What’s Inside

Welcome page 2

Convention at a Glance page 3

Map of the Hyatt Regency page 7

Convention Tips page 8

Featured Programs page 9

Descriptions of All Break-Out Sessions in Chronological Order (There are nearly FIFTY workshops, special Shabbat morning sessions and Beit Midrash sessions for you to choose from!) page 18

Approaching the Convention in Terms of Major Topic Areas of Interest page 30

Meals page 37

Tefillah Prayer Services page 39

JRF Leadership page 42

JRF & Camp JRF Staff page 43

JRF Board Members page 47

Presenter Bios page 49

Acknowledgements page 62

Thanks to Our Donors page 63

Vendor Showcase page 64

 November 2010 Kislev 5771

Dear Hevre,

Welcome to Newport Beach and the 43rd JRF Convention! Over the next four days we will engage in a new kind of California Dreaming — Visioning our Jewish Future.

As Reconstructionists, we know that Mordecai Kaplan conceived of Judaism as the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people. My hope is that during this Convention each of you will gain a deeper un- derstanding of Kaplan’s words. We will have the opportunity to explore the evolution of Judaism generally and Reconstructionism in particular as we look to the future. As we engage with our speakers, participate in workshops, enjoy our entertainers and artists, sing, and join together in worship, we will experience the multi-faceted aspects of our religious civilization. And, finally, connecting with old friends and making new ones, sharing our stories, we will appreciate the sense of belonging to the Jewish people.

This Convention could not have happened without the dedicated work of the JRF staff and many, many volunteers. Rabbi Erin Hirsh, JRF’s Director of Education and our Convention Director, was the glue who held it all together. Thank you, Rabbi Erin, for being a wonderful partner.

L’shalom,

Sandy Goldman Convention Chair

 Convention at a Glance

Thursday, November 11

7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast Plaza Arbor Breakfast for Camp JRF Board members The Garden 9:00 a.m. Kehillat Israel Board members meeting Garden Room III 9:00-10:30 a.m. Workshop Block A Building Our Movement: One Great Shul At A Time Terrace Room Educating Adult Learners in Our Congregations Harbor Room Ethics of Speech Garden Room I Keva or Kavannah: You CAN Create your own Jewish Reconstructionist Liturgy Patio Room Tao of Hevruta Beach Room Taking Your Congregational School Out of the Building: The Jewish Experience Ocean Room The Spin Doctor is In: Deciphering the News about Israel Garden Room II Storytelling Circles: A Catalyst for Exploring Our Jewish Immigrant Roots Lagoon Room Torah Study as Mussar Practice Surf Room 10:45-12:15 p.m. Workshop Block B Branding and Marketing Reconstructionist Judaism Patio Room How To Successfully Integrate and Use Reconstructionism & Values-Based Approaches in Congregational Processes & Decision-Making Beach Room Living in Multiple Civilizations: It’s Music, but What Makes it Jewish? Surf Room Making Prayer Real Garden Room I Mordecai the Pious Plaza Ballroom III Religious Case for Marriage Garden Room II Teen Programs that Work Lagoon Room The Greening of Judaism: A Conversation Between Biblical and Rabbinic Texts, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, and James Cameron Ocean Room 12:30-2:00 p.m. Lunch Plaza Arbor Lunch for Kehillat Israel Board members The Garden Harmoniyah Information Meeting Lunch Room TBA 2:15 p.m. Keynote Address: Jane Eisner, “Visioning Our Jewish Future” Terrace Room 4:00 p.m. “Visioning the Reconstructionist Jewish Future” Panel Plaza Arbor 5:45-6:30 p.m. Ma’ariv Services Terrace Arbor 5:45-6:45 p.m. Gather ’Round The Campfire: A Celebration of Camp JRF Patio Room

 Convention at a Glance continued

7:00-8:30 p.m. Dinner Plaza Ballroom Dinner for Presidents of JRF Congregations and Havurot Garden Room I Dinner for Kehillat Israel Board members The Garden 8:45-10:15 p.m. Living Your Values in Hollywood: If You Can Do It Here, You Can (Probably) Do It Anywhere Terrace Room 10:30 p.m. RENA Members’ Martini Time Sandbar Lounge Harmoniyah Jam Session Terrace Room Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association Members’ Discussion Garden Room II

Friday, November 12

7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast with Affinity Group Seating Plaza Ballroom 1 Breakfast for Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association members Room TBA 8:00-8:45 a.m. Shakharit Service Terrace Arbor 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Vendor Showcase Opens! Plaza Arbor 9:00 a.m. Kehillat Israel Board members meeting Garden Room III 9:00-10:30 a.m. Israel, Politics, and the Jewish Community: A Conversation with Jeremy Ben-Ami and Rabbi Steve Gutow Plaza Ballroom II & III 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Workshop Block C Branding & Marketing Reconstructionist Judaism Patio Room Chant: Kindling a Light in the Word Ocean Room For New and Ongoing JRF Affiliate Presidents Beach Room Harmoniyah Music Sharing Session Terrace Room Synagogue Leadership in the Face of Constancy and Change Garden Room I Reconstructing Storytelling Harbor Room The Reconstruction of Mordecai Kaplan’s Educational Philosophy: Kaplan’s Legacy for 21st Century Jewish Education Surf Room Tikkun Olam: From Study to Social Action Lagoon Room Transforming Lifelong Congregational Education: How To, Why to, What to Garden Room II 12:45-3:15 p.m. Lunch and JRF Plenum Plaza Ballroom I (Lunch) Plaza Ballroom II & III (Plenum) 12:45-2:00 p.m. Lunch for Kehillat Israel Board members The Garden 3:30-4:15 p.m. RENA Business Meeting Beach Room Regional Meetings: Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake and Southeast Surf Room

 Convention at a Glance continued

3:30-4:15 p.m. Midwest, Canada, and International Lagoon Room NY/NJ and New England Ocean Room Morei Derekh Western Regional “Trailblazers” Reception Terrace Room 4:45 p.m. Convention attendees begin departing by motor coach for University Synagogue* Gather in front of the Balboa Building * Motor coaches will circle back and forth until everyone is at University Synagogue. Shabbat Dinner and Services with University Synagogue 5:45 p.m. Dinner University Synagogue Social Hall 7:15 p.m. Shabbat Alive Service University Synagogue Sanctuary 8:30 p.m. Option of returning by motor coach to Hyatt Evening Program with University Synagogue 8:30 p.m. Erwin Chemerinsky University Synagogue Sanctuary 9:00 p.m. Shabbat Offerings: A Program by Harmoniyah and Friends University Synagogue Sanctuary University Synagogue will offer a brief oneg after the Shabbat Offerings program while Convention attendees wait to board motor coaches. For those who prefer not to travel on Shabbat… 6:00-7:00 p.m. Shabbat Service Surf Room 7:00-8:15 p.m. Pre-Arranged Erev Shabbat dinner Sol Restaurant 11:00 p.m. Harmoniyah Jam Session Terrace Room

Saturday, November 13

Shabbat Morning Service Preparation options 7:30-8:20 a.m. Meditation Garden Room III Yoga Garden Room I 7:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast Plaza Arbor 8:30-9:30 a.m. Torah Study: Exile & Return: Finding One’s Soulmate Patio Room Group Spiritual Direction Garden Room III Shabbat Morning Service options 9:45 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service I — Rabbi Yael Ridberg and Hazzan Ayelet Piatigorsky Amphitheatre Shabbat Morning Service II — Rabbi Shefa Gold Terrace Arbor Shabbat Morning Service Alternative — Adina Newberg Liturgy of Israeli Emergent Communities Patio Room Family Service & Program — Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat and Rabbi Jon Hanish Plaza Ballroom 11:00 a.m. Torah Service — Rabbi Doug Heifetz Amphitheatre 12:45-2:30 p.m. Lunch honoring Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation Plaza Arbor  Convention at a Glance continued

3:00-4:00 p.m. Beit Midrash I Latin American Jewish Melodies for Shabbat Garden Room III Parents are Hungry; Children are Hungry: Finding Nourishment in Modern Hebrew Literature Patio Room Social Justice in the Thought of Mordecai Kaplan Palm Room Which Ten Commandments? Introducing the Real “Bible Codes” Garden Room I 4:15-5:15 p.m. Beit Midrash II Holding the Sacred Center: Exploring and Leading Varieties of Spiritual Practice Patio Room PARDES: the Art of Squeezing the Juice from Your Text Garden Room I Reconstructing Jewish Theology Palm Room Shirah Bamachaneh: Songs, Songleading, and Camp JRF Garden Room III 5:30-6:15 p.m. Minkha Services Terrace Arbor 7:00 p.m. Dinner Plaza Arbor 8:45 p.m. Havdalah with Harmoniyah Plaza Arbor 9:15 p.m. Julie Silver Concert Plaza Ballroom 11:15 p.m. Harmoniyah Jam Session Plaza Ballroom

Sunday, November 14

7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Registration Table Plaza Arbor 7:30-9:00 a.m. Breakfast Plaza Arbor 8:00-8:45 a.m. Shakharit Services Terrace Arbor 9:00-10:30 a.m. Workshop Block D Creating a Compelling Congregational School Culture Beach Room Dialogue and Deliberation about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Lagoon Room Keruv: at the Core of Outreach Every Voice Matters Ocean Room How to Develop and Implement a Powerful Strategic Planning Process Garden Room I Should We Pray? The Future of Reconstructionist Liturgy and Worship Garden Room II The Technology Journey of Congregations Patio Room The Torah of Money: From Half-Shekel to Fully Funded Garden Room III Where We’ve Been: Reflections on our Reconstructionist Past Surf Room Workers’ Rights, the Hyatt Hotels & Economic Justice Harbor Room 10:45-11:15 a.m. Closing Program Plaza Arbor

 The Hyatt Regency

 Convention Tips

hether you’re a first-time JRF Convention Parking: The hotel Wattendee or have been to one before, here has both self parking and are some tips to help you get the most from the valet parking available. Convention. Fees vary by the length of stay, and can be billed to your hotel room. If you are not staying at the hotel If you have questions or need help in overnight, discount coupons for self parking are some way: The JRF Convention Registration available at the Registration and Welcome Station and Welcome Station is located in the Plaza Arbor. desk in Plaza Arbor. Someone will be staffing the table at all times. If they can’t help you, they will figure out who can. Handicap Accessibility: All Convention activities are being held in accessible locations. Name Tags: Please wear your nametag at all times, both to help us build a sense of Reconstruc- Food and Beverages: Please see page 37 for tionist community and for security purposes. more information about meals.

First-Timers: You will notice that your status Volunteering: If you’d like to take a volunteer is indicated on your badge — the reason we do shift during the Convention, please speak to this is to encourage long-timers to make a point someone working at the Registration and Welcome of reaching out and welcoming you. Please don’t Station located in the Plaza Arbor. We can always hesitate to ask any questions you may have about use more help, and you might be surprised to learn Convention. Remember, we were all first-timers how good it feels to help out. once. We hope you find everyone friendly and helpful. If you’re not a first-timer and are reading Closing Session: Please plan to stay with us this, please be helpful and friendly to everyone for our closing session on Sunday. It will be a who may have a question. You may both learn great time to cement your new relationships, bid something from the experience. old friends adieu, and put the entire Convention experience together. Check-in: If you haven’t already done so, please check in at the Registration and Welcome Station Evaluation: Please don’t forget to complete your in the Plaza Arbor. Registration times are listed on evaluation form when you leave the Convention. pages 3-6 of this book. They can always be turned in at the Registration and Welcome Station.

Full Color Digital Imaging Tickets • Flyers • Brochures • Booklets • Catalogs Newsletters • Stationery • Posters and much more! 215-242-1200 801 Ivy Hill Rd. Philadelphia, PA www.prnt4u.com

