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Cornerstone 2025
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Tuesday, May 20
 

9:00am EDT

Ascending with Awe
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will step into nature to best practice the sensation of awe and why that matters especially during camp.
Speakers
avatar for Josh Lake

Josh Lake

Educator, he/him
Josh Lake received a Masters Degree in Jewish Education from The Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the founder and principal operator of Outdoor Jewish Adventures, a company whose goal is to explore Creation and the role Jews play as partners in Creation. Josh works with teachers... Read More →
avatar for Zach Snyder

Zach Snyder

Educator, he/him/Zach
Zach, MA LMHC, A resident of Seattle Washington is passionate about positive youth development, whimsy and a good snack. Zach spent his childhood summers in the gaga pits of Camp Solomon Schechter, eventually graduating the pits to become a Counselor, Challenge Course director, unit... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Blessings for All Bodies (feat: Fat Torah)
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will explore the blessings our bodies hold for us and our relationship to them using body mapping, texts from Fat Torah, affirmations, and small group sharing.
Speakers
avatar for JessAnn Smith

JessAnn Smith

Educator, she/her/any
JessAnn Smith is a queer Jewish educator, producer, and teaching artist based in NYC and has been a Faculty Educator with Foundation for Jewish Camp since 2023. In addition to her current role as program coordinator for the Teen + Young Adult Mental Health Initiative at the Marlene... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Figurasmith

Rachel Figurasmith

Educator, she/her
Rachel Figurasmith is a nonprofit executive, disability inclusion advocate and long-time Jewish educator. Rachel's professional time is spent primarily leading organizations through periods of transition as an interim leader. She also trains nonprofit professionals and educators on... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

From Abstract to Insight: Connecting with Prayer Through Art
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will we will use art materials to create large abstract shapes. By focusing more closely we will notice what emerges for each of us. Through this creative exploration, we'll discover how focusing our attention can help us connect more deeply with ourselves and with prayer.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Stepak

Jill Stepak

Educator, she/her
Jill Stepak is an educator, instructional designer, musician, artist, and a proud Camp Interlaken JCC alum. For the past twenty years, Jill has worked to integrate arts, Jewish learning, and educational theories in a variety of settings, from synagogues to camps, schools, and for-profits... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Get in Here: a Physical Practice of Yoga
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will notice how our bodies show up, using mindful breath alongside the physical practice of yoga. This active yoga practice will build awareness of our here and now. Dress for comfortable movement.
Speakers
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Becca Sykes offers dynamic coaching and workshops rooted in yoga, theater, and text-study that build experience in values-based learning. Her love of experiential education comes from decades at summer camps in North America, where it's possible to build one's creativity and connection... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Hineini Nature Observation Maps
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will practice mindfulness in nature through the practice of sitting in the woods and recording the things we notice. We will spend our time attuning our attention to the natural world and then creating visual representations of where we are in the vast world of sounds, sights, and smells of nature.
Speakers
avatar for Akiko Yonekawa

Akiko Yonekawa

Educator, she/her
Aki Yonekawa is a Jewish educator who lives mostly in Massachusetts, sometimes in California, and all the time in a state of wonder. She grew up going to the Wilshire Blvd. Temple Camps and worked at Camp JCA Shalom and Camp Alonim. Her current camp gig is a program for 20-29 year-olds... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Imagining Camp in a Climate-Changed Future
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will harness the power of imagination to envision camp in a future impacted by climate change and become familiar with climate emotions, including hope and joy.
Speakers
avatar for Lawrence Wagner

Lawrence Wagner

FJC Fellow, he/him
Lawrence is stoked to be part of the third FJC Fellowship cohort, working on wellness, belonging, and inclusion initiatives. Originally from Kansas City, he attended Ramah in the Rockies as a camper for several summers, completing Jewish Outdoor Leadership Institute (JOLI) in 2017... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Logs, Loops, and L'identity
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will create representations of who we are in this moment as individuals and who we are collectively, engaging in collage, musical exploration, and through building community campfires.
Speakers
avatar for Carly Colen

Carly Colen

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), she/her
Carly Colen is a Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB) Siyyum member and she lives and breathes camp. She has spent 12 summers at Beber Camp as a camper, counselor, and then Division Leader, and this will be her 6th year of Cornerstone after taking on roles as a Fellow, Senior Fellow, Event... Read More →
avatar for Alex Bennett

