Jewish Grandparents Network Hosts “Learning Fest 2026”

Dec 17, 2025 by The Jewish Voice And Opinion Staff

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

While some of the issues presented by the program are not geared for Orthodox-Jewish families, all sessions, presented by Zoom, will be held in separate breakout rooms so that participants can choose their subjects.

“We definitely want to attract Orthodox and traditional grandparents,” said Jason Edelstein, a spokesman for the group.

Complicated Dynamics—Bright Future

Debra (“Debs”) Weinberg, executive director of the Jewish Grandparents Network, agreed, explaining that many families “have complicated dynamics, and the world today is also complicated.”

“Grandparents hold a unique place in many families—they are the keepers of stories and a bridge between the past and future,” she said. “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.”

Many grandparents will connect to the event and each other on Zoom from home. Others will join in person through local communities around the country in “watch parties.” Either way, grandparents can engage in the Learning Fest together.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Becky Kennedy

The keynote speaker, Dr. Becky Kennedy, is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, popular podcaster, social media megastat, and CEO of Good Inside. She and Leah Kahn, vice president of Jewish Education at Assembly, will explore ways in which today’s parents approach emotional health, boundaries, and connection — and how grandparents can play a meaningful role in supporting strong, emotionally healthy families across generations.

Expert-led Sessions

In addition to interest-based small group breakouts, expert-led sessions will 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, a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
“How Grandparents Can Bring Storytelling to Life Through Play,” Jonathan Shmidt, Chapman, and 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.
“Texts, TikToks, & Time Together: Building Real Bonds with Your Teen Grandkids,” Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, Senior Director of the B’nai Brith Youth Organization Center for Adolescent Wellness, and Ian Kandel, BBYO’s Senior Vice President for Movement Building

Register for the “Jewish Grandparents Network Learning Fest 2026, at jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org/learningfest by January 19, 2026.

“Research shows that most Jewish grandparents want to pass along Jewish traditions and values to their grandchildren. Through JGN webinars, gatherings, and other resources, we can help more grandparents do exactly that,” said Ms. Weinberg.