 Featured Programs Visioning Our Jewish Future tions, including The Recon- structionist, Ma’ayan and Keynote Address – The Forward. She has also Jane Eisner, Editor of The Forward written for the Washington Post, Newsday, Brookings Thursday, 2:15 PM, Terrace Room Review and Columbia Journalism Review, and served ane Eisner, a pioneer in as a regular panelist on the WPVI television talk Jjournalism, became editor show “Inside Story.” of The Forward in June 2008, An active member of her local community, Ms. the first woman to hold the Eisner is a board member of the Jack M. Barrack position at the influential Hebrew Academy, a past president of the Pennsylva- Jewish national weekly nia Women’s Forum, a former trustee and secretary newspaper. Ms. Eisner held of The Philadelphia Award, and a mentor with numerous executive editorial Philadelphia Futures. Nationally, she is a member of and news positions at the Jane Eisner the Columbia School of Journalism Alumni Board, Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 the National Conference on Citizenship’s advisory years, including stints as editorial page editor, committee, and the Encore Leadership Network. syndicated columnist, City Hall bureau chief and Ms. Eisner received a master’s degree from foreign correspondent. In 2006 she joined the Columbia University’s School of Journalism and National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, graduated from Wesleyan University cum laude in serving as vice president for national programs and 1977, where she was the first female editor of the initiatives. Her responsibilities there included all college newspaper and a member of the board of adult programming, the Liberty Medal, and the trustees. She recently was the first woman to win Peter Jennings Project for Journalists and the Con- Wesleyan’s McConaughy Award for contributions stitution. to journalism and public life. Since 2002, Ms. Eisner has been a senior fellow Ms. Eisner will address the Convention’s at the University of Pennsylvania’s Robert A. Fox central theme, Visioning Our Jewish Future. Leadership Program as well as an adjunct professor in the school’s political science department. In Visioning the Reconstructionist Jewish Future 2006, she was one of three women chosen to be the first fellows of the new Katharine Houghton Thursday, 4:00 PM, Plaza Arbor Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College, where Moderator: Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann she led conferences and workshops and was the he future of Reconstructionist Judaism holds college’s 2007 commencement speaker. In 2009, Ta complex mix of challenges and opportuni- Ms. Eisner was selected to be one of 20 fellows ties. This panel will invite the Convention body to in the Punch Sulzberger Executive News Media envision the future of Reconstructionism at three Leadership Program at the Columbia School of levels: the movement organizations, the congrega- Journalism. tions, and individuals. Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz, Her book, Taking Back the Vote: Getting American President of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Youth Involved in our Democracy, was published College and Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Presi- by Beacon Press in 2004. In addition to her dential Professor, will provide the first lens.Rabbi Inquirer column “American Rhythms,” which Fred Scherlinder Dobb, rabbi of JRF Congre- was syndicated to 100 newspapers, Ms. Eisner has gation Adat Shalom in Bethesda, Maryland, will contributed articles to a number of Jewish publica- share his ideas about the future of congregational  Featured Programs continued life. Samantha Papurt Calloway will speak national forums, such as meetings of Jewish leaders from the perspective of a young individual who is with the Obama campaign and transition team. a committed Reconstructionist and active in con- He has been a guest on the award-winning PBS gregational life while also offering a perspective on television series Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, on the congregational needs of young adults whose the public radio program Weekend America, and connections to our movement are not entirely or on the Montel Across America Show with Montel necessarily vested in congregational life. Williams on AirAmerica Media. Rabbi Ehrenkrantz Named one of the 50 most-influential American is an advisory board member of Mazon: A Jewish rabbis by Newsweek magazine for three consecutive Response to Hunger and Panim: The Institute for years, Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz became the Jewish Leadership and Values, which educates fifth president of the Re- Jewish teenagers about the connection between constructionist Rabbinical civic engagement and Judaism. He is also a member College (RRC) in 2002. He is of the Jewish Publication Society National Council. the first graduate to assume Rabbi Ehrenkrantz graduated magna cum leadership of an institution laude from Tufts University with a B.A. in Religion that is both the intellectual and received both rabbinic center and the rabbinical ordination and an M.A. in training school of the Recon- Hebrew Letters from RRC. He structionist movement, one lives in the Philadelphia area Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz of the four main branches of with his family. Judaism. Rabbi Ehrenkrantz Rabbi Fred Scherlinder came to RRC after 14 years as rabbi of Bnai Keshet, Dobb has been the Rabbi of a Reconstructionist congregation in Montclair, Adat Shalom Reconstructionist NJ. There, he received national attention in The Congregation since graduating Washington Post for his work in helping to foster from the RRC in 1997; in that Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb interfaith understanding as a member of the time the synagogue has built an Montclair Clergy Association. “EPA Energy Star Award” permanent home, doubled As RRC’s Aaron and Marjorie Ziegelman Presi- in membership, and maintained its creative and dential Professor, Rabbi Ehrenkrantz has taught communal edge. Rabbi Dobb has also been the courses on Jewish and Hebrew literature, darshanut long-time Reconstructionist representative in the (text interpretation), the Jewish holiday cycle, leadership of the Coalition on the Environment and the Jewish lifecycle. He has written rabbinic and Jewish Life, and recently received his Doctor of commentary for Dream of Zion: American Jews Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Reflect on Why Israel Matters to Them (Jewish Lights, focus on greening congregations. A past President 2007), The Men’s Torah Commentary (Jewish Lights), of the Washington Board of Rabbis, Rabbi Dobb The Guide to Jewish Practice (RRC Press) and the is Moment Magazine’s Reconstructionist “ask the” Kol Haneshama prayer book series (Reconstruc- rabbi, and chair of Greater Washington Interfaith tionist Press). His writings have also appeared in Power & Light, among other interfaith and The Jerusalem Report, New York’s Jewish Week, the communal roles. Charlotte Observer, the Hartford Courant, and Contact Samantha Papurt Calloway is a graduate and Child magazines. of Brandeis University and University of Southern Rabbi Ehrenkrantz is frequently asked to California. Since receiving a Masters in Social represent the Reconstructionist movement in Work from USC, she has worked at an outpatient 10 Featured Programs continued mental health clinic serving producers who are members of Kehillat Israel Recon- at-risk children and families. structionist Congregation. Panelists include: Samantha has nearly ten years Jeff Nathanson – Writer, Director, Producer of experience working in both Jeff has been a professional screenwriter for over formal and informal Jewish 18 years. His credits include Catch Me If You Can, educational settings, including Rush Hour 2, The Terminal, Rush Hour 3, and The Last Camp JRF and No’ar Hadash. Shot, which he also directed. He earned a BAFTA Samantha is an active member Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Samantha Papurt of University Synagogue as a Calloway Catch Me If You Can, and he teamed with Steven congregant and Hebrew school Spielberg for a third time in 2008 when he wrote teacher. the story for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom Of The Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann Crystal Skull with George Lucas. He is currently graduated from The Reconstructionist Rabbinical writing an adaptation of Scholastic’s bestselling College in June 2006. After serving rabbinic series The 39 Clues for Dreamworks and will write internships in Indiana, New and direct a biopic on Harry Houdini for Summit Jersey, New York City, and Entertainment. Boston, Rabbi Lauren founded Jeff is a graduate of UCLA and The American Kol Tzedek in West Philadel- Film Institute. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife phia along with a handful of and three children. community members. While Steve Gomer – Writer, Director, Producer at RRC, Rabbi Lauren was Steve’s credits include The Practice, Private the recipient of the Lillian Practice, The Unit, Everwood, Gilmore Girls, Joan of Fern Award for Service to the Arcadia, Heartland, Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, Sweet Rabbi Lauren Community and the Rabbi Lorraine, Without a Trace, Shark, The Guardian, Grabelle Herrmann Kenneth and Aviva Berger Jericho, and many others. Memorial Prize in Practical Judaism and faith have always been important Rabbinics. Rabbi Lauren is passionately committed in Steve’s life and the lives of his family. He grew to building a community that reaches out to the up in a conservative family in Yonkers, NY and margins, seeking to bring in new voices to shape spent his earliest summers at his grandparents’ Jewish community. Most recently, Rabbi Lauren bungalow in the Catskills. His grandfather worked was the founding co-chair of LimmudPhilly, an at the Heiden Hotel, a small kosher hotel in the annual festival of Jewish learning. She lives in West Borscht Belt owned by relatives. Upon graduation Philadelphia with her husband Jonathan and her from college, Steve worked in New York theater daughter Aviel. for 10 years, including 4 of those years assisting the great director Joseph Chaikin. This included Living Our Values in Hollywood: If You Can Do It being fortunate enough to work with Joe on his Here, You Can (Probably) Do It Anywhere hit production of The Dybbuk at the Public Theater, and upon invitation spent 4 months producing this Thursday, 8:45 PM, Terrace Room beautiful Yiddish play at The Habimah in Tel Aviv. Moderator: Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben Steve’s early films all had Jewish themes: a hat is it like to be a Reconstructionist Jew documentary about Joe Chaikin; Sweet Lorraine, a Wworking in Hollywood? This panel will picture about assimilation against the backdrop of feature major Hollywood writers, directors and the last summer of a kosher hotel; a performance 11 Featured Programs continued film about Freddy Roman, one of the last of the then cast as the Borscht Belt comics; a film based onFirst Love and lead in the CBS Other Sorrows by Harold Brodkey, and Fly By Night, summer series which examines the relationship between Blacks Wish You Were and Jews in the early days of hip hop in New York. Here. Following While researching Sweet Lorraine, Steve re-met his that short run cousin, Jane Heiden. They have been married for he was a series over 25 years and have 2 wonderful children, Sarah regular on the Fox Network comedy Down the and Jesse. Their current membership and participa- Shore. During breaks in production he continued to tion at KI is important to them, providing a sense perform live and starred in his own HBO half-hour of community in LA. Steve was just honored by comedy special. being asked to join the board of KI. Lew began writing for television in 1993. His Janet Leahy – Writer, Producer, Two-time credits include The John Larroquette Show, American prime time Emmy nominee Dad, and The New Adventures of Old Christine. Janet’s credits include Mad Men, Boston Legal, He spent nine years as a writer/producer of the Gilmore Girls, That’s Life, Grace Under Fire, Roseanne, Emmy award winning CBS comedy Everybody Loves The Cosby Show, Cheers, Newhart, Life Unexpected, Raymond, and is now a co-executive producer on and many others. TNT’s Men of A Certain Age. Janet was raised Catholic and married her In spite of being raised in a Conservative shul Jewish husband nearly twenty years ago. She has and going to Hebrew school four days a week, been a big fan of Judaism and Tikkun Olam ever Lew Schneider still maintains some affinity for since. Together they raised two beautiful boys, who Judaism as a faith and the Jews as a people. Most were both bar mitzvah’d at KI. The family took a of these positive feelings can be attributed to the trip to Israel with KI, and it fell upon Janet that ten summers spent at a Jewish sleep-away camp. she’d like to consider conversion. After two years of His family has belonged to KI in Pacific Palisades, study, she had her conversion, as well as an adult CA for the last fifteen years, where he has given B’nai Mitzvah last spring. She was honored to read blood at least six times on mega-mitzvah day. Lew, from the Torah this Rosh Hashanah. his wife, Liz Abbe, and their three sons, make their Janet continues her 15 year relationship with home in Pacific Palisades, California. her Havurah by playing in the klezmer band started Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben holds two by one of the moms. Their first “gig” was at a Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Political Sukkot party this fall! Science from the University of California, Davis, a Lew Schneider – Writer, Producer, Actor Masters degree in Education from USC, Certifica- Lew began his professional career in Chicago tion in Aging and Human Development from the following his graduation from the University of University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Religion from Pennsylvania in 1983. While taking classes in im- Sierra University, as well as two honorary Doctor of provisational technique at the Second City Players’ Divinity Degrees. He was ordained a rabbi in 1976 Workshop, he started performing as a stand-up from the Hebrew Union College. comedian. He toured extensively for five years, Rabbi Reuben is Immediate Past President of appearing in clubs and colleges across the country the Board of Rabbis of Southern California as well prior to relocating to New York in 1988. Lew’s as Senior Rabbi of Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist first regular television job was as the host of the Congregation in Pacific Palisades, California. He is Nickleodeon game show Make the Grade. He was a nationally recognized expert in the field of moral 12 Featured Programs continued education, is the recipient of numerous community former President Bill Clinton, awards including the Micah Award for founding the serving for two years as the largest full-service homeless shelter in Los Angeles, President’s Deputy Domestic and has contributed to a wide variety of publica- Policy Advisor. tions as an author and composer. Mr. Ben-Ami has also been Rabbi Reuben is the author of numerous books, actively involved in Israeli including Raising Jewish Children In A Contemporary politics and communications. World (1992); Raising Ethical Children (1994 Prima In 1998, he started an Israeli Publishing), and Children Of Character – Leading consulting firm that worked Your Children to Ethical Choices in Everyday Life with profit organizations and Jeremy Ben-Ami (Canter & Associates 1997). His latest book is A politicians. He also has served as Director of Com- Non-Judgmental Guide To Interfaith Marriage (Xlibris munications and Regional Director in New York Corporation, 2002). for the New Israel Fund, a foundation supporting He has served on the boards of numerous civil rights, social justice and religious pluralism in non-profit organizations, including Chrysalis, Israel; and is on the Board of Americans for Peace Global Children’s Organization, I Have a Dream Now. Foundation, and The Center for the Improvement Mr. Ben-Ami spent eight years in New York of Child Caring. City government and politics, working for Mayors Dinkins and Koch, primarily in the field of Israel, Politics, and the Jewish Community: homeless housing. He was most recently Senior A Conversation with Jeremy Ben-Ami Vice President of Fenton Communications, a and Rabbi Steve Gutow public interest communications firm. Mr. Ben-Ami received a law degree from New York University This program is sponsored and is a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson School by IsraelExperts. of Public and International Relations at Princeton University. Friday, 9:00 AM, Plaza Ballroom II & III Rabbi Steve Gutow ach of these Jewish communal leaders represent is President and CEO of the Ea Jewish organization with a different take Jewish Council for Public on Israel, politics, and Jewish. Listen as they Affairs (JCPA). He is a lawyer, discuss Israel, electoral politics, and other issues rabbi, and political organizer. of importance to North American Jewry. This As leader of the JCPA, discussion will be moderated by JRF Board member Gutow has helped move the Randi Brenowitz. Jewish community and the Jeremy Ben-Ami is the President of J Street, government to end genocide Rabbi Steve Gutow the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace in Darfur, reform immigration Americans. He has twenty-five years of experience policy, support Israel, maintain poverty programs, in government, politics and communications, both and create a sustainable environment. In 2007, in the United States and internationally. In 2003-4 Gutow was named to the “Forward 50,” and he was Policy Director for Howard Dean’s presiden- in 2009 Newsweek named him the 20th most tial campaign; in 2001 he was one of the managers influential rabbi in the US. Rabbi Gutow presently of Mark Green’s Mayoral campaign in New York serves on the Economic Recovery Task Force of the City; and, from 1992 through 1996 he worked for President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and 13 Featured Programs continued

Neighborhood Partnerships. structionist Federation. Subjects of importance are Rabbi Gutow has served in lay leadership roles discussed and brought to a vote, including election for the American Jewish Congress, the Texas Civil of the Board of Directors and other important Liberties Union, and in many other Jewish and matters that may arise. general community organizations. He served as the founding executive director of the National The Crumbling Wall Separating Church and State: Jewish Democratic Council and the first southwest What Will it Mean for Jews? regional director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Friday, 8:45 PM, University Synagogue He graduated from the Reconstructionist Sanctuary Rabbinical College and was Rabbi of the Recon- Erwin Chemerinsky – Dean, University of structionist Minyan of St. Louis. California, Irvine School of Law In workshops, in speeches and in articles, he amed one of the “Top has addressed subjects including racial harmony, N20 Legal Thinkers” religious pluralism and civil liberties, the safety by Legal Affairs Magazine, and security of Israel, poverty, healthcare, and the Erwin Chemerinsky is the environment. His article “Tikkun Olam: A Public founding dean and distin- Policy Focus” in the Fall 2001 issue of The Reconstruc- guished professor of law at tionist expressed his understanding of the under- the University of California, pinnings of the Jewish rationale for social justice Irvine School of Law, with a joint appointment in Political — something so central to Rabbi Gutow’s being that Erwin Chemerinsky in 2001 he was awarded both the Reconstructionist Science. Previously, he taught Student Association Prize for Social Action within at Duke University Law School, where he was RRC, and the Rabbi Devora Bartnoff Memorial Prize awarded the Duke University Scholar-Teacher of the for Spiritually Motivated Social Action. Year Award in 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Chemerinsky Randi Brenowitz, JRF Board Member, is the taught for 21 years at the University of Southern Director of Human Resources and Community California School of Law, and served as director of Outreach at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, the Center for Communications Law and Policy. He California. Prior to joining the JCC, Randi spent has also taught at UCLA School of Law and DePaul over 25 years as a Human Resources and Organi- University College of Law. zation Development Consultant in the high tech Mr. Chemerinsky’s areas of expertise include industry. Randi is a long-term member of Keddem constitutional law, federal practice, civil rights congregation, where she has served in many and liberties, and appellate litigation. He is the capacities. In addition to her work for JRF, Randi author of seven books, most recently The Conserva- is a member of the International Alumni Advisory tive Assault on the Constitution, being published by Committee for the Florence Melton Adult Mini- Simon & Schuster in October 2010, and more than School system. 100 articles in top law reviews. He frequently argues cases before the nation’s highest courts, and also JRF Business Plenum serves as a commentator on legal issues for national Friday, Immediately Following 12:45 PM and local media. Mr. Chemerinsky holds a law Lunch, Plaza Ballroom II and III degree from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s he plenum is the biannual meeting of the degree from Northwestern University. Taffiliated congregations of the Jewish Recon- A member of University Synagogue in Irvine, 14 Featured Programs continued

California, Mr. Chemerinsky has often reflected parents. Cantor Marcelo writes, “As we listen to our on the intersection of being Jewish and American musical heritage, we know our spiritual direction law. He is active in many Jewish organizations and and the journey on which we will go.” currently serves on the board of Mazon, a Jewish Steven Hirsch and Shannon Fowler, nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing University Synagogue, Irvine, CA hunger. For two years he served as President of the Steven Hirsch is a founding member of the Board of Regents of the Temple Emanuel of Beverly University Synagogue Choir; Shannon Fowler is the Hills day and religious schools. Mr. Chemerinsky director of the choir. has served on the Boards of Directors of the L.A. Shannon and Steve will perform Gershon office of the American Jewish Congress and the Kingsley’s Yihyu L’ratzon (May the words of my Progressive Jewish Alliance, and has been honored mouth...) Steve writes, “Given the vulgarity that by many Jewish organizations over the years. has almost become a stereotype of much of today’s entertainment, this piece encourages us to elevate Shabbat Offerings: Hosted by Harmoniyah and Friends our words and thoughts to a level consistent with Friday, 9:00 PM, University Synagogue our highest values.” Sanctuary Cherie Karo Schwartz, Congregation B’nai Harmoniyah, the Reconstructionist Music Havurah, Denver, CO Network, is hosting Shabbat Offerings, a special Cherie Karo Schwartz is a storyteller, author, Friday evening program that is sure to delight. and educator who has been a member of B’nai This engaging, community-affirming event will Havurah for three decades. Cherie draws audiences joyfully celebrate our collective experiences at into a tapestry of tales through engaging, spellbind- Convention, and at the same time highlight ing, interactive story journeys created uniquely for the Convention theme — California Dreaming: each audience. Visioning Our Jewish Future — and the Cherie’s story this evening is “Yehi Or, First performance context of Shabbat. Light,” a story created from Gen. Rabbah 33:11 Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein, and B. Bab. Bat. 16b, taking the concept of what Temple Beth El, Newark, DE happened to the light of the first day, according to Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein is the rabbi of Temple Talmud, then spinning it out to include its resting Beth El, Newark, DE. Micah helped launch Camp place with humans, seeing the light of Shabbat in JRF and currently serves on the Camp JRF board our extra soul, in each other’s eyes, making for a as the RRA representative. In this capacity he fuller, richer future. also helps bridge Camp JRF music program with Phyllis Angel, Congregation Darchei Noam, Harmoniyah. Rabbi Micah is also a member of the Toronto, ON Harmoniyah Steering Committee. Phyllis Angel is the “Rosh Hazzanut” of Con- Rabbi Micah (and friends) will open our gregation Darchei Noam. She leads services, sings program with songs for Shabbat from his concerts and helps to officiate at life-cycle events. forthcoming CD. Phyllis will be performing a Yiddish song called Cantor Marcelo Gindlin “Harbstlied:” Why should I worry about what will Marcelo Gindlin is the Hazzan at JRF Affiliate be when autumn comes, since the fall offers me Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. His presenta- bushels of gold? tion, a medley of Yiddish songs, honors his grand- 15 Featured Programs continued

Steve Burnstein, Kibbutz Getzer, graduated from Clark University in Worcester, RRC Student and IsraelExperts Massachusetts and was selected by her senior class Steve is the Director of the Center for Israel and to deliver the commencement address and sing an Diaspora Education at IsraelExperts-Initiatives in original song at graduation in May, 1988 for her Education. He has led workshops about Israel and first of many audiences of thousands. Jewish Education across North America, Romania After college, Julie worked as an on-air and Israel. personality at the leading adult contemporary radio Steve’s offering this evening will use songs and station in Boston. She quickly became the weekend stories of Israel to help us better understand the host of “Bedtime Magic,” a show consistently at the contemporary voices dreaming of peace and a better top of the Boston radio market. However, it was her future for Israel, the Jewish people, and the world. singing voice and her overwhelming desire to play her own music that would eventually take center Rabbi Shawn Zevit, Congregation Kol stage. Julie moved to Santa Monica in June of 1994 HaLev, Cleveland, OH and JRF to continue writing and recording. By the time she Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit, (RRC ‘98), JRF released her first album, Director of Outreach and Tikkun Olam, and con- “TOGETHER,” Julie was gregational consultant, has worked for the Recon- stepping confidently into structionist Movement for 12 years, and has over the national spotlight — 25 years experience in spiritual and congregational a place where she shines leadership, organizational consulting and training, most brightly to this day. educational arts, writing, recording, teaching and Without backing from performing. a major label, Julie has sold Shawn and friends will be presenting songs more than 70,000 copies about vision and possibility in the world and Jewish of her CDs. She released 4 life. Audience participation expected! highly successful albums Julie Silver of original Jewish music Julie Silver Concert between 1992 and 2000. Her Jewish songs have Saturday, 9:15 PM, Plaza Ballroom become so tightly woven into the fabric of American ulie, who is a member of Kehillat Israel Recon- Judaism that they have become “standards” in Jstructionist Congregation, is one of the most worship, camp, and academic settings. In 2002 she celebrated and beloved performers in the world released “Notes from Montana,” a collection of of contemporary Jewish music today. She tours original folk/rock songs that featured a duet with the throughout the world, and has been engaging Academy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt. Julie’s audiences with her lyrical guitar playing, her children’s CD, “For Love to Grow,” was released dynamic stage presence, and her megawatt smile in spring 2005 and quickly honored as a Parents’ for nearly twenty years. Choice Blue Ribbon Recommended work. “It’s While Julie now resides in Southern California, Chanukah Time,” Julie’s Barnes and Noble CD, was her roots are in New England. By the time she the first Jewish holiday CD produced exclusively for was 18, Julie was leading raucous song sessions the bookstore chain. throughout the Reform Jewish movement and These days, Julie is focused on mentoring playing coffeehouses in and around Boston. up-and-coming singer-songwriters and making Eventually, Julie would become one of the most the Jewish experience more meaningful. “I try sought-after song leaders in the country. She to enhance the way people experience Judaism 16 Featured Programs continued by adding my own take on our sacred texts,” Julie says. “Our tradition compels us to express ourselves…our joys, our hopes, our faith and our fears. As a songwriter, I just write and sing what I feel…hopefully some of it sticks.” Julie played in Brazil in 2008, performing a sell-out concert for the World Conference on Progressive Judaism for all of Latin America. That same year, she also made her acting debut in the feature filmThen She Found Me, in a scene opposite Bette Midler. Julie lives in Southern California with her partner Mary Connelly, the Executive Producer of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and their rather hilarious daughter, Sarah Elizabeth.

17 Breakout Sessions in Chronological Order

Workshops For Block A Thursday 9:00AM - 10:30AM Workshops For Block B Thursday 10:45AM - 12:15PM Workshops For Block C Friday 11:00AM - 12:30PM JRF Regional Meetings Friday 3:30-4:15PM Shabbat Morning Before Services Saturday 7:30AM - 8:20AM Shabbat Morning Before Services Saturday 8:30AM - 9:30AM Concurrent with Shabbat Morning Services Saturday 9:45AM -11:00AM Beit Midrash I Saturday 3:00PM - 4:00PM Beit Midrash II Saturday 4:15PM - 5:15PM Workshops For Block D Sunday 9:00AM - 10:30AM

Workshops For Block A that is responsive to needs as diverse as learning Thursday 9:00AM–10:30AM the aleph bet for the first time to developing an adult understanding of God? Such a program will require a wise use of resources of the community, a Building Our Movement: structure that allows for multi-vocal planning, and One Great Shul At A Time a clear sense of our “eye on the prize” in terms of Topic Area: Outreach & Growth the educated adult Jew we are seeking to educate. Presenter: Rabbi Arnold Rachlis Terrace Room Ethics of Speech Are you looking at making your synagogue Topic Area: Leadership more interesting, engaging and attractive to the Presenter: Rabbi David Teutsch community it serves? This workshop will use Garden Room I creative thinking, daring action and understand- Our tradition teaches that “life and death are in ing of the psychological and spiritual needs of the power of the tongue.” Speech ethics have a huge Reconstructionist Jews to imagine an ideal Recon- impact on the quality of life in your congregation, structionist synagogue. We’ll brainstorm what we trust in your business relationships and connection — individually and collectively — need from a with friends and family. Your approach to speech synagogue as Jews and Jewish families, including ethics can change your life in surprising ways. This Shabbat, spirituality, intellectual growth, social workshop will address how speech is tied to larger activism and community. We’ll also discuss how to ethical principles and how speech ethics can be raise funds and consciousness in order to create an incorporated into our congregational lives through inclusive, non-judgmental, liberal and humanistic/ interpersonal communications, meetings, congrega- naturalistic spiritual congregation. tional communications and public gatherings.