Alex Bennett

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), she/they
Alex Bennett received her Bachelor of Arts in Drama with a minor in Jewish Studies from University of California, Irvine in 2022. Alex discovered their passion for Jewish communal work in college through her involvement and presidencies with Hillel and Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority... Read More →
avatar for Morgan Morris

Morgan Morris

Cornerstone Alumni Board (CAB), he/him
Morgan is a MSW student from Scotland, with a passion for Jewish Summer Camp. He has worked at Beber since 2018 in a variety of roles, and is currently their Teen Leadership Director. In this role, Morgan works with teens to develop their leadership skills in their transition from... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Making the Secular Holy: Secular Music & Jewish Prayer
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will listen to secular music that connects to our morning liturgy, breaking down the barrier between the "holy" and the "mundane".
Speakers
avatar for Joel Swedlove

Joel Swedlove

Educator, he/him
Joel is a product of the Jewish Summer Camp. His parents met at UAHC Camp Swig and he believes deeply in the importance of summer camp to the American Jewish community.Joel has coached Basketball for both boys and girls at the middle and high school levels with multiple appearances... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Middot Bracelets (Swiftie-Inspired)
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will string together connections between who we are, who we want to be, and Jewish values, while also stringing together a physical representation of those values.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Beth Berman

Sara Beth Berman

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Sara Beth Berman is an enthusiastic member of Foundation for Jewish Camp Cornerstone team, the Director of Youth and Family Education at Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City, and an experiential education consultant. Sara Beth Berman is a writer, podcaster, and storyteller, has... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Moving Mindfulness: Qigong to Start Your Day
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will begin the day with a wonderful mind body practice to center, stretch, energize, and empower us. Utilizing gentle movements, breath work, self-massage, and guided visualization, we'll enjoy this ancient (made modern) health and wellness practice.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie Goldfein

Natalie Goldfein

Advisor, she/her
Natalie Goldfein relishes helping people learn about themselves and others. She believes we create a better world for all by bringing our Uniqueness to all we do. As President of NGCC: Natalie Goldfein Coaching & Consulting, Natalie is a teacher, life coach and consultant with over... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

People of Many Books (and Art and Music and...)
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will practice creative text study, putting different Jewish and Jewish-adjacent voices (including our own!) in conversation across generations, genres, and gifts.
Speakers
avatar for Sarra Alpert

Sarra Alpert

Educator, she/her
Sarra Alpert is the Chief Institute Officer at Avodah, directing Avodah's Institute for Social Change which supports Jewish communal leaders in the ongoing transformation of making our communal spaces, policies, programs and practices more just, inclusive, and engaged in the world... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Sacred Photography
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will train our eyes to see beauty wherever we look and capture it with our cameras.
Speakers
avatar for Pesach Stadlin

Pesach Stadlin

Educator, he/him
Pesach is a founding member and Rabbi of Eden Village Summer Camps. He is a big fan of creator and creation, and his favorite spiritual postures are closeness and balance. He has lived up in the Redwood trees, on sailboats, and led 17 international trips with American Jewish World... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Soulful Breaths, Sacred Words: Meditating with the Psalms
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will join in a breathwork experience where we'll use the poetry of the Psalms as a guide to grounding, reflection, and renewal. Through mindful breathing and sacred words, we'll awaken our souls, find deeper connection, and create space for spiritual and emotional well-being to jumpstart your day at camp!
Speakers
avatar for Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Tony J. Westbrook, Jr.

Educator, he/him
Tony J. Westbrook, Jr. is an award-winning Jewish educator, activist, and community leader with an infectious passion for justice and Jewish life. Based in Los Angeles, Tony has spent his career bridging Jewish values with social justice, leading everything from national service-learning... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Tea and Mindfulness
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will start our day with inspiration and wellness by crafting tea with Jewish herbs and learning the Rambam's blessings, blending health, mindfulness, and tradition.
Speakers
avatar for Tomer Moked

Tomer Moked

Educator, he/him
Tomer is a certified life and career coach (MCI) for performing arts professionals. He earned his degrees in Acting, Directing, and Theater Education from the Kibbutzim College of Tel Aviv. He is trained as an actor and graduated from Beit Zvi College of Performing Arts of Israel... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

9:00am EDT

Tzitzit Making — Learn to Tie Your Own Set!
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA
In this session we will learn how to tie our own set of traditional tzitzit (ritual fringes on four cornered garments).
Speakers
avatar for Meir Balofsky

