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Dear Friend,
As we approach Thanksgiving, we’ve been reflecting on the central place of gratitude in our work at M². This entire month has been devoted to noticing and naming the moments of meaning in our educational journeys - including our Resource Spotlight on Gratitude.
That spirit of appreciation was especially felt as both our Senior Educators Cohort and Mabat fellows completed their programs this month, on the same day. In a moving moment of Jewish peoplehood, fellows from 15 countries, sitting in Jerusalem and in Miami, joined together on a shared Zoom call to celebrate their learning, one another, and the global community of Jewish educators they now firmly belong to.
Alongside this work in the field, M² CEO Shuki Taylor published a new piece this week that beautifully expands on our theme of gratitude - offering a heartfelt appreciation for the educators who infuse Jewish life with depth, creativity, and care.
On that note, we want to take this moment to appreciate you - partners, educators, and friends - whose work continues to inspire us and strengthen Jewish life every day.
Warmly,
The M² Team
YAMIM 2026 IS COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU
At a moment when Israel itself is at a crossroads, the upcoming Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut offer an opportunity to pause and reflect: What visions of Israel do we want to teach toward?
M²’s Yamim 2026: Visions and Values is a day-long professional development lab that equips Jewish professionals with fresh tools and methodologies for navigating the complex crossroads of Israel and Israel education today. Join us in a city near you throughout February–March, 2026 to gain practical ideas and inspiration you can bring directly into your Yamim programming—and beyond.
JOIN US!
- LOS ANGELES | FEBRUARY 18, 2026 | 10-3PM | Register now
- CLEVELAND | FEBRUARY 25, 2026 | 9:30-2:30PM | Register now
- NY AREA | STAY TUNED | Express interest
- COLUMBUS | STAY TUNED | Express interest
Live elsewhere? Join us virtually on March 5 | Register here
Learn more and check for updates on the different cities on the Yamim website.
INTRODUCING: DEEP DIVE ISRAEL
Alumni of our Senior Educators Cohort who live in North America, here’s the fourth seminar you’ve been waiting for! You are invited to apply to Deep Dive Israel: a week-long experience in Israel through site-based learning and real-life encounters with Israeli society.
This is a highly subsidized opportunity, currently available exclusively to SEC alumni in North America. Applications close December 12th - don’t miss this phenomenal opportunity!
Travel to Israel with M² | March 9–14, 2026
MABAT GRADUATES IN JERUSALEM
Mabat fellows from across Israel gathered for their final seminar near Jerusalem, culminating in the creation of their “signature pedagogies”—both in practice and through a hands-on rubber-stamp workshop in Tel Aviv. They engaged in deep conversations about values, educational methodologies, and the fellowship’s impact on their careers, concluding with a meaningful graduation ceremony where each fellow presented their unique educational perspective. Mazal tov to Mabat 3!
SENIOR EDUCATORS COHORT GRADUATES IN MIAMI
The eighth Senior Educators Cohort completed their final seminar in Miami, drawing on ten months of learning to explore how to create educational experiences that spark meaning. Fellows examined narrative theory, identity formation, and the craft of shaping impactful journeys, while also building symbolic sand installations, reflecting through a meaning-making gallery, and even learning salsa. They concluded by sharing personal mission statements expressing who they are—and aspire to be—as educators. Mazal tov to SEC 8!
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS CELEBRATE WITH A SIYYUM
Our Pedagogies of Peoplehood and Pedagogies of T'fillah Research Fellowships wrapped up their final chabura meetings this week, where fellows shared experiments from their practice and closed with a siyyum reflecting on how their thinking around Peoplehood and T'fillah has evolved. We look forward to sharing the fellows’ resources and thought papers at the Symposium on March 18 – Save the date!
Chazak chazak v’nitchazek!
FOUR REASONS WE’RE GRATEFUL TO OUR JEWISH EDUCATORS
“Jewish educators have weathered some of the hardest years imaginable, and they’ve done so with remarkable resolve. Through uncertainty, exhaustion, and change, they continue to show up with intention: creating, adapting, and leading with purpose.”
In a powerful piece published in The Algemeiner, Shuki Taylor reflects on the many reasons why we should be grateful to the Jewish educators who keep our communities going - and offers guidance in how to express our gratitude towards them.
RETHINKING HOW WE CRITIQUE HILLEL AND ITS EDUCATORS
“The first step into Jewish life is often relational rather than conceptual. It happens when a student feels seen, met without judgment and accompanied at their pace. Hillel’s educational approach — when practiced at its strongest — is guided not only by openness, but by a sophisticated understanding of how identity is formed and how trust becomes the gateway to depth.”
This week eJewishPhilanthropy published Shuki's response to a recent criticism of Hillel International. He explores the importance of how we offer rebuke – emphasizing institutions rather than individuals – to keep our discourse centered on strengthening our shared commitment to the Jewish future.
Earlier this month, M² VP of Programs Mollie Andron shared an opinion piece in response to the election results in New York. The piece was published in Israeli news outlet Makor Rishon, and translates to “Between a rock and a hard place: The challenge facing New York’s Jews.”
Read the full article here (Hebrew) >
M² Board Member Shawna Goodman reflected on The Hope Study in a recent Jerusalem Post opinion piece, "What the Jewish community teaches about hope in action, not as a feeling." Shawna writes about how hope has impacted her personally and professionally, and how we should all be shifting focus to building connection.
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.
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