Meet the 2026 Covenant Foundation Family Education Fellow: Erin Beser

Erin is the Founder and CEO of Adoughma Dough Play Events, a program of Jewish Learning Venture. Adoughma’s accessible and sensory-friendly play materials offer learners of all ages and abilities hands-on education through large-scale events and professional development for educators, educational leaders, clergy, and parents. 

“Jewish sensory play pedagogy, as developed through my work with Adoughma, is grounded in the Jewish belief that diversity of perception, experience, and expression is holy,” Erin writes. “These values compel us to design Jewish spaces that honor varied sensory profiles, not as deviation from the ‘norm,’ but as divine intention.”

It was Erin’s son Aldo who first inspired her to pursue this work in accessibility and Jewish education. Aldo was diagnosed with Autism at five years old. Erin and her husband were committed to providing Aldo with the same opportunities and access to Jewish life that they would wish for any family. Through Adoughma, Erin is finding her way—and helping other parents do the same. 

“My hope is for a future in which no Jewish family must choose between belonging and access—and where play, inclusion, and holiness are understood as inseparable,” she said. 

“We are delighted to welcome Erin into the Covenant family,” said Joni Blinderman, Executive Director of The Covenant Foundation. “The work she is doing in the inclusion space is truly sacred, and it is our honor to support her as she makes Jewish learning more accessible to all.”

Over the course of the Fellowship, Erin will share and further develop Adoughma’s mission to teach sensory-regulating, accessible play skills, along with meaningful Jewish content, to children, caregivers, educators, clergy, and all leaders in Jewish spaces.

“This opportunity gives me the chance to work alongside so many others in achieving a vision of a truly neurodiverse-affirming Jewish community,” Erin reflected. 

“Every family, regardless of ability, can access the inheritance of Jewish wisdom, find connection and belonging, and engage in creativity and joyful growth in the midst of today’s complex and tumultuous modern world.” 

The Covenant Foundation is proud to support Erin in achieving her vision.