What are the opportunities and challenges in introducing Jewish life to young children through early childhood education? What is the landscape now, and how can it grow? Join nationally-recognized early childhood leader Sasha Kopp Hass (Senior Director of Education & Engagement at ElevatEd) and Jonathan Shmidt Chapman (Founder of the K'ilu Company) for this hands-on workshop and discussion. Together, we'll engage in text study, research, small group conversation, and big picture visioning to consider how Jewish identity is cultivated in early childhood.

Sasha Kopp Hass is the Senior Director of Education and Engagement for ElevatEd, a new initiative working on the recruitment of educators into the early childhood Jewish landscape. Sasha cares deeply about supporting the early childhood Jewish community and has held many roles supporting the field including classroom teacher, assistant director of Central Synagogue’s early childhood center as well the Senior Consultant for early childhood and family engagement for The Jewish Education Project. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and education studies at Brandeis University and master’s degrees in Jewish education and Jewish nonprofit management from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. Additionally, Sasha is a fused glass artist and facilitates mezuzah making workshops. Through both her work in early childhood and glass art, Sasha hopes to bring more play and creativity into everyday life and learning.

Jonathan Shmidt Chapman is an award-winning artist, writer, and Jewish educator. As the founder of the K’ilu Company, Jonathan reimagines Jewish education through theater and play. His projects have reached thousands of families and classrooms across the country. His book Let There Be Play: Bringing the Bible to Life with Young Children was published by Behrman House in June. Jonathan was named the Covenant Foundation’s inaugural Jewish Family Education Fellow in 2023. He is also the recipient of a Pomegranate Prize, the Jewish Education Project’s Young Pioneers Award, and the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America Medallion Award. His theatrical works for children and families have been presented at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Seattle Children’s Theatre, and have been featured by NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, the New York Times, and American Theatre magazine. He has served on the faculty at Northwestern University and New York University. He lives in the Chicago area with his husband, Rabbi David Chapman, and their two children.