Shalom Y’all (Welcome): Conference Plenary and Mixers (Sunday)
Michele Schipper, CEO, and Molly Levy, Director of Education, Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL)
Welcome to the Southern & Jewish conference! We will be sharing updates about the ISJL and what you can expect from this new conference format. There will also be fun activities to start connecting you with your fellow attendees and kickstart your learning.
Sameach B’Helko - Rejoicing in What We Have to Meet the Challenges of this Moment (Monday)
Rabbi Stacy Rigler, Executive Director, Association of Reform Jewish Educators
Together we will remember why we do this work, how we can serve the Southern Jewish community, and share pride in our commitments. We will then reflect on the tools we need for success and end with a communal focus on how we can feel proud and grateful for what we have and hopeful for our shared future. Be prepared to reflect, connect, study and share.
The Why of It All (Tuesday)
Rabbi Salem Pearce, ISJL Director of Spirituality
These are challenging communal times: From family stresses to worrying about Hebrew School enrollment to feeling overwhelmed by Israel and Gaza, it's more important than ever that we ground ourselves in our “why.” Join ISJL Director of Spirituality Rabbi Salem Pearce as we learn from our incredible tradition lessons of resilience in the face of challenges to Jewish communal life. Rabbi Pearce will help us solidify our learning and prepare to take what we have gained back to our communities.
1. Cultural Collaboration: Building Organizational Partnerships
Shira Muroff and Ana Berman / ISJL Culture Division
Are you engaged in your Jewish community’s cultural programming? Is your community looking to build partnerships with local arts or civic organizations to amplify your programs? Bring your calendar, and join ISJL Director of Programs Shira Muroff and Special Projects Coordinator Ana Berman for a conversational track that celebrates our cultural connections and will leave you with a strong professional network. We will explore how the ISJL can assist your programming successes, build programming partnerships, and brainstorm your programming goals for the year ahead. Then we will hear from a roundtable of local interfaith and civic leaders (and our own Lapidus & Myles) about one of the ISJL’s local Jackson partnership programs: Mississippi Freedom Seder.
2. Hineinu Y’all: Preparing for our Educational Journey
Miriam Brosseau, Tiny Windows Consulting, and the ISJL Education Division
PART 1 - How Might We...? An Intro to Design Thinking for Jewish Education
What does it take to design innovative Jewish educational opportunities that really get your community excited? Getting them involved from the get-go! In this session, we'll get an introduction to "design thinking," a step-by-step process for collaboratively bringing new ideas into the world. We'll dive into examples, learn the methodology, and consider how we might apply this approach to designing Jewish education in our own communities.
PART 2 - A Spark of Inspiration: What's New in Jewish Education
We want to bring something fresh and new to our communities, but what? In this session, we'll get a taste of what's out there. Together, we'll learn about interesting new Jewish educational initiatives from across the country, review highlights from research into Jewish education, and consider what, and how, we can translate those ideas into our own communities.
3. Our Tefilah Toolbox: How To Do What You’re Already Doing… Better
Rabbi Salem Pearce, Rabbi Keilah Lebell, and Julian Cohen / ISJL Spirituality Division
Want to up your game as shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader)? Terrified of having to ascend the bimah (sanctuary platform) to lead Friday night services? Excited to bring some new energy to that same old siddur (prayerbook)? This two-part track -led by ISJL Director of Spirituality Rabbi Salem Pearce, Hadar Director of Project Zug Rabbi Keilah Lebell, and ISJL Rabbinic Intern Julian Cohen - will help you to expand your tefilah (prayer) toolbox. We'll cover such topics as how to hold space, choose creative readings, and offer kavanot (intentions). You'll have the opportunity to practice and present new skills, and you'll leave the track with lots of resources for further learning and growing.
Shira Muroff and Ana Berman / ISJL Culture Division
Are you engaged in your Jewish community’s cultural programming? Is your community looking to build partnerships with local arts or civic organizations to amplify your programs? Bring your calendar, and join ISJL Director of Programs Shira Muroff and Special Projects Coordinator Ana Berman for a conversational track that celebrates our cultural connections and will leave you with a strong professional network. We will explore how the ISJL can assist your programming successes, build programming partnerships, and brainstorm your programming goals for the year ahead. Then we will hear from a roundtable of local interfaith and civic leaders (and our own Lapidus & Myles) about one of the ISJL’s local Jackson partnership programs: Mississippi Freedom Seder.
