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Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond – Expanding the Conversation

What does it mean to be a Zionist in 21st Century North America? The JTS Convening, “Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond” is a two-day program which will explore this and other questions. In this webinar series, we expand on these conversations, presenting both the significant insights and debate that emerged, as well as enhancing the context that is informing contemporary issues. JTS faculty will highlight the political, religious, and philosophical perspectives that shape the current landscape for Jews in North America in relationship with Israel.

Shemini Atzeret, Rain, & Resurrection

Sep 23, 2024 By Mychal Springer | Public Event video | Video Lecture | Shemini Atzeret

In this session, we explore the unique themes of the Shemini Atzeret and hold them in dialogue with this moment of brokenness, the weight of war, the complexities of peoplehood, and the ongoing need for healing and rebirth. 

Repentence and the Mystical ‘Rope’: The Divine/Human Relationship in ÂÌñÉç Thought

Sep 16, 2024 By Shira Billet | Public Event video | Video Lecture | Rosh Hashanah | Yom Kippur

One of the most striking images of the divine-human relationship in ÂÌñÉç thought is the kabbalistic image of a rope or cord that extends from God in the heavens into the soul of the human being. We explore a diverse array of ÂÌñÉç thinkers over the centuries who have found this metaphor meaningful, especially in times of challenge and suffering, giving them hope to continue to strive to become closer to God. In the context of the High Holiday season, we give special attention to connections between this metaphor and themes and liturgies of the High Holiday season.

JTS High Holiday Webinars 2024

Prepare for 5785 with three meaningful, enriching sessions.

A New Understanding of Betzelem Elohim: Biblical Text Through the Lens of Disability Studies

Aug 12, 2024 By Ora Horn Prouser | Public Event video | Video Lecture

One of the most important biblical principles is that we are created betzelem Elohim, in God’s image. While this idea has been used to assert value and dignity to each of us as individuals, it has also enabled us to expand our understanding of the Divine. Studying the Bible through the lens of Disability Studies has made this especially powerful. 

Rabbi, Will You Do Our Wedding? New Approaches to Working With Interfaith Couples

Aug 5, 2024

Together we will think about the the impact and limits of disapproval policies, the purpose and meaning of the ÂÌñÉç wedding ceremony and how to shift the conversation to a pastoral and relational one with a couple. A conversation that transfers responsibility for these questions from the community back to the couple, empowering them to articulate their identities and authenticities and determine their relationship to the narratives, rituals, symbols and faith statements of ÂÌñÉç tradition.

Innovations in Ritual and Halakhah (Law) Around ÂÌñÉç Divorce

Jul 22, 2024

What are the essential components of an egalitarian marriage ceremony and divorce?  How can we ensure that the Conservative/Masorti movement’s ways of ÂÌñÉç marriage and divorce reflect our spiritual values and ethical ideals?  Rabbi Pamela Barmash, PhD and Rabbi Karen Weiss Medwed, PhD discussed the progress that has been achieved in this area and the challenges that remain.

Zionism and Antisemitism on Campus and Beyond

Jul 15, 2024

With Dr. Michael Kay (Day School Leadership Training Institute ’08), Head of School, The Leffell School and Rabbi Jason Rubenstein (Rabbinical School ’11 and Kekst Graduate School ‘10), Executive Director, Harvard Hillel