Yom Limmud 2025

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Mijal Bitton

Bio

Dr. Mijal Bitton is a spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist. She is the co-founder and Rosh Kehilla of The Downtown Minyan in NYC and serves as Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund. Dr. Bitton is also a Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner, where she leads pioneering research on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the United States. An alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, a New Pluralist Field Builder, and a Sacks Scholar, she lectures widely, co-hosts the podcast Wondering Jews, and was a featured speaker at the historic March for Israel in DC. Follow her on her Substack newsletter, Committed, where she shares weekly Jewish wisdom for living a meaningful Jewish life today.

Presenter: Rabbi Adina Allen

Bio

Rabbi Adina Allen is a national media contributor, popular speaker, and award-winning educator who teaches about creativity as a vital tool for Jewish learning, spiritual connection and social change. As cofounder and Creative Director of Jewish Studio Project (JSP), Rabbi Allen has worked with thousands of Jewish organizational and communal leaders, educators, and clergy across the country to access and activate their inherent creativity. Rabbi Allen is the author of The Place of All Possibility: Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom (Ayin, 2024). She and her family live in Berkeley, California.

Description

Creativity is inherent in each one of us, and accessing our creativity can help us lead more connected, fulfilled, and satisfying lives. In this session we’ll explore a Jewish perspective on what creativity is and why it matters more than ever in today’s uncertain world. Daughter of renowned art therapist Pat B. Allen, Adina grew up in an art studio, where she learned first-hand the power of creativity to help us lead more connected, fulfilled, and satisfying lives. This session will offer Jewish wisdom on creativity and a set of tools to bring creative resilience to our Jewish communities.

Presenter: Dean Bell

Bio

Dean Bell (PhD, University of California, Berkeley) is President/CEO and Professor of Jewish History at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. He is the author or editor of 13 books and monographs and dozens of articles in areas of Jewish History, Jewish Studies, and Jewish Leadership.

Description

In this session, we will review the dramatic increase in antisemitism and situate it in its various historical and contemporary contexts (identifying key themes and motifs that have appeared in recent antisemitism), before considering how a systems approach grounded in resilience theory can help us to combat antisemitism today and for the future.

Presenter: Shir Benjamin

Bio

Shir Benjamin is the new shlicha (emissary) in Houston on behalf of the Jewish Agency. Over the past two years, she studied Sociology, Anthropology, and Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Alongside her studies, Shir worked in various educational programs, delivering content about Israel and facilitating group processes. She came to this position driven by a deep desire to connect with and work alongside a community, lead meaningful educational initiatives, and share her knowledge and love for Israel. She is excited about the opportunity to strengthen the bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora and to create meaningful experiences together.

Description

Discover the vibrant world of Israeli salads in this hands-on workshop. Together, we will prepare a variety of traditional Israeli salads, like roasted eggplant, tabbouleh, and the iconic chopped salad—simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

You’ll create a colorful spread and enjoy tasting your salads with warm pita bread. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a beginner, this session promises a fun, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of creativity and delicious Israeli flavors. Leave with new recipes, inspiration, and a true taste of Israeli tradition.

Presenter: Sarah Benor

Bio

Sarah Bunin Benor is Professor of Contemporary Jewish Studies at HUC-JIR (LA) and Adjunct Professor in the University of Southern California Linguistics Department. She received her Ph.D. from Stanford University in Linguistics in 2004. Her books include Becoming Frum: How Newcomers Learn the Language and Culture of Orthodox Judaism (Rutgers University Press, 2012) and Hebrew Infusion: Language and Community at American Jewish Summer Camps (Rutgers University Press, 2020). Dr. Benor is founding co-editor of the Journal of Jewish Languages and directs the HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project, which features the Jewish Language Website and the Jewish English Lexicon.

Description

Over the past two centuries, migrations and other historical events have led to major changes in Jewish languages. Yiddish is thriving in Hasidic communities, while its use is diminishing elsewhere. Several longstanding Jewish languages have become endangered, including Ladino, Judeo-Arabic, Jewish Neo- Aramaic, and Jewish Malayalam (Southern India). At the same time, Jews are engaging with these languages in post-vernacular ways, such as through song and food, and new Jewish language varieties are developing, including Jewish English, Jewish Latin American Spanish, and Jewish Russian. This talk explains these developments and makes the case for the urgent need for documentation and reclamation.

