[HANASHIR:6707] Re: We Want Your CAJE Reports

[Robbi Sherwin <sherwin...>]

> I want to throw this question out for discussion
>just to see where it leads and what your thoughts are: What is CAJE Evening
>Program supposed to accomplish?

Noah - you've raised an interesting issue, which I'm going to jump in and
address. When I tell people that I am going to the CAJE conference and am
asked to explain what exactly it is, I tell them that it is not only the
largest Jewish Educator's conference in the world, but also the largest
Jewish Music Conference.  I say music, when I really mean "performing
arts," because stand-up and storytelling are also included (but to much
less hoopla).  There isn't a place in  the world - even the incredible
festivals I've heard about, - like  Chicago last spring - where Jewish
musicians come together in this way. Some of us do contribute to the
educator's part of this conference by presenting, teaching and working with
the teens and youth. (I was an educator long before I was a recording
artist)  But many do not, and are chosen to come play based on their
specific talents/style, appeal, etc. I think those that don't come as
"edu-tainers" (which I now have nicknamed "CAJE-utainers") could possibly
come purely to further their music/whatever careers. Hey, maybe they
applied to do sessions, but weren't selected - I have no way of knowing. I
don't have issues with this personally, as I learn from all my colleagues
and use their music/stories in my classrooms, congregation & choirs, as
well as having the ability to book these artists into my community.  I do
know people who are quite bothered by it, however.

So, is CAJE also the largest Jewish music conference?  Does that change how
the acts should be picked?  Should only people who contribute educationally
be allowed to "perform" at CAJE?  Is getting a spot a reward for hard work
done on behalf of the organization and, ultimately, the education of our
children and ourselves?  Or are we indeed entertainers, serving the need to
touch the souls and hearts of the conference goers after their heads have
been so filled with the excellent sessions all day?

Discuss amongst yo'selves.....

Robbi Sherwin
(who was incredibly grateful to get a spot.....)
Austin



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