The Jewish Education Innovation Challenge (JEIC) brought its national network and signature energy to Seattle on May 12-13 for the 2025 Innovators Retreat, uniting over 90 educators, leaders and funders under the theme “Mission Possible.” The two-day event, co-hosted by the Mayberg Foundation and the Samis Foundation, marked the first time the retreat was held on the West Coast and in partnership with a local community funder.
JEIC’s leadership—founding director Rabbi Shmuel Feld, managing director Sharon Freundel and educational consultant Sarah Rubinson Levy—designed the retreat around three core pillars:
- Student-centered learning: Empower students through agency-driven, meaningful learning experiences.
- God-centered learning: Make prayer (tefillah) and spiritual exploration accessible and relevant for today’s students using diverse, authentic approaches.
- School culture change: Equip leaders with practical tools for lasting, mission-driven culture change.
“Is our approach to Jewish studies designed so students can’t wait for more, or do we risk leaving them ‘full’ but uninspired?” challenged Manette Mayberg, trustee of the Mayberg Foundation. “We need to deliver a curated, challenging experience with the full potential of each student in mind.”
The retreat’s Seattle location unlocked new opportunities for connection and collaboration across regions. Samis Foundation chair David Ellenhorn and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle President & CEO Solly Kane welcomed participants to their community at the retreat’s gala dinner, followed by an interactive workshop on reimagining Jewish day schools led by Jewish influencer Becky Tahel.
“The Samis Foundation saw real value in bringing JEIC’s national expertise to our local schools,” said Rachel Abrahams, senior adviser for education grants and programs at the Mayberg Foundation.
For Samis CEO Connie Kanter, the retreat’s impact was clear: “This was a chance for educators from all five schools we support to come together in greater numbers than ever before. It’s been tremendous for our community.”
Throughout the retreat, attendees described a rare opportunity to reflect, network, and learn from both local and national peers.
“It’s powerful to be surrounded by people thinking creatively about Jewish education,” said David Zimand, head of school at Seattle Jewish Community School. “Connecting with others helps us refine our thinking and share fresh ideas—both about what’s unique here in Seattle and what we can learn from across the country.”
Ben Lipman, board member at Seattle Hebrew Academy, emphasized the importance of humility and collaboration: “No one has all the answers. We have to be willing to learn from each other—and that willingness is what drives real cultural change.”
Nance Morris Adler, Judaics teacher and mashgiach ruchani at JDS Seattle, noted immediate takeaways from sessions on God-centered learning. “Giving students multiple ways into the text, letting them discover what speaks to them, is something I’ll bring right back to my classroom,” she said.
She also highlighted the value of hosting the event locally. “Having JEIC here in Seattle let us fully participate and showcase our work in a way that’s just not possible when events are always on the East Coast.”
Her advice to future participants: “Come open to new ideas. Some things may feel familiar, others uncomfortable — but it’s all necessary if we want to keep moving forward.”
“Bringing JEIC’s Innovators Retreat to your local community is invaluable,” said Kanter. “You engage more educators, bring in national experts, and spark conversations you just can’t get anywhere else. JEIC does this like no one else.”
The 2025 retreat left participants energized and equipped with practical strategies for centering students, deepening spiritual growth and leading transformational change in their schools. “JEIC is tackling the questions that matter most for the future of Jewish education,” said Adler. “Any community can benefit from what’s being shared here, and it helps make Jewish learning meaningful and enduring for students and families alike.”
For day school leaders, educators and funders, this year’s retreat was a powerful reminder; Shaping the next generation requires both vision and the courage to try something new.
For more information about bringing JEIC’s Jewish educational experts to your community, please contact Sharon Freundel, managing director, at sharon@jewishchallenge.org.
