12:00-1:00       Simon Family JCC’s Cardo Café open for lunch, limited menu available for purchase

1:00-1:30         The Enduring Word: 500-year-old copy of the Later Prophets with Rabbi David Kimhi’s Commentary & Censorship  presented by Rabbi Michael Panitz, Temple Israel

1:30-2:00         Have I Got a Story for You:  More than a Century of Fiction from the Forward  presented by Ezra Glinter, award-winning journalist, critic, and author, sharing a collection of forty-two stories from America’s greatest Yiddish newspaper, brought together in English for the first time.

2:15-3:00         Breakout Session 1

3:15-4:00         Breakout Session 2

4:15-4:45         ‘The Past and Future of American Jewish Bible Translation’ in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Jewish Publication Society’s Tanach presented by its director, Rabbi Barry Schwartz.

4:45-5:00        Carrying the Books into Our Lives– Rabbi Arnowitz, Congregation Beth El, and President, Board of Rabbis and Cantors of Hampton Roads

500th anniversary of Nach with Bachya commentary– Printed in 1517, learn and discuss the traditions of the Nach – Rabbi Michael Panitz

What Makes a Jewish Hero – Spanning the worlds of sports, science, film, and politics, Jewish Heroes, Jewish Values introduces the Jewish heroes of yesterday and today to those of tomorrow.  – Rabbi Barry Schwartz

Judaism’s Great Debates – Ever since Abraham’s famous argument with God, Judaism has been full of debate. Moses and Korah, David and Nathan, Hillel and Shammai, the Vilna Gaon and the Ba’al Shem Tov, Spinoza and the Amsterdam Rabbis . . . the list goes on. Jews debate justice, authority, inclusion, spirituality, resistance, evolution, Zionism, and more. No wonder that Judaism cherishes the expression machloket l’shem shamayim, “an argument for the sake of heaven.” – Rabbi Barry Schwartz

Academic Boycotts of Israel– Addressing the major aspects of the international attacks on Jews and Israel on campus. – Dr. Rachel Fish

Teaching Israel – bringing academic content and best practices to the teaching of Israel Studies beyond Brandeis University for educators and parents – Dr. Rachel Fish

No Lifeguard In Our Gene Pool: Jewish Genetic Diseases and Testing – This talk explores genetic diseases inheritance and prevalence in the Jewish community, as well as, the currently available identification and testing options. – Dr. Samantha Vergano

Helping Israel’s children find a safe haven. – Neve Michael Children’s Village‘s mission is to provide love, care, and professional treatment to children ages 5-18. Israel’s welfare department removed these children from their homes due to physical and emotional abuse. This safe space offers a chance at a better future. – Ronnie Cohen

A Focus on Mindfulness Through Mind, Body & Soul – This three part, and person, presentation takes you on a journey towards a calm and stable life by exploring the Mindfulness. You’ll learn practical tips on becoming a positive thinker and managing stress to be followed by a hands-on portion aimed on increasing focus and teamwork. Discover a new perspective for overcoming challenges and growing towards a more mindful and spiritual person. – Rabbi Gavriel Rudin, Debbie Mayer, and Tom Purcell

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) – Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) provides support through a number of enrichment facilities and programs for the young soldiers who protect the state of Israel. This involvement ensures Israel’s healthy future. – Alex Pomerantz

Sort of Parables – During this session we will read short stories by the Israeli writer Etgar Keret. With Israel’s diverse and complicated society as the main colorful backdrop of Keret’s stories, we will discuss the multiple currents stirring above and below the surface of Israel today. – Zalman Spivak

The Lasting Power of the New Year – This workshop illuminates Rosh Hashana’s opportunities for self-introspection, growth, and change. Use this Jewish New Year to create a roadmap towards a new you. – Amy Lefcoe

Political Harmony: How to survive and thrive with the “other side” – 

How to walk well on eggshells. Everyone feels on edge. This discussion looks at Rabbi Akiva’s students to learn lessons in dealing with other’s differences of opinion. – Rabbi Yitzchak Menda

Bless your home creatively. – In this artistic Jewish home blessing workshop we will make a beautiful wall art (frame not included) of a Hamsa and a Hebrew blessing for the home. Come ready to be creative! There are a variety of colors to choose from for this lovely bring-home creation. – Adi Abramov

The great debate— Christians and rabbis interpreting the prophets – In this lecture Rabbi Panitz will use rare 16^th century Hebrew books to explore the different ways people interpret one text.  – Rabbi Michael Panitz

A Spiritual Practice for You – Chanting, a meditative calming, healing, and revitalizing practice, is an accessible, engaging and fun way to connect with God and your best self. In this completely interactive session, we will learn the elements of chant, chant together several biblical or liturgical texts, and leave with several practices you can utilize in your own life. – Rosalin “Rabbi Roz” Mandelberg