JEIC's 2026 Innovators Retreat: First Reflections

JEIC’s 2026 Innovators Retreat (IR26), held April 27–28 in Atlanta, brought together nearly 100 educators, funders, and leaders for a bold exploration of AI in Jewish education—grappling with how to embrace new tools while safeguarding core values. The retreat’s powerful gala evening celebrated the field’s shared purpose, honored Sharon Freundel’s lasting impact on the Jewish day school field, and marked a new chapter for JEIC.

IR26 highlights included:

• Hands-on workshops and sessions exploring how AI can support teaching and learning—from Judaic studies classrooms to school leadership applications—while preserving core values

• A gala address from Mayberg Foundation President Manette Mayberg challenging the field to protect the sacred, human-centered nature of the classroom — read Manette’s full remarks here

• A moving tribute from colleagues and friends honoring Sharon Freundel’s transformative, God-centered leadership

• The debut of JEIC’s retrospective video, Mishnah Impossible, blending lifelike AI animation with voices from the Mayberg Foundation, JEIC, and across the Jewish day school field. Watch Mishnah Impossible here. Watch Mishnah Impossible here

• The unveiling of JEIC’s next phase: a tech-enabled central hub to support educators at every career stage and introduction of incoming JEIC Managing Director Ruchel Green — read more about JEIC’s next chapter here