2026 Innovators Retreat

Torah · Teaching · Technology: Where Is God in the Digital Classroom?

Monday, April 27–Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Atlanta, GA

At JEIC’s 2026 Innovators Retreat (IR26), educators, funders, influencers, and leaders from across the country gathered to explore how technology, especially AI, is shaping Jewish day school education. This year’s theme, “Torah · Teaching · Technology: Where is God in the Digital Classroom?” guided conversations about faith, ethics, and engagement in an AI-driven world. Participants used AI as a lens to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing Jewish day schools today, including:

• The pros and cons of AI for Jewish day schools

• Fostering deep connection between students, teachers, and God in a digital age

• Preserving integrity and work ethic as technology advances

IR26 highlights included:

• Hands-on workshops and sessions exploring how AI can support teaching and learning—from Judaic studies classrooms to school leadership applications—while preserving core values. Read more about these conversations and access IR26 resources here

• A gala address from Mayberg Foundation President Manette Mayberg challenging the field to protect the sacred, human-centered nature of the classroom.
  View Manette’s remarks here >
  View the transcript here
  

• A moving tribute from colleagues and friends honoring Sharon Freundel’s transformative, God-centered leadership. Read more about Sharon’s tribute here

PLUS: The Debut of Mishnah Impossible

JEIC’s retrospective video, Mishnah Impossible, debuted at the IR26 Gala Dinner. The video blends lifelike AI animation with voices from the Mayberg Foundation, JEIC, and across the Jewish day school field. Watch here >

The 2026 Innovators Retreat was hosted by the Mayberg Foundation, and sponsored by the Zalik Foundation and the Aronov Foundation. We also thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta for their partnership.