2. Hineinu Y’all: Preparing for our Educational Journey
Miriam Brosseau, Tiny Windows Consulting, and the ISJL Education Division
PART 1 - How Might We...? An Intro to Design Thinking for Jewish Education
What does it take to design innovative Jewish educational opportunities that really get your community excited? Getting them involved from the get-go! In this session, we'll get an introduction to "design thinking," a step-by-step process for collaboratively bringing new ideas into the world. We'll dive into examples, learn the methodology, and consider how we might apply this approach to designing Jewish education in our own communities.
PART 2 - A Spark of Inspiration: What's New in Jewish Education
We want to bring something fresh and new to our communities, but what? In this session, we'll get a taste of what's out there. Together, we'll learn about interesting new Jewish educational initiatives from across the country, review highlights from research into Jewish education, and consider what, and how, we can translate those ideas into our own communities.
3. Our Tefilah Toolbox: How To Do What You’re Already Doing… Better
Rabbi Salem Pearce, Rabbi Keilah Lebell, and Julian Cohen / ISJL Spirituality Division
Want to up your game as shaliach tzibbur (prayer leader)? Terrified of having to ascend the bimah (sanctuary platform) to lead Friday night services? Excited to bring some new energy to that same old siddur (prayerbook)? This two-part track -led by ISJL Director of Spirituality Rabbi Salem Pearce, Hadar Director of Project Zug Rabbi Keilah Lebell, and ISJL Rabbinic Intern Julian Cohen - will help you to expand your tefilah (prayer) toolbox. We'll cover such topics as how to hold space, choose creative readings, and offer kavanot (intentions). You'll have the opportunity to practice and present new skills, and you'll leave the track with lots of resources for further learning and growing.
Elective #1 - Sunday, June 23
1. Grapes and Wheat: Exploring Gender in Judaism
McKenzie Wren, SOJOURN
"G*d created wheat and not bread or grapes and not wine so that humanity can participate in the act of creation." What does Judaism have to say about gender and how is new scholarship expanding our notions of gender? In this session we'll explore concepts such as b’tzelem-elohim (made in the image of G*d), the eight genders or sexes in the Talmud and how modern liturgy and rituals are expanding for celebration and inclusion of the needs and experiences of trans and non-binary Jews. We'll talk about non-binary Hebrew, new prayers and explore different resources for you to bring back to your own communities.
2. Thriving In Spite Of It All
Tali Moscowitz, Moving Traditions
It has been a rocky road for teens in 2024 with the Israel/Hamas war and the rise of Antisemitism. Join Tali Moscowitz from Moving Traditions to learn the latest and greatest about the state of teens today. Tali will share how Moving Traditions programs can meet the needs of your pre-teens and teens from 5th-12th grade to help your teens thrive.
3. The Life-Changing Magic of Havruta Learning
Rabbi Keilah Lebell, Hadar Institute
One-on-one text learning ("learning in havruta," meaning “pairs”) is the time-honored and traditional method for studying Jewish texts. But when you know how to do it well and hold it as a regular practice, havruta learning can be transformative for individuals and communities. Successful havruta learning not only connects learners to Jewish wisdom but also fosters deeper connections with oneself and others. In this session, participants will explore best practices for learning in havruta, discover how to incorporate this learning/spiritual practice into one's own Jewish life, and learn how to use it as a tool for strengthening relationships within one's community.
4. Facilitating Challenging Conversations in Jewish Spaces
Liora Norwich, Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University
This workshop focuses on how to develop best practices for facilitating challenging conversations. Drawing on real examples from contemporary issues facing the Jewish community, participants will learn tips for establishing brave conversation spaces, managing their own identity and perspective, and effectively engaging a range of participants. Participants will be given the opportunity to work in small groups to practice active listening techniques and simulate a dialogue.
