ECE-RJ has always been a part of my life. Since my participation as a founding member twenty-five years ago, I have been a passionate supporter. Whether working full or part time, whether fully involved or fully retired, it was always in the forefront! And so, it was a full-circle experience when I attended the celebration of a quarter century of ongoing and ever-expanding organizational success in Evanston, IL in January 2025! To say that I felt like a proud great-grandmother would be an understatement!
My last formal involvement in ECE-RJ was during the 2017 Chicago conference when I was honored as I retired from the many leadership positions I had held since the inception of the organization. The amount of growth that has occurred since then is impressive. Something very, very special has indeed been created from absolutely nothing!
ECE-RJ leadership has attained a new level of proficient Judaic accomplishment with members leading joint workshops and worship services. The strong presence of Reform Movement professionals in attendance highlights the value placed on ECE-RJ as a respected professional organization within the Reform Movement. Our partnership with ARJE is one of deep respect and recognition.
So many new faces were enthusiastically participating in the creative planning, programming and execution of new and ever-expanding ideas geared to meet the evolving needs of Jewish early childhood educators. Thus, this vibrant organization has continued to move forward into the future!
These achievements were both humbling and inspiring. They bode well for the future growth of the organization as each new generation of leadership takes its place in the continuum. It is truly impressive that throughout it all we have never lost sight of the fact that as we worked and planned and envisioned, we made continuing and lasting friendships. There are no words to describe the importance of these relationships. And for that, and for the new friends I made in Evanston, I will be eternally grateful.
So, here’s to the next 25 years and beyond. And may we grow from strength to strength.
Elaine B. Gaidemak, RJE
Founding Member, Former Board Member and Retired Executive Administrator