Presenter: Keren Blankfeld

Bio

Keren Blankfeld is an award-winning journalist whose stories have appeared in the New York Times, The Smithsonian, and others. Keren teaches journalism at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. A former Forbes editor, she has been a guest on CNN and BBC World News. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Blankfeld spent her teenage years in Houston. She now lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

Description

Tzippi and David were prisoners in history’s most infamous death camp when they first met and fell in love. In spite of living in a field of ashes and being enslaved by sadistic Nazis, they never lost their humanity. In her new book, Lovers in Auschwitz: A True Story, Keren Blankfeld retraces Zippi’s and David’s lives and discovers a story of hope. The granddaughter of four Holocaust survivors herself, Keren has spent her life studying the resilience of trauma survivors who’ve lost their families and their homes, and yet managed to create a new, fruitful life. Through storytelling and archival images, Keren will share what she’s learned along the way.

Presenters: Katya Malaya and David Bullet

Bio

Katya is a professional dancer with more than 17 years of experience teaching dance, specializing in creating engaging and inclusive experiences for all ages and skill levels. David, a professor at the Wingate Institute in Israel, teaches Israeli folk dance, sharing the vibrant cultural heritage of Israel through movement. Together, they bring their expertise and passion to communities worldwide.

Description

This fun and inclusive Israeli folk dance workshop is quick, easy, and perfect for everyone—no experience needed! Dance is a universal language that connects people and their hearts, and this workshop is filled with energy, joy, and tradition to create a meaningful and unforgettable experience. An opportunity to connect through movement, joy, and tradition.

Presenters: Katya Malaya and David Bullet

Bio

David Bullet and Katya Malaya are a dynamic Israeli duo sharing the human stories of resilience, love, and hope from Israel. David, a Major in the Golani Brigade and former lone soldier, served on the frontlines of Gaza and Lebanon and is also a professor at the Wingate Institute in Israel. Katya, a professional performing artist (dancer) and writer, brings the perspective of the home front, sharing her experiences through storytelling and movement. Together, they connect global Jewish communities, blending culture, education, and personal narratives to foster unity, understanding, and a deep connection to Israel.

Description

This heartfelt lecture offers a unique glimpse into the untold human stories behind Israel’s wars. Told through the eyes of David, a Golani Brigade Major and professor, and his wife Katya, a professional artist and writer, the lecture shares how one family became part of Israel’s collective mission. It’s not just the soldier on the frontline, it’s the wife, the children, the grandparents, all stepping into roles of strength, resilience, and unity during a time of crisis. This deeply personal story transcends politics, focusing instead on the profound courage and love that binds families and a nation together in moments of great challenge.

Presenter: Rabbi Paul Citron

Bio

Rabbi Paul Citrin has served congregations for fifty years. He was ordained by the Hebrew Union College in 1973, and earned his BA in History from UCLA. He is a passionate teacher of Jewish texts which he views as paths of discovery, creative thinking and personal growth. He is the author of six books including a prayer memoir, a book on Jewish thought, a children’s novel on Joseph and a High Holy Day children’s machzor.

Description

Isaac Unbound is the title of Rabbi Citrin’s recently published biblical novel. He will discuss the process of creating modern midrash, the imaginary paths he took, and lead the participants in probing the challenges of reaching reconciliation in human relationships. The goal of the session is to encourage people to respond to Biblical texts through questioning and even writing their own midrashim

Presenter: Dr. Benji Davis

Bio

Dr. Benji Davis is the Israel Institute Teaching and Research Fellow at George Mason University. An American-born Israeli educator, scholar, and speaker, Benji’s research is at the forefront of academic discourse on the philosophy and pedagogy of Israel education, particularly in its integration with the identity development of young Jews. In 2024, he was honored with the Network for Research in Jewish Education’s (NRJE) Harold Wechsler Award for Emerging Scholars. Benji is a fellow at the Center for Jewish Peoplehood Education, a member of the Taglit Education Committee, and consults, teaches, and develops content for leading organizations in Israel education.

