Re-Charging Reform Judaism Conference Sparks Vital Discussions
June 10, 2024
Earlier this month, the Re-Charging Reform Judaism conference was held at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York City, gathering clergy, educators, professionals, and lay leaders for meaningful discussions in the post-October 7th world.
President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. spoke at a plenary session on Zionism, Anti-Zionism, and the Aims of Liberal Jewish Education which underscored the need to foster a resilient and lasting commitment to Ahavat Yisrael (love for the people of Israel) among students. By creating an environment that encourages open-hearted and open-minded exploration of central questions, HUC-JIR aims to prepare students to lead and serve vibrant Jewish communities effectively.
His session highlighted the importance of learning and the role of liberal Jewish education in addressing the challenges faced by the Jewish People. Amid the extreme challenges facing the Jewish People, the aims of liberal Jewish education remain central to the community and Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), which is tasked with preparing future leaders.
Watch the session here
The event was organized by Rabbi Ammi Hirsch and included a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Steven F. Windmueller, HUC-JIR Emeritus Professor of Jewish Communal Studies, with contributions from Rabbi Geri Newburge and Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh. Their engagement in open dialogue exemplifies the vital role of community learning in shaping the future of Jewish leadership.