Cyd Weissman, Reconstructing Judaism’s vice president for engagement and innovation, was a featured panelist at a high-profile Shavuot program held at the Weitzman Musuem of American Jewish History in Philadelphia and sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
The panel “Only in America: The Evolving Place of Jewish Life and Culture in the United States” kicked off a 12-hour, in-person tikkun-leil Shavuot. The Shavuot custom of staying up all night to study Torah dates back hundreds of years, related to the receiving of Torah at Mount Sinai.
Weissman, a noted Jewish educator, writer and thought leader has, for more than a decade, focused on advancing innovation in Jewish life. She also mentors rabbinical students and new rabbis across denominations and oversees Reconstructing Judaism’s Auerbach Launch Grant, which invests in innovative projects that spur new expressions of Jewish community.
On the June 11 panel, she was asked, in light of October 7, the Israel-Hamas War and the global rise in antisemitism, where she finds sources of optimism in Jewish life and culture.
Weissman cited recent survey data released by Jewish Federations of North America, illustrating that while Jews may feel threatened, the good news is that they are turning toward traditional and emergent Jewish communities for support and resilience.
She noted that 43 percent of respondents reporting being more engaged in Jewish life since October 7, with 25 percent seeking a connection and 29 percent saying they are learning about Israel or Jewish life.
“What is interesting about those numbers, they are true across all ages and stages of life,” Weissman said in an interview a few days after the program.
The educator said she also draws inspiration and optimism from innovative clergy like Reconstructionist Rabbinical College student Chloe Zelkha and recent graduate, Rabbi Nicole Fix, who are creating new avenues to connect with underserved populations.
“When you combine the surge of people seeking engagement with the Jewish community with the innovative ways leaders are shaping the Jewish landscape, I think we all have a reason to be optimistic,” said Weissman.
Additional Resources
Click here for Reconstructing Judaism’s DIY Shavuot
Click here to read Cyd Weissman explaining the origin of her name
Listen to Cyd Weissman talk about entrepreneurism on the Evolve podcast.
Learn how the Auerbach Grant helped launch a new Jewish community.