Description

The “Israel Conversation” is one of today’s most polarizing and complex topics, often sparking heated debates on college campuses, in political discussions, and within religious communities. Engaging in this conversation requires understanding diverse perspectives, identities, and conflicting truths. This session presents a model for navigating these discussions, helping participants grasp the different paradigms of what people are talking about and the political lenses that shape these conversations. Participants will be empowered to apply the “Rootedness and Respect” approach, enabling them to navigate the “Israel Conversation” with clarity, confidence, and understanding, whether on campus, in their community, or online.

Presenter: Dr. Benji Davis

Description

In this interactive session, we’ll dive into the “why” and “how” of teaching Israel, exploring key approaches from the field. You’ll leave with a clear framework to thoughtfully design and implement Israel education programs that resonate with your audience. This is a chance to learn and workshop practical strategies you can apply directly to your educational settings. Whether you’re rethinking your current approach or starting from scratch, this session will equip you with fresh perspectives and tools to make your Israel education more meaningful, impactful, and aligned with your vision.

Presenter: Leon Wiener Dow

Bio

Leon Wiener Dow directs the Beit Midrash at Kolot and is the creator and host of the podcast Pod Drash. He received semicha from R’ David Hartmanז״ל and his doctorate from Bar Ilan University. His most recent book, The Going: A Meditation on Jewish Law won a 2018 National Jewish Book Award, and his Your Walking on the Way [Hebrew] was published by Bar Ilan University Press. Leon and his wife are parents of five children, and they live in Jerusalem.

Description

In May 2024, I had the privilege of facilitating Kolot’s “Restart” initiative for 15 civic leaders from the Otef (Gaza Envelope) region. One of the key moments involved exploring the Hebrew word “mashber,” which means both “crisis” and “birthstool”. We will begin the session by viewing a video profiling three of the participants, and we will then study the three texts that were sources of resilience for each of them. This will allow us to discuss three topics: the way in which crisis can spawn growth; the three participants themselves; and the challenges facing Israel today, especially in the South and the North, as we seek to renew and rebuild from the present crisis.

Presenter: Rabbi Gideon Estes

Bios

Rabbi Gideon Estes is the spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami. He currently is the Rabbinic Trustee for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Rabbi Estes, has been in Houston since July 2010. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary and has his BA from UCLA. He currently serves on the Administrative Committee and Executive Council of the Rabbinical Assembly and is an officer of Houston Hillel.

Description

Rabbi Estes will lead an interactive text study of traditional sources that help inspire and foster resilience.

Presenter: Rabbi Edwin Goldberg

Bio

Rabbi Edwin Goldberg currently serves as the rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands, in the Houston area. He received rabbinic ordination and a doctorate in Hebrew Literature from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (in 1989 and 1994, respectively). He is the editor of The Reform Jewish Quarterly.

He has authored several books, including a recent compilation of various ways to evoke the presence of God in our daily lives. Rabbi Goldberg has taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami in the department of Religious Studies and Judaic Studies. He teaches at Lone Star College. He is also a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.

Description

We will examine classic Jewish texts that can help us navigate tough conversations in this hot-tempered age. When to argue? When to walk away? And how to argue well. The insights of the ancient Rabbis speak to us today and we need them!

Presenter: Rabbi Dovid Goldstein

Bio

A native of McAllen, Texas, Rabbi Dovid Goldstein received his rabbinical ordination at Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in Kfar Chabad, Israel. He is Director of Chabad of West Houston/Katy, CEO of The Friendship and Wellness Circle of Houston, and Associate Director of Chabad Outreach of Houston. He has served as the lead Rabbi of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice since 2005. He also serves as chaplain at the Richmond State School, Menninger Clinic, Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont, and the Harris County Jail.

Rabbi Goldstein is married to Mrs. Elisa Goldstein and has five children Sima, Avrami, Chaya, Zalman, and Rozie.

Description

How can we build resilience and retain our joy in life? What advice can we gain from Jewish wisdom that will help us navigate during turbulent times?

Presenter: Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss

Bio

Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss was ordained by HUC in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1999, with an MA in Jewish Education and Hebrew Letters. He studied at HUC in Jerusalem and LA, as well as the UJ Rabbinic program. Rabbi Hausman-Weiss is the founding Rabbi of Congregation Shma Koleinu in Houston. Shma Koleinu is a synagogue without walls, membership, and dues and operates on 100% voluntary contributions. We seek to serve all Jews, Jewish families, and those who love them.