5. Volunteering with Kids: Beyond Coloring Cards
Hannah Grossman, Repair the World
Seeking to enhance Jewish volunteer service for young children and their families? Join Repair the World to learn theory and practical tools to bring meaningful volunteerism beyond coloring cards to your community. You will leave with ready to go models such as Playdates with a Purpose, a partnered initiative between Repair the World and PJ Library.
Elective #2 - Monday, June 24
1. Beyond B'nei Mitzvah: Relevant Adult Jewish Education Today
Matthew Silverman, Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies
Join this engaging session on the significance of adult Jewish education in today’s world. We'll explore why lifelong learning is not only valuable but essential for individuals seeking to enrich their lives and the lives of their family and community, and to deepen their connection to Judaism. As an educational model we will briefly explore the history and a few texts from the time of Jesus and the early Rabbinical Period. We will have the opportunity to relate the conversation and historical situation at that time to our world today. From exploring historical debates to dissecting contemporary dilemmas, this session will open you to see adult Jewish education as more than just a “Hebrew School” or scholarly pursuit—rather, a cornerstone for building resilience, fostering unity, and cultivating a Jewish community and world enriched by diversity and dialogue.
2. Southern Hospitality Means Creating Spaces of LGBTQ+ Belonging
Kachel Kohnhorst and Rachel Gollay, Keshet
We will be covering a short intro to LGBTQ+ concepts, but this session is designed to help teach organizations how to grow from places of tolerance of LGBTQ+ folks to places of true belonging for LGBTQ+ people. Most of the LGBTQ+ people in our country live in the south and about 22% of the total Jewish population identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. With so many of our Jewish community members in the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to actively include them in our spaces and make room to learn about their needs. Please join Keshet to learn about how to make your organization more able to foster true LGBTQ+ belonging.
3. Preserving Your Family Collection At Home
Michael Jacobs, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
This talk will focus on how families can preserve their own collections at home and will discuss the methodology concerning how to care for and protect scrapbooks, photo albums and personal documents and artifacts. The talk will also include hands on activities that will give the participants a chance to interact with archival materials they could use at home to preserve their collections. There will also be a chance for the participants to work on an activity that will help them associate best practices for different types of material culture.
4. Volunteering: Make it Jewish and Make a Difference
Hannah Grossman, Repair the World
Excited to introduce or strengthen Jewish volunteer service in your community? Join Repair the World for a mini Jewish service learning project benefiting Operation Shoestring, a local nonprofit, and for a conversation in which we pull back the curtain to reflect on the project design and key elements for ethical and impactful Jewish volunteer service.
5. How to Keep the Lights On
Michael Gutenstein
Fundraising for your congregation can go very well when there are rooms or programs to name for generous donors. But what about those funds that it seems no one wants to give to? The garbage collection bill, electricity bill or the last minute plumber? Let’s talk about “not so fun”draising and how you can find ways to support your congregation and keep everything running,
Elective #3 - Tuesday, June 25
1. Keep Your Friends Close
Lapidus & Myles
In a fraught moment where many in the Jewish community and beyond feel a sense of isolation, come and learn how Rabbi Micah and Melvin’s friendship has been a source of strength, inspiration, and insight for them both. Lapidus & Myles will also explore how they’ve maintained their friendship while working and traveling together as business partners. They will share additional music and engage in conversation on themes of allyship, friendship, and “showing up for another.”
2. From Scarcity to Abundance: Working with a Small Team
Rabbi Stacy Rigler, Association of Reform Jewish Educators
How do you run a program for Jewish life with a small staff? How can you define roles and responsibilities for volunteers? Together we will learn the power of individual conversations, goal setting, clarifying expectations and defining roles and systems of accountability. We will chart out what we have, what we want, and reflect on what we really need for success.
3. Beyond the Rainbow: Understanding Gender Diversity
McKenzie Wren, SOJOURN
This session covers the changing field of gender identity and expression. We'll detangle gender and sexuality, explore data around mental health and gender identity and do a deep dive into the importance of letting the person in front of you tell you who they are. We'll also talk about emerging issues that are top of the newschain these days - pronouns, bathrooms and even touch on some legislation and how it impacts the Jewish world.
