Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

Zionism: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

Tuesday and Wednesday, October 29 and 30
In Person at JTS
3080 Broadway (at 122nd St)
New York City

During this two-day convening, experts will discuss the evolving relationship between North American Jews and Zionism, examining diverse expressions of Zionism and how these have been influenced by evolving historical circumstances. We will also address the challenges of teaching about Israel and Zionism and explore a mutually beneficial relationship between the North American Jewish community and Israel.

Confirmed Speakers (List in formation)

• Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, Dean, JTS Rabbinical School
• Dr. Arnold Eisen, Chancellor Emeritus, JTS
• Peter Geffen, Founder and President, Kivunim Institute
• Dr. Moshe Halbertal, New York University and Hebrew University
• Dr. Yizhar Hess, Deputy Chair of the World Zionist Organization
• Dr. Sara Yael Hirschhorn, University of Haifa
• Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism
• Dr. David Kraemer, JTS Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian
• Dr. Jeffrey Kress, Provost, JTS
• Matthew Lazar, Founder and Director, Zamir Choral Foundation
• Dr. Nurit Novis-Deutsch, University of Haifa
• Dr. Daniel Olson, Assistant National Director Ramah Camping Movement
• Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief, The Forward
• Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, Brandeis University
• Amy Skopp Cooper, CEO Ramah Camping Movement
• Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz, JTS Chancellor
• Dr. Jack Wertheimer, JTS Joseph and Martha Mendelson Professor of American Jewish History

JUST ADDED!

• Dr. John Ruskay, CEO Emeritus of UJA-Federation of New York

Schedule of Events*

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29

9:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Breakfast

9:45 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Welcome

10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
The Roots of North American Zionism and its Future

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Lunch

12:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m.
Zionism and the Challenges of Power

2:20–2:40 p.m.
Optional Mincha Service

2:45–4:15 p.m.
Liberal Zionism, Jewish Pluralism, and Democracy

5:00–6:30 p.m.
Henry N. and Selma S. Rapaport Memorial Lecture: On Being Jewish Today

• Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Park Avenue Synagogue
• Chaired and comments by Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly and USCJ

Reflecting on his soon-to-be published book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today. Rabbi Cosgrove helps navigate and understand the landscape of a post October 7 reality, turning over questions that have no clear or easy answer in the way only a very good rabbi can. Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly and USCJ, will also provide comments. 

The Rapaport Lecture will also be livestreamed. 

About the Rapaport Memorial Lecture

The annual Henry N. and Selma S. Rapaport Memorial Lecture was established in 1982 by Selma S. Rapaport (1916–2010), who served as president of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and as a longtime JTS board member, in memory of her late husband. A distinguished attorney and committed Jew, Henry N. Rapaport (1905–1980) served as president of Temple Israel Center in White Plains, New York, and as president of United Synagogue. He was an active member of the JTS board and a generous benefactor of JTS’s scholarly programs. 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30

8:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast

9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Judaism and Zionism: The Role of Religion in Democracy

10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Breakout Session

11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Cultural Zionism: Does it Create Bridges or Barriers?

12:45 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Lunch

1:45 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Educating North American Jews

2:45 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Breakout Session

3:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
The Future of Zionism in North America

General admission: $100 for one day, $180 for both days

*Panels and times subject to change

Session Sponsors

Dr. Joan and Mr. Jan Popkin

Supporters

Jay and Karen Kasner
Alan M. Klein
Alan Levine and Alison Newman

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