2022/23 Herzlian Speaker Series

TheSpeakerHerzlianSeries

2022-23 SPEAKER SERIES

What is a Herzlian Program?

The tradition of the Herzlian program began in the late 1800’s at the home of Theodor Herzl — dreamer, writer, playwright, journalist, and founder of political Zionism. A man of many talents and with a deep curiosity of the world around him, Herzl was known to invite Jewish thought leaders and influencers of his time from a range of backgrounds and fields — whether it be the arts, sciences, current affairs, philosophy or literature — to spend an evening engaged in conversation regarding the continuity of the Jewish people. By participating in a single conversation with Jews that were eager to share and debate the varied ideas that would shape the future of the Jewish people, Herzl and his guests were able to unlock the power of their collective wisdom. These conversations had a great impact on Jews of the time and became a symbol of the Zionist vision of the land of Israel.

This was the concept of the original Herzlian Program. The purpose of our version of the Herzlian Speaker Series is simple: to listen, learn, and inspire one another through meaningful dialogue around a particular topic. As a result, vibrant networks and a host of passionate connections will be created around a variety of issues that affect Jewish continuity.

Program #1: A Brief and Visual History of Antisemitism

Israel B. Bitton

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

6-7:30 PM

A Brief and Visual History of Antisemitism offers a uniquely designed book that covers the phenomena of anti-Jewish hatred and deconstructs their evolution from ancient times to the present day. In addition to being comprehensive in its breadth and depth, this large-format book features Augmented Reality technology that allows readers to use a free app to pull up the incredible trove of related archival materials from vintage radio and television broadcasts to 3D objects of key landmarks that can be examined up close, enabling this work to be a truly immersive educational experience.

Israel B. Bitton (@IsraelBitton) is executive director of Americans Against Antisemitism, a nonprofit that counters social hatred through data, media, and education. He holds an undergraduate degree from SUNY in the history of philosophy and is completing his Masters of Liberal Arts at Johns Hopkins University. Bitton’s inaugural book was a work of nonfiction: Who Will Remember You? A Philosophical Study and Theory of Memory and Will (Rowman & Littlefield 2021). It was followed by A Brief and Visual History of Antisemitism (Gefen 2022), a multi-media educational textbook. Bitton is also the author of a forthcoming study on anti-Jewish hate crimes, Chosen for Hate (and Love): A Qualitative, Explanatory Analysis of NYPD Hate Crime Data (ISGAP: November 2022).

Program #2: The Social Justice Torah Commentary: What does the Torah have to say about social jus¬tice?

Barry H. Block

MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022

6-7:30 PM

As the contributors to The Social Justice Torah Commentary demonstrate, a great deal. A diverse array of authors delve deeply into each week’s parashah, drawing lessons to inspire tikkun olam. Chapters address key contemporary issues such as racism, climate change, mass incarceration, immigration, disability, women’s rights, voting rights, and many more. The result is an indispensable resource for weekly Torah study and for anyone committed to repairing the world.

Rabbi Barry H. Block serves Congregation B’nai Israel in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is the Vice President for Organizational Relationships at the Central Conference of American Rabbis. He is the editor of The Mussar Torah Commentary and The Social Justice Torah Commentary, both published by CCAR Press. Rabbi Block is also the faculty dean at URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp.

Program #3: Update from Around the World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022

6-7:30 PM

Nir was born and raised in Paris, France. With growing antisemitism in France, Nir’s perception of Judaism changed and his family looked for a better future. At the age of 19, Nir & his family immigrated to the United States where he attended Baruch College in New York City and served as President of Hillel.

Nir credits his further Jewish involvement to a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow on his campus who steered him towards a long term Masa program in Israel. This Masa Israel experience gave him the opportunity to serve six months as an intern in the Prime Minister’s office in Jerusalem. Upon his return to New York, Nir worked in the Masa office, recruiting young adults to participate on long-term, life-changing Israel experiences like his.

Inspired by his Jewish Agency experience, Nir enrolled in a dual master’s degree program in Jewish Professional Leadership and Public Policy at Brandeis University. He graduated as a Wexner Graduate Fellow and a FEREP (The Federation Executive Recruitment & Education Program) scholar, and took a position at the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey where he had roles in Planning and Allocations, Community Relations Council, and Women’s Philanthropy. In 2013, Nir moved to Florida and joined the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County as a Development Officer, and he eventually became Development Director.

Today, Nir lives in Silver Spring, MD and he is the Senior Representative of The Jewish Agency for the Southeast. He is responsible for the operations and relationship of The Jewish Agency for that area. He is the father of three children, Emma, Abigail and Levi. His wife, Miryam, teaches Hebrew to a diverse group of pre-K students at the Sela Public Charter School in Takoma Park.

Program #4: Why do Jewish?

Zack

Bodner

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2023

6-7:30 PM

Zack Bodner is a seeker, writer, storyteller, community organizer, and above all else, a doer. He has been the CEO of the Oshman Family JCC for nearly 9 years. Before that, Zack worked for 14 years at AIPAC. Zack holds an MA in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University and a BA from Yale, where he played varsity soccer. Zack is an accomplished speaker, including as a MOTH storyteller and TEDx presenter. He writes regularly for publications including The Forward, Times of Israel, The J Weekly, and eJewish Philanthropy. He is a member of YPO and was in the Executive Leadership Seminar at The Aspen Institute. He served as an iFellow Mentor for the iCenter, is an Amitim Fellow for JCC Global, is a member of the Board of Directors of the JCC Association of North America, and is on the Advisory Board of the Taube Center for Jewish Studies at Stanford University.

Program #5: Three Generations: How the Changing Jewish Family Will Reshape Our Community

Sarah Eisenman

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023

6-7:30 PM

Sarah is the Chief Community and Jewish Life Officer at the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Prior to this she was an Assistant Executive Vice President at JDC for 19 years and was the Founder and Executive Director of JDC Entwine. She was responsible for the overall vision, strategy and implementation of Entwine, from inception to scaling to reach over 35,000 young people. Sarah was named by the Jerusalem Post as one of ten young Jewish leaders for the future and she received the Jewish Communal Service Association’s Young Professional Award. Sarah has a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies from Oxford University, and a BA in History from the University of California, Berkeley. She lives in Harlem, NYC and is active in her local community as well as at her daughters’ school, Rodeph Sholom.

Program #6: #antisemitism: Coming of Age During the Resurgence of Hate

Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath is a lifelong Jewish educator and learner. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Knowledge, Ideas, and Learning at the Jewish Education Project. An award-winning educator, Samantha has lived and taught in Israel, Washington, DC, and Cleveland, Ohio. She currently lives in Westchester, New York with her husband and two beloved rescue dogs.

Dr. Samantha Vinokor Meinrath

Join us!

Each Herzlian Program will have 10-12 people in attendance. We will try our best to accommodate one of your three preferences.

jewishnashville.org/hertzlian