Description

Thousands of years ago, the Torah described sacred space as something deeply connected to the earth but entirely portable as well. The very details of God’s instructions for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) include the recognition that a very efficient “decamp” was as important as its build. The Israelites changed locations 42 times along the way to the Promised Land. What lessons do they bequeath to the very landed synagogues of our modern day, and what might a modern portable synagogue in its 11th year be able to teach as well?

Presenter: Rabbi Oren Hayon

Bio

Rabbi Oren Hayon is Senior Rabbi of Congregation Emanu El. Rabbi Hayon grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He received his undergraduate degree from Rice University and his rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati. Following his ordination, Rabbi Hayon served Temple Emanu-El in Dallas and worked as the rabbi and executive director at the Hillel at the University of Washington in Seattle. Rabbi Hayon has held a number of leadership roles in the Reform Movement, serving as a Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and as an editor, translator and contributor of Hebrew texts and poetry for a number of publications. Rabbi Hayon lives with his wife his wife Julie, their two daughters, and innumerable household pets.

Description

King David, the legendary warrior-poet, is one of the best-known figures of the Hebrew Bible, whose stories and legends fill countless pages of scripture and religious mythology. We will explore the way the “Sweet Singer of Israel” responds – at times thoughtfully and at times impulsively – when tragedy strikes and he loses those dearest to him. The way King David grapples with death, grief and loss can provide some helpful insights to us as we consider our own struggles as well.

Presenter: Dr. David Ilan

Bio

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. David llan was the director of the Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology at the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem from 2003 to 2024. He has excavated at Tel Arad, Tel Malhata, Tel Yoqneam and Tel Megiddo and directed the excavations at Tel Dan from 2005 to 2022. He teaches at the Hebrew Union College and has taught at Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Johns Hopkins University and spent a sabbatical year in 2019-2020 at the Center for the Study of Origins of the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Ilan specializes in mortuary archaeology, the archaeology of religion and ritual, ground stone artifacts, ceramic typology and technology, and the Chalcolithic period, the Middle Bronze Age and the early Iron Age of the southern Levant. He is the editor of the journal NGSBA Archaeology and the monograph series of the Nelson Glueck School.

Description

The story of the Exodus is one of the foundational stories of Jewish identity. Did the Hebrews live in Egypt for generations, eventually being enslaved? Did they build the Pyramids (no)? Did the Exodus really occur? Who was Moses? What is the evidence (or lack thereof)? There are different ways to approach the Exodus narrative, and we will dive into these. This class will be co-taught by Jonathan Greer and Dr. David Ilan.

Presenter: Alfred Kahn

Bios

Alfred J. Kahn is a psychologist whose career has focused on college student mental health. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard and earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Houston. Since 2016 he has been a member of the board of the Greater Houston Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, where he has been involved in education and advocacy for religious freedom.

Description

In recent decades, Christian Nationalism has become as a major force in the United States. We will describe in depth what Christian Nationalism is, its roots in racism and antisemitism, and its threat to religious freedom for Jews and other non-Christian faiths. Sources in Jewish history and texts will be utilized to explore ways in which we can effectively respond to these threats.

Presenter: Rabbi Eitan Krul

Bio

Rabbi Eitan Krul serves as the spiritual leader of Shaar HaShalom, a diverse and inclusive congregation. With a deep commitment to fostering community, Rabbi Krul advocates for interfaith dialogue and supports minorities, including LGBTQ+ individuals. He brings a background in religious studies, leadership during crises, and a passion for sermon writing. A single parent raising his son with values of tolerance and love, Rabbi Krul emphasizes community engagement, resilience, and compassion. His unique blend of pastoral care and dynamic leadership helps guide his congregation through both spiritual growth and contemporary challenges.

Description

As we continue to live through the aftermath of October 7—the most significant tragedy for the Jewish people since the Holocaust—we can draw strength from the teachings of Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piasetzner Rebbe. His work, “Esh Kodesh”, written during the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto, offers profound insight into spiritual resilience. Rabbi Shapira, who chose to remain with his community despite opportunities to escape, emphasizes action in the face of suffering. His words, “Now is not the time to ask ‘why,’ but ‘how'” (Shavuot 1941), challenge us to continue believing and living, even in times of crisis. In this class, we will explore passages from the book, learning how his legacy and unshakable faith provide light even in the darkest times.