Educating Adult Learners Keva or Kavannah: You CAN Create your in Our Congregations own Jewish Reconstructionist Liturgy Topic Area: Education: Adult Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Presenter: Elise Rosen-Levin Harbor Room Patio Room The needs of adult Jewish learners are very The first half of the workshop will begin with diverse, particularly in a Reconstructionist context. a short history of the development of liturgy, How does one plan an adult learning program

18 Breakout Sessions continued including historical examples. We will then discuss Would you like to have a congregational school the perennial tension between keva (the historical program with a difference? This workshop will give and existing structure of liturgy) and kavannah (our participants practical information about developing intentions and direction of our hearts) of prayers. and operating a camp-style experiential congrega- We will contrast traditional prayers with modern tional school program. The Jewish Experience Team prayers, including examples from Keddem Congre- will explain the philosophy behind this alternative, gation and original writings of the workshop leader. experiential model, and the process involved in During the second half of the workshop, par- creating it. They’ll describe a typical day in The ticipants will be encouraged and helped to create Jewish Experience model, including educational liturgical poetry/prayer to enhance their “personal components, activities and programs. The kavannah.” challenges of this model and what the congregation has done to overcome them will be discussed. Ways Storytelling Circles: A Catalyst for Exploring to replicate the model, either in part or in its Our Jewish Immigrant Roots entirety, will be presented. Be a part of this exciting Topic Area: Education: Adult alternative in Jewish education! Presenter: Phil Decker Lagoon Room Tao of Hevruta Participants will kick off the workshop with Topic Area: Leadership readings from the Bintel Briefs (actual letters written Presenters: Mark Bregman, Rabbi Jane Rachel to the Daily Forward) to provide a moving historical Litman context for Jewish immigration to the Lower East Beach Room Side of NYC at the turn of the 20th century. Next, Hevruta (based on the word friend) is a pair of Phil will share a story of his own family’s people who study Jewish text together. It is done immigration to America, as his grandparents fled in partnership, because each person has access to pogroms in Romania and settled for 20 years on the a piece of the truth, and by studying together, we Lower East Side. Participants will then be encouraged learn more. Hevruta depends upon trust, honesty to share their own family immigration stories, to and listening. The Tao te Ching is an ancient text explore our collective history and identity. Fur- about the study of balance and harmony. The Tao thermore, Phil will discuss how Storytelling Circles of Hevruta will explore how the lay leader/profes- have served as a catalyst for Adult Education sional partnership can work harmoniously and pro- programming at two synagogues in Oregon, as ductively to discover the truths — what we really well as at the Oregon Jewish Museum. Participants want to have happen — as we lead a congregation will leave the session with the tools necessary to or any faith-based organization. reproduce this Adult Education programming within their own communities. The Spin Doctor is In: Deciphering the News about Israel Taking Your Congregational School Out of Topic Area: Israel the Building: The Jewish Experience Presenter: RRC Student Steve Burnstein Topic Area: Education: Youth Garden Room II Presenters: Lisa Dannenbaum, Rabbi Jeffrey We look at the news as a tool to develop skills Eisenstat, Alice Greenwald, Rabbi Jonathan for critical thinking and evaluation — being savvy Hanish, Rabbi Carrie Vogel consumers of the media. Participants will receive Ocean Room tips and resources for getting the story behind the 19 Breakout Sessions continued headline — and identifying the bias of the writer advertising firm to work from. Now we will see for and/or publisher. the first time of the results and creative ideas that have sprung from that process. Torah Study as Mussar Practice Be among the first to see these materials. Your Topic Areas: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy; reactions — hate it, love it or indifferent — could Talmud Torah: Text Study affect the future marketing of our movement and Presenter: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold your community. The workshop will also be held in Surf Room Workshop Block C to allow the maximum number Examine the weekly Torah portion as you’ve of people to attend. never experienced it before. This workshop will give you exposure to the ethical-spiritual discipline of The Greening of Judaism: A Conversation Mussar. You will see how to use Mussar as a vehicle Between Biblical and Rabbinic Texts, Rabbi for translating the messages of Torah into personal Joseph Soloveitchik, and James Cameron character development (midah), moral discipline Topic Areas: Tikkun Olam, Talmud Torah: (mitzvah), and spiritual practice (avodah). Text Study Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Workshops For Block B Ocean Room Thursday 10:45AM–12:15PM Avatar broke new cinemagraphic ground in regard to animation. Its primary moral message, Branding & Marketing however, is quite old, a throwback to the good Reconstructionist Judaism guys versus bad guys of old western movies now Topic Area: Outreach & Growth projected onto a 21st century screen of envi- Presenters: Michael Clancy ronmental rapists and conservationists. In this Patio Room workshop people splice together and analyze clips This workshop presents the creative ideas from Avatar with selected Jewish texts in order to of Michael Clancy and the advertising firm evolve a more nuanced and sophisticated personal Brandworks International from Toronto, Canada on stance towards the environmental issues of our day. possibly marketing Reconstructionism and Recon- structionist congregations and havurot. How To Successfully Integrate and Use Michael’s work is the product of a strategic pro- Reconstructionism & Values-Based cess overseen by the JRF Growth Committee. The Approaches in Congregational Processes Committee assembled a group of Reconstruction- & Decision-Making ist marketing experts, Michael included, to advise Topic Area: Leadership on marketing Reconstructionism and marketing Presenter: Rabbi David Teutsch individual Reconstructionist communities. In turn, Beach Room as an integral part of the creative process, Michael Determining the values that underlie con- led a varied group of Reconstructionist leaders in gregational life can provide the framework for a a day and a half face to face meeting in Chicago meaningful approach to congregational processes (including lay people, rabbis, and the leading and decision-making. In addition, understand- professional staff of the Movement) to discuss ing the values that motivate and excite members the elements underlying Reconstructionism as a can promote an engaging and vibrant Judaism movement and as a brand. That in turn led to the for your community. This workshop will focus on creation and approval of a creative brief for the values-based decision making (VBDM) and similar 20 Breakout Sessions continued values-based processes that can help distinguish Gold and Shawn Zevit. They will lead a discussion and enhance your congregation’s identity as on how to enliven and deepen the practice of prayer. uniquely Reconstructionist. You will learn concepts, frameworks and models of how to undertake a Mordecai the Pious VBDM approach. Topic Area: Reconstructionist Thought Presenter: Mel Scult Living in Multiple Civilizations: Plaza Ballroom III It’s Music, but What Makes it Jewish? This is the first Rabbi Abraham N. Winokur Topic Area: Music Memorial Talk Presenter: Elaine Moise We associate Kaplan with the life of the group, Surf Room with a hyper-rational and sociological attitude Every culture from the most primitive to toward Judaism. But Kaplan was a man of many the most sophisticated, and from the ice caps of moods and piety was one of them. We shall Greenland to South Africa, creates music. We Jews show how Kaplan in his personal life lived the are no exception! What is it, though, that makes pious life and how he incorporated the ideal of a Jewish music “Jewish music?” Is it just like Jewish naturalist piety into his system. The spiritual side food — borrowing liberally from wherever Jews of Kaplan emerges particularly in his relationship live? Or is there a “common thread” that allows with Abraham Joshua Heschel. Thus in many ways us to recognize “Jewish music” regardless of its Kaplan becomes our spiritual guide. The excerpts country of origin or language? Join Harmoniyah co- from Kaplan’s diary which shall be used to illustrate chair Elaine Moise as she facilitates an exploration this side of Kaplan are quite startling. of music ranging through and including Torah trope, different versions of Kol Nidrei, settings Religious Case for Marriage of psalms, secular songs (Yiddish, Ladino, Israeli, Topic Areas: Talmud Torah: Text Study; American) and more versions of Adon Olam than Tikkun Olam most people can even imagine! Presenter: Rabbi James Greene Garden Room II Making Prayer Real The history of the welcoming congregation Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy movement is a story of the reconstruction of the Presenters: Rabbi Mike Comins, Rabbi Shefa Gold, Jewish community. This workshop will provide Rabbi Shawn Zevit participants with an understanding of the roots Garden Room I of the welcoming congregation movement and Sure, many Jews lack the Hebrew and/or the the beginnings of faith-based equality advocacy. theology to connect with Jewish prayer, but Rabbi Through text study of the prophetic voice and Mike Comins thinks that there is more to the story. group discussions of textual passages and contem- Most people understand little about the spiritual porary values we will come to understand why civil dynamics of prayer: what it is intended to do, how marriage equality is a religious issue. Participants it works, why it’s difficult and why it can be so easy will take back tools to their home congrega- and rewarding. He interviewed over 50 soulful Jews tions to encourage positive growth as welcoming for his new book, Making Prayer Real: Leading Jewish communities to the LGBTQ community as well as Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer is Difficult and What to tools to develop faith-based advocacy campaigns Do about It (Jewish Lights), including Rabbis Shefa for civil marriage equality.

21 Breakout Sessions continued

Teen Programs That Work into doorways to expanded states of consciousness. Topic Area: Education: Youth The chant can attune us to ever-deepening levels Presenters: Rabbi Erin Hirsh, Rabbi Rochelle of meaning, unlock the treasures of the heart, and Kamins, Rabbi Isaac Saposnik, Pam Solomon give us an opportunity to generously serve each Lagoon Room other. We will learn the basic technologies of chant Congregations often struggle with how to keep and experience the power of this ecstatic practice. teens involved after b’nai mitzvah. This inspiring workshop will highlight two successful models and Transforming Lifelong Congregational provide tools to replicate these programs in your Education: How To, Why to, What to community. The Kehillat Israel Tzedakah Teens Topic Areas: Education: Adult; Education: Youth (KITT) program engages teens in consensus building Presenters: Terri Ginsberg Bernsohn, Rabbi Erin to award funding to non-profit organizations they Hirsh, Lori Rubin, Rabbi Toba Spitzer determine are most effective in making the world a Garden Room II better place. In its first three years, more than1 20 How do we imagine the future of education, for teens have been involved in awarding $40,000. The children and adults, in our communities? What are JRF Teens: Experience and Learning (TEL) brings some new trends in the growing field of educational teens together for monthly experiential educational change in the American Jewish community? What programs and twice-a-year retreats. Through small are strategies for engaging our congregations in cohorts within the congregation and a larger group at the work of designing the most compelling and the retreats (seven congregations participated in the effective structures, formats, and curricula for pilot year), teens feel a connection not only to the youth, adult, and intergenerational education? congregation but to the larger Jewish community. Par- Join with rabbis, educators, and lay leaders of JRF ticipants in this session will walk away with practical congregations for a presentation and discussion ideas for new, innovative, and exciting ways to keep of concrete efforts to re-imagine and reconstruct teens engaged in synagogue life. congregational learning in our affiliates, as well as an overview of new initiatives in Jewish education Workshops For Block C from around the country. Friday 11:00AM–12:30PM For New and Ongoing JRF Affiliate Branding & Marketing Presidents Reconstructionist Judaism Topic Area: Leadership Topic Area: Outreach & Growth Presenters: Robert Barkin, Rabbi Shawn Zevit Presenter: Michael Clancy Beach Room Patio Room Come meet and network with new and ongoing See description on page 22 under Workshops For Block B. congregation and havurah presidents (or president equivalents) and JRF Congregational Relations staff Chant: Kindling a Light in the Word to share ideas, opportunities and the challenges Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy your congregation/havurah is facing and learn Presenter: Rabbi Shefa Gold about the resources and services that JRF can Ocean Room provide to assist you. Chanting, the repetition of a sacred phrase, is a way of transforming the words of liturgy and Torah

22 Breakout Sessions continued

Harmoniyah Music Sharing Session Considered broadly, no area of Jewish endeavor Topic Area: Music was as critical to Kaplan as Jewish Education. As Presenter: Barry Brian intellectual and spiritual B’nai Kaplan (disciples Terrace Room of Kaplan), we have an obligation to revisit the This is a “music swap meet;” musicians from visionary portrait of Jewish education in Judaism throughout the movement are invited to present as a Civilization and figure out in what ways it has their material to each other. We sing and play become dated, in what ways it remains prophetic, together, and learn about the wonderful depth of and what elements of his vision still contain the music being created by our members. Participants seeds of a vibrant Jewish future. are encouraged to bring sheet music to distribute and/or CDs for sale. Workshop is appropriate for Synagogue Leadership in the Face of all JRF musicians, and all who love music, “lay” or Constancy and Change professional. Topic Area: Leadership Presenters: Adina Newberg, Rabbi Benjamin Reconstructing Storytelling (Jamie) Arnold, Neshama Mousseau, Marilyn Topic Areas: Education: Adult; Education: Youth Saltzman Presenter: Cherie Karo Schwartz Garden Room I Harbor Room The primary leadership of synagogues is We are the People of the Book, yet even more composed of both paid staff and volunteer lay we are the People of the Story. Come participate leaders, each of which tends to have a different with master storyteller Cherie Karo Schwartz in a leadership cycle. The result is a system with built-in well-storied journey to discover ways to creatively constancy and change in leadership. This workshop use stories and storytelling to richly enhance will focus on understanding theories of systems congregational events and rituals. We will explore change as they relate to the “dance” of synagogue stories in Torah, Midrash, folklore, and original leadership — balancing both constancy and change creations, experience several sample programs, and promoting successful and effective strategies for and learn how to draw from this vast wellspring to working successfully between lay leaders and staff. develop unique projects and programs for all ages The workshop will also provide suggestions about and topics. Through group work and individual how to make successful transitions in leadership process, you will gain storytelling skills, creative and build relationships with new work partners. confidence, and a plethora of model program ideas. Along with didactics and group discussion, the workshop will include opportunities for participant The Reconstruction of Mordecai Kaplan’s engagement and reflections on these topics from Educational Philosophy: Kaplan’s Legacy for the rabbi, executive director and board president 21st Century Jewish Education of Congregation Beth Evergreen in Evergreen, Topic Areas: Reconstructionist Thought, Youth Colorado. Education, Adult Education Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Surf Room See Mordecai Smile… see Mordecai frown… hear Mordecai rage… What indeed might Mordecai Kaplan have to say about the evolution of Jewish education in the first decade of the 21st century? 23 Breakout Sessions continued

Tikkun Olam: From Study to Social Action been chosen by their congregations for our region’s Topic Area: Tikkun Olam distinguished leadership award. Whether through Presenters: Barbara Bergen, Rabbi Fred building community, tikkun olam (social action) or Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi Steve Gutow, Alissa hesed (acts of service), their volunteerism stands as Stern, Rabbi Shawn Zevit a model for inspirational values in both the Jewish Lagoon Room world and broader secular society. JRF congregations have a high level of commitment to social justice in the world and RENA Business Meeting our home communities. Many of us also get Friday 3:30-4:15PM overwhelmed by the variety of needs and fears Beach Room about how to make choices in programming and Reconstructionist Educators of North America advocacy and are fearful of internal conflicts or (RENA) will meet to review their efforts, elect a new strong opinions about what actions to take to repair board and plan for the future. the world. This workshop will focus on two major areas our movement is concerned with, hunger and Shabbat Morning Before Services poverty, and sustainable “greening” practices. Above all, this workshop will enable participants to share Saturday 7:30AM–8:20AM their own best strategies for moving from study to Meditation action, and to brainstorm future approaches. Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy JRF Regional Meetings Presenter: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold Garden Room III Friday 3:30–4:15PM Participating in formal public Jewish worship These meetings will give Convention partici- does not constitute a complete spiritual life. pants from JRF regions an additional opportunity There are rich Jewish traditions and resources for to meet with one another, with regional leadership, developing a personal spiritual path through and with JRF staff. The sessions are intended to take Judaism. Meditation is among the tools available to exciting ideas generated at the Convention and help open your heart to the joy of being alive. brainstorm ways to build connections, networking and programming among congregational affiliates Yoga in the regions. Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake and Southeast: Presenter: To Be Determined Surf Room Garden Room I Midwest, Canada, and International: What does our tradition teach us about being Lagoon Room embodied? How can this ancient practice of breath NY/NJ and New England: Ocean Room and movement resonate with us as 21st century Re- constructionist Jews? What might it look like to be Western Region Morei Derekh “Trailblazers” Reception sustainable on a very personal level — physically, Friday 3:30-4:15PM emotionally and spiritually? Join us as we explore a Terrace Room Divine connection between body, mind and breath Please join us as the Western Region of JRF through a multi-level yoga practice. No flexibility celebrates our Morei Derekh Reconstructionist necessary — just an open heart, comfortable dress, Trailblazers! These outstanding individuals have and a yoga mat or large towel.

24 Breakout Sessions continued

Shabbat Morning Before Services come hear about, and experience, the exciting Saturday 8:30AM–9:30AM developments in liberal Israeli prayer practice, with the foremost academic expert on emergent Israeli prayer communities. Exile & Return…Finding One’s Soulmate Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy; Talmud Torah: Text Study Beit Midrash I Presenter: Rabbi Judith HaLevy Saturday 3:00PM–4:00PM Patio Room Based on the Torah portion Vayetze, we will Latin American Jewish Melodies for Shabbat focus on our journey stories as we seek direction, Topic Area: Music love and religious faith throughout our lifetimes. Presenters: Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, Cantor “Sometimes,” declares the Midrash, “one goes Mariana Gindlin towards one’s mate and sometimes, one’s mate comes Garden Room III toward oneself” (Bereshit Rabah 68:3). Our yearning Come enjoy the music history of the Jews in for a soulmate is often a yearning to rediscover Latin America and its impact on the Latin Jewish the Shekhinah in our lives and to gain a sense of Culture. You will be able to bring a new Latin flavor wholeness that can only be appreciated once we look back to your Synagogue to enrich your services. back upon the distance we have traveled. This will be This is also for those who would love to fill their a participatory and intimate workshop. souls with music that is uplifting and carries the love and passion of a very special culture. Group Spiritual Direction Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Parents are Hungry; Children are Hungry: Presenter: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Finding Nourishment in Modern Hebrew Garden Room III Literature Rabbi Yocheved Mintz will facilitate a session Topic Area: Talmud Torah: Text Study that helps people open up to exploring how they Presenter: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz are experiencing a sense of Divine Presence and Patio Room expands their awareness of the sacred dimensions We’ll study modern Hebrew literature as Torah that are constantly present in ones life. Through in its broadest sense. Some of the literature was this contemplative practice, Hashpaah helps those written for adults but is accessible to children seeking deeper connection discern that the Source and some was written for children but speaks of Life underlies and transcends the everyday. to adults as well. The literature serves as Torah dealing with identity, loss, doubt, theology, Concurrent with Shabbat Morning Services politics, fun and more. Rabbi Jeremy will also Saturday 9:45AM–11:00AM talk about the literature selection process for his congregation. Examining this literature in a new Liturgy in Israeli Emergent Communities light is interesting, often fun, and sometimes Topic Area: Israel; Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy; challenging. Workshop participants will receive the Talmud Torah: Text Study entire packet of literature that was put together at Presenter: Adina Newberg Rabbi Jeremy’s congregation. Educators as well as Patio Room non-educator participants will find this workshop As an alternative to morning prayer services, accessible and stimulating. 25 Breakout Sessions continued

Social Justice in the Thought of Beit Midrash II Mordecai Kaplan Saturday 4:15PM–5:15PM Topic Area: Reconstructionist Thought; Tikkun Olam Holding the Sacred Center: Exploring and Presenter: Eric Caplan Leading Varieties of Spiritual Practice Palm Room Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Mordecai Kaplan believed that Judaism should Presenters: Rabbi Shawn Zevit, Additional be “a daring moral adventure.” His vision of a recon- Presenter(s) To Be Determined structed Judaism is built on the view that Judaism’s Patio Room primary purpose is to inspire Jews to live ethically As our communities grow and explore a and to strive for justice and peace in America and variety of approaches to compliment tradition- beyond. In this workshop we will see how Kaplan’s based egalitarian Jewish practice, many Recon- concern for social betterment permeates many structionist communities have begun integrating aspects of his thought, including his interpretations new approaches to davenning (prayer experience), of Jewish festivals and his approach to Zionism meditation, creative ritual, mussar study, “Torah” and to Jewish communal organization (including yoga, healing services, spiritual direction, chant synagogue life). Kaplan presents a compelling image and other forms of spiritual experience into our of an activist Judaism and a powerful rationale for core offerings of worship, study and programming. why and how the social activist should study the In this workshop we explore some of these forms tradition. As Reconstructionists, we have much to and their connection to personal and communal gain by reconnecting with this largely forgotten growth, as well as key elements to effectively lead aspect of the Kaplan legacy. these approaches in our communities.

