAJE Will Not Hold Conference in 2009

It is with regret, that we have to inform you, our dear members and longtime CAJE friends, that CAJE, the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, will not hold its annual conference originally scheduled for August 2009 because of the current economic environment.

As you are aware, this is a very difficult time for Jewish not-for-profit agencies in general and it is also an especially tough time for us at CAJE. Due to the current dramatic economic downturn coupled with the financial constraints faced by our members’ organizations, congregations and schools, the CAJE leadership has had to face the inescapable conclusion that CAJE can no longer offer our distinctive services to the field, and that we will be unable to convene the CAJE conference in 2009.

Unfortunately, this decision has immediate ramifications. CAJE has significantly reduced staff, as well as made other budgetary cuts. Sadly, we have bid farewell to David Frank, our Director of Conferences and Mimi Mark our Director of Development. Both David and Mimi have made significant contributions to CAJE and their presence will be sorely missed.

Without a 2009 conference the Coalition will not be able to continue as it has in the past. We understand that canceling the 2009 conference creates a loss of services for many Jewish educators. Thousands of you, our faithful members and supporters who attended our conference every summer depended on the CAJE conference for both professional development and inspiration. We know that CAJE provides support that allows you to continue and grow in the important work that you do. Therefore, CAJE is working closely with JESNA – The Jewish Education Service of North America – to explore how Jewish educators across the country can best be served, and how we can ensure that the mission and vision of CAJE will continue into the future.

The next few months will be a time for rethinking, and change. We will keep you informed as CAJE works with JESNA, to move the ideas and goals of CAJE forward.

We thank you for your efforts and commitment to Jewish education. You made CAJE the amazing organization that it is. Thank you for partnering with us in our quest to improve Jewish education.

For questions or more information please feel free to contact either one of us.

L’shalom,

Iris Koller, President
Jeffrey Lasday, Executive Director