10
Dec 2025
Hanukkah V Greeks: And What We Can Learn from Greek Jews About Diaspora Leadership with Devin E. Naar
We learn that we are not supposed to assimilate from the original Greek Jews, the Maccabees. But in modern times, Greece became home to one of the largest Sephardic Jewish communities in the world, centered in the port city of Salonica (Thessaloniki). Their nuanced story offers lessons about how Jews have embraced conflicting ideologies as they have navigated different national contexts while seeking to retain a sense of a united
In this call we will hear novel insights into the Exodus story, the 3 world religions, and perhaps, as she shares with 8200 and other IDF Intelligence Officers, a way to more deeply understand Hamas and the subterranean underpinnings of Islam’s “moon-based” origins. Galit Ben Tovel, Egyptologist, holds a PHD from The Hebrew University Of Jerusalem and works by day as an organizational consultant for the High-Tech sector in Israel
Political Psychologist Oded Adomi Leshem, PhD, founder of the International Hub for Hope Research at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, will share his work on philosophical, psychological, and political perspectives of HOPE. Oded will also present findings on the hopes for peace in conflict zones worldwide, including his most current studies on hope among Israelis and Palestinians. Is there a correlation between hope and bringing peace? Between hope and activism?
Jewish Journeys in Psychedelic Healing: Insights from the Field, the Data, and the Heart: Next Level Learning with Rabbi Zac Kamenetz. Please join us to learn with Rabbi Zac Kamenetz about how psychedelics are being used in unexpected corners of the Jewish world, for healing, insight, and connection to the positive forces that are the cornerstones of our lives. Psychedelics are a growing trend in Israel (and many countries)
The High Holidays give us a rich assortment of liturgy and stories about God, sometimes imminent and sometimes very far away. Sometimes disconcertingly and/or comfortingly familiar, human, a voice from inside us. And at other times, unfathomable. In this session we will explore how personal or abstract do we wish god to be? with insights from the tradition and Rabbi David Wolpe. David Wolpe is the Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi
Elul and the Yamim HaNoraim encourage us to review our deeds and to seek repair and forgiveness (teshuva), both in our human relationships and in our relationship with God. A less commonly explored angle is the imaginings of the tradition about God’s teshuva — “כגו דלעילא כן לתתא” what happens above, so too below, and possibly visa versa. In this session we will consider sources that explore God’s remorse at
Who Wants to Live Forever? How do we search for longevity and build a meaningful Life? While the High Holidays elicit feelings of spirituality and loftiness, they also hold heavy themes of death and transience. How do oral and written traditions guide our approach to death, and how do we apply the lessons of our ancient stories to fulfill our lives today? Join us as we prepare for the powerful
06
Aug 2025
We Will Dance (and Love) Again: Understanding the Connection Between Tisha B’Av and Tu B’Av
The 15th of Av, a matchmaking holiday described in the Talmud (Taanit 30b), when young women would dance in the vineyards, is often referred to as the Jewish “Valentine’s Day” (even tho of course it came first). Falling less than a week after the 9th of Av, a fast day dedicated to mourning the destruction of the 1st and 2nd Temples, along with some of our other darkest days…Is there
23
Jul 2025
The “Surge” 2 Years In – How Are We Doing?
Join Mimi Kravetz, Chief Impact & Growth Officer, JFNA, as she discusses engagement in Jewish communities. October 7th and concomitant Antisemitism produced an unprecedented surge of interest in Jewish life. 43% of the Jewish community across all levels of previous involvement were seeking to or engaging more in Jewish life. This included those who had been completely unengaged in Jewish life, as well as those deeply embedded in it who
Join Rabbi Elka Abrahamson in conversation with Stephanie Hightower, CEO of the Columbus Urban League and Olympian, and Jason Hall, Columbus Partnership CEO, as they share insights from their Nova visit, exploring ways to forge community partnerships and become the most effective allies in countering antisemitism and all hate.