Which Ten Commandments? Introducing Reconstructing Jewish Theology the Real “Bible Codes” Topic Area: Reconstructionist Thought Topic Area: Talmud Torah: Text Study Presenter: Rabbi James Greene Presenter: Rabbi David E. S. Stein Palm Room Garden Room I Using Torah Lishmah (for its own sake), What are the various traditional ways to parse participants will gain an insight into the ever “God’s speech at Mt. Sinai” into separate pieces? evolving nature of Jewish theology. We’ll work What’s the logic behind each of those ways of in hevruta pairs (traditional Jewish study partner- organizing the text? How we know that in this ships), studying theological texts from different passage there are TEN commandments, anyway? Jewish civilizations, to focus on key issues and How are they laid out on the stone tablets? What track their development. These include the key hidden meaning might be conveyed by that layout? aspects of humanity’s relationship with God, This workshop addresses these questions via literary God’s performance of miracles and the afterlife. analysis, looking for information encoded in the By the conclusion participants will be able to structuring of the text. Primarily relies upon visual use important texts from varying civilization cues (in handouts) but also involves kinesthetic approaches to theology to gain a clearer under- learning. Accessible for people with a wide range of standing of their own theological values. Hebrew knowledge. Especially engaging for those who like crossword puzzles or poetry.

26 Breakout Sessions continued

PARDES – the Art of Squeezing the Juice Workshops For Block D from Your Text Sunday 9:00AM–10:30AM Topic Area: Talmud Torah: Text Study Presenter: Rabbi Elisheva Salamo Creating a Compelling Congregational Garden Room I School Culture What does Moses’ birth have to do with the Topic Area: Education: Youth end of our lives? What meaning do the animal Presenter: Jill Wildenberg sacrifices in the temple of yore shed on our worship Beach Room today? Come explore these and more as we enjoy This is a workshop for teachers, parents, the plasticity and depth of the 70 faces of Torah! lay leaders of school education committees, We will engage in the real pleasure of learning text, and education directors. We will focus on three and share greater understandings of diverse com- challenges that all congregational schools face: mentaries on our favorite (or on problematic) Torah recruitment (or attendance), placement, and stories. Participants will have an opportunity to retention. Inspired by the ideals of communal combine texts to create their own insights. engagement and intergenerational learning and guided by Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelli- Shirah Bamachaneh: gences, this interactive session will offer practical Songs, Songleading, and Camp JRF steps in our efforts to create a nurturing culture that Topic Area: Music sparks, supports, and sustains a love of learning in a Presenter: Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein Jewish communal context. Garden Room III In this workshop we will explore some of the Dialogue and Deliberation about the sounds that can be heard in the Reconstructionist Israeli-Palestinian Conflict movement today. At Camp JRF, these are some of Topic Area: Israel the musical sounds that could be heard from the Presenter: Rabbi Devra Noily te’atron (theater) to the bet tefillah (prayer space), Lagoon Room the medura (campfire) to theagam (lake), hadar ohel Talking about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict (dining hall) and mo’adon (gathering space). We will in our synagogue communities can be explosive. learn some of the newer material, and bring new Both rabbis and congregants can feel silenced, rhythms to classics. The music we share will be a afraid that saying what they really believe might cross section of songs from North America, Israel, jeopardize important relationships and threaten Africa, South America, and other places. With the the cohesion of our cherished communities. But spirit of the Values of Spiritual Peoplehood, we will avoiding difficult conversations only raises the explore how the themes in the music touch upon pressure in the pressure cooker, making the mess these core values of our movement. And we will even messier when it blows. And if we can’t explore sing. Bring your voice, instruments, drums, and the challenging and often painful realities of this recording devices. conflict in our own Jewish communities, then where can we? In this workshop, we’ll draw on years of work by the Philadelphia-based Jewish Dialogue Group, along with other sources, to learn strategies for opening up healthy conversations about difficult issues like Israel/Palestine. We’ll look

27 Breakout Sessions continued at some places where these conversations happen ated message that attracts those with whom our more easily, even in the face of passionately-held congregation’s style and offerings best resonate. differences, as well as having time to explore your questions and particular challenges. Should We Pray? The Future of Reconstructionist Liturgy and Worship How to Develop and Implement a Topic Area: Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Powerful Strategic Planning Process Presenters: Rabbi Amy Bernstein, Dan Topic Area: Leadership Cedarbaum, Rabbi David Teutsch Presenter: Greg Selker Garden Room II Ocean Room Reconstructionist prayer practice, like that Is your congregation or havurah interested in in much of the rest of the non-Orthodox Jewish developing a powerful strategic planning process world, is today in a state of flux, and some that is fully aligned with its values, vision and would argue in a period of crisis. Some of us call mission, articulates clear achievable goals and for a return to the use of a highly traditional defines strategies and tactics for their implemen- core Hebrew liturgy. Others of us advocate the tation? This workshop will feature the process abandonment of traditional liturgy altogether and undertaken by Kol HaLev in Cleveland and will the creation of an entirely new worship experience. provide a model that can be replicated by other Still others of us wish to retain the intermediate congregation/havurah communities. The workshop approach that has characterized our movement will include hands-on exercises, address issues of thus far. governance, community buy-in, effective meeting Please join us for a lively conversation about management and discussion of how to overcome these fascinating issues, the resolution of which roadblocks that may arise. will to some extent define the future of the Recon- structionist movement. You will also have the Keruv and Identity: opportunity to learn about the ongoing work of the At the Heart of Outreach JRF Liturgy Advisory Task Force, and to see some of Topic Area: Outreach & Growth the first fruits of its labors. Presenters: Halle Barnett, Joan Rosen, Melanie Schneider The Technology Journey of Congregations Ocean Room This workshop is sponsored by Constant This workshop focuses on some of the best Contact. experiences of membership and outreach teams, in Jvillage Network is graciously providing connection with, and outside of, the two year JRF Internet access. NY/NJ Keruv Project, funded by UJA Federation. Topic Area: Outreach & Growth Congregational outreach teams use creative Presenters: Robert Glatzer, Mike Kanarick, programming; personal and group approaches; Rabbi Jason Miller, additional presenter TBD targeted messages; marketing and advertising; Patio Room careful intake and data collection to take the news Just like a person’s Jewish journey, each of their congregations beyond the doors of the synagogue or havurah is at a different point in its shul. The work of Bet Am Shalom synagogue will be understanding and implementation of technology. highlighted. We will also address Reconstruction- You may be just starting to think about electronic ist congregational brand identity with a focus on vs. paper for newsletters or perhaps you are in the projecting a consistent, authentic, and differenti- process of renewing your existing web presence. 28 Breakout Sessions continued

Have you figured out Web 2.0, Twitter, Facebook, of the Movement. Participants are invited to blogs, wikis, and podcasts yet? Learn how powerful watch video clips from the Reconstructionist Oral a tool internet technologies can be to support History Initiative and listen to presentations from the mission of your congregation and to attract, some of the founders of the Movement in the interact, and engage with new and existing Western Region. Shana Winokur, a lifelong second members. In this workshop we will discuss how generation Reconstructionist, will moderate a to define what is possible, separate the buzz words discussion about how the past shapes our Recon- from the practical so that you can chart a course of structionist Future. how to use technologies that will help you build stronger community. Workers’ Rights, the Hyatt Hotels & Economic Justice The Torah of Money: Topic Area: Tikkun Olam From Half-Shekel to Fully Funded Presenters: Rabbi Laurie Coskey, Rabbi Fred Topic Area: Outreach & Growth Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi Jonathan Klein Presenters: Garry Grossman, Rabbi Shawn Zevit Harbor Room Garden Room III Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel reflected on his This workshop builds on the successful JRF participation in the Selma Civil Rights March in workshop and PEARL series on the uses and 1965, saying, “When I marched in Selma, my feet variety of values-based approaches to money and were praying.” Following in the tradition of Rabbi other resources in congregational life. Fundraising Heschel, Rabbis Fred Scherlinder Dobb, Laurie isn’t only about money. Appropriately designed Coskey and Jonathan Klein will uplift issues of fundraising projects not only remind members economic justice facing low wage workers in the about a synagogues core values, they also become workplace and public arena. Learn about current important synagogue programming in their own issues facing hotel, grocery and other low wage right. We will engage in a lively study, discussion service workers. Through lively conversation with about the way money has historically been and can participants, the workshop will explore strategies be a spiritual tool for communal transformation to capture the prophetic imagination of business and some of the best practices in Reconstruction- leaders and policy makers, and delve into various ist communities today, including the community- ways to approach and engage communities of faith building and successful fundraising approaches high- in organizing for justice and activism. Like Heschel, lighting the on-line auction of Adat Shalom, MD. we will lift up our voices for justice and share our experiences of praying with our feet. Where We’ve Been: Reflections on our Reconstructionist Past Topic Area: Reconstructionist Thought Presenter: Shana Winokur Surf Room This workshop celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Whittier Havurah. This interactive workshop is dedicated to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the founding of the Whittier Havurah and to all the pioneers

29 Approaching the Convention in Terms of Major Topic Areas of Interest

or your convenience, workshops, Shabbat Teen Programs Fmorning activities, and beit midrash sessions That Work have been listed and cross-listed into a series of Presenters: Rabbi Erin Hirsh, Rabbi primary topic areas. Conceptualizing the workshops Rochelle Kamins, Rabbi Isaac Saposnik, in terms of topic areas may help you chart your Pam Solomon course through the convention. Perhaps you wish Description page 22 to focus on one topic area, or you may prefer to Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM participate in a wide array of different workshops. Lagoon Room The topic area or areas are listed following the Those interested in youth education will particularly title of each workshop, Shabbat morning service enjoy this workshop. preparation experience, or beit midrash session. There are also discrete pages organized by topic Storytelling Circles: A Catalyst for Exploring area for your convenience following the listings Our Jewish Immigrant Roots by time block. The topic areas are: Education: Presenter: Phil Decker Adult, Education: Youth, Israel, Leadership, Description page 19 Music, Outreach & Growth, Reconstruction- Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 – 10:30 AM ist Thought, Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy, Lagoon Room Talmud Torah: Text Study, Tikkun Olam. Those interested in adult education will particularly enjoy this workshop.

Education for Youth AND Adults Topic Area Reconstructing Storytelling Presenter: Cherie Karo Schwartz Breakout Sessions Description page 23 Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Educating Adult Learners in Our Harbor Room Congregations Those interested in both adult & youth education will Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein enjoy this workshop. Description page 18 Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM The Reconstruction of Mordecai Kaplan’s Harbor Room Educational Philosophy: Kaplan’s Legacy for Those interested in adult education will particularly 21st Century Jewish Education enjoy this workshop. Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Description page 23 Taking Your Congregational School Out of Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM the Building: The Jewish Experience Surf Room Presenters: Lisa Dannenbaum, Rabbi Jeffrey Those interested in both adult & youth education will Eisenstat, Alice Greenwald, Rabbi Jonathan Hanish, enjoy this workshop. Rabbi Carrie Vogel Description page 19 Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Ocean Room Those interested in youth education will particularly enjoy this workshop. 30 Topics of Interest continued

Transforming Lifelong Congregational Breakout Sessions Education: How To, Why to, What to Presenters: Terri Ginsberg Bernsohn, Rabbi Erin The Spin Doctor is In: Deciphering the News Hirsh, Lori Rubin, Rabbi Toba Spitzer about Israel Description page 22 Presenter: RRC Student Steve Burnstein Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Description page 19 Garden Room II Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Those interested in both adult & youth education will Garden Room II enjoy this workshop. Parents are Hungry; Children are Hungry: Creating a Compelling Congregational Finding Nourishment in Modern Hebrew School Culture Literature Presenter: Jill Wildenberg Presenter: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Description page 27 Description page 25 Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Beit Midrash 1: Saturday 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Beach Room Patio Room Those interested in youth education will particularly enjoy this workshop. Dialogue and Deliberation about the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict Supplemental Programming Presenter: Rabbi Devra Noily Description page 27 Education-Related Affinity Group Seating Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Friday Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 am, Plaza Ballroom I Lagoon Room RENA Members’ Martini Time Supplemental Programming Thursday 10:30 pm, Sandbar Lounge

Liturgy in Israeli Emergent Communities RENA Business Meeting Presenter: Adina Newberg Friday 3:30 pm, Beach Room Description page 25 Shabbat Morning Service Alternative 9:45 - 11:00 AM Israel Topic Area Patio Room Featured Program Leadership Topic Area Israel, Politics, and the Jewish Community: Breakout Sessions A Conversation with Jeremy Ben-Ami and Rabbi Steve Gutow Ethics of Speech Randi Brenowitz, moderator Presenter: Rabbi David Teutsch Sponsored by IsraelExperts Description page 18 Description page 13 Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Friday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Garden Room I Plaza Ballroom II & III

31 Topics of Interest continued

Tao of Hevruta Leadership Roles — Specific Affinity Group Presenters: Marc Bregman, Rabbi Jane Rachel Seating Litman Friday Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 am, Plaza Ballroom I Description page 19 Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Beach Room Music Topic Area

How To Successfully Integrate and Use Featured Programs Reconstructionism & Values-Based Approaches in Congregational Processes Shabbat Offerings Hosted by Harmoniyah & Decision-Making Friday 9:00 PM Presenter: Rabbi David Teutsch Description page 15 Description page 20 University Synagogue Sanctuary Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Beach Room Julie Silver Concert Saturday 9:15 PM For New and Ongoing JRF Affiliate Description page 16 Presidents Plaza Ballroom Presenters: Robert Barkin, Rabbi Shawn Zevit Description page 22 Breakout Sessions Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Beach Room Living in Multiple Civilizations: It’s Music, but What Makes it Jewish? How to Develop and Implement a Powerful Presenter: Elaine Moise Strategic Planning Process Description page 21 Presenter: Greg Selker Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Description page 28 Surf Room Workshop Block D: Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Garden Room I Harmoniyah Music Sharing Session Synagogue Leadership in the Face of Presenter: Barry Brian Constancy and Change Description page 23 Presenters: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold, Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Neshama Mousseau, Adina Newberg, Marilyn Terrace Room Saltzman Description page 23 Shirah Bamachaneh: Songs, Songleading, Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM and Camp JRF Garden Room I Presenter: Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein Description page 27 Supplemental Programming Beit Midrash II: Saturday 4:15 - 5:15 PM Garden Room III Dinner for Presidents of JRF Congregations and Havurot Presenters: Robert Barkin, Rabbi Shawn Zevit Thursday evening, 7:00-8:15 pm, Garden Room I

32 Topics of Interest continued

Latin American Jewish Melodies for Shabbat The Technology Journey of Congregations Presenters: Cantors Marcelo Gindlin, Mariana This workshop is sponsored by Constant Gindlin Contact. Description page 25 Jvillage Network is graciously providing Beit Midrash I: Saturday 3:00 - 4:00 PM Internet access. Garden Room III Presenters: Robert Glatzer, Mike Kanarick, Rabbi Jason Miller, additional presenter TBD Supplemental Programming Description page 28 Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Harmoniyah Information Meeting Patio Room Thursday Lunch, 12:30 - 2:00 PM Room TBA The Torah of Money: From Half-Shekel to Fully Funded Harmoniyah Jam Session Presenters: Garry Grossman, Rabbi Shawn Zevit Thursday 10:30 PM, Terrace Room Description page 29 Friday 11:00 PM, Terrace Room Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Saturday 11:15 PM, Plaza Ballroom Garden Room III Outreach & Growth Topic Area Supplemental Programming Breakout Sessions Outreach & Growth Role-Specific Affinity Group Seating Building Our Movement: Friday Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 am, Plaza Ballroom I One Great Shul At A Time Presenter: Rabbi Arnold Rachlis Description page 18 Reconstructionist Thought Topic Area Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Terrace Room Featured Program

Branding & Marketing “Visioning the Reconstructionist Jewish Reconstructionist Judaism Future” Panel Presenter: Michael Clancy Description page 9 Description page 20 Thursday 4:00-5:30 PM, Plaza Arbor Room This workshop is being offered twice: Presenters: Samantha Papurt Calloway, Rabbi Fred Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Scherlinder Dobb, Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz Patio Room Moderator: Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Patio Room Breakout Sessions

Keruv and Identity: Mordecai the Pious At the Heart of Outreach This is the first Rabbi Abraham N. Winokur Halle Barnett, Joan Rosen, Melanie Schneider Memorial Talk. Description page 28 Presenter: Mel Scult Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Description page 21 Ocean Room 33 Topics of Interest continued

Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Torah Study as Mussar Practice Plaza Ballroom III Presenter: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold Description page 20 The Reconstruction of Mordecai Kaplan’s Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Educational Philosophy: Kaplan’s Legacy for Surf Room 21st Century Jewish Education Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Making Prayer Real Description page 23 Presenters: Rabbi Mike Comins, Rabbi Shefa Gold, Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Rabbi Shawn Zevit Surf Room Description page 21 Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Social Justice in the Thought of Garden Room I Mordecai Kaplan Presenter: Eric Caplan Chant: Kindling a Light in the Word Description page 26 Presenter: Rabbi Shefa Gold Beit Midrash I: Saturday 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Description page 22 Palm Room Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Ocean Room Reconstructing Jewish Theology Presenter: Rabbi James Greene Meditation Description page 26 Presenter: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold Beit Midrash II: Saturday 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Description page 24 Palm Room Shabbat Morning Before Services 7:30 - 8:20 AM Garden Room III Where We’ve Been: Reflections on our Reconstructionist Past Yoga Dedicated to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Description page 24 founding of the Whittier Havurah Shabbat Morning Before Services 7:30 - 8:20 AM Presenter: Shana Winokur Garden Room I Description page 29 Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Exile & Return…Finding One’s Soulmate Surf Room Presenter: Rabbi Judith HaLevy Description page 25 Shabbat Morning Before Services 8:30 – 9:30 AM Spirituality, Ritual & Liturgy Topic Area Patio Room

Breakout Sessions Group Spiritual Direction Presenter: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Keva or Kavannah: You CAN Create your Description page 25 own Jewish Reconstructionist Liturgy Shabbat Morning Before Services 8:30 – 9:30 AM Presenter: Elise Rosen-Levin Garden Room III Description page 18 Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Patio Room

34 Topics of Interest continued

Holding the Sacred Center: Exploring and Exile & Return…Finding One’s Soulmate Leading Varieties of Spiritual Practice Presenter: Rabbi Judith HaLevy Presenters: Rabbi Shawn Zevit and others Description page 25 Description page 26 Shabbat Morning Before Services 8:30 – 9:30 am Beit Midrash II: Saturday 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Patio Room Patio Room Liturgy in Israeli Emergent Communities Should We Pray? The Future of Presenter: Adina Newberg Reconstructionist Liturgy and Worship Description page 25 Presenters: Rabbi Amy Bernstein, Daniel Shabbat Morning Service Alternative 9:45 - 11:00 AM Cedarbaum, Rabbi David Teutsch Patio Room Description page 28 Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Parents are Hungry; Children are Hungry: Garden Room II Finding Nourishment in Modern Hebrew Literature To Learn About Our Inspiring Tefillah Prayer Presenter: Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz Services, please see page 39. Description page 25 Beit Midrash I: Saturday 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Patio Room Talmud Torah: Text Study Topic Area Which Ten Commandments? Introducing Breakout Sessions the Real “Bible Codes” Presenter: Rabbi David E. S. Stein Torah Study as Mussar Practice Description page 26 Presenter: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold Beit Midrash I: Saturday 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Description page 20 Garden Room I Workshop Block A: Thursday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Surf Room PARDES – the Art of Squeezing the Juice from Your Text The Greening of Judaism: A Conversation Presenter: Rabbi Elisheva Salamo Between Biblical and Rabbinic Texts, Rabbi Description page 27 Joseph Soloveitchik, and James Cameron Beit Midrash II: Saturday 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Garden Room I Description page 20 Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Ocean Room Tikkun Olam Topic Area

Religious Case for Marriage Religious Case for Marriage Presenter: Rabbi James Greene Presenter: Rabbi James Greene Description page 21 Description page 21 Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Garden Room II Garden Room II

35 Topics of Interest continued

The Greening of Judaism: A Conversation Social Justice in the Thought of Between Biblical and Rabbinic Texts, Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan Joseph Soloveitchik, and James Cameron Presenter: Eric Caplan Presenter: Rabbi Jeffrey Schein Description page 26 Description page 20 Beit Midrash 1: Saturday 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Workshop Block B: Thursday 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Palm Room Ocean Room Workers’ Rights, the Hyatt Hotels & Tikkun Olam: From Study to Social Action Economic Justice Presenters: Barbara Bergen, Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Presenters: Rabbi Laurie Coskey, Rabbi Fred Dobb, Rabbi Steve Gutow, Alissa Stern, Rabbi Scherlinder Dobb, Jonathan Klein Shawn Zevit Description page 29 Description page 24 Workshop Block D: Sunday 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Workshop Block C: Friday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Harbor Room Lagoon Room Supplemental Programming

Tikkun Olam Affinity Group Seating Friday Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 am, Plaza Ballroom I

36 Meals at the Convention

All meals at the hotel will be vegetarian in keeping with JRF Kashrut minhag (custom), and served buffet style. Friday night Shabbat dinner at University Synagogue, which will be seated, will be a meat meal.

Thursday, November 11

Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 AM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor

7:30 – 8:30 AM Camp JRF Board Members The Garden

Lunch 12:30 – 2:00 PM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor Convention attendees are encouraged to sit at the tables designated for their JRF region for this lunch. This is an opportunity to get to know others in your region and share challenges, successes and strategies. There will also be a table for Convention attendees who are not formally affiliated with the Reconstructionist movement.

1 2:30 – 2:00 PM Harmoniyah Information Meeting Lunch, Room TBA

1 2:30 – 2:00 PM Kehillat Israel Board Members The Garden

Dinner 7:00 – 8:15 PM Convention attendees Plaza Ballroom This dinner will feature the Camp JRF video!

7:00 – 8:15 PM Presidents of JRF Congregations and Havurot Garden Room I This will be an opportunity for JRF affiliate presidents to build relationships as well share challenges, successes, and strategies.

7:00 – 8:15 PM Kehillat Israel Board Members The Garden

Friday, November 12

Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 AM Convention attendees Plaza Ballroom I Convention attendees are encouraged to sit by Affinity group. There will be signage on each table. Affinity Groups are participants of “like minds” and positions within their communities to identify common issues of interest and share best practices and resources.

7:30 – 8:30 AM Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association members Room TBA

37 Meals continued

Lunch 12:45 PM Convention attendees Plaza Ballroom I Lunch will be immediately followed by the Plenum Business Meeting in Plaza Ballroom II and III. The plenum is the biannual meeting of the affiliated congregations of the JRF. Subjects of importance are discussed and brought to a vote, including election of the Board of Directors and other important matters that may arise.

1 2:45 PM Kehillat Israel Board Members The Garden

Dinner 5:45 PM Convention attendees University Synagogue Social Hall 7:00 PM Attendees who prefer not to travel on Shabbat Sol Restaurant

Saturday, November 13

Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00 AM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor

Lunch 12:45 – 2:30 PM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor This lunch will honor Kehillat Israel’s 60th Anniversary, Rabbi Abraham N. Winokur and the Winokur Family, and Rabbi Sheryl Lewart’s retirement.

Dinner 7:00 – 8:45 PM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor Havdalah will immediately follow dinner. It will be led by Harmoniyah, the Reconstructionist Music Network. The entire Convention body will then proceed to the Julie Silver concert.

Sunday, November 14

Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00 AM Convention attendees Plaza Arbor

Anyone who specified special dietary needs on their registration has been noted.

There are a few restrooms right outside the Plaza Ballroom. Additional restrooms may be found in the nearby hotel lobby.

38 Tefillah Prayer Services

efillah (prayer) services at Convention are always among the highlights for Tattendees. The JRF Convention offers a range of davenning styles for both daily and Shabbat services. You can choose what’s comfortable to you or try something new, or both. Our service leaders are dynamic and compelling rabbis and cantors from throughout North America.

Thursday Ma’ariv Service 5:45 - 6:30 pm, Terrace Arbor Leader: Rabbi Elisheva Salamo

Friday Shakharit Service 8:00 - 8:45 am, Terrace Arbor Leader: Rabbi Rosalind Glazer

Friday Kabbalat Shabbat/ Ma’ariv Service 7:30 - 8:30 pm, University Synagogue Sanctuary Leaders: Rabbi Arnie Rachlis, Cantor Ruti Braier

Friday For those Convention attendees who prefer not to travel on Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat/ Ma’ariv Service 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Surf Room Leaders: Rabbi Shoshana Leis and others

An array of Meaningful Shabbat Service Preparation Activities are available on Saturday morning. Choose one or more of the following:

Yoga 7:30 – 8:20 am, Garden Room I For description see page 24

Meditation 7:30 – 8:20 am, Garden Room III Leader: Rabbi Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold For description see page 24

Torah Study: Exile & Return… Finding One’s Soulmate 8:30 – 9:30 am, Patio Room For description see page 25 Leader: Rabbi Judith HaLevy

Group Spiritual Direction 8:30 – 9:30 am, Garden Room III For description see page 25 Leader: Rabbi Yocheved Mintz

39 Prayer Services continued

Shabbat Morning Service I 9:45 - 11:00 am, Amphitheatre Leaders: Rabbi Yael Ridberg, Hazzan Ayelet Piatigorsky Only in the Reconstructionist movement could this service be called “mainstream.” Experience the wonder of davenning with two of North America’s foremost service leaders.

Shabbat Morning Service II 9:45 - 11:00 am, Terrace Arbor Leader: Rabbi Shefa Gold For those interested in a different sort of Shabbat morning service experience, Rabbi Gold’s celebrated melding of meditation, chant, movement and ritual is unique. If you are going to attend Rabbi Shefa’s service, you may wish to attend her workshop Chant: Kindling a Light in the Word in Workshop Block C on Friday morning, which will provide you with additional preparation for this service experience.

Shabbat Morning Service Alternative 9:45 - 11:00 am, Patio Room For description see page 25 Leader: Adina Newberg This is a text study of “Liturgy of Israeli Emergent Communities.”

Shabbat Torah Service :00 am – 12:30 pm, Amphitheatre Leader of Torah Service for All Minyanim (separate morning services): Rabbi Doug Heifetz All participants in the morning minyanim will join together for this Torah service. We will follow our tradition of group aliyot to honor and serve various groups within our community. There will be seven aliyot in honor of the Torah reading and one in honor of the Haftarah reading.

See page 41 for a description of our Torah and humash.

Shabbat Family Service & Program 9:45 am - 12:45 pm, Plaza Ballroom Leaders: Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat, Rabbi Jon Hanish

Saturday Minkha Service 5:30 - 6:15 pm, Terrace Arbor Leader: Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein

Sunday Shakharit Service 8:00 - 8:45 am, Terrace Arbor Leader: RRC Student Jacob Lieberman

40 Prayer Services continued

he Torah being used for our Shabbat Torah service is the Women’s Torah of TKadima Reconstructionist Community in Seattle, WA. Created by the Women’s Torah Project (www.womenstorah.com), “It is the first woman-scribed Torah commis- sioned in modern times; the first Torah to be intentionally scribed by a partnership of women; and the first Torah to be supported, written and adorned by an international community of women and men sustaining one another through the hard work of transforming ideals into reality. But the WTP is already about more than creating a Sefer Torah, although that would be enough. It is about more than opening doors for women called to meaningful work that has been denied to them for millennia because of their gender, although that, too, would be enough. It is about transformation, about building connections, about bringing people closer to Torah by bringing Torah closer to them.”

he copies of the humash we are using are from The Torah: A Women’s Commentary. TRRA member and Convention presenter Rabbi David E. S. Stein was the Masoretic Hebrew Text Editor, Design and Project Manager for this beautiful humash, and RRA member Rabbi Me’irah Iliinsky created the artwork for it. Parashah Vayeitzei from The Torah: A Women’s Commentary edited by Dr. Tamara Cohn Eskenazi and Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss. Copyright © 2008 by URJ Press and Women of Reform Judaism. Credits for Voices section can be found on pp. 1319-26 in The Torah: A Women’s Commentary. To purchase the full book, visit www.urjbooksandmusic.com.

41 JRF Leadership Bob Barkin – Outgoing JRF President President, Corporate Communications, ince 2006, Robert Barkin has been president for ICMA-RC, a $32 Sof the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation. billion financial services He has been a member of the Board of Directors corporation, based in Washington, DC. Prior of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation since to moving to Washington, he was Manager of 1998 and has previously held positions as Vice Benefit Communications for Knight-Ridder, Inc. President for Financial Affairs and Chair of the For 15 years, he was a journalist with a number of Board’s Development Committee, where he led lay newspapers, including the Providence Journal-Bulletin efforts for fundraising. Robert serves as a member and the Miami Herald. He and his wife, Cathy (a of the Board of Governors of the Reconstruction- journalist), live in Bethesda, MD, with their two ist Rabbinical College, the Jewish Reconstruction- daughters, Emily and Lena. Robert is a graduate of ist Camping Corporation and the Conference of the University of Michigan, Columbia University’s Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. Graduate School of Journalism and the University As president of JRF, Robert has guided it toward of Miami School of Business. the completion of its first strategic plan, which will focus the organization on its newly adopted Michael Mitchell – Incoming JRF President mission of fostering “Transformative Judaism for the 21st Century.” In particular, the organization ichael is a long time member of Congrega- is centering its efforts on new paths in religious Mtion Darchei Noam in Toronto, where he has school education and engaging post-college age served as ritual chair, on numerous committees, youth in new avenues of religious participation. and the Board. He was President for four years, Prior to becoming a member of the JRF during which time the Congregation raised the Board of Directors, Robert was the president of funds for a new building, commenced construc- Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in tion and grew rapidly. He leads davenning courses, Bethesda, MD. While President, Adat Shalom hired teaches Torah trope, and leads services from time to its first full-time rabbi and chose an architect for time. its building. Under his leadership, the congrega- Lynne and Michael have three daughters, and tion also undertook a successful capital campaign are enjoying their first grandson. that made possible the construction of its first Professionally, Michael is a Senior Partner at permanent home. At Adat Shalom, Robert was Sack Goldblatt Mitchell, and senior member of the previously Treasurer and Chair of the Religious labour law Bar in Canada. His practice focuses on Practices Committee. Under his leadership, the RPC collective bargaining and other types of negotia- helped the congregation in 1994 develop guidelines tions, as well as interest arbitration, administrative on “Participation of All Jews, Regardless of Sexual law, and litigation including pension litigation. He Orientation or Gender Identity” and “Interfaith served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1983 Participation.” In 2006, he was Co-Chair of the to 2006 during which the firm experienced rapid Adult Education Committee. growth. Michael is the co-author of Ontario Labour Professionally, Robert is President of Arkos Relations Board Law and Practice, 3rd ed. Group, a marketing communications firm, with Michael is also the principal of SGM Mediation a specialty in positioning financial services and & Dispute Resolution, and mediates all types of nonprofit organizations. He was previously Vice non-labour relations disputes.

42 JRF and Camp JRF Staff The JRF Staff at Convention Jewish Congregation, in Skokie, Illinois, in 2005. He currently serves as the ictoria Cangelosi is a liaison between the congregation and the formerly V2006 graduate of Penn independent Skokie Egalitarian Minyan. Dan is State, and has been JRF’s a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law Communications Associate School. since January 2010. Originally from New Britain, PA, she Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat is a 1976 graduate recently bought her first home of RRC, and holds a bachelor of arts from Pennsyl- in Quakertown, PA. In her vania State University and a master’s in education spare time, Victoria designs Victoria Cangelosi from Temple University. He has served as a congre- and creates jewelry for Crow gational rabbi in State College, PA; Philadelphia; Canyon Jewelry & Design, which she co-owns. She and Plantation, FL; and as Hillel director at Penn enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with State, where he taught in the religion department. her 4 year old beagle, Macaroni. In the early 1990s, Eisenstat was congregational services Daniel G. Cedarbaum became the Director of director at the Jewish Re- Movement Growth Initiatives and Special Projects constructionist Federation of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation (JRF) and also was an instructor in September 2008, having previously served for in education at RRC. Over almost 20 years as a member of JRF’s Board of the past 30 years, he has Directors. He is also the been involved in directing JRF’s Acting Director of numerous schools and Individual Giving and staffs camps. He helped create the Rabbi Jeffrey Eisenstat the JRF’s Chicago-area office. first North American family camp, Israel family From 2002-2006, Dan was education trips and youth programs for the Re- the President of the JRF. In constructionist movement. He is a recipient of addition, Dan has served as the Rabbi Ira Eisenstein Lifetime Achievement a member of the Board of Award and is the Founding Director of youth and Governors of the Reconstruc- camping for Noar Hadash and Camp JRF. His pub- Daniel G. Cedarbaum tionist Rabbinical College lications include Reconstructing Jewish Education: A and as a member of the Executive Committee Process Guide, The Reconstructionist Teaching Model and the Board of Trustees of the United Jewish and Family Davening, as well as several musical Communities. Dan is also a member of the Board albums. Currently, he serves the Reconstructionist of Directors of the National Council of Synagogues, Movement as the Director of Special Initiatives and which is perhaps the leading national Jewish orga- continues to work with JRF congregations directing nization working in the area of interfaith dialogue its “Camp to Shuls” program. Jeff is married to and programming. Rabbi Sarah Messinger and they are blessed with Dan and his family have been members of three children, Ari, Miriam and Rachel. the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (JRC) in Evanston, Illinois, since 1987. Dan became a Rabbi Erin Hirsh is JRF Director of Education member of Ezra Habonim, the Niles Township and the Director of this Convention. A 2000 43 Staff continued graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical lives in Laurel Maryland with her husband Eric. She College, she spent over ten years working as has two adult children — Josh, a sports journalist an Education Director in the Reconstructionist and Aliza, a past Camp JRF counselor who made movement at congregations Kehilat HaNahar and Aliyah in 2009 and is currently teaching English as Mishkan Shalom. She also a Second Language in Jerusalem. served as a consultant to Reconstructionist congre- Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman is the Western gations during that time. Regional Director of the Jewish Reconstructionist Rabbi Erin has taught in a Federation, consulting with the twenty-four JRF variety of supplementary congregations and havurot west of the Mississippi, school settings, including from Houston to Seattle. She has been on the Reform and Reconstruc- faculty of American Jewish University, California Rabbi Erin Hirsh tionist congregations. She State University Northridge, is the author of Etz Hayim We, a series of text study and Loyola Marymount curricula based on the megillot. Rabbi Erin has also University. Rabbi Litman is helped write the curricula for Camp JRF for the past the Rabbinic co-chair of the five years. She and her partner, Ezra Sherman, are Progressive Jewish Alliance blessed with a 5¾ year old daughter, Zoe. She is and on the executive also lucky enough to have her parents, Charles and committee of Clergy and Elissa Hirsh, attending Convention. Laity United for Economic Justice. She was the Rabbi Rabbi Jane Rachel Jackie Land is currently the Regional Director of gay outreach congre- Litman of Chesapeake Region of the Jewish Reconstruc- gations Kol Simcha and tionist Federation, and works as an Educational Sha’ar Zahav, is an authority on moral education Consultant and Registrar at the Partnership for for diverse families, and has consulted with Jewish Life and Learning in Jewish institutions, the Metropolitan Community Rockville, MD. She also does Churches, the National Conference of Christians special projects including and Jews, and the National Council of Churches on writing Ready-made lessons the subject. Widely published in the fields of queer for the Reconstructionist theory, Jewish women’s history and contemporary classroom. At the Partnership, theology, Rabbi Litman edited the award winning she also recruits, coordinates Lifecycles 2: Jewish Women on Scripture in Contem- and does Teacher Training porary Life with Rabbi Debra Orenstein. The next