Presenter: Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff

Bio

Rabbi Chaim Lazaroff, a Torah Day School of Houston alumnus, is a director of Chabad of Uptown and Chabad Lubavitch of Texas.

Description

Unlock the mystical depths of Judaism’s afterlife. Explore the inner dimensions and purpose of the soul’s journey from before birth to beyond life on Earth

Presenter: Rebecca Lindenbaum

Bio

Rebecca Lindenbaum is an Engagement Manager at the Jewish Federation of Houston, where she oversees the Honeymoon Israel and PJ Library programs. With a background in education and psychology, Rebecca is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging within the Houston Jewish community, especially for interfaith families. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and creating inclusive programming that serves all families. Prior to her role in community engagement, Rebecca played professional soccer for the Israeli National Team and spent six years living in Israel. Today, she lives in Houston with her husband and three children.

Description

While many American Jews express pride in their Jewish identity and a deep sense of connection to the Jewish community, the number of Jews in interfaith relationships is on the rise. Explore the evolving landscape of Jewish life in America as interfaith relationships become increasingly common. In this engaging session, we’ll delve into how interfaith marriage and parenting are reshaping traditions, family dynamics, and the transmission of Jewish identity. Through firsthand stories from interfaith couples, parents, and grandparents, and breakout discussions on topics like Jewish values in interfaith relationships and perspectives on interfaith parenting, gain a deeper understanding of this important aspect of modern Jewish life.

Presenter: Rabbi David Lipper

Bio

Rabbi David Lipper is Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai of West Houston. He has been an avid student of Kabbalah and Zohar for the past 40 years. His favorite teaching is that the essential Torah is found in the white spaces between the letters of the text.

Description

We will explore the layers of the human soul as taught through the Zohar. We are constantly growing humans and the Zohar teaches that we can always expand our humanness. We will read a passage of the Zohar in translation and have a discussion of how we can grow.

Presenter: Rabbi Steven Morgen

Bio

Rabbi Steven Morgen graduated from UCLA School of Law in 1983 and practiced corporate/securities law in LA for over nine years. He began rabbinical school in 1993 in LA and was ordained by JTS in New York in 1998. Rabbi Morgen moved to Houston upon his ordination to serve as a rabbi at Congregation Beth Yeshurun and has happily remained there for more than 26 years. He supervises the Adult Learning Program at Beth Yeshurun in which he teaches an “Invitation to Judaism” course among other classes and is involved in a variety of interfaith and educational programs in Houston.

Description

Everyone knows the fifth question at the Passover Seder: When do we eat? But, if we understand what the purpose of the Seder (and the Haggadah) is, your guests will be so engaged, they will forget to ask that question. So, what’s it all about? Come and learn!

Presenter: Michal Oshman

Bio

Throughout Michal Oshman’s 25-year career in Tech, Finance, and Advertising, she made a mark at global giants like TikTok, Meta, eBay, and WPP as a senior leader shaping the People and Culture strategies. Relying on her strong academic background that includes three university degrees, and her experience as a military officer, Oshman developed a unique approach to building and maintaining strong leaders and organizations. She is open and honest about her own personal life battles and experiences as she navigated a journey from fear and anxiety to purpose and achievement.

Her invaluable insights as a mother of four, a senior executive in tech and a woman dealing with anxiety are shared in her best-selling book, ‘What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?’ and TedX Talk. Her passion has evolved into a mission focused on nurturing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation.

Description

In the presentation, Michal Oshman encapsulates her powerful message with wisdom of the Jewish Mystics to empower individuals to confront their fears head-on and embrace a life filled with purpose and meaning.

Presenter: Avi Posen

Bio

Avi Posen is the Senior Director of Israel Education at Unpacked for Educators, a division of OpenDor Media. He oversees curriculum development and content creation and trains Jewish educators worldwide to bring engaging, relevant Israel education into classrooms. Avi also manages a partner school program with 140 Jewish day schools across 10 countries.

In collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Avi is spearheading the soft launch of an exciting new partnership between OpenDor Media and the Houston Jewish community. This initiative aims to empower our community with tools to navigate challenging conversations, connect with Israel in meaningful ways, and build resilience in their Jewish identity.

