On September 3, 2025, the Education Directors Group in the Heart of New Jersey, supported by Jewish Federation, hosted its bi-annual Jewish Educators Conference at Temple Shaari Emeth. The program was led by Eliana Light with a focus on bringing G-d into the classroom.
Light, a sought-after t'fillah leader, artist-in-residence, musician, consultant, and founder and co-host of the Light Lab Podcast, believes in the power of t'fillah to change our lives, communities, and the whole world.
Her transformative program welcomed 50 dedicated educators from 11 schools into a deeply immersive experience designed to explore and enrich their personal relationship with G-d. Over the course of the journey, participants were guided through reflective exercises that traced their spiritual connection from childhood to the present day.
The program thoughtfully examined the many names and affectionate nicknames of G-d, offering fresh perspectives on how these expressions shape our emotional and intellectual engagement with prayer and Torah. Educators were invited to reimagine their approach to spiritual practice through a combination of intimate seated presentations, dynamic small-group breakout sessions, and short, grounding meditative experiences that helped them feel the presence of G-d in a tangible and personal way.
By the end of the program, every participant left feeling renewed and inspired. They had not only reconnected with fellow religious school teachers from across the community, but also strengthened their already abundant sense of purpose and spiritual clarity. Energized and uplifted, they returned to their classrooms ready to embrace the new school year with deeper intention, creativity, and faith.
Emily Appledorf, Federation’s Jewish Engagement Manager, noted, “Every educator was on the edge of their seat engulfed in Eliana’s positive and lighthearted presentation of such a heavy topic. It felt like I was observing a constructive educational setting that inspires today’s educators to cultivate a promising Jewish future. It was an honor to represent Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, and we cannot thank Temple Shaari Emeth enough for their warm welcome and generosity, the Education Directors for developing and facilitating this robust evening, and lastly, everyone who joined in with enthusiasm and curiosity making our time together so productive.”