We are living through a period of massive social, political and technological disruptions. We turn to Jewish wisdom and our leaders in the field for guidance: to choose life and build resilience, together. Learn practical tools to sustain ourselves and our democracies, where we live and around the world. Be inspired by leaders who are cultivating the collective strength needed to protect and renew democratic life in diverse contexts. 

How can we be joyfully and robustly Jewish and also be responsible and engaged citizens of the planet? How can we embrace Jewish particularism and universalism at the same time? How we can be part of the Jewish “tribe” without descending into tribalism? These questions were as pressing for Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan and the circle gathered around him as they are for us today. In this plenary, we will explore the origins of classical Reconstructionist commitments to democracy, peoplehood and chosenness, with an emphasis on their relevance to us today and our ongoing efforts to reconstruct them to help us to live engaged and ethical lives.  

Judaism’s call for us to lay down our labors on Shabbat invites us to make space in our weeks and in our communities for light and joy. This Shabbat, we celebrate leaders who are cultivating the spiritual strength we need to do the work in front of us. We turn to our Jewish creatives to learn what ritual, spiritual, and communal practices keep the embers of their creative spark burning. Each artist will share what has emerged from their creative process in this challenging time. 

We turn to community to gather the strength and inspiration to rekindle light and joy. Despite how valuable community can be, many synagogues and Jewish organizations are struggling to sustain themselves, and many seekers find themselves without support. Come and learn about communities that are actively working to understand and adapt to the evolving religious and spiritual needs of Jews and their loved ones, particularly across generations. The stories, principles and practices can provide a vision for how we can strengthen and enliven our own communities.