4. A Closer Look at Hebrew Primers
Aviva Gutnik, Behrman House
Learning to decode Hebrew is a key to being able to read it, whether in a prayerbook or a Bible or when visiting Israel. But when teaching decoding, how do you know which materials are right for your students? In this session, we’ll discuss the science of how kids learn to decode language and some common challenges. We’ll also do a hands-on exploration of a variety of Hebrew primers, where we dig into the differences (and similarities) between them and the philosophy underpinning each option. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of primers so that you can be intentional in your choices for your students.
1. Grapes and Wheat: Exploring Gender in Judaism
McKenzie Wren, SOJOURN
"G*d created wheat and not bread or grapes and not wine so that humanity can participate in the act of creation." What does Judaism have to say about gender and how is new scholarship expanding our notions of gender? In this session we'll explore concepts such as b’tzelem-elohim (made in the image of G*d), the eight genders or sexes in the Talmud and how modern liturgy and rituals are expanding for celebration and inclusion of the needs and experiences of trans and non-binary Jews. We'll talk about non-binary Hebrew, new prayers and explore different resources for you to bring back to your own communities.
2. Thriving In Spite Of It All
Tali Moscowitz, Moving Traditions
It has been a rocky road for teens in 2024 with the Israel/Hamas war and the rise of Antisemitism. Join Tali Moscowitz from Moving Traditions to learn the latest and greatest about the state of teens today. Tali will share how Moving Traditions programs can meet the needs of your pre-teens and teens from 5th-12th grade to help your teens thrive.
3. The Life-Changing Magic of Havruta Learning
Rabbi Keilah Lebell, Hadar Institute
One-on-one text learning ("learning in havruta," meaning “pairs”) is the time-honored and traditional method for studying Jewish texts. But when you know how to do it well and hold it as a regular practice, havruta learning can be transformative for individuals and communities. Successful havruta learning not only connects learners to Jewish wisdom but also fosters deeper connections with oneself and others. In this session, participants will explore best practices for learning in havruta, discover how to incorporate this learning/spiritual practice into one's own Jewish life, and learn how to use it as a tool for strengthening relationships within one's community.
4. Facilitating Challenging Conversations in Jewish Spaces
Liora Norwich, Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University
This workshop focuses on how to develop best practices for facilitating challenging conversations. Drawing on real examples from contemporary issues facing the Jewish community, participants will learn tips for establishing brave conversation spaces, managing their own identity and perspective, and effectively engaging a range of participants. Participants will be given the opportunity to work in small groups to practice active listening techniques and simulate a dialogue.
5. Volunteering with Kids: Beyond Coloring Cards
Hannah Grossman, Repair the World
Seeking to enhance Jewish volunteer service for young children and their families? Join Repair the World to learn theory and practical tools to bring meaningful volunteerism beyond coloring cards to your community. You will leave with ready to go models such as Playdates with a Purpose, a partnered initiative between Repair the World and PJ Library.
Elective #2 - Monday, June 24
1. Beyond B'nei Mitzvah: Relevant Adult Jewish Education Today
Matthew Silverman, Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies
Join this engaging session on the significance of adult Jewish education in today’s world. We'll explore why lifelong learning is not only valuable but essential for individuals seeking to enrich their lives and the lives of their family and community, and to deepen their connection to Judaism. As an educational model we will briefly explore the history and a few texts from the time of Jesus and the early Rabbinical Period. We will have the opportunity to relate the conversation and historical situation at that time to our world today. From exploring historical debates to dissecting contemporary dilemmas, this session will open you to see adult Jewish education as more than just a “Hebrew School” or scholarly pursuit—rather, a cornerstone for building resilience, fostering unity, and cultivating a Jewish community and world enriched by diversity and dialogue.
2. Southern Hospitality Means Creating Spaces of LGBTQ+ Belonging
Kachel Kohnhorst and Rachel Gollay, Keshet
We will be covering a short intro to LGBTQ+ concepts, but this session is designed to help teach organizations how to grow from places of tolerance of LGBTQ+ folks to places of true belonging for LGBTQ+ people. Most of the LGBTQ+ people in our country live in the south and about 22% of the total Jewish population identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. With so many of our Jewish community members in the LGBTQ+ community, it is important to actively include them in our spaces and make room to learn about their needs. Please join Keshet to learn about how to make your organization more able to foster true LGBTQ+ belonging.
