Voices have power. Since October 7, 2023, finding your voice and sharing your support for Israel and Jewish people has becomes increasingly important and can also feel overwhelming or upsetting. In this session, we will learn from inspiring women who have found their activist voice – even though they may not have been planning to – because the world compelled them. Take home ideas to engage your voice!

Speakers

Moderator

Since October 7th, Jewish communities have faced strained and broken relationships with people and groups that they once thought were allies. As we work to rebuild relationships and forge new alliances, what are the new approaches, boundaries that we should maintain? Are there opportunities that have arisen, even during this complicated time?

Speakers

This interactive session explores the importance of building genuine relationships to enhance advocacy efforts. Participants will learn strategies for establishing trust, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful connections with policymakers at all levels of government. This session will combine insights from experienced advocates with practical exercises to empower attendees to improve their advocacy outcomes.

Speakers

In the wake of the events of October 7th, communities across the globe have faced heightened tensions and a surge in antisemitic incidents. This panel seeks to explore the dynamics of community relations in an era marked by division and fear, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, education, and proactive measures.   Attendees will leave with a renewed commitment to stand against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. The panel aims to inspire collaborative action and community resilience, empowering individuals to take a stand and make a difference.

Speakers

Following the horrific events on October 7th, Israel and the Jewish community continue to grapple with how many in the human and women’s rights movement failed to speak out about the barbaric acts of sexual violence committed by Hamas. This session features individuals who helped produce Screams Before Silence and a moderated panel that explores the critical role of storytelling and advocacy in the wake of this trauma. Panelists will discuss how sharing the experiences of survivors not only honors their legacy but also reinforces community resilience against the absurdity of violence. Importantly, this panel will address the silence of civil and women’s rights organizations and why our community must speak up about the use of sexual violence as a form of terrorism.

**Content Advisory: This session includes themes of gender-based and sexual violence that may be distressing. Viewer and participant discretion is advised.**

Speakers

Join an insider’s discussion on the post-October 7 challenges Israelis are facing as the country pivots from urgent response efforts to foster long-term resilience and healing. Learn from Federation partners on the ground which strategies could address these challenges effectively and how we can help in the recovery and rehabilitation of Israel and Israeli society through collective action and collaboration.

Speakers

Jewish communal leadership has faced extraordinary challenges in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the aftermath of October 7th. These crises have heightened the need for visionary and resilient leaders, particularly among women who bring unique perspectives and strengths to leadership roles.

This session explores the intersection of Jewish values and purposeful leadership, providing practical tools to navigate times of uncertainty while driving impact and growth. Through the lens of Jewish concepts such as Tzedek (justice), Chesed (kindness), and Emet (truth), discover how these values inspire leadership approaches that foster collaboration, build trust, and amplify communal support. Join us for an empowering journey into the transformative role of women in Jewish leadership and the positive impact they have on fundraising, leadership development, and community resilience.

Speakers

Engagement of Jewish midlife adults, those 55 and older, has emerged as a communal priority worthy of investment and innovation. In response to findings from its national demographic study on the engagement preferences of midlife adults, JFNA has partnered with key midlife scholars to re-imagine opportunities for this stage of life through a Jewish lens focused on re-discovering purpose, navigating transitions, and cultivating community.

Join us for an inspiring workshop to explore how Jewish rituals help us navigate life’s transitions and create a sense of meaning and connection. Together, we’ll examine the anatomy of transitions – rooted in Jewish tradition- and unpack what makes rituals powerful and enduring. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own rituals to address significant milestones and challenges often faced by women in midlife. These might include becoming a grandparent, sending kids off to college, instilling family with Jewish values and traditions, navigating menopause and health diagnoses with resilience and grace. This workshop is for anyone seeking deeper purpose and connection in midlife and beyond – offering ways to enrich your personal journey and inspire others to (re)engage with Jewish life.

Speakers

In this inspiring session, our panel of accomplished business leaders will share how their Jewish values serve as a foundation to their success. Addressing the complexities of balancing family, work, and philanthropy, they will share insights on how they prioritize their time and financial contributions within the Jewish community. The discussion will highlight the invaluable support they have received from the Jewish community in advancing their careers. We also explore how our panelists’ personal and professional lives have been impacted in a post-10/7 world and share their experiences confronting antisemitism.

Then you will have an opportunity to take an inventory of your philanthropic assets (Time, Treasure, Talent and Ties) from the past year, and set and share your path and priorities for your balancing act for the year to come in small group conversations.

Be inspired to maximize your impact and leverage your superpowers!

Moderator

Speakers

Since October 7th, Jewish communal life in North America has changed rapidly, with renewed concerns about feelings on security, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism and a related surge in Jewish engagement. Join us in hearing how Jewish communal organizations are experiencing and responding to this surge nationally and in our local communities. Be part of the conversation as we consider what we can do to build on this to strengthen the Jewish future.