Jackie Land for new Religious School volume in the series, Lifecycles 3: Jewish Women on teachers. She teaches 7th Holy Times and Seasons, is due out early next year. grade Religious School at Oseh Shalom in Laurel, She enjoys gardening, river rafting, and Japanese Maryland and tutors B’nei Mitzvah students in art. She lives in Berkeley with her spouse, Stewart her “spare” time. Before working for JRF and the Schwartz, and their two children, Sophie and Asher. Partnership, Jackie was the Education Director of Oseh Shalom for 22 years, and the founding Melanie Schneider, MAJCS, wears two hats director of Oseh Shalom’s Nursery School. She loves at JRF. She is JRF’s New York/New Jersey Regional teaching Middle and High School age students and Director and the Director for Development is really excited to be back in the classroom. Jackie Events. As regional director Melanie represents 44 Staff continued and advocates for the Reconstructionist movement institutions and faith communities across North in Jewish and general initiatives and programs America. He is a founding member of Shabbat throughout the Metropolitan area; organizes Unplugged, who recorded the JRF Haggadah CD, networking and resource sharing opportunities “Night of Questions,” and for area congregations; serves as a resource and has five CD’s of original connector and consults with synagogue leaders. As music. Rabbi Shawn is also director of development events, Co-Director with Rabbi Melanie works with both Marcia Prager of the Dav- staff and lay leaders to lead, enning Leader’s Training organize and advance regional Institute, awarded the 2009 and national development National Mintz Foundation

projects including the New Rabbi Shawn Israel Education Award (www. York/New Jersey event, Zevit isabellafreedman.org/dlti), Midwest and national tributes. and is a spiritual director and Melanie was raised as a Conser- trainer of clergy in spiritual direction. He is author Melanie Schneider vative Jew who first discovered of Offerings of the Heart: Money and Values in Faith the Reconstructionist movement through her own Communities (Alban, 2005), co-editor with Harry membership in a havurah, which enthusiastically Brod of the just-published Brother Keepers: New used the Reconstructionist siddur in 1990. With this Essays in Jewish Masculinities (Men’s Studies Press, introduction, she quickly appreciated the meaning, 2010), and numerous publications for JRF and the creativity, and inclusive values which the Recon- larger Jewish world. (see www.jrf.org/to and www. structionist movement exemplified in Jewish life. jrf.org/PEARL for congregational resources). See Melanie is delighted to serve the Reconstructionist www.rabbizevit.com for music links, articles and movement since 1992. more information. Melanie earned her Masters Degree in Jewish Communal Service at the Brandeis University Camp JRF Staff Hornstein Program. She is available to all Sheira Director-Nowack received a affiliates and members as a resource for leadership Masters in Social Work and Certification in Jewish development, synagogue fundraising, event Communal Services from Yeshiva University planning and good governance. Melanie, her after attending The Ohio partner Marla and children Sasha and Eliana, live State University. She in New York City, across the street from the best has been in camping for challah bakery on the Upper West Side. over 20 years, working in Jewish residential camps Rabbi Shawn Israel Zevit (RRC ‘98), JRF as well as day camps. Most Director of Outreach and Tikkun Olam, and recently, Sheira served as the congregational consultant, has worked for the associate director for a Jewish Reconstructionist Movement for 12 years, and camp for children who have has over 25 years experience in spiritual and con- Sheira Director-Nowack learning issues and social gregational leadership, organizational consulting skill disorders. Sheira is VERY excited to be part and training, educational arts, writing, recording, of the Camp JRF staff as the Associate Director. She teaching and performing. He has consulted with is known for her sense of humor and outgoing numerous corporations, government, non-profit 45 Staff continued personality. She has been married for the past eight Convention Staff years to Brian Nowack and together they adopted Madeline in 2005. Bobbi Cohen has been working with JRF this fall as Rabbi Isaac Saposnik is the Director of Convention Associate. She Camp JRF. A graduate of the Reconstruction- has over 15 years of project ist Rabbinical College, he previously served as management experience. Assistant Director of Camp JRF and as Director of Bobbi’s responsibilities have No’ar Hadash; under his included the convention guidance JRF launched the program book content and successful No’ar Hadash organization, scholarship Bobbi Cohen Israel Experience. Rabbi coordination, on-site registra- Isaac is a long-time Jewish tion, and many other convention administration camper and youth worker, functions. After having been raised as a Reform having worked previously for Jew, Bobbi turned to Reconstructionism 12 years URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union ago and has been an active member and leader Institute and NFTY. He is a at Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City in Philadelphia for the past 10 years. She has attended Rabbi Isaac Saposnik graduate of the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Executive several previous JRF conventions and is thrilled to Leadership Institute. Having grown up in the Re- be involved in the planning of this one. constructionist movement, Rabbi Isaac is thrilled to share his passion for creative and engaging Judaism Lori Rubin has been the Educational Director with a new generation of youth. Rabbi Isaac is at Or Hadash, A Reconstructionist Congregation married to Jeanne Calloway, a second-grade teacher, in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, since 2000. She whom he met at Camp JRF. was a founding member of RENA, the Reconstruc- Joshua Sternberg, who is originally from tionist Educators of North Honesdale, PA, is a graduate of the Hornstein America, and served as program at Brandeis University, where he its co-chair, JRF Liaison, completed an MA in Jewish Professional Leadership and youth and camping and an MBA in Non-profit Board representative. For Management. He previously the past two summers, she Lori Rubin worked as an Assistant has been the Rosh Hinuh, Director and Conference Director of Education, at Camp JRF. In 2010, Lori Coordinator at URJ Camp served as the JRF Pearl Coordinator. Since she George in Toronto. His passion came back from Camp JRF, Lori has been involved for informal Jewish education in preparing for the 2010 Convention, including and camping has led him to helping Rabbi Jeff with the Youth and Family Camp JRF where he is excited Program. When not at work, Lori enjoys reading, Joshua Sternberg about continuing his pro- walking, and spending time with her family. She fessional career in the field. is happy to be a part of Convention 2010 in Joshua is married to Natalie Marcus, whom he met Newport Beach. This Biennial marks her fifth JRF while working at Camp George. Convention attended in a row! 46 JRF Board Executive Committee 2008-2010 Linda C. Jum, Director at Large Bnai Keshet, Montclair NJ Robert (Bob) Barkin, President Barnett Kalikow, Regional VP Adat Shalom, Bethesda MD (non-voting) – Western Murry Brochin, VP Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Olympia WA B’nai Keshet, Montclair NJ/ Beth-El, Leah Kamionkowski, Regional President – Midwest Bennington VT/ Kol HaNeshama, Sarasota FL Kol HaLev, Cleveland OH Sandra Goldman, VP Valerie (Val) Kaplan, Director at Large B’nai Havurah, Denver CO Oseh Shalom, Laurel MD Andrew (Andy) Gordon, VP Jesse Krasnow, Director at Large Havurah Shalom, Portland OR Bet Am Shalom, White Plains NY Myrna Sigman, Secretary Donald (Don) Landis, Director at Large B’nai Vail, Vail CO Bet Am Shalom, White Plains NY Mark Zivin, Treasurer Joshua Levin, Director at Large Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston IL Adat Shalom, Bethesda MD Michael Mitchell, Regional President – Canada Alan Levine, Director at Large Darchei Noam, Toronto ONTARIO Darchei Noam, Toronto ONTARIO Deborah Newberger, Director at Large Jonathan Markowitz, Director at Large Shir Hadash, Northbrook IL Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston IL Stan Newman, Regional VP – Chesapeake Board Members 2008-2010 Adat Shalom, Bethesda MD Kayla Niles, Director at Large Benjamin Bechtolsheim, Director at Large Adat Shalom, Bethesda MD/Kol HaNeshama, Brandeis University, Waltham MA Sarasota FL Marlene Bellamy, Director at Large Steven Prince, Director at Large Dor Hadash, San Diego CA Mayim Rabim Congregation, Minneapolis MN Mark Bregman, Regional President – Western Leon Puttler, Regional VP (non-voting) – MidWest University Synagogue, Irvine CA Kehillat Israel, Lansing MI Randi Brenowitz, Director at Large John Riehl, Director at Large Keddem Congregation, Palo Alto CA Oseh Shalom, Laurel MD Eric Caplan, Regional VP – Canada (non-voting) Seth Rosen, Director at Large Dorshei Emet, Montreal QUEBEC Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, White Plains, NY Lisa Carlin, Director at Large Janet Rosenberg, Regional President – NY/NJ RSNS, Plandome NY West End Synagogue, New York NY Abraham Clott, Director at Large Linda Schibel, Director at Large Society for the Advancement of Judaism, NY NY Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades CA Ron Glickman, Director at Large Joel Shapiro, Director at Large University Synagogue, Irvine CA Society for the Advancement of Judaism, NY NY Howard Glicksman, Regional President – Southeast Jan Silverman, Regional VP – Canada Chapel Hill Kehillah, Chapel Hill NC Darchei Noam, Toronto ONTARIO Richard Haimowitz, Past President Judy Spatz, Director at Large Bet Am Shalom, White Plains NY Kol Ami, Boca Raton FL

47 JRF Board continued

George Stone, Regional VP – Chesapeake Jewish Reconstructionist Camping Corporation Oseh Shalom, Laurel MD Jane Susswein, Past President 2009-2010 Board Bnai Keshet, Montclair NJ Judy Spatz, President Harry Waizer, Director at Large Linda C. Jum, Treasurer Bet Am Shalom, White Plains NY Deborah Newberger, Secretary Robert Barkin Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein Ex-Officio Board Members Debra Fried Levin Clifford Goldsmith RRA Archie Gottesman Richard Hirsh, Executive Director Jesse Krasnow Yael Ridberg, RRA President Lani Moss David Nerenberg RRC Marilyn Price Dan Ehrenkrantz, RRC President Steven Prince David Roberts, RRC Chair Aaron Ziegelman Mark Zivin

48 Presenter Bios

Phyllis Angel Please see biography on page 15. to the Keene State Holocaust Education Center. Micah also Benjamin (Jamie) Arnold is the spiritual leader served as musical director for of Congregation Beth Evergreen, a vibrant Jewish con- the Jewish Healing service “Miriam’s Well” for several gregation serving a diverse community in the Colorado years. Assistant editor for the High Holy Day Prayerbook foothills. Since coming to Beth Evergreen in 2005, he published by the Reconstructionist Press, Micah’s musical was instrumental in growing the membership from 130 and liturgical leadership have inspired hundreds of Jews to 200 households. Rabbi Jamie leads a popular weekly to enter the world of Jewish prayer and song throughout class for adults in the study and practice of Mussar, North America, Europe, Israel, and Africa. Micah’s music an intensive Jewish ethical-spiritual discipline. Rabbi and songwriting embraces the Jewish Reconstruction- Jamie’s passion for interfaith cooperation and dialogue ist spirit by bringing new melodies and contemporary is evidenced by his leadership as convener of an area meaning to ancient sentiments and Jewish life. He has Interfaith Group and his efforts as President of AT HOME composed and recorded original liturgical compositions, in Evergreen (an affordable housing initiative). He is also some of which can be found on “A Night of Questions,” Vice President of The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado a companion recording for the new Reconstructionist (TIA-CO). Rabbi Jamie has had numerous articles Haggadah of the same title. published in newspapers, magazines, and newsletters, and original liturgical music recorded by both American Jeremy Ben-Ami Please see biography on page 13. and Israeli artists. Barbara Bergen currently serves as Acting Robert Barkin Please see biography on page 42. President of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Until early in 2008 she was Vice President and General Halle Barnett is a branding and marketing Counsel of the organization. She originally joined specialist and creative writer. She and her husband, MAZON in 1999 after several years of service with the Benjamin, run media schmedia, a marketing and design Anti-Defamation League, first as Associate Western States company whose brand-centric insights, strategies and Counsel and later as Executive Director of the ADL’s tools define and drive businesses and unleash their Central Pacific Region headquartered in San Francisco. potential. Halle brings a singular flair with words and She is an attorney admitted to practice in California in an extensive background in audience and membership 1975 after graduating from law school summa cum laude development to the delicious work of building image as her class valedictorian. Bergen’s career has included and awareness for organizations of all kinds. An active a stint as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles volunteer, Halle serves on the board of Heights-Hillcrest County and an extensive term as Senior Vice President Regional Chamber of Commerce, and as both a peer and General Counsel of Citadel Holding Corporation and counselor and PR Director for the breastfeeding support Fidelity Federal Bank. organization, La Leche League of Ohio. Halle and Benjamin are the proud parents of two enthusiastic Camp Terri Ginsberg Bernsohn has been Religious JRF alumni, and members of Kol HaLev in Cleveland, School Director of Jewish Reconstructionist Congrega- where they are leading its branding effort. tion in Evanston, Illinois since 2003. A congregant since 1992, Terri has also held lay leadership positions at JRC, Micah Becker-Klein is the rabbi of Temple Beth El including that of VP of Education. Terri has an M.S. in in Newark, Delaware. Previously, Micah was the director Public Service and is a member of the Board of RENA, the of Jewish Life and Education at the Springfield Jewish Reconstructionist Educators of North America. Community Center in Springfield, MA. He is one of the original members of “Shabbat Unplugged,” a musical Amy Bernstein is from Atlanta, Georgia and received troupe formed in 1995 in Philadelphia. Rabbi Micah has her BA in English Literature and Cultural Anthropology taught at Keene State College, and served as an advisor from Northwestern University, where she also earned a 49 Presenter Bios continued certificate in Women’s Studies. She attended the Reconstruc- Randi Brenowitz Please see biography on page 14. tionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia for her rabbinic training which included one year as a visiting graduate Barry Brian has been creating and conducting student at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel. Jewish choirs for two generations. Growing up in Phila- Rabbi Amy served as the rabbi of Temple Israel in delphia, he was singing in front of the entire school at Duluth, Minnesota for the last 13 years. As the only rabbi age 6, “I didn’t know that this was unusual, although I in the Northland Region, Rabbi Amy represented the didn’t understand why no one else was asked to do so,” Jewish community to the greater Northland community. he said. Labeled a musical prodigy at the age of 7, he was She served two terms as the President of the Arrowhead the only 2nd grader allowed to sing in the older choirs. Interfaith Council and six years on the Board of Trustees Barry was playing piano and composing 3 hours a day of the College of St. Scholastica where she was also on the (on a friend’s piano until his family finally agreed to founding board of the Oreck/Alpern Interreligious Forum. buy him his own piano) As a young teenager, he joined She was a scholar in residence for the Jewish Chataqua his local synagogue’s fledgling children’s choir. He was Society and lectured widely throughout the Northland. soon warming up and rehearsing this choir. “It was that Rabbi Amy currently serves as associate Rabbi at experience, singing at services every Friday night, that Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades, California. Rabbi Amy kept me connected to my Judaism and the Jewish people. also enjoys performing and recording as part of the vocal It was remembering that experience in later years that trio Three Altos. started me on the road to creating choirs” says Barry. Later that year, Cantor Lebovic broke precedent and Ruti Braier has served University Synagogue invited Barry to sing in the professional High Holiday since 1995. She was born in Argentina, lived in Israel choir, his first paying musical gig! and moved to Southern California in 1982. She studied Judaica at Midrasha L’morim, affiliated with Tel Aviv Steve Burnstein is Director of IsraelExperts Center University, holds degrees in music from the “Conservato- for Israel & Diaspora Education. Steve served as the Israel rio de Musica” and in music therapy from the University Consultant at the Auerbach CAJE in Philadelphia, where of El Salvador, both in Buenos Aires, and studied with a he coordinated Professional Development for Philadel- number of well-known cantors in Los Angeles. Cantor phia’s MAKOM Project (North American Coalition for Braier has toured as the lead singer of two musical Israel Engagement) and also served as Rabbinic Intern at groups, Shachar and Manginot Bashira, and was a finalist Bnai Keshet in Montclair, New Jersey. Steve has an MA in on television’s International Star Search. For almost two Jewish Ed. from JTS. He served as Director of Education decades, she served at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles as at Congregation Beth Torah in Kansas City and for many School Music Director and leader of Family Services, and, years was the Associate Director of the Pinat Shorashim for several years, was Cantor for High Holiday services Seminar Center at Kibbutz Gezer. Steve made aliya in at Congregation Beth Or. Her creativity and talent have 1997 and lives with his family at Kibbutz Gezer. He is resulted in the establishment of numerous children slowly completing his Rabbinic studies at RRC. and teen choirs, including the University Synagogue Children’s Choir and the Young Cantors’ Ensemble. Samantha Papurt Calloway Please see biography on page 10. Mark Bregman is the Western Region President of the JRF. He has served on the JRF board for 4 years. As Victoria Cangelosi Please see biography on page 43. a member of University Synagogue in Irvine, CA, Mark served on the board for 6 years, and held 3 Vice President Eric Caplan is an associate professor at McGill positions. He has an MA in Psychology and has been the University, where he directs the Jewish Teacher Training owner of 5 businesses. Currently, he is the owner of a Program and chairs the Department of Jewish Studies. He talent acquisition consulting firm in Irvine, CA. is the author of From Ideology to Liturgy: Reconstruction- ist Worship and American Liberal Judaism, published by 50 Presenter Bios continued