Previously, Avi worked as a Judaic Studies teacher, Hillel director, and Jewish camp director, dedicating his career to building meaningful Jewish learning experiences. He has been featured in publications such as Ynet, Times of Israel, and the Lookstein Jewish Educational Leadership Journal. Avi holds a master’s degree in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University.

Description

What does Israeli music released since Oct. 7th teach us about Israeli society and what it’s going through right now? This session will explore Israeli music to help participants connect to Israel in a practical, meaningful, and engaging way while gaining insight into the current moment.

Presenter: Avi Posen

Description

Israel’s history is an ongoing saga that continues to capture the attention of the world. Current events in Israel are complicated and this session takes the most pressing issues taking place in Israel and unpacks the history, context and the wide contours of dispute surrounding the issue.

Presenter: Yonathan Reches

Bio

Yonathan is a part-time hide worker and scribe working out of Norman, Oklahoma. In 2022, his search for vegetarian-compatible tefillin and mezuzot led him to start collecting roadkill for parchment and batim and founded the Kedusha Project, an egalitarian scribal collective. With a background in materials science and civil engineering (and a day job in program management), Yonathan does much of the design and construction needed for hide processing and scribing.

Description

An in-depth exploration of the mitzvot of Jewish ritual objects including: Shofar, Torah, Tefillin, Mezuzah, Tallit, and Lulav. Contemporary and historical Jewish traditions from all around the world will be examined, and participants will have an opportunity to handle these ritual objects. This program is geared primarily for those who chose Judaism or are Jewish adjacent. However, all who want to learn more about the mitzvot of ritual objects are welcome.

Presenter: Yonathan Reches

Description

Gid (i.e., thread spun from the sinew of a kosher animal) is used to sew together Torahs, tefillin, and scrolls of Esther. Participants will learn about how gid is made and used in ritual work by various communities throughout the history of the Jewish people. Then the class will have a chance to actually spin gid which will be used in the future to repair scrolls.

Presenter: Rabbi David Rosen

Bio

Rabbi David Rosen served for many years the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Yeshurun until his retirement in 2018. He writes the bi-weekly column, “Beyond the Bimah,” for the Jewish Herald-Voice, and continues to teach, write and preach throughout the Houston Jewish community.

Description

Much has changed since Rabbi Rosen was ordained in 1980, both societally and religiously, and students of American Judaism are deeply divided on the future of Judaism in the United States. For Rabbi Rosen, it’s not a question of whether American Jewry will survive, but what it will look like in 25 or 50 years. His goal in this class will be to explain why many experts are so pessimistic, and how, at the same time, he feels there are grounds to be confident about our future.

Presenter: Rabbi Yitzchok Schmukler

Bio

Rabbi Yitzchok Schmukler received his BA in Jewish Studies from Rabbinical College of Canada, his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Tomchei Temimim in Israel, and completed post graduate studies in Jewish Law and Philosophy at the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva in New York. He is a popular lecturer on Jewish topics and is the co-founder and spiritual leader of Chabad Bay Area – Jewish Life Center, a non- profit based in League City, Texas, dedicated to providing welcoming and inspiring experiences of Jewish life, learning and celebration. He and his wife Malky are the proud parents of five daughters and two sons, ka”h.

Description

From the river to the sea, everyone wants to know, as a Jew, what do you really stand for? Join us on an eye- opening journey as we explore the winning answer to antisemitism, what it means to be a Jew in modern times, and how rediscovering seven core principles of Jewish identity can better your life, make Israel safer, and make the world a happier place for all humanity.

Presenter: Amy Schraier

Bio

Amy Schraier is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). She holds a BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Texas at Austin and a MA in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University.

Today, Schraier serves in a new role, Jewish Education Inclusion Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Amy also presents on behalf of Schraier Speaks, LLC, and is employed by Therapy Connections private practice.

Description

Children access learning from a basis of safety and security. An infant develops interaction, as caregivers intentionally respond to a child’s regulatory needs. Regulation goes beyond emotional self-control; it also consists of biological, cognitive, and social aspects. This session discusses a whole-child therapeutic framework supporting the development of early learners.

Presenter: Rabbi Shmuli Slonim

Bio

Rabbi Shmuli Slonim and his wife Nechama have been running Chabad at Rice for the last nine years. They are passionate about bringing young Jews meaningful and joyful Judaism.

