Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is amplifying the voices of those willing to speak up for Judaism’s central values.
As American liberalism has become increasingly hostile to Jewish values and as anti-Israel animosity intensifies, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has created an education and advocacy initiative aimed at healing the fractured relationship between American liberal Jews and Israel.
Reform Movement Alumni for Israel
for Ages 22–35
Applications Are Open Now for the January–December 2025 Cohort
Whether you grew up at URJ camps, shared deep late-night conversations at a NFTY convention, had a bar or bat mitzvah with embarrassing photos to prove it, or lost friendships since October 7, the Reform Movement Alumni for Israel (RAFI) is for you.
RAFI, a leadership program for American Reform Jews ages 22 to 35, offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen your commitment to Israel and the Jewish people through travel, learning and friendship.
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.
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.
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!
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. Dinner is available for order, or you may bring your own!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
RAFI Info Session for Adults Ages 22–35 🖥
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
RAFI Info Session for Adults Ages 22–35 🖥
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Amplify Israel Book Club: Dinner and a Book 🙋
Why Israel? A Foundations Class for Teens (Grades 10–12) and Their Parents 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
Amplify Israel Book Club: Dinner and a Book 🙋
Amplify Israel Teen Giving Circle 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
Amplify Israel Teen Giving Circle 🙋
Amplify Israel Teen Giving Circle 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
Amplify Israel Book Club: Dinner and a Book 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
Amplify Israel Book Club: Dinner and a Book 🙋
Israel Current Events Reading Group for ECC + Religious School Parents 🙋
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
In These Times With Rabbi Ammi Hirsch
THE CONFERENCE IS COMING!!!
Get your tickets now.
Meet Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz
Rabbi Tracy J. Kaplowitz, Ph.D., is our inaugural Marilyn G. and Joseph B. Schwartz Israel Fellow.
She came to Stephen Wise from JWB Jewish Chaplains Council, which ensures the quality of Jewish life for Jews in the U.S. military and the Veterans Administration. An experienced spiritual leader and educator, Rabbi Kaplowitz served as a reserve chaplain in the U.S. Air Force and on the professional staff of both the Schechter School of Long Island and the Jewish Education Project. She was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and earned her doctorate in the sociology of education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.