Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is proud to announce the Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship, a selective yearlong professional development program for early-career Reform rabbis to provide the tools and resources to incorporate Israel and Jewish peoplehood more fully into their practice.

Our cohorts will:

• Travel to Israel;
• Amplify their unique voices on Israel;
• Study with the Jewish world’s greatest thinkers;
• Form a network of supportive colleagues; and
• Bond with a mentor who will help them advance their career.

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Why Israel? A Foundations Class

SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 3–17, 10–11:30 a.m.

When it comes to Israel, it seems like everyone has a passionate opinion — but not everyone has the historical, theological and geopolitical context to backup their arguments and positions… And with anti-Israel rhetoric and activity on the rise — in our streets, in our workplaces and in our children’s classrooms — it’s more important than ever to become more educated.

During this three-session course for teens and their parents and grandparents taught by Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, Ph.D., learners will study the historical Jewish connections to Israel, the purpose and definition of Zionism, and what makes Israel unique — and not-so-special — among nations. We’ll explore primary sources — such as maps, videos, archaeology, articles and other texts — and engage with common criticisms of Israel and Zionism in order to build foundations upon which to layer your personal connections and convictions about Israel.

REGISTER

Registration is $60 for Stephen Wise Free Synagogue members and $85 for non-members. One registration covers up to three family members and includes the cost of a printed course book and other materials.

The Amplify Israel Teen Giving Circle

For Teens in Grades 8–9

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 26–FEBRUARY 9, 10–11:30 a.m.

Through the Teen Israel Giving Circle, you’ll have the opportunity to use your material and mental gifts to make a difference in the world!

Join other eighth and ninth graders to learn about some of Israel’s most pressing issues, identify the causes you care about most, pool your resources, work together, and become part of the solution!

REGISTER

This giving circle is open to member and non-member teens in grades 8–9. We ask each participant to contribute a (non-refundable) $50 to the circle upon joining. Donations are tax-deductible (although the Eventbrite service fee is not).

Attendance at all meetings is required.

Join us to read about the most pressing issues facing the Jewish people today. This group meets every other month on Thursday evenings.

RSVP

Reading list:

September 12, 2024: “The Genius of Israel” by Dan Senor and Saul Singer

November 14, 2024: “Jews Don’t Count” by David Baddiel

January 23, 2025: “Target Tehran” by Yonah Jeremy Bob and Ilan Evyatar

March 27, 2025: “My Second-Favorite Country” by Sivan Zakai

May 8, 2025: “The Hebrew Teacher” by Maya Arad, translated by Jessica Cohen

This program is free and open to the public.

For ECC and Religious School Parents

When it comes to Israel, everyone seems to have a passionate opinion — but not always the historical, theological and geopolitical context to support their views.

We invite ECC and Religious School parents to join Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz, Ph.D., for an in-person Israel current events reading group. The group will focus on articles about Israel and the Jewish experience, providing a space for you to ask questions and engage in exciting, meaningful conversation. This program is available free of charge.

It’s sure to be a lively and informative discussion!

RSVP

Upcoming sessions: November 12, 2024; January 21, 2025; March 4, 2025; May 13, 2025

Every other week, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch hosts intellectually honest conversations unpacking current events through the lens of Jewish wisdom.

Unbound by politics and untethered by party lines, Ammi and his expert guests discuss everything from race and antisemitism to all the other issues that keep you up at night. Recorded from New York’s Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, a historic Reform congregation deeply rooted in liberalism, support for Israel and social justice.

LISTEN + SUBSCRIBE

Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism Conference

Hosted at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
in New York City

Re-CHARGING Reform Judaism is the exciting grassroots convening of clergy, educators and lay leaders to begin to address the existential challenges facing the North American Reform Movement. With a constructively critical eye, we will lay bare these key issues that require urgent attention:

• The growing distance between North American Liberal Jews and Israel, and their fraying connection with the concept of Jewish peoplehood;
• Rooting justice and tikkun olam efforts in Jewish tradition, and ensuring they are more inclusive of our congregations’ and communities’ wide range of perspectives and ideologies;
• Re-centering God and elevating creative ritual practice as core to Reform Judaism; and
• Prioritizing and funding Reform Jewish education.

These conferences, hosted in May–June 2023 and May 2024, brought together hundreds of the concerned Jewish professionals, experts and lay leaders who deal daily with the defining issues of our times. Learn more and watch the conference presentations at rechargingreform.com.

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Volunteer In Israel This Summer!
For Ages 18–22 + 23–40 | August 5–12
In Partnership with Birthright Israel

Be the change you want to see in this world! Spend an unforgettable eight days in Israel:

• Volunteering where Israelis most need your assistance;
• Meeting with your Israeli Reform peers and celebrating Shabbat together;
• Experiencing the best liberal Zionism has to offer — including meeting LGBTQ+ leaders and those championing a shared society;
• Learning and having fun!

Learn more and register at reformbirthright.com.