By Liliana Peliks, Jewish LearningWorks’ Director of Marketing
The Jewish LearningWorks’ Fellowships Alumni Gathering was a powerful reminder of the deep bonds and shared purpose within our community of Jewish educators and leaders. Through reflection, connection, and much-needed rest, we found renewal in the presence of colleagues who have supported us through decades of challenges and triumphs. This gathering reinforced that our work is not meant to be done alone – we thrive when we uplift one another. From energizing reunions to meaningful insights on sustainability and self-care, we left with both gratitude and new tools to sustain our passion. The wisdom of our shared experiences continues to guide us, reminding us to find the glimmers in our work and embrace the rhythm of effort and renewal. Together, we move forward, from strength to strength.
We are delighted to share with you these photos and reflections of our 2025 alumni gathering at the David Brower Center in Berkeley:
“Connecting with educators and Jewish communal professionals I’ve known for decades was both uplifting and inspiring. There was an immediate kinship in the room, and a deep seated knowing that we were in the right place.
By staying connected with a community of educators and Jewish communal leaders, I am energized by the collective accomplishments I see in our past. They keep me going for the future. Having this community lifts me up with mutual and generous spirit and mentorship at our fingertips. Throughout the highs and lows of work and in life, we have been trained to see each other as fully as possible. The alumni gathering added a new layer with acknowledgement of our often thankless work, recognition of our collective need for real rest, and the spaciousness to create a personally sustainable plan for rest. One note from Josh Feldman’s workshop that I return to on a daily basis is: find the glimmer. In order to pour ourselves into our work that we love so much, finding the glimmer each day can refill our cup and refuel us.
My heart is filled again as I glance down from my computer during the workday, and read from a beautiful card from R&R: “I am expansive. I will rest.”
This is my new mantra. My own personal grounding practice that I’ve adopted since our time together when there is a torrential downpour of things larger than I can tackle. I remember the generations of fellowship alumni working toward a shared vision for a thriving, thoughtful, and engaged Jewish community.”
-Dona Standel, Voices for Good Alumna & Director of Development at Camp Ramah of Northern California
“Walking into the room and seeing members of my fellowship cohort, along with so many other Jewish professionals I’ve come to know throughout my years in the field, was deeply affirming. I was reminded not only of how much I’ve learned, but also of how much this community has supported me in ways both big and small. It was a beautiful and much-needed reminder that we do this work together—and that rest and connection are essential parts of the journey.
The session with Josh Feldman was truly restorative. The theme – the importance of rest – could not have come at a better time for me. In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, I often forget how essential it is to pause, recharge, and embrace moments of stillness.
The very next morning, I felt the impact. I woke up feeling more rejuvenated, more energized, and more excited to dive into this meaningful work than I had in a long time. I was particularly moved by Josh Feldman’s metaphor of waves – how rest and work are intrinsically linked, each necessary for the other. Just as the ocean ebbs and flows, so too must we find a rhythm between productivity and renewal.
Since our gathering, I’ve been intentional about creating space for both movement and stillness. I’ve made time to exercise (yes, actually moving my body!), and to rest in ways I might have previously overlooked. I’ve cherished moments of recharging with my family and kids, allowing myself to be fully present rather than letting my mind drift back to work. I’ve made art, tapping into creativity as a form of restoration. I’ve even used our new “glimmer” cards as gentle reminders to breathe through moments that might otherwise feel overwhelming.”
-Mollie Breger, Voices for Good Alumna & Associate Development Director at Camp Tawonga
“As a lifelong Jewish educator, it means so much to me to reflect with other professionals who have been in the field as long as I, and to see how we and the world of Jewish Education has changed in the Bay Area over the past 2 ½ decades. To see my fellow cohort members was extremely invigorating, as they have been a rock for me over my career in terms of advice, support and camaraderie. We have been “critical colleagues” since Ti-ke-a back in 2001, and they have kept me focused and professional. Jewish education is an important yet challenging career path, and we need to be reminded that it is a serious profession that takes a lot of strength and effort, and we can’t do it alone. We need to be in community with each other if we are to succeed in our individual work. This is communal work, and we too need community. What a pleasure to be able to re-experience it with my fellow Jewish educators. I am grateful for the opportunity. I had a wonderful experience at the Alumni gathering!”
-Jonathan Emanuel, Ti-ke-a Fellowship Alumnus & Education Director at Congregation Kol Shofar, Tiburon