Moderator

Speakers

As the Jewish community contends with what it means to live in our post-October 7th climate of skyrocketing antisemitism and a (re)newed desire to engage with Jewish life, it is our responsibility to understand the evolving needs of our Jewish future: teens, young adults and their families. Join us to explore how antisemitism is impacting mental health, behavior and evolving relationships with Israel. Experts will discuss the tools and resources needed to support teens and their families locally, and the important role collaboration and philanthropy can play.

Speakers

Voices have power. Since October 7, 2023, finding your voice and sharing your support for Israel and Jewish people has becomes increasingly important and can also feel overwhelming or upsetting. In this session, we will learn from inspiring women who have found their activist voice – even though they may not have been planning to – because the world compelled them. Take home ideas to engage your voice!

Speakers

Moderator

Since October 7th, Jewish communities have faced strained and broken relationships with people and groups that they once thought were allies. As we work to rebuild relationships and forge new alliances, what are the new approaches, boundaries that we should maintain? Are there opportunities that have arisen, even during this complicated time?

Speakers

This interactive session explores the importance of building genuine relationships to enhance advocacy efforts. Participants will learn strategies for establishing trust, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful connections with policymakers at all levels of government. This session will combine insights from experienced advocates with practical exercises to empower attendees to improve their advocacy outcomes.

Speakers

In the wake of the events of October 7th, communities across the globe have faced heightened tensions and a surge in antisemitic incidents. This panel seeks to explore the dynamics of community relations in an era marked by division and fear, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, education, and proactive measures.   Attendees will leave with a renewed commitment to stand against antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. The panel aims to inspire collaborative action and community resilience, empowering individuals to take a stand and make a difference.

Speakers

Jewish communal leadership has faced extraordinary challenges in recent years, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the aftermath of October 7th. These crises have heightened the need for visionary and resilient leaders, particularly among women who bring unique perspectives and strengths to leadership roles.

This session explores the intersection of Jewish values and purposeful leadership, providing practical tools to navigate times of uncertainty while driving impact and growth. Through the lens of Jewish concepts such as Tzedek (justice), Chesed (kindness), and Emet (truth), discover how these values inspire leadership approaches that foster collaboration, build trust, and amplify communal support. Join us for an empowering journey into the transformative role of women in Jewish leadership and the positive impact they have on fundraising, leadership development, and community resilience.

Speakers

Engagement of Jewish midlife adults, those 55 and older, has emerged as a communal priority worthy of investment and innovation. In response to findings from its national demographic study on the engagement preferences of midlife adults, JFNA has partnered with key midlife scholars to re-imagine opportunities for this stage of life through a Jewish lens focused on re-discovering purpose, navigating transitions, and cultivating community.

Join us for an inspiring workshop to explore how Jewish rituals help us navigate life’s transitions and create a sense of meaning and connection. Together, we’ll examine the anatomy of transitions – rooted in Jewish tradition- and unpack what makes rituals powerful and enduring. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own rituals to address significant milestones and challenges often faced by women in midlife. These might include becoming a grandparent, sending kids off to college, instilling family with Jewish values and traditions, navigating menopause and health diagnoses with resilience and grace. This workshop is for anyone seeking deeper purpose and connection in midlife and beyond – offering ways to enrich your personal journey and inspire others to (re)engage with Jewish life.

Speakers

In this inspiring session, our panel of accomplished business leaders will share how their Jewish values serve as a foundation to their success. Addressing the complexities of balancing family, work, and philanthropy, they will share insights on how they prioritize their time and financial contributions within the Jewish community. The discussion will highlight the invaluable support they have received from the Jewish community in advancing their careers. We also explore how our panelists’ personal and professional lives have been impacted in a post-10/7 world and share their experiences confronting antisemitism.

Then you will have an opportunity to take an inventory of your philanthropic assets (Time, Treasure, Talent and Ties) from the past year, and set and share your path and priorities for your balancing act for the year to come in small group conversations.

Be inspired to maximize your impact and leverage your superpowers!

Moderator

Speakers

As the dawn rose at the Nova music festival on October 7th, terrorists attacked, murdering hundreds while hundreds more hid and fled for their lives. In the months since the attack, survivors and their families have worked to begin to process their trauma and move towards healing. In this session, hear from survivors, their families, and trauma specialists to better understand how Jewish Federations have supported and will continue to support the thousands impacted at the Nova Music Festival. 

Moderator

Speakers

Join this candid and insightful conversation with Jewish communal professionals who live and work in war zones while leading and serving their Jewish communities in times of crisis. Our guests will open their hearts and share personal stories, that offer a glimpse into the emotional toll, psychological impact, and strategic decision-making that define their work as they hold the needs of the community and cope with their own personal well-being.

Speakers

Since October 7th, Jewish communal life in North America has changed rapidly, with renewed concerns about feelings on security, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism and a related surge in Jewish engagement. Join us in hearing how Jewish communal organizations are experiencing and responding to this surge nationally and in our local communities. Be part of the conversation as we consider what we can do to build on this to strengthen the Jewish future.

