Learning Fest 2026 Unites Jewish Grandparents

The Jewish Grandparents Network, which educates, connects, and supports grandparents as essential partners in enriching Jewish life across generations, will host Learning Fest 2026 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Jan. 27, the first global convening for Jewish grandparents to learn from experts and each other. The virtual gathering includes sessions covering long-distance grandparenting, generational dynamics around Israel, navigating interfaith families, supporting neurodivergent grandchildren, and much more.

“Grandparents hold a unique place in many families — they are the keeper of stories and a bridge between the past and future,” said Debra Weinberg, executive director of the Jewish Grandparents Network. “At the same time, many families have complicated dynamics, and the world today is also complicated. Learning Fest 2026 will help grandparents navigate these challenges, connect with each other for support, and feel valued. We’re excited to share knowledge and tools to build strong Jewish families and a brighter Jewish future.”

In addition to interest-based small group breakouts, expert-led sessions include:
At a Distance: Practical and Meaningful Ways to Build Relationships with Grandchildren Who Live Far Away; Kerry Byrne, PhD, founder of The Long Distance Grandparent
When Grandparents Get Canceled (and What to Do About It); Rachel Haack, LMFT, marriage and family therapist associate
How Grandparents Can Bring Storytelling to Life Through Play; Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, founder of The K’ilu Company
Has it EVER Been Possible for Families to Calmly Discuss Israel? Exploring the Generational Dynamics of Israel Infatuation, Anxiety, and Ambivalence; Jonathan Kessler, founder and CEO of Heart of a Nation
How Grandparents with Neurodivergent Grandchildren can Embrace and Support Their Family; Dr. Richard Solomon, developmental and behavioral pediatrician
Ritual Reimagined: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Moments with Your Grandchildren; Ezra Bookman, founder, Ritualist
Opening the Heart: Becoming a Grandparent; Dr. Jane Shapiro, master teacher of Torah and Jewish thought, history and literature.
Doing Jewish, Feeling Jewish, Being Jewish: Grandparents as Guides in Mixed-Heritage and Multifaith Families; Rabbi Samuel Klein, director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
Texts, TikToks & Time Together: Building Real Bonds with Your Teen Grandkids; Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, senior director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness, and Ian Kandel, BBYO’s senior vice president for movement building
Affirming and Loving Your Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Grandchildren; Tracey Labgold, Keshet’s Florida education and training manager