Meir Balofsky

Educator, he/him
Meir Balofsky is doing what he can for the good of the Jewish people and is having a really fun time doing it. During the academic year, he is the Director of Experiential Education at Israel XP, at Bar Ilan University gap year program. During the summer, he is the staff support and... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Be a Light in the Dark: Prayer Lanterns
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will hand craft, light, and launch our own prayer lanterns to help bring us to center after a long day of camp.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Shaw

Melissa Shaw

Educator, she/they
Melissa Shaw is a facilitator and educator who offers a unique consultancy based in social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, social emotional learning and the arts. She has facilitated for school districts, school boards, universities, theaters, congregations, summer camps... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Divine Rhymes Prayer Remix
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will transform familiar tunes into powerful, personalized expressions of Jewish prayer, making prayer feel fresh, relevant, and connected to the camp experience.
Speakers
avatar for Dan Tatar

Dan Tatar

Educator, he/him
Dan is thrilled to return to FJC Cornerstone for a 2nd year. An overnight camper since age 8, a teen summer experience in Israel changed Dan's life and career path. Since then, he's been crafting meaningful relationships and creative experiences in the professional Jewish world like... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Ga'avah: What Does Pride Mean to You?
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will explore different aspects of our identities that make us proud and ask ourselves what inspires us to "rise up" in moments of doubt or joy. This session is open to folks of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Speakers
avatar for Dubbs Weinblatt

Dubbs Weinblatt

Educator, they/he
Dubbs Weinblatt is the Founder and CEO of Thank You For Coming Out, which inspires authenticity and belonging by uplifting, centering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ stories and identities through DEIB trainings and workshops, their podcast, improv show, and other forms of art and storytelling... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Hands-On Character Building: Activities and Insights for Fostering Growth
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will learn best practices for fostering character development in camp settings, while gaining tools, strategies, and resources to inspire growth in campers and staff.
Speakers
avatar for Maya Tipiere

Maya Tipiere

FJC Staff, she/her
Maya Tipiere joined FJC in February 2023 as the Learning and Research Associate. Previously, she worked in communications, development, and operations at Yeshivat Maharat, gaining a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the Jewish non-profit world. Maya was raised in Long... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Hineini Affirmation Candle Making
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will use reflective prompts to help us explore what "hineini" means in moments of doubt, tension, and hopelessness. We will then ceremonially share our "I am" statements and create candle holders that reflect these affirmations as reminders that when our light feels dim and hard to see, the candle's flame will remind us that we only need to return to our divine spark, our hineini truth, to remember that our light is always shining and bright.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Carter

Melissa Carter

Educator, she/her
Melissa Carter is the Senior Director for Global Spiritual Life and Head of Mindfulness Education and Programming for the Office of Global Inclusion within University Life at NYU. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Wagner School of Public Service and Adjunct... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

I Like to Move It, Move It: Prayer for Athletes
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
What if prayer was more than alternating between sitting and standing? What if inner stillness could be experienced through the physicality of high-intensity movement? In this session we will wake up our bodies and find strength, balance, endurance, and focus with an invigorating experience for those of us who don't want to sit still.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Abramson

Daniel Abramson

Educator, he/him
Daniel Abramson is a passionate Jewish experiential educator. Daniel hold a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis on curriculum studies and teacher development. Daniel's educational philosophy is grounded in the idea that curiosity, wonder, and play are key elements of transformative... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Israeli Dance High to Low
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will get out some of our remaining energy from the day with a few of our favorite jump-around Israeli dances and then transition to some beautiful, slower, and deeply soulful dances to wind down for the night.
Speakers
avatar for Erica Goldman

Erica Goldman

Educator, she/her
Erica Goldman has been an engineering linguist, a high school English teacher, and a nonprofit Chief Program Officer. A two-time Brandeis University graduate, Erica holds an M.B.A. as well as a Master’s in Jewish Professional Leadership and is a grateful Wexner Fellow/Davidson Scholar... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Meditation and Focus Through Repetition
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will explore the power of repetition in our lives at camp by meditating while listening to repeating vocal/musical tracks (optional to contribute to speaking, singing, or playing as part of an audio track).
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Daniel Shore

