The articles in this issue begin with a recognition of the difference and legitimacy of summer experiences, their necessity for the personal, social and spiritual development of children. Authors accept the notion that children need time away from school, not merely as “downtime” but as an opportunity to have experiences that will be meaningful and important to them for their entire lives. They need to swim, climb trees, play hours of soccer, spend time with friends and make new ones, to improvise, cope with disappointment and exercise some control over their lives. All of the authors acknowledge that there is value in not assigning summer homework.

The Jewish Education Project is inviting teams of educators from Tri-State area middle and high schools to join us for a 3 day Summer Institute (August 14 -16, 2017). Through the Tech for Learning Initiative, supported by the Jim Joseph Foundation, school teams will work and learn together over several days in August. We will identify key challenges and opportunities that drive technology use, and the processes to implement educational technology that helps address them. We will also explore pedagogic approaches and theories behind integrating technology with learning. We’ll learn from each other and from leading experts in the field, and each team will create a plan for piloting new technology projects in their school. After completing the Summer Institute, schools will be eligible to submit applications for microgrants of up to $5,000 to help put their plans into action.

Join a dynamic group of Jewish educators at the International Society for Education 2017 Conference in San Antonio, Texas on June 26, 2017 between 17:30 – 19:30 as they reflect on best practices, share personal experiences, and network together about how best to integrate technology into Jewish education. The topics discussed will be participant driven with the goal of helping to foster meaningful conversations and create future collaboration.

The Herzog College in The Etzion Bloc invites Jewish teachers and school principals from all over Europe to participate in our summer seminar in Vienna on July 16-24, 2017. This seminar is the first step in implementing our broad vision creating an academic credited program for Diaspora teachers. The seminar is aimed at enriching the participants' toolbox in teaching Judaism and pedagogy. Academic credits will be awarded to seminar participants who complete course requirements. The seminar will be held at Maria – Theresia's Castle in English and French as well as in Ivrit subject to demand.

Against this backdrop, the New York Jewish Teen Initiative was launched in 2014. This ambitious effort to create new models of summer programming for Jewish teens, and to increase the numbers participating in Jewish experiences, is a partnership between UJA Federation of New York and the Jim Joseph Foundation within the framework of the Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Funder Collaborative, which includes national and local funders from ten communities. The Jewish Education Project serves as lead operator of the Initiative, which is being evaluated by a team from Rosov Consulting. Ahead of a third summer of programming, it is appropriate to take stock of what we’ve learned so far. A full report is available here.