Highlighting Economic Vulnerability within Jewish Communities

📅 Tuesday, April 22, 2025
🕡 6:30–8:00 pm CT | 💻 Online Program

We are proud to share that Reuben D. Rotman, President and CEO of The Network will be a featured panelist in the upcoming Critical Conversations 2025 program hosted by the Spertus Institute.

This year’s program, Exploring Economic Vulnerability within Jewish Communities, brings together prominent voices in research, philanthropy, and social service to examine the challenges