3. Preserving Your Family Collection At Home
Michael Jacobs, Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
This talk will focus on how families can preserve their own collections at home and will discuss the methodology concerning how to care for and protect scrapbooks, photo albums and personal documents and artifacts. The talk will also include hands on activities that will give the participants a chance to interact with archival materials they could use at home to preserve their collections. There will also be a chance for the participants to work on an activity that will help them associate best practices for different types of material culture.
4. Volunteering: Make it Jewish and Make a Difference
Hannah Grossman, Repair the World
Excited to introduce or strengthen Jewish volunteer service in your community? Join Repair the World for a mini Jewish service learning project benefiting Operation Shoestring, a local nonprofit, and for a conversation in which we pull back the curtain to reflect on the project design and key elements for ethical and impactful Jewish volunteer service.
5. How to Keep the Lights On
Michael Gutenstein
Fundraising for your congregation can go very well when there are rooms or programs to name for generous donors. But what about those funds that it seems no one wants to give to? The garbage collection bill, electricity bill or the last minute plumber? Let’s talk about “not so fun”draising and how you can find ways to support your congregation and keep everything running,
Elective #3 - Tuesday, June 25
1. Keep Your Friends Close
Lapidus & Myles
In a fraught moment where many in the Jewish community and beyond feel a sense of isolation, come and learn how Rabbi Micah and Melvin’s friendship has been a source of strength, inspiration, and insight for them both. Lapidus & Myles will also explore how they’ve maintained their friendship while working and traveling together as business partners. They will share additional music and engage in conversation on themes of allyship, friendship, and “showing up for another.”
2. From Scarcity to Abundance: Working with a Small Team
Rabbi Stacy Rigler, Association of Reform Jewish Educators
How do you run a program for Jewish life with a small staff? How can you define roles and responsibilities for volunteers? Together we will learn the power of individual conversations, goal setting, clarifying expectations and defining roles and systems of accountability. We will chart out what we have, what we want, and reflect on what we really need for success.
3. Beyond the Rainbow: Understanding Gender Diversity
McKenzie Wren, SOJOURN
This session covers the changing field of gender identity and expression. We'll detangle gender and sexuality, explore data around mental health and gender identity and do a deep dive into the importance of letting the person in front of you tell you who they are. We'll also talk about emerging issues that are top of the newschain these days - pronouns, bathrooms and even touch on some legislation and how it impacts the Jewish world.
4. A Closer Look at Hebrew Primers
Aviva Gutnik, Behrman House
Learning to decode Hebrew is a key to being able to read it, whether in a prayerbook or a Bible or when visiting Israel. But when teaching decoding, how do you know which materials are right for your students? In this session, we’ll discuss the science of how kids learn to decode language and some common challenges. We’ll also do a hands-on exploration of a variety of Hebrew primers, where we dig into the differences (and similarities) between them and the philosophy underpinning each option. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of primers so that you can be intentional in your choices for your students.
Trivia (Sunday night)
ISJL staff
Join us for a lighthearted evening of trivia with old and new friends alike. Bring your competitive spirit to see who will win gold at this year's competition (while we may not be in Paris, France, for the Olympics… did you know we are only 158 miles from Paris, Mississippi?!).
Morning Tefilah (Monday morning)
Rabbi Salem Pearce
Featuring the music of Lapidus & Myles, this pluralistic shacharit (“morning”) service will include a reading from the sefer Torah, draw from a variety of Jewish traditions, and be upbeat and participatory. Come and sing with us!
An Evening with Lapidus & Myles (Monday night)
Join us for an evening of music with featured artists Lapidus & Myles. Their music, inspired by messages of connection, love, and justice, brings us together as we celebrate community building across the Jewish South.
ISJL staff
Join us for a lighthearted evening of trivia with old and new friends alike. Bring your competitive spirit to see who will win gold at this year's competition (while we may not be in Paris, France, for the Olympics… did you know we are only 158 miles from Paris, Mississippi?!).
Morning Tefilah (Monday morning)
Rabbi Salem Pearce
Featuring the music of Lapidus & Myles, this pluralistic shacharit (“morning”) service will include a reading from the sefer Torah, draw from a variety of Jewish traditions, and be upbeat and participatory. Come and sing with us!