Description

We’ll discuss the post-October 7th climate on American campuses and ways in which we can strengthen our children in that environment.

Presenter: Hilla Tambour

Bio

Hilla Tambour is originally from Israel. She moved to Houston with her husband and two children and is in her 4th year of Shlichut at Segal Academy. With more than 16 years of teaching experience, Tambour has worked with students ranging from first to ninth grade and served as a teacher in the army. Her diverse educational background includes teaching in public schools, democratic schools, Montessori schools, and involvement with youth movements. Tambour also a doctoral candidate at Gratz College. After October 7th, she wrote a family book that can be used as a tool to help families and especially children to embrace abundance and a positive mindset in their homes.

Description

This session will discuss the role of Shlichim in schools after October 7th, how an Israeli perspective can positively impact a community, the seriousness of the role post October 7th and the connection to the Israeli families that arrived after the start of the war. Attendees will receive information and tools to help support the conversation about the conflict and about the resilience of the Israeli spirit. Each participant will also engage in a collaborative project to be displayed at the end of the day.

Presenter: Nanette Tashnek

Bio

Nanette Tashnek MSW, D.PSc continues her life work with utter delight and amazement, and ongoing commitment to Eidetic Imagery from the field of Image Psychology. She has followed the tribe of those who study Kabbalah for many years. She is currently a Transformational Life Coach, a Trainer in Image Psychology, a former psychotherapist, and workshop facilitator with over 20 years of experience. Nanette continues to help others cross barriers to what is known and to see what is possible within the mind/body/spiritual constraints. She is imbued with personal, collective, and spiritual stories beyond the confines of the past and helps adults and couples do the same. Nanette’s expansion of work ranges from the national to the international level.

Description

We live in a time of extreme chaos in the world. Ongoing megabytes of information from outside sources fuel our brain waves. Considering the heightened level of grief, loss, suffering, violence, trauma, uncertainty, and speed of life we might find ourselves lost, confused, and wandering. What would King Solomon do in our times? He is considered one of the wisest men. He had dominion over much of nature and some supernatural forces. In this experiential workshop you will channel wisdom and clarity through King Solomon’s famous court, the Temple. It might bring to light fresh perspectives of a larger view or confirm your existing knowledge. Clarity within your deeper mind along with gifts from the King are waiting for you. Join us to bring confidence and strength back to your own inner wisdom by meditating on the illuminations of King Solomon.

Presenter: Rabbi Moishe Traxler

Bio

Rabbi Moishe Traxler was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Dallas, Texas. He has a BS in pharmacy from U.T. Austin. He attended yeshivos in Morristown, N.J. at the Rabbinical College of America, Tomchei T’mimim Lubavitch, and in Brooklyn, New York. He was ordained at the Central Lubavitcher Yeshivos in New York in 1979. He attended the Chabad Kollel in Brooklyn for one year of post-rabbinical studies.

Rabbi Traxler is the director of Chabad Lubavitch Outreach of Houston. Previously, he directed the Chabad House at the University of Texas at Austin from 1980 to 1986 and the Chabad House at Texas Medical Center from 1986 until July 1992. Since his arrival in Houston, he has initiated and developed many community programs.

Description

Israel is at war in an ongoing and expanding conflict with Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. With antisemitism rising worldwide, again, are there real practical solutions that haven’t been tried yet? 1. This seminar will directly address: 2. What guidance does the Torah give on issues of security, strategy, and warfare. 3. A clear path toward a safer future. 4. The proactive role we can all play to foster a more meaningful, dignified, and peaceful future for the Jewish community. This seminar is based on Torah teachings as the Lubavitcher Rebbe spoke publicly and privately for nearly 4 decades.

Presenter: Al Tribble

Bio

Al Tribble is the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Security Director and is employed by Secure Community Network. Al provides security consultations, threat mitigation, threat assessments and training to Jewish facilities within the Houston metropolitan area. Al retired from FBI-Houston as a Supervisory Special Agent after serving 27 years. Al’s expertise is in Civil Rights, Human Trafficking, and Violent Crimes Against Children investigations. Al is a former FBI-SWAT Team Sniper, Hostage Negotiator, Media Spokesperson, and FBI-Adjunct Faculty Member. Al has served on the Anti-Defamation League and Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) Advisory Boards.

