Can American Judaism Change Jewish Identity in Israel?

THE HENRY N. AND SELMA S. RAPAPORT MEMORIAL LECTURE

“The New Jew”—a recent Israeli TV documentary series exploring the diverse and creative ways in which American Jews express their Jewishness—was immensely popular in Israel. What accounts for Israelis’ positive response to several distinctively American models of Jewish identity and practice? How can religious expression in the U.S. help progressive Israeli leaders combat the understanding that persists among many Israelis that they can only be either Orthodox or secular? Join three creative Israeli experts and leaders to explore these questions, learn about progressive religious innovations already happening in Israel, and consider what’s at stake for all of us in how Israelis choose to be Jewish.

Due to copyright restrictions, the two clips from “The New Jew” that were screened during the program are replaced by explanatory slides in the recording.

Panelists:

Rabbi Tamar Elad Appelbaum, founder and spiritual leader of ZION: An Eretz Israeli Congregation in Jerusalem

Shmuel Rosner, columnist, editor, author, and think tank fellow based in Tel Aviv

Moshe Samuels, creator, chief of research, and deputy editor and writer of “The New Jew“ TV series; and CEO of Shazur / Interwoven

Moderator: Rabbi Julia Andelman, Director of Community Engagement, JTS