Dr. Daniel Shore

Educator, he/him
Dr. Daniel Shore has a PhD in Workplace Psychology and has been on the Cornerstone Faculty for 6 summers. He is a researcher, consultant, and trainer across the gamut of human workplace experiences, from cybersecurity teams to summer camp staff. In addition to working at camp for... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Meditative Movement
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will use different forms of movement (stretching, breathing, and unwinding) to take a break from the activity and reset ourselves together. No prior experience necessary.
Speakers
avatar for Chana Rothman

Chana Rothman

Educator, she/her
Chana Rothman is a singer/songwriter, Jewish and music educator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Chana is often commissioned to write the annual Cornerstone song, with recent bops including "Mah Rabu" and "Grow" as well as classics like "Simplify" and "Ayeka." Chana has taught... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Nothing Doing: Purposeless Play for the Fun of It
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will resist productivity's call to optimize and multi-task. We will use the present moment to play fully and reclaim leisure. It will be ridiculously worth it. Also just ridiculous.
Speakers
avatar for Becca Sykes

Becca Sykes

Advisor, she/her
Becca Sykes offers dynamic coaching and workshops rooted in yoga, theater, and text-study that build experience in values-based learning. Her love of experiential education comes from decades at summer camps in North America, where it's possible to build one's creativity and connection... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Screaming Meditation
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will experience the range and power of our voices as we center ourselves and find some quiet by letting all of the noise come out.
Speakers
avatar for Jonah Canner

Jonah Canner

Advisor, he/him
Jonah Canner is an ambassador from the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the sacred obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah's primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

The Spiritual and Practical Benefits of Starting Tomorrow Tonight
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will discover how the Jewish calendar's tradition of starting the day at sunset can inspire a proactive and productive approach to life.
Speakers
avatar for Diana Bloom

Diana Bloom

Advisor, she/her
Diana Bloom is passionate about helping camps, camp professionals, and lay leaders thrive by providing hands-on support and guidance in building strong accountability practices. With a deep love for camp life, she is dedicated to making camp communities even better places to learn... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Tuning Into the Tide: A Seashell Meditation for Camp Staff
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will use seashells and meditation techniques as tools for deepening our own self-awareness, and strengthening our ability to support others at camp.
Speakers
avatar for Jodie Goldberg

Jodie Goldberg

Educator, she/her
Jodie Goldberg is the Founder and Principal of Fleurish Consulting, a practice dedicated to helping individuals and organizations design gatherings that cultivate connection and deepen belonging between people. As a seasoned Jewish professional, Jodie's career features roles such... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

You're A Songleader!
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will discuss and practice songleading and facilitation skills to take ownership of camp's Jewish culture and content through music.
Speakers
avatar for Jenna Handler

Jenna Handler

FJC Staff, she/her
Jenna is an FJC Fellow with a portfolio focused on day camp and Jewish education! Through her role at Foundation For Jewish Camp, she has spent the past two summers as the Jewish cultural program specialist at New Country Day Camp. Jenna’s passion for camp stems from her 10 years... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Your Words, My Words: What's in Your Prayer Journal?
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will explore the quotes, prayers, and poems that inspire us alongside our own words and create personalized journals in which to record them.
Speakers
avatar for Ariella Rosen

Ariella Rosen

Educator, she/her
Ariella is an educator and rabbi who has dedicated her career to supporting people of all ages (but especially young people) in building personally meaningful Jewish communities and identities. She lives in Northampton, MA, where she serves as rabbi and oversees youth and family experiences... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA

8:00pm EDT

Zumba for All
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
In this session we will welcome all bodies and abilities into an inclusive Zumba space where we'll have fun Zumba-ing and getting creative in our movements. No previous Zumba experience necessary!
Speakers
avatar for Mara Berde

Mara Berde

Senior Fellow Faculty, she/her
Mara Berde spent 15 summers working Jewish overnight camps as counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director, ultimate frisbee specialist, unit head, Jewish program director, and associate director. She credits camp for teaching her everything she knows, including how to be a great supervisor... Read More →
avatar for Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin

Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin

Event Intern, she/her
Sheindl Spitzer-Tilchin is a current graduate student at Brandeis University studying Jewish Professional Leadership in the Hornstein Program. Sheindl also completed her undergraduate studies at Brandeis with a BA in Psychology and Near Eastern Judaic Studies. At Brandeis, Sheindl... Read More →
Tuesday May 20, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
TBA
 
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