Special Initiatives
Our world is in a state of constant flux, and Jewish LearningWorks’ professional learning offerings are designed to respond to evolving needs. Our special initiatives are time limited, and reflect unique opportunities for partnership.
The Ruby Award
For educators and others working with Bay Area teens
Established in 2020, in memory of teen champion Rob Ruby z’l, the Ruby Award honors excellence in Jewish youth education and engagement. The 2026 Ruby Award event will take place on May 19, 2026.
For more information, please contact Alisha Pedowitz at alisha@jewishlearning.works.
ElevatED
For early childhood education professionals
The East Bay Jewish early childhood community is one of five pioneering communities participating in the first cohort of ElevatED, a national initiative designed to professionalize the field of Jewish early childhood education. ElevatED is a partnership of the Union for Reform Judaism, the JCC Association of North America, and The Jewish Federations of North America.
For more information, please contact Ellen Lefkowitz at ellen@jewishlearning.works.
Voices for Good Initiative
For women in the professional Jewish world
A multi-pronged initiative designed to advance gender equity in Jewish life, and support women in positions of leadership and influence.
Soul FULL: Unlocking the Neuroprotective Potential of Jewish Education
For Bay Area Jewish educators across organizational settings
In February 2025, Jewish LearningWorks gathered Bay Area educators to learn from field experts and each other about the neuroprotective power of spirituality. This event featured Columbia University professor Dr. Lisa Miller, renowned expert on the neuroscience of spirituality. Her keynote was followed by an exploration of how educators are essential to the development of resilience, health and fulfillment.
The Orchard
For early childhood education professionals
Jewish LearningWorks is proud to co-sponsor The Orchard—a joint initiative advancing the professional learning of educators in Jewish early childhood centers across North America.
The Orchard offers a variety of virtual workshops, from teaching the Jewish holidays, to child development and pedagogy, to teaching American holidays through an equity lens.