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THE M² EXPERIENCE
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What Brings You Hope?
At the M² Aleh Summit in New Orleans in April, we asked several early-career professionals in the Jewish communal world: What brings you hope?
Their answers were beautiful and diverse, and honestly gave us an extra dose of hope too.
What's Next
M² Aleh Summits for Early-Career Professionals
Applications are open for our next Aleh Summit, February 16-18, 2027, in New Orleans. This is an opportunity for early-career professionals to reconnect with their passion and purpose, gain insights into navigating the challenges of today’s world, and grow their professional skills and network. We're offering 20% off tuition through November 15, making participation only $200 (not including airfare).
Know someone who could benefit from learning, connecting, and reflecting at an M² program? Nominate them here.
Yamim: Crossroads Israel
Join M² in New York for a free, half-day workshop centered on using M² Crossroads Cards to facilitate engaging conversations about Israel in your educational setting. Learn how to spur honest, thoughtful conversations about Israel that transform tensions and disagreement into meaningful educational moments.
📍 New York City
📆 Wednesday, December 9 | 10am–2pm
Webinar: Hanukkah Through the Lens of Courage
What kind of courage does Hanukkah ask of us? In this 60-minute webinar, we’ll explore the value of courage through an interactive M² resource on Courage and connect it to Hanukkah through texts, reflection and conversation. You’ll leave with practical ways to bring these ideas to your students or your family this Hanukkah.
📆 Monday, November 23 | 12pm EST | Zoom
Click the image above to watch a brief video explanation of the 18x18 Compass.
Calling all Jewish Organizations
What do you want your community members to take away from the Jewish experiences you offer?
M²'s 18x18 Compass helps organizations clarify what matters most and focus their efforts with intention. Fall 2026 enrollment is open — just 6–8 hours over three months, at no cost to organizations thanks to the deep investment of valued philanthropic partners.
We’re offering two upcoming webinars to learn more about the Compass:
- November 5 at 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT: Register now
- December 2 at 12:30 pm ET / 9:30 am PT: Register now
Ideas & Insights
Why Jewish Educators Must Focus on Uncoding Values
What happens when the values we hold become lines that divide us, defining who belongs and who doesn't?
In his latest article, M² CEO Shuki Taylor calls on educators to help students look beyond political labels and engage with values that may challenge their own perspectives.
M² in Action
Exploring Israel's Complexities Together
Through M²’s Deep Dive Israel, 17 senior Jewish educators spent six days exploring some of the most pressing questions facing Jewish communities today, engaging with diverse perspectives, challenging assumptions, and reflecting on what it means to be a Jewish educator during this pivotal moment. Coming together from North America, Europe, and the UK, they explored different facets of Israeli society through hands-on creative experiences and meaningful conversations with fellow educators, including our Israeli program alumni.
Aleh Brought Together 70 Federation Professionals
Seventy early-career Jewish professionals representing 35 Federations came together for three days of learning, connection, and growth at last month’s Aleh Summit in partnership with Jewish Federations of North America. Together, they exchanged ideas, developed practical skills, and built meaningful relationships with peers from across the Federation network.
Community Spotlight
Mazal Tov to M² Alumni
Mazal tov to M² alumni who recently were selected to join the Jewish Education Project’s Shamash Fellowship:
- Rebecca Berger, Senior Educators Cohort 4
- Em Besthoff, Senior Educators Cohort 7
- Kelly Cohen, Senior Educators Cohort 3 and Faculty Member
- Deena Cowans, Chicago Educators Cohort
- Marisa Kaiser, Atlanta Educators Cohort
- Deborah Niederman, Jewish Pedagogies of Peoplehood Cohort 2
- Adam Schaffer, Senior Educators Cohort 5 and Deep Dive Israel Cohort 1
- Phyllis Sommer, Chicago Educators Cohort
Have you started a new position? Published a thought leadership piece? Received an award?
Please let us know so we can congratulate you and update our community and our records.
M²: THE INSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENTIAL JEWISH EDUCATION