An Evening with Lapidus & Myles (Monday night)
Join us for an evening of music with featured artists Lapidus & Myles. Their music, inspired by messages of connection, love, and justice, brings us together as we celebrate community building across the Jewish South.
1. From Bereshit to Bluey: Creative Jewish Parenting Today
Molly Levy
Let's spend some time exploring ancient text and modern modalities to connect Judaism to everyday parenting moments. We will talk about ways to shake up holidays at home, as well as everyday Jewish moments. Perfect for anyone raising Jewish children, even (especially!) if you were not raised Jewish yourself. And yes, we will watch an episode of Bluey.
2. A Taste of Tour(ah!): Previewing the ISJL’s upcoming Southern & Jewish teen tour curriculum with Ana Berman and Shira Muroff
Do you love to travel Jewishly? Are you looking to take your community on a Jewish travel experience? Bring your historian hat and us to get a taste of the ISJL’s upcoming teen tour curriculum! In this session, we will complete an iteration of the curriculum’s pre-tour program and use local synagogue archival materials to curate our very own Southern & Jewish museum exhibit. Through this program we will familiarize ourselves with a piece of Jackson’s Jewish Civil Rights story, learn about exciting topics like place-based history and historical interpretation, and practice how to be responsible tourists. Participants will leave this program with a new and creative perspective on Jewish heritage tours, and a thorough understanding of the types of resources and programming the ISJL teen tour curriculum offers. Content Warning: We will cover topics that will touch on difficult histories of violence, white supremacy, antisemitism, anti-Black racism.
3. Beyond Fiddler on the Roof: Jewish Stories on Stage
Rebecca Rich
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the intersection between Judaism and theatre? In this session, we will explore several Jewish stories that have been told on stage, then create our own visions for hypothetical theatrical productions that tell our Jewish stories. The shows we will be exploring cover dark and mature topics such as death, lynching, and the Holocaust.
4. Clergy Meet Up
Rabbi Salem Pearce
We invite all clergy (rabbis, cantors, and rabbinical and cantorial students) to gather for snacks, drinks, and schmoozing as we learn from each other about what it means to be klei kodesh ("holy vessels") serving Jewish communities in the South.
Molly Levy
Let's spend some time exploring ancient text and modern modalities to connect Judaism to everyday parenting moments. We will talk about ways to shake up holidays at home, as well as everyday Jewish moments. Perfect for anyone raising Jewish children, even (especially!) if you were not raised Jewish yourself. And yes, we will watch an episode of Bluey.
2. A Taste of Tour(ah!): Previewing the ISJL’s upcoming Southern & Jewish teen tour curriculum with Ana Berman and Shira Muroff
Do you love to travel Jewishly? Are you looking to take your community on a Jewish travel experience? Bring your historian hat and us to get a taste of the ISJL’s upcoming teen tour curriculum! In this session, we will complete an iteration of the curriculum’s pre-tour program and use local synagogue archival materials to curate our very own Southern & Jewish museum exhibit. Through this program we will familiarize ourselves with a piece of Jackson’s Jewish Civil Rights story, learn about exciting topics like place-based history and historical interpretation, and practice how to be responsible tourists. Participants will leave this program with a new and creative perspective on Jewish heritage tours, and a thorough understanding of the types of resources and programming the ISJL teen tour curriculum offers. Content Warning: We will cover topics that will touch on difficult histories of violence, white supremacy, antisemitism, anti-Black racism.
3. Beyond Fiddler on the Roof: Jewish Stories on Stage
Rebecca Rich
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the intersection between Judaism and theatre? In this session, we will explore several Jewish stories that have been told on stage, then create our own visions for hypothetical theatrical productions that tell our Jewish stories. The shows we will be exploring cover dark and mature topics such as death, lynching, and the Holocaust.
4. Clergy Meet Up
Rabbi Salem Pearce
We invite all clergy (rabbis, cantors, and rabbinical and cantorial students) to gather for snacks, drinks, and schmoozing as we learn from each other about what it means to be klei kodesh ("holy vessels") serving Jewish communities in the South.