Description

Identifying life-threatening bleeding, how to control it and mitigate injury.

Presenter: Moshe Vardi

Bio

Moshe Y. Vardi is a University Professor, and the George Distinguished Service Professor in Computational Engineering at Rice University. He is the author and co-author of more than 750 papers, as well as two books. He is the recipient of several sc

Description

The horrific atrocities of October 7, 2023 in Israel and the ensuing Hamas-Israel war have unleashed a wave of antisemitism on the campuses of elite U.S. universities, especially the private ones. This presentation aims at explaining how we got here. It ties this wave to a simplistic oppressor-oppressed morality that is common to two major social phenomena: the rise of identity politics as a dominant theme of U.S. liberalism, and the rise of the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion agenda in elite American higher education. It then argues that economic and political forces are at the root of these phenomena.

Presenter: Joy Villarreal-Belford

Bio

Joy Villarreal-Belford is the Southwest Education and Training Manager for Keshet. A native Houstonian, Joy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in counseling, and a certificate in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With a deep commitment to advocacy, she has been championing queer rights since the 1990s when she first came out as a teenager. Throughout her career in behavioral health, Joy has worked tirelessly to support marginalized communities, and she brings her compassion, wealth of experience, and vision for a more inclusive and just future.

Description

This training is designed for a wide range of people seeking to create an LGBTQ+ affirming environment for the community at large. It focuses on building shared vocabulary and awareness around LGBTQ+ identities and identifying ways in which they can build a community of equality and belonging for LGBTQ+ people.

Alexander JFS is committed to creating programs and services that support our whole community. Guided by the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim–we are all created in God’s image – Open Hearts, Open Doors is focused on supporting inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community through providing opportunities to connect, learn together about building inclusive and embracing spaces and share helpful resources to support this work.

Presenter: Joy Villarreal-Belford

Description

This session will review psychosocial factors impacting the mental health experiences of Jewish LGBTQ+ people, as well as external and internal stressors that contribute to distress and trauma. Participants will then learn what contributes to resilience in this population, including pride, joy, and community connections. Through the use of clinical vignettes depicting real-world circumstances facing LGBTQ Jews, attendees will develop individualized strengths-based interventions for providing clinical support and affirming care to LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, schools, and communities within the context of Judaism.

Alexander JFS is committed to creating programs and services that support our whole community. Guided by the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim–we are all created in God’s image – Open Hearts, Open Doors is focused on supporting inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community through providing opportunities to connect, learn together about building inclusive and embracing spaces and share helpful resources to support this work.

Presenter: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner

Bio

Lauren Wittenberg Weiner is the founder and former CEO of WWC Global, a government contracting firm that became one of the most successful women-owned small businesses before selling in 2022.

Weiner has an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in psychology from Dartmouth College. She lives in Tampa Bay with her family, where she sits on the Board for BayCare Health System, the Tampa Bay WAVE technology incubator, and the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. She is the primary caregiver for her parents and a loud and proud hockey mom.

Description

An Unruly approach starts first and foremost with a solid grounding in the rules—understanding exactly where they are, what they say, and how they can be interpreted. It is only in understanding the rules that we can find the space to plot our own effective path. The Unruly approach is fundamentally Jewish; our faith tradition drives this constant questioning of the rules.

As we apply the Unruly approach to Jewish advocacy, we can find new ways to impact our own communities here in the US, from political advocacy to changing hearts and minds in more innovative ways.

Panel Organization: Sharaka

Info

Sharaka, meaning “partnership” in Arabic, is a non-profit organization founded in the wake of the Abraham Accords to foster peace and understanding in the Middle East. Bringing together Israelis and Arabs, Sharaka promotes dialogue, builds connections, and challenges stereotypes through grassroots initiatives and global outreach. Its diverse network of speakers and leaders share authentic perspectives, highlighting the potential of cooperation to transform the region. Sharaka’s mission is to amplify the impact of the Accords by creating opportunities for collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared future of peace.

Description

Discover the evolving dynamics of the Middle East through the eyes of those who live there as Sharaka presents an engaging panel on the Abraham Accords and their transformative impact on the region. Featuring authentic voices from across the Middle East and Israel, this discussion highlights how individuals are fostering connections, challenging stereotypes, and shaping a more peaceful future through partnership and dialogue