Many programs are in the works for the upcoming year:

Tribe 12 - Discover this important organization, how it connects to the younger Jewish community, and ways we can work with it. Our own Megan GoldMarche leads this vibrant and expanding group.

Tikvah Tikvah’s mission is to empower adults living with mental illness to be accomplished, independent, and fulfilled while creating and supporting member connections through social and educational programming. Abby Gilbert is the Executive Director, and our own Sandi Berliner serves on the Tikvah board. 

Brit Milah—This ritual is considered a key rite of passage for Jewish males. Yet, expectant parents are struggling with the many issues this religious practice raises. What are the ethical and moral implications? We are planning a panel discussion to address these concerns. Additionally, how do we choose and vet a mohel? Let’s learn about the training involved and who we can recommend when asked.

Federation-Michael Balaban, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, will join us to share the Federation’s mission under his leadership and how our rabbinic community can partner with the Federation.

JCRC- The Jewish Community Relations Council has been robust in our community for the past few years under the leadership of Jason Holtzman.  They have taken on issues of importance to our community, from domestic to international, including interfaith and interracial relationships, anti-Semitism, and government advocacy in Harrisburg and Washington. 

America 250- In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary. We plan to join with the Weitzman Museum to create a program on our connection to the celebration of the nation and the promise that is still unfolding.

ADL- Andrew Goretsky will share insights into how we constructively work in the curret climate to advance issues of importance to our community. Goretsky has a PhD in Education and has a unique engaging perspective on the ways we can engage. ADL is more than combatting AntiSemitism. He will share ADL’s fuller mission as well.

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PRE-JDAIM PROGRAM
As you likely know, every year in February, we celebrate JDAIM  (Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month).  For those of us who serve the entire Jewish people in various roles we know that February is not the only month of the year to celebrate and affirm our commitment to building a fully accessible Jewish community for and with people with disabilities.

We would like to invite the Board of Rabbis to join us for an afternoon of learning in January, ahead of JDAIM, with other community professionals who serve people with disabilities in the Jewish community and beyond. 

This gathering is for clergy, educators, synagogue professionals and direct service providers to learn, reflect, plan and celebrate together. Even as we face other very serious issues, we recognize the vital importance of disability inclusion and the value of addressing these issues with a broad coalition of people with varying skills and knowledge.

This program is presented by the Jewish Disability Inclusion Consortium of Greater Philadelphia, a network of agencies and institutions who collaborate on how to better serve people with disabilities in the Jewish community and beyond.
Thurs, Jan 8, 12-3 pm

Hosted by JCHAI: 274 S Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

$18 per person, $36 for team of 3 professionals from same organization (participation is free for Consortium members)

Kosher-certified, dairy lunch and coffee service will be provided

Click here to register. 

For any questions, be in touch with Elana Rivel, erivel@jewishlearningventure.org or with Erin Beser, ebeser@jewishlearningventure.org