More than 540 people recently participated in Learning Fest 2026, the first-ever convening of Jewish grandparents.
The virtual gathering last Wednesday, Jan. 27 was presented by the Jewish Grandparents Network, which educates, connects and supports grandparents as essential partners in enriching Jewish life across generations.
“Grandparents hold a unique place in many families,” said Baltimore native Debra S. “Debs Weinberg, JCN’s executive director. “They are the keeper of stories and a bridge between the past and future. At the same time, many families have complicated dynamics, and the world today is also complicated.
“Learning Fest 2026 gave grandparents tools to navigate these challenges, connect with each other for support, and feel valued,” she said. “We’re excited to build strong Jewish families and a brighter Jewish future.”
Among the topics addressed at the sessions were generational dynamics concerning Israel, long-distance grandparenting, navigating interfaith families, and supporting neurodivergent grandchildren.
Among the speakers was Dr. Becky Kennedy, also known as “Dr. Becky,” a clinical psychologist, mother of three, popular podcaster, social media mega-star and CEO of Good Inside.
With interviewer Leah Kahn, vice president of Jewish Education at Assembly, Dr. Kennedy spoke about how parents today approach emotional health, boundaries and connection, and how grandparents can play a meaningful role in supporting strong, emotionally healthy families across generations.
“The Learning Fest was welcoming, informative, and the variety of topics was certainly relevant to a broad range of grandparents,” said Northwest Baltimore resident and Jewish community leader Shelley Hendler. “There was something for everyone. I really enjoyed Dr. Kennedy’s presentation. And as a real bonus, the Fest truly served as a connector. I chatted with a friend who I haven’t seen in years and we made plans to get together.”
In addition to interest-based small group break-outs, sessions included “Ritual Reimagined: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Moments with your Grandchildren” with Ezra Bookman, a New York-based ritual designer, artist and facilitator; “Texts, TikToks & Time Together: Building Real Bonds with Your Teen Grandkids” with Drew Fidler, senior director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness and Ian Kandel, BBYO’s senior vice president for Movement Building; and “Affirming and Loving Your Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Grandchildren,” with Tracey Labgold, Keshet’s Florida education and training manager.
“Research shows that most Jewish grandparents want to pass along Jewish traditions and values to their grandchildren,” said Weinberg. “Through JGN webinars, gatherings and other resources, we can help more grandparents do exactly that.”
For information, visit jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org.
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