Moderator

Speakers

As the Jewish community contends with what it means to live in our post-October 7th climate of skyrocketing antisemitism and a (re)newed desire to engage with Jewish life, it is our responsibility to understand the evolving needs of our Jewish future: teens, young adults and their families. Join us to explore how antisemitism is impacting mental health, behavior and evolving relationships with Israel. Experts will discuss the tools and resources needed to support teens and their families locally, and the important role collaboration and philanthropy can play.

Speakers

October 7 was the most extensively documented event of its kind, captured by both the perpetrators and the victims. This session delves into the power of storytelling through film, exploring some of the most impactful documentaries that have emerged, including Screams Before Silence led by Sheryl Sandberg about the Hamas' sexual crimes; Day That Never Ended which includes a minute-by-minute account of the events; #NOVA based on the victim's tex, voice and video messages; the project tentatively titles Hamas Horror Film that was released by the IDF. By centering the voices of survivors and victims, these films ensure that this pivotal moment in history is preserved and understood for future generations. Crucially, the perpetrators’ own footage underscores the undeniable reality of their crimes, while empowering the victims to reclaim their narratives through their own words and experiences.

TRIGGER WARNING: The session includes the screening of footage that some viewers might find distressing.

Speaker

Join the authors of Chutzpah Girls: 100 Tales of Daring Jewish Women for an inspiring intergenerational session. They’ll explore Chutzpah as a uniquely Jewish superpower in the face of adversity. Through the extraordinary stories of historical and contemporary Jewish heroines, discover how courage, resilience, and audacity have been harnessed to overcome challenges, combat discrimination, and shine light in the darkest of times.

This engaging session will provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Chutzpah Girls and uncover how its remarkable stories and vibrant artwork can serve as catalysts for community impact. Be among the first to experience the Chutzpah Girls pop-up art exhibit, featuring stunning portraits of Jewish women from the book. This dynamic and empowering exhibit, available for your home community, is designed to increase visibility for Jewish women and serve as a tool for education and community engagement. In a culture that often seeks to avoid hardship, this session underscores the critical importance of embracing Chutzpah as a tool to navigate difficulty and empower future generations. Together, we’ll honor our past, find strength for the present, and equip ourselves for the future — one act of boldness at a time.

Moderator

Speakers

Our Israeli Lion of Judah sisters will share their personal stories of voluntary work, philanthropy, and advocacy in Israel post 10/7. They acted not only as individuals but also as a community, and as a unique organization in Israel. Israeli Lions were deeply impacted by 10/7 and the war that continues. Some have lost their loved ones, many are mothers and grandmothers to soldiers, and all left their comfort zone and joined the efforts to ease the situation for others. We will also hear about their incredible advocacy efforts for the release of hostages. They continue to support and stand in solidarity with Varda Ben Baruch, Israeli Lion of Judah and grandmother of Edan Alexander. The Israeli Lions of Judah are proud of their contribution to the war efforts and look forward to sharing their remarkable impact and stories with their Lion of Judah sisters.

Join us for a panel on the importance of genetic screening. Learn how jscreen plays a crucial role in ensuring a thriving future for the Jewish community. Despite recent challenges, the Jewish community continues to show remarkable resilience, growing and flourishing with steadfast determination in the face of adversity. One of the most powerful ways to secure a bright future is by prioritizing Jewish thriving, and that begins with preventative healthcare. jscreen is committed to this vision, by offering access to genetic screening and counseling to help Jewish families make informed health decisions. Through education and outreach, jscreen empowers individuals to understand and manage genetic risks, paving the way for a future of healthy Jewish families and communities. By focusing on genetic health, we are not just surviving—we are thriving—ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come.

Moderator

Speakers

Participate in an engaging conversation about ways to create your legacy using resources in JFNA’s Lion Behind the Pin tool kit. Be inspired by NWP leaders Sherri Ketai, Paula Filler, and Jennifer Silverman, and program co-founders Shelley Robbins and Debbie Lazarov and begin your journey of sharing your heritage and inspiring generations. Attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a LBTP Jean Jacket.

As Jewish women, mindfulness offers a deeply spiritual practice that connects us to our mission to heal ourselves, our families, and the world. Join Cheryl Brause, Mindfulness Expert and Co-Founder of Pause to be Present, to explore how mindfulness can help you pause, process, and build inner strength to foster optimism in our challenging world.

This ancient practice, easily integrated into our busy modern lives, enhances physical and mental well-being. Through a blend of discussion and meditation, this session will provide accessible tools to help you embrace mindfulness, cultivating inner peace, deeper connections, and a sense of purpose—even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Speakers

Join us for a powerful and urgent conversation with families of hostages and a recently released captive. This panel offers a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from those who have lived through the unimaginable and fighting for the return of their loved ones. Together, they will share the latest on the state of play, their ongoing advocacy efforts, and the critical ways we can all get involved in pushing for the safe release of hostages.

Speakers

If you are in any of these communities, please find your caucus by your community sign by the chairs outside the Marquis Ballroom:

Charleston, Greensboro, Greenwich, Kansas City, Lehigh Valley, New Orleans, Northeastern New York, Omaha, Other, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Princeton Mercer Bucks, San Francisco Bay Area, Southern New Jersey, Stamford CT, Tampa, Tidewater