Hebrew Union College Press in 2002. Eric continues to Union College. Finding his calling in life, Mike became research Reconstructionist Judaism and liberal Jewish life a licensed desert guide and led spiritual wilderness in general with a primary focus on contemporary Jewish retreats in Israel and the Sinai. His spiritual journey social activism. He is a member of the JRF Board and of includes extensive training in meditation, sacred Jewish Congregation Dorshei Emet (Montreal, Canada). chant, Chi Quong, and spiritual practice in the natural world. He founded TorahTrek while serving the Jewish Daniel G. Cedarbaum Please see biography on Community of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. page 43. Laurie Coskey has served as the Executive Director Erwin Chemerinsky Please see biography on of the Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice since page 14. 2001. Rabbi Laurie is the Chairperson of CLUE CA (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice–California), the Michael Clancy has lived and worked in Toronto, statewide alliance of interfaith worker justice organiza- New York, London, and Frankfurt, Germany, and tions. She is the President of the San Diego Community has handled international advertising and marketing College District Trustee Advisory Board and Rabbi in assignments on both the agency side (as a Vice President, Residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral. a Creative Director, and a Group Head) and on the She was designated the 2009 Woman of the Year for production side (as a Film Director). the 76th Assembly District. In 2008 she was the recipient In September of 1994 Michael founded Brandworks of the CAHRO (California Association of Human Rights International Marketing Communications with partners Organizations) Civil Rights Leadership Award, which Ron Chapman and Lorne Kirshenbaum. Brandworks, honored her legacy of leadership as an individual who now in its 17th year, is recognized as one of Canada’s best has made outstanding contributions to California in the independently-owned agencies. At Brandworks, Michael is area of human and civil rights. She received the 2008 most active as a strategic planner working to interpret the Outstanding Career Award from the School of Education relevant research, to create brand positioning, and to write and Leadership Sciences at the University of San Diego. the creative brief that leads to a well-executed campaign. Rabbi Laurie completed her undergraduate studies In addition Michael is responsible for overseeing the at Stanford University and was ordained at Hebrew creative product of the agency and for creating the Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion as a Rabbi in conditions under which creative people might do their 1985. After serving a large San Diego congregation for best work. eight years, she completed her doctorate in Leadership How does a guy named Clancy get to be Jewish? Studies from the University of San Diego in 2000. She Michael is a recent convert and a member of Darchei was awarded her Doctorate of Divinity in 2010. Her Noam in Toronto. more than twenty-five year career in the rabbinate has been marked by a commitment to issues of social justice. Bobbi Cohen Please see biography on page 46. This is the 17th year that she is the spiritual leader of Chavurah Kol Haneshama in San Diego, an open and Mike Comins is the founder of TorahTrek Spiritual affirming Jewish community that meets for the Jewish Wilderness Adventures (www.TorahTrek.org) and the Holy Days and occasionally throughout the year. author of A Wild Faith: Jewish Ways into Wilderness, Wilderness Ways into Judaism (www.AWildFaith.com) Lisa Dannenbaum rediscovered her connection and Making Prayer Real: Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices to Judaism in 1995 when she learned about Reconstruc- on Why Prayer is Difficult and What to Do about It (www. tionism and joined Kehillat Israel. She and her partner MakingPrayerReal.org). Mike studied classical Jewish Kathleen, who serves on the synagogue’s Board of texts for four years at the Pardes Institute, earned his Directors, are raising three young children, two of whom M.A. in Jewish education from Hebrew University, and attended the Jewish Experience last year. As a proponent was ordained in the Israeli rabbinical program of Hebrew of the Jewish Experience program, Lisa works with 51 Presenter Bios continued parents and administrative staff as the program’s Parent Mariana Gindlin has been the full-time Cantor/ Liaison. Lisa and her family live at the beach in Venice, Musical Director of Temple Sinai of Glendale for the last California. Lisa works in motion picture post production. five years. Prior to joining Temple Sinai, Mariana served as the Cantor/Musical Director of Temple Beth-El in Phil Decker is the recipient of a 2010 Morei Derekh Ormond Beach, Florida for two years. Before coming to Reconstructionist Trailblazer Award. He is an active the United States, Mariana was a Cantor at congregations congregant of Temple Beth Sholom in Salem, Oregon. in Buenos Aires where she also served as a Music Teacher Phil taught Sunday School for ten years, spearheaded the and Choir Director for several prominent Jewish institu- Salem Jewish History Project, and has facilitated Adult tions. In the United States, she has taught workshops at Education programming related to our immigrant roots the 2005 American Conference of Cantors convention and cultural identity. His photo essay “Traces of the in New Orleans, and at the 2005 Coalition for the Jewish Lower East Side” has been exhibited in Oregon at Advancement in Jewish Education (CAJE) convention. Temple Beth Sholom, Temple Beth Israel, and the Oregon For the last five years, Mariana has also been teaching Jewish Museum. Phil works as an elementary school workshops about Latin American Jewish Music at the principal in Salem. He also is a documentary photogra- American Jewish University. pher who has published and exhibited photo-essays on diverse immigrant communities in America. He is proud Robert Glatzer has run Infostructure, a software to have helped to create a multicultural, bilingual and consulting company that provides enterprise-class inter-faith family, with his wife Irma, four daughters, two solutions to the K-12 Education and Medical Research granddaughters (and his sons in law). markets, for the past 20 years. He is the President of the Mid-Atlantic Region of JRF and is on the Executive Board Sheira Director-Nowack Please see biography on of the Auerbach Central Agency for Jewish Education and page 45. Jewish Outreach Partner where he chairs the Technology Committee. He is a recovering congregational past- Fred Scherlinder Dobb Please see biography on president who enjoys leading music at services and is a page 10. proud member of Harmoniyah. 1 wife, 2 kids, 1 dog.

Dan Ehrenkrantz Please see biography on page 10. Rosalind Glazer has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Israel Judea of San Francisco since Jeffrey Eisenstat Please see biography on page 43. the summer of 2006. Before that, she served for several years as the rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom in Brigantine, Shannon Fowler Please see biography on page 15. NJ, during which time she also taught several adult education courses at Congregation Mishkan Shalom in Marcelo Gindlin was born and raised in Buenos Philadelphia. Prior to her studies at RRC, Rabbi Glazer Aires, Argentina, and has lived in southern California served as the Cantorial soloist and Bar/Bat Mitzvah since 2000, where he is the full-time Cantor of the Malibu coordinator of Kehilla Community Synagogue in Jewish Center & Synagogue. In addition to his certifica- Berkeley. She studied voice at Humboldt State University tion as Hazzan & Ba’al Tefillah from the Latin American in Arcata, CA and co-founded VOCOLOT, a Jewish Rabbinical Seminary, he has two degrees in Music Therapy singing group with whom she traveled and performed and has extensive experience as a teacher, composer, for nine years and recorded three albums. While at RRC, choir director, and performer. Born into a musical family, Rabbi Glazer served as a rabbinical student-intern at the his father Moises was a professional Opera singer, and Kolot Center for Jewish Women and Gender Studies and his sister Mariana is also a Cantor in Los Angeles. He has as a chaplain-in-training at the Hospital of the University released 2 CDs of original Jewish music that have won of Pennsylvania. Her student pulpit was at Temple B’nai several awards. He recently recorded a song with Adam Israel in Laconia, NH. Rabbi Glazer, who received her Sandler on a CD called “The Jewish Songbook.” Master’s degree in Hebrew letters and was ordained at the 52 Presenter Bios continued

Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 2003, also holds York City, and Boston, Rabbi Lauren founded Kol Tzedek a Bachelors degree in Human Movement Studies. With a in West Philadelphia along with a handful of community minor in Holistic Health from Francisco State University, members. While at RRC, Grabelle Herrmann was the she worked as a therapeutic bodyworker for a decade recipient of the Lillian Fern Award for Service to the in the San Francisco Bay Area. She was also certified as Community and the Rabbi Kenneth and Aviva Berger a Jewish meditation instructor at Chochmat Halev in Memorial Prize in Practical Rabbinics. Rabbi Lauren Berkeley, CA in 1998. Rabbi Glazer writes a blog called is passionately committed to building a community The Rabbi Speaks. that reaches out to the margins, seeking to bring in new voices to shape Jewish community. Most recently, Shefa Gold is a leader in Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Rabbi Lauren became the founding co-chair of Limmud- Renewal and received her ordination both from the Philly, an annual festival of Jewish learning. She lives in Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and from Rabbi West Philadelphia with her husband Jonathan and her Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. She is the director of C-DEEP: daughter Aviel. The Center for Devotional, Energy and Ecstatic Practice in Jemez Springs, New Mexico and around the world. Shefa James Greene graduated from the Reconstruction- composes and performs spiritual music, has produced ten ist Rabbinical College (RRC) in 2008 and is serving as the albums, and her liturgies have been published in several rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom in Salem, OR. James is the new prayerbooks. She teaches workshops and retreats Secretary of the Reconstructionist Educators of North on the theory and art of Chanting, Devotional Healing, America and the Chair of the Community of Welcoming Spiritual Community Building, Meditation, and trains Congregations, an interfaith ministry and advocacy Chant Leaders in Kol Zimra, a two year program for organization working toward full inclusion and equality rabbis, cantors and lay leaders. She is also on the faculty for LGBTQ persons in the Pacific Northwest. He lives with of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Shefa combines her his partner, Jen and their daughter, Talyah. grounding in Judaism with a background in Buddhist, Christian, Islamic, and Native American spiritual traditions Alice Greenwald has served as the Education to make her uniquely qualified as a spiritual bridge Director at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue celebrating the shared path of devotion. She is the author in Northbrook, IL and Director of Youth and Family of “Torah Journeys: The Inner Path to the Promised Land,” Education at Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congrega- released in 2006, and “In The Fever of Love: An Illumina- tion in Pacific Palisades, CA for the past twelve years. tion of the Song of Songs,” released in 2008. She has always been committed to creating exciting, innovate, out-of-the-box educational programs. Alice Sandy Goldman is a happily retired labor and holds a California K-8 teaching credential and a Master’s employment attorney who works occasionally as an degree in Educational Psychology. She has over 30 years arbitrator and independent fact-finder. She is a member of teaching, counseling and administrative experience of B’nai Havurah in Denver, where she has served in in Los Angeles, Bishop and Chicago. Alice is a founding many capacities, including chair (president) and as a member of RENA. member of the governance task force, which led to the hiring of B’nai Havurah’s first executive director. Sandy Garry Grossman is the co-president of Adat serves as one of the vice president’s on JRF’s Executive Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation of Bethesda, Committee and is the chair of this Convention. Maryland, where he and his wife, Adrienne Kohn, have been members since the early 1990’s. Garry is an attorney Steve Gomer Please see biography on page 11. in private practice in Washington, DC, specializing in government contracts and intellectual property. Garry Lauren Grabelle Herrmann graduated from the and Adrienne have a blended family of 5 children in their Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in June 2006. After 20’s and 30’s, as well as 3 grandchildren. serving rabbinic internships in Indiana, New Jersey, New In 2009-10, Garry was the Fundraising Chair at Adat 53 Presenter Bios continued

Shalom. In this capacity, he was responsible for helping to CA. In 2008, Rabbi Jon was hired by Kehillat Israel as fashion Adat Shalom’s first online auction, which is being their family and youth rabbi. Rabbi Jon is the father to repeated this year. He is particularly proud of the way the two young daughters, Lila and Sydney, and is married to auction was designed to promote community values. Lisa Hanish.

Steve Gutow Please see biography on page 13. Doug Heifetz serves as the rabbi of Oseh Shalom, a 300-household JRF congregation in Laurel, Maryland. Judith HaLevy is the rabbi of the Malibu Jewish He recently led the community through an energizing Center and Synagogue. She holds advanced degrees in Vision process, and is currently working to boost the level International Relations from both Rutgers University and of synagogue programming through the use of an annual Columbia University, and spent her early years in Interna- theme. He speaks and writes about spiritual, Jewish and tional Education in Mexico City and Tel Aviv. Returning to social topics of interest to him, often including tikkun New Mexico in 1976, she continued her work in the field olam, global warming, wellness and health, and political of bilingual education and cultural diversity. Rabbi Judith reconciliation. Rabbi Heifetz is a 2005 graduate of the Re- spent ten years as the director of the Taos Arts Association, constructionist Rabbinical College. As a student rabbi, he and in that capacity served on the Board of the National served for two years as the spiritual leader of JRF Congrega- Endowment for the Arts from 1988-1992. tion Ahavath Sholom in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Rabbi Judith was ordained as Rabbi in 1992. She A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Rabbi Heifetz received came to Los Angeles to co-found Metiva, a Center for a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, Jewish Spirituality, and Sarah’s Tent, a community where he completed an internationally oriented liberal based on Judasim and creativity. In 1996 she became arts program focused on Middle Eastern Regional the spiritual leader of MJC&S, a Reconstructionist Studies. He also obtained a Certificate in Peace and synagogue, where she serves to this day. Rabbi Judith is Justice Studies. After graduation, he worked as a union Vice President of the Board of Rabbis of Los Angeles, and organizer in Washington, D.C. and Kalispell, Montana, is known throughout the Los Angeles area as a gifted helping low-income working people to pursue social teacher and speaker. justice. He lives in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his wife, Elaine Lippmann, a public interest attorney, and their Jonathan Scott Hanish grew up in Louisville, two children Dalya Heifetz Lippmann (age 10 months) Kentucky, where he was an active member of NFTY and Judah Heifetz Lippmann (age 3). He is a dedicated and BBYO. Rabbi Jon received a Bachelor of Arts degree Crossfit athlete who recently broke a Maryland state from Wesleyan University, where he double-majored in record in a powerlifting competition. Comparative Religious Studies and Film History, a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern Esther A. Heller is a member of the National California’s School of Cinema/Television and a Master Association of Parliamentarians (NAP). She is currently of Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College. Rabbi the President of the California Zeta Unit of NAP and the Jon was ordained by Hebrew Union College on May 18, Assistant Director of the Pacific Area of the California 2008. Prior to rabbinical school, Rabbi Jon worked in the Association of Parliamentarians (CSAP). She serves on film and television industry, where he wrote, produced, the Bylaws committee of both CSAP and the Society and directed documentaries, children’s programs and of Women Engineers (SWE). She is Parliamentarian for feature films. He was also the owner of Monkey Works, the Girl Scouts of Northern California and Region A of a post-production facility. While working in the film SWE. Prior to becoming a Parliamentarian, Esther was industry, he maintained his involvement in the Jewish a computer engineer and a diversity consultant. She community by teaching in religious schools and advising continues working in the diversity arena. youth groups. During rabbinic school, Rabbi Jon was the Student Rabbi at B’nai Israel in Butte, Montana and was Steven Hirsch Please see biography on page 15. the rabbinic intern at Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades, 54 Presenter Bios continued

Erin Hirsh Please see biography on page 43. moving to Vermont, Mike served as the executive director of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham, Alabama. Mike is a Richard Hirsh is the Executive Director of the Re- 1994 graduate of Fordham University School of Law in constructionist Rabbinical Association and teaches at the New York City and a 1990 graduate of Dartmouth College Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He was the Editor in Hanover, New Hampshire. He studied at Tel Aviv of the journal The Reconstructionist from 1996-2006. Rabbi University during the fall of 1988. Mike met his wife, Liz Hirsh was the chair of the Reconstructionist Commission Kleinberg, on a teenage summer program in Israel when on the Role of the Rabbi, and wrote the Commission the two were working on a kibbutz. Mike and Liz, who report The Rabbi-Congregation Relationship: A Vision for works in Burlington as a corporate attorney with Dinse, the 21st Century. He is the author of two volumes in the Knapp & McAndrew, P.C., live in Shelburne, Vermont with Reconstructionist Guide to Jewish Practice series: Welcoming their three children. Children and The Journey of Mourning. Jonathan Klein proudly serves as the Executive Rochelle Kamins serves as the Assistant Director Director at CLUE-LA. Prior to his ordination in 1997 from of Youth Programs at Kehillat Israel Reconstruction- Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Klein served congregations ist Congregation. In addition to the KI Tzedakah Teens in Flagstaff, Arizona and Rye, New York. Upon receiving program, Rabbi Rochelle is responsible for all youth his rabbinical degree, he served three years as Director of programs for students in grades 3-12, including the 3rd- KESHER, the Reform Jewish Movement’s college outreach 6th Grade Youth Groups (3G, 4th Street, and Club 56), program and then eight years as the Allen and Ruth the Madrihim program, as well as the Social Action and Ziegler Rabbinic Director of USC Hillel at the University Tikkun Olam service weekends. She works closely with of Southern California. After deep soul-searching and the Director of Youth and Family Education to ensure reflecting upon his experiences of bussing and memories that all KI programs include fun, community-building of his family’s financial struggle, Rabbi Klein decided and values-based activities. Rabbi Rochelle was ordained to unite the disparate experiences of his ILGWU-shop from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of steward grandmother Sophie Klein and his cantorial Religion in Los Angeles in May of 2009. During her time multigenerational ancestry into his work as a religious in rabbinic school she worked at a number of synagogues community organizer with CLUE-LA. and camps throughout the Pacific region. She also Rabbi Klein is married to Zoë Klein, the senior rabbi received a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Israeli Studies from of Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles. He is a songleader, music the University of California, San Diego. enthusiast, and lover of Jewish mysticism. They live in the Carthay Square District of Central-West LA together Mike Kanarick is president of Jvillage Network, with their ten year-old son, Rachmiel, eight year-old which engages and grows the membership communities of daughter, Kinneret, and three year-old almost-potty- Jewish organizations, including synagogues, schools, JCCs, trained daughter, Zimra. federations, camps, Hillels and other Jewish non-profits by designing and building easy-to-update, custom websites. Jackie Land Please see biography on page 44. Mike has consulted with Reconstructionist synagogues on website design and content issues and other tech Janet Leahy Please see biography on page 12. strategies for membership engagement and growth. Mike has 15 years of experience in non-profit membership Shoshana Leis has over ten years of experience outreach, communications, management and fundraising. working as a teacher, community/educational leader and He joined Jvillage Network after nearly four years serving ritual artist in the Jewish community. Rabbi Shoshana as a synagogue executive director, most recently at previously served as Director of Congregational Learning Ohavi Zedek Synagogue in Burlington, Vermont. Prior at East End Temple in Manhattan. She served for three to entering the field of Jewish communal service, he years as rabbi of Congregation Tehillah in Riverdale, NY developed these skills working in politics and law. Before where she developed “Shira Hadasha,” a music-based 55 Presenter Bios continued learning project for which she received a Legacy Heritage writes the Jewish Techs blog for the New York Jewish Innovator Award. She loves to work with the spectrum of Week, which looks at the intersection of Judaism and ages and stages, and is particularly interested in building technology. Rabbi Jason earned a master’s degree in partnerships that cross generations, denominations and education from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where faiths. he was ordained in 2004. He participates in the Rabbis Rabbi Shoshana was ordained in 2005 by the Re- Without Borders fellowship through CLAL, and serves constructionist Rabbinical College and graduated from on the boards of several local organizations. He is also Dartmouth College in 1994 with a B.A. in Russian Studies. the founder and rabbinic director of Kosher Michigan, a She also studied at St. Petersburg University in Russia, kashrut certification initiative. the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem and the Drisha Institute for Jewish Studies in New York City. She recently Yocheved Mintz is the spiritual leader of Valley completed a three-year leadership training and peer- Outreach Synagogue-P’nai Tikvah of Las Vegas, NV, support program with the Synagogue 3000 Emergent President of OHALAH, the Association of Rabbis for Jewish Jewish Communities Leadership Network, a select group of Renewal, Vice-President of the Board of Rabbis of Southern American and Israeli Rabbis. Until moving to Fort Collins, Nevada, an active member of both the Interfaith Council Rabbi Shoshana resided in Riverdale with her husband, of Southern Nevada and the Clark County Ministerial Rabbi Ben Newman, and their toddler, Sophia Galit. Association, an alumna of the Academy for Jewish Religion, CA and a member of its Board of Directors. Rabbi Mintz Jacob Lieberman is a rabbinical student at the is the first female rabbi in1 8 generations of rabbis on her Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. He paternal side. Mother of four, grandmother of fourteen, is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University, she can often be found in the company of her two German and completed extensive coursework at List College of Shepherds, Shayna and Shepsi. the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. A long-time activist and organizer, before beginning rabbinical school, Elaine Moise is a founding member, past president Jacob served as Director of Pride in Action for the Empire and song leader at Keddem Congregation in Palo Alto, State Pride Agenda, a New York state LGBTQ legislative CA. She holds Master’s Degrees in Vocal Performance advocacy organization. Prior to this, Jacob spent 6 years and Music History. Elaine is co-author of The Dancing in the labor movement working as lead organizer for with Miriam Haggadah: A Jewish Women’s Celebration Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union of Passover, and a composer of both songs and instru- (SEIU), and as business representative for Local 6 of the mental music. She is currently serving as co-chair of Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, Harmoniyah: the Reconstructionist Music Network. among others. Jacob was active for many years in Congre- Elaine sings Yiddish theater songs and plays percussion gation Beth Simchat Torah in New York City, and before with The Klezmakers, a San Francisco Peninsula group, this at University Synagogue in Irvine, California, where which recently released its first CD, Garage Waltz. he grew up. Currently, Jacob serves as the Jewish Student Advisor at Swarthmore College and as the Admissions Neshama Mousseau has served as Executive Intern at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Director for Congregation Beth Evergreen (CBE) since 2004. With more than 26 years in nonprofit management Jane Rachel Litman Please see biography on page 44. positions, her Jewish communal professional and lay service has included: founding member of the liberal Jason Miller is the part-time spiritual leader of Chevra Kaddisha in Boulder, CO in 1986; board member Reconstructionist Congregation T’chiyah in Oak Park, of the Jewish Renewal Community of Boulder; and Michigan and the rabbi of Tamarack Camps. Rabbi Jason Executive Director of the Jewish Senior Recreation lectures and writes about how modern technology affects Network in Denver. Prior to her current position at CBE, Jewish life, particularly the impact of the Internet on she served as Vice President during the time of CBE’s Jewish education and the global Jewish community. He affiliation process with JRF; hiring their first full-time 56 Presenter Bios continued

Rabbi; and adapting to life in their first building. She Ayelet Piatigorsky was born in 1973 in Canada has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Women’s Studies; a to Uruguayan emigrant parents. She was raised on Master’s degree in Social Work (specialty: bereavement); the coast of British Columbia, and at 17 entered the and is a graduate of the Colorado Nonprofit Leadership University of Toronto, completing her Bachelor of Music and Management Program. She’s an active participant in degree. She was a recipient of a Merit Scholarship to NATA (National Association of Temple Administrators) further her education at the Manhattan School of Music through URJ. where she earned her Master of Music degree. What followed was a 7-year performance career in a wide range Jeff Nathanson Please see biography on page 11. of musical styles, from early music to opera. In 2004 Hazzan Piatigorsky commenced her studies in Israel Adina Newberg, Ph.D. has been a lecturer in Asian and continued at the Jewish Theological Seminary in and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Pennsyl- the H.L. Miller Cantorial School, where she received her vania and has served as an organizational consultant for investiture in May of 2008. She has officiated alongside religious and nonprofit organizations. Her current research Rabbi David Lincoln (Park Avenue Synagogue), Rabbi interests focus on issues of contemporary religious organi- Joseph Potasnik (Congregation Mt. Sinai), and was zations and spiritual journeys of those who participate in hazzan at the Glen Rock Jewish Center for two years. them. Recently, Newberg has concentrated her research on As both a pianist and guitarist, Hazzan Piatigorsky uses adult learners as they engage in spiritual searching. She has instruments to enrich services, and bring joy in song researched second-career rabbinical students, an ongoing and prayer to the Hebrew school. She is passionate interest. Because she is very connected to Israel, its culture about empowering the congregation to read Torah, and and society, she is particularly interested in the emergence draws all ages to this great mitzvah. Hazzan Piatigorsky of formal and informal houses of studies and prayer is currently the Hazzan at West End Synagogue and lives communities there, places where participants combine in Manhattan with her husband and jazz pianist, Misha exploration and deep connection to Jewish tradition and Piatigorsky, and their two children. Jewish sources with social action and concern for social justice, at the same time maintaining their identity as Arnold Rachlis is the spiritual leader of JRF nonobservant, pluralistic Israelis. Newberg studied for her affiliate University Synagogue in Irvine, California, and Bachelor of Arts at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and was previously the rabbi of the Jewish Reconstruction- holds a doctorate in city planning from the University of ist Congregation in Evanston, Illinois. A graduate of the Pennsylvania. Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Rabbi Rachlis has taught at the college level and his scholarly and popular Devra Noily (RRC ‘09) has been facilitating difficult articles can be found in a variety of publications. Rabbi conversations among Jews about the Israeli/Palestinian Rachlis has served in Washington, D.C., as a White conflict since 2005. Dev was trained as facilitator by the House Fellow and as a Senior Foreign Affairs Advisor Jewish Dialogue Group, served as its board Vice-President, in the State Department. In addition, the White House and continues to facilitate and serve as an Advisory Board appointed Rabbi Rachlis to be a Regional Panelist for the member. Dev has offered workshops on this topic at President’s Commission on White House Fellowships in the 2008 JRF convention, at the CCAR (Reform rabbis’) both Democratic and Republican Administrations. Rabbi convention and at Nehirim (LGBT sprirituality retreat). Rachlis has served as Chair of Mazon, A Jewish Response Dev currently serves as the Director of the Kehilla To Hunger, and a Past President of the Reconstructionist Community Synagogue School in Oakland, CA, and runs Rabbinical Association. He has served as a board member the adult b’nei mitzvah program at Congregation Sha’ar of the National B’nai Brith Hillel Commission and the Zahav in San Francisco. In both of these communities, New Israel Fund and as President of the Chicago Board of Dev is part of ongoing work to support lively, deep and Rabbis. For many years, Rabbi Rachlis hosted a program respectful conversations about Israel/Palestine across our on cable television and on ABC-TV. He has appeared as differences. a guest on National Public Radio, on national television 57 Presenter Bios continued shows such as CBS Nightwatch, Donahue, and PBS liturgical creations at JRF regional and national meetings. Latenight, and has been interviewed frequently by such Some examples of her contributions may be found at publications as the New York Times, Newsweek, and Time. Keddem’s website [email protected] and especially in He was also featured in the award winning documentary past issues of the newsletter “The Outlook.” film,The Legacy, and he has served as the consultant on Judaica for Compton’s Encyclopedia. Lori Rubin Please see biography on page 46.

Steven Carr Reuben Please see biography on page 12. Elisheva Salamo is a San Francisco native and a biologist turned rabbi. She divides her days between her Yael B. Ridberg is the rabbi of Congregation Dor wonderful congregation (Keddem) and a fabulous group Hadash in San Diego, California. Rabbi Yael previously of seniors at the OFJCC. After ordination from the Recon- served as the rabbi of West End Synagogue, in NYC. structionist Rabbinical College, Rabbi Elisheva returned A 1997 graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical to the Bay Area, where she served as rabbi at Congrega- College, Rabbi Yael served for two years as the first tion Ner Shalom in Cotati for 9 years, then as Program Marshall T. Meyer Rabbinic Fellow at Congregation B’nai Manager for Jewish adult education at the JCCSF. One of Jeshurun in New York and three years as the associate her great passions is playing with biblical and rabbinic rabbi of West End before becoming the sole rabbi of texts, and watching how everyone comes up with that congregation. Rabbi Yael received her BA from the important insights. Evenings are spent knitting, stroking University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990 in Communi- a small menagerie of animals, and with her 5 year old cation Arts and Women’s Studies. daughter, who has taught her that giants inhabit the 101 In addition to her congregational responsibilities, corridor between Palo Alto and San Jose, as evidenced by Rabbi Yael serves as the President of the Reconstruction- the presence of so many large reflective buildings which ist Rabbinical Association. Rabbi Yael is a commentator they use as mirrors to put on their makeup. for the forthcoming “Guide to Jewish Reconstruction- ist Practice” to be published by the Reconstructionist Marilyn Saltzman has been president of Congre- Rabbinical College. In 2003 she was named by Jewish gation Beth Evergreen since July 2009. She previously Women International as one of 10 Women to Watch. served as vice president and chair of the Adult Education Committee. Her other volunteer activities include board Joan Rosen is the Executive Vice President of member, National Federation of Press Women; secretary, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue in White Plains, NY. She Mountain Water and Sanitation District; and board is a former Director of Public Information for the member, Friends of Conifer Parks and Recreation. She Mamaroneck Union Free School District, Mamaroneck, served a two-year term as president of Susan G. Komen NY. As a member of the Bet Am Shalom Outreach and for the Cure, Denver Metropolitan Affiliate. Membership Committee, Joan is responsible for imple- Marilyn is a public relations consultant, specializing in K- menting the work of the Keruv grant. She served as the 12 education. She has served as an adjunct professor of Public first Chair of Communications and Membership at Bet Relations Management for Colorado State University. She Am Shalom Synagogue, overseeing the development of retired after 20 years as manager, Communications Services, a new website and introduction of an email marketing Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado’s largest school resource, Constant Contact, for regular email communi- district. Her responsibilities included crisis communications, cation with members. media relations, publications, internal communications, community relations, and communications counseling, Elise Rosen-Levin, M.D. is a past president of training and planning. She took a lead communications role Keddem Congregation in Palo Alto and continues in the Columbine High School tragedy. Marilyn is co-author to serve on Ritual and Adult Ed committees. She has of three books: Building School Communities, Strategies for frequently taught in Keddem’s well received adult Leaders; Dave Sanders, Columbine Teacher, Coach, Hero; and education offerings and has presented her original Maybe Tomorrow – A Hidden Child of the Holocaust. 58 Presenter Bios continued

Isaac Saposnik Please see biography on page 46. Jeremy Schwartz is in his eleventh year as spiritual leader of Temple Bnai Israel in Willimantic. He is a Jeffrey Schein is currently a Professor and Director graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College of the Department of Jewish Education at the Laura and served as the Assistant Director of “Kolel: A Centre and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies. He has for Liberal Jewish Learning” in Toronto prior to coming served as the Senior Consultant for Jewish Education to Connecticut. His wide range of teaching interests for the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation and for includes particular emphases on prayer and siddur, the Mandel Center for Jewish Education of the JCC’s modern Hebrew poetry, and the theology of tikkun olam. of North America Lekhu Lakhem project. Dr. Schein is He has also published translations of the writings of a graduate of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College Labor Zionist pioneer A.D. Gordon and of the contempo- and of the doctoral program in curriculum studies of rary Israeli teacher Ari Elon. Temple University in Philadelphia. He is the author of Creative Jewish Education (Rossel Books), Targilon: A Mel Scult is not a rabbi, but his Reconstructionist Guide for Charting the Course of Jewish Education (JESNA congregation in New York helps him feel like one. He and JRF), Windows on the Jewish Soul, Connecting Prayer speaks often and enjoys it. He has a PhD in Judaic Studies and Spirituality, The Reconstructionist Curriculum Resource from Brandeis, a Masters from Harvard and a Bachelor of Guide, Lifelong Jewish Learning, and Growing Together: Hebrew Letters from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He Resources and Programs for Jewish Family Education. He has spent some thirty years teaching at Brooklyn College, has coauthored with Rabbi Sandy Sasso Kol Ha-Noar: trying to explain to a primarily orthodox audience The Voice of Children, a prayerbook for young children how a person could be non-orthodox and religious at and their families. He is the first non-pulpit Rabbi to the same time. He was converted from Conservative receive the Ira Eisenstein award from the Reconstruction- Judaism to Reconstructionism a long time ago and wrote ist Rabbinical Association for distinguished service. He a biography of Mordecai Kaplan published in 1993. He is the founding Rabbi of congregation Kol HaLev, the also published a Kaplan reader, Dynamic Judaism, in 1985 Reconstructionist congregation of Cleveland. and a 400-page selection from Kaplan’s twenty-seven volume diary. He has just finished a major study of all of Lew Schneider Please see biography on page 12. Kaplan’s philosophy, which is under consideration at a leading university press. He has also published scholarly Melanie Schneider Please see biography on page 44. essays on Solomon Schechter (the man, not the school system} and on Henrietta Szold. Mel strongly believes Cherie Karo Schwartz from B’nai Havurah in that Kaplan and Reconstructionism are much needed Denver, Colorado, is a storyteller, author and educator. in Israel, and both his biography and Dynamic Judaism For 36 years, she has shared spirited engaging storytelling appear in Hebrew in Israel published by Yediot Ahronot, and teaching throughout the USA and abroad, including the largest publisher in Israel. He lives in New York City at several JRF conventions. She is the co-founding with his wife, who is his significant theological other and coordinator of the international Jewish Storytelling who edits him and his work. Network. Cherie has taught and performed for almost three decades with the Coalition for the Advancement of Greg Selker is the President of Selker Leadership Jewish Education, and has authored three books of Jewish LLC, a retained executive search and leadership stories, original writings, midrashim, celebrations and consulting services firm that has spearheaded a folklore; and has authored articles and stories in many values-based approach to executive hiring, leadership publications, including Reconstructionist publications. assessment and leadership development. In addition to Her work includes interweaving of arts, rituals, story, and his professional career of over 21 years working with sacred texts into midrashic experiences of Judaism. executives and executive team’s of leading corporations, he has been involved with Kol HaLev, the Reconstruc- tionist community in Cleveland, Ohio since 2002. Over 59 Presenter Bios continued this time period he has been in several leadership roles, Commentary (URJ, 2008); Parashat HaShavua: The Bar/Bat is currently the President of the Boad of Trustees, and has Mitzvah Study Guide (URJ, 2006–7); the revised edition led Kol HaLev’s strategic planning process. of The Torah: A Modern Commentary, originally edited by W. Gunther Plaut (URJ, 2005); Etz Hayim: Torah and Julie Silver Please see biography page 16. Commentary (USCJ, 2001); and the JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh (1999). A free-lance editor and educator specializ- Pam Solomon has served as the Youth Activities ing in Jewish books, Rabbi Stein lives in Culver City, CA. trustee on Kehillat Israel’s Board of Directors since 2006. During her tenure, the synagogue hired its first full-time Alissa Stern is a board member at Adat Shalom, youth director. Youth programming has subsequently focusing on learning initiatives. A lawyer by training, grown dramatically in both depth and breadth with the Alissa directed IDR Associates, a nonprofit organization addition of programs such as Tikkun Olam service trips that developed the capacity of community groups in for teens and KI Tzedakah Teens, a highly engaging youth developing countries to handle environmental disputes philanthropy program. In her professional life, Pam is a with multinational corporations and governments. She is principal with Solomon|Goldsmith, a consultancy assisting the author of a book, The Process of Business/Environmental non-profit organizations and public school districts Collaborations: Partnering for Sustainability. with grant writing, fundraising, program planning and evaluation. She received a Master Degree in Public Health Joshua Sternburg Please see biography on page 46. from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from UCLA. Pam, her husband Bob, and two David Teutsch has been a builder of religious daughters, Jamie and Jordan live in Pacific Palisades and community since becoming a congregational rabbi have been members of Kehillat Israel since 1996. She is a thirty years ago. He is the Wiener Professor of Contem- Morat Derekh honoree this year. porary Jewish Civilization and director of the Levin- Lieber Program in Jewish Ethics at the Reconstructionist Toba Spitzer serves JRF affiliate Congregation Rabbinical College, where he served as president for nearly Dorshei Tzedek in West Newton, MA. She is a popular a decade. The editor in chief of the groundbreaking Kol teacher of courses on Judaism and economic justice, Haneshamah prayer book series published by JRF’s Recon- Reconstructionist Judaism, new approaches to thinking structionist Press, he has also authored several other books, about God, and the practice of integrating Jewish including Imagining the Jewish Future and titles in the series spiritual and ethical teachings into daily life. She has A Guide to Jewish Practice published by RRC Press. written innovative curricula for children on the Book of Exodus and on the Reconstructionist prayer book, Kol Carrie Vogel serves as the Assistant Director of Haneshama. She served as the President of the Recon- Youth and Family Educaiton at Kehillat Israel Recon- structionist Rabbinical Association from 2007-2009, structionist Congregation. In addition to working with and was the first lesbian or gay rabbi to head a national Alice to oversee the Auerbach Family Religious School, rabbinic organization. Rabbi Toba has received the honor Rabbi Carrie is responsible for the Jewish Experience, the of being included in Newsweek’s Top 50 Rabbis in America experiential, once-a-month religious school option. Rabbi 2008 list, the 2008 Forward 50 list, as well as the 2010 Carrie was ordained as a rabbi from the Hebrew Union Forward list of 50 Female Rabbis Who Are Making A College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. In Difference. addition, she received a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters and a Master of Arts in Jewish Education from HUC-JIR. David E. S. Stein • Nowadays when an English- During Carrie’s time in rabbinic school, she worked at speaking Jew studies the Torah or a haftarah in Hebrew, a number of synagogues, camps, and day schools in the chances are good that it was Rabbi David E. S. Stein (RRC greater Los Angeles area. ’91) who prepared and ensured the integrity of that text. He edited the Hebrew text in The Torah: A Women’s 60 Presenter Bios continued

Jill Wildenberg has been the Education Director Shana Winokur is the daughter of the late Rabbi at Congregation Beth Evergreen for the past 5 years. Abraham Winokur, founding rabbi of Kehillat Israel in Jill is also the incoming Chair of Reconstructionist Pacific Palisades and one of the founding fathers of the Educators of North America (RENA). Prior to becoming Reconstructionist movement. She is a long-time Jewish Education Director of Congregation Beth Evergreen, Jill educator, Jewish music specialist and cantorial soloist. was a teacher in the religious school, served as President Shana has been active in immigrant rights, economic of the congregation, and served on the Building, Ritual, justice and Middle East peace organizations for many Education, Membership and Programming Committees. years in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. She and her Jill was a participant in Synagogue 2000, which mother, Charlotte Winokur, live in Orange County and helped her develop her style of inclusive synagogue are members of University Synagogue. management. She has a BA in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. Shawn Israel Zevit Please see biography on page 45.

61 Acknowledgements

JRF would like to offer a special welcome to:

Reconstructionist Rabbinical College FACULTY AND STAFF who have joined us at this Convention, including: Rabbi Dan Ehrenkrantz Rabbi Deborah Glanzberg-Krainin Adina Newberg Rabbi David Teutsch Rabbi Deborah Waxman

Nathan Wiener, the 2010 recipient of the Morton Schein Education Prize of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Nathan is attending Convention through the generosity of that prize.

We also welcome our newest JRF affiliates: The Little Minyan, Columbus, Ohio Kol Haneshamah, Sarasota, Florida Beit Klal Yisrael, Delft, Netherlands Kol HaLev, Baltimore Maryland

As always, the JRF Convention has been made possible by the tremendous support of our:

DONORS who generously contributed funds for scholarships and other Convention needs

SPONSORS for their major financial commitments to Convention

VOLUNTEERS who willingly gave their time and energy to contribute to the success of Convention

62 63 64 65 JRF thanks Victor Klein for his generous donation to Convention

Todah Rabah, Victor!

66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 JRF

Welcome to Newport Beach and University Synagogue

Hinda and Hal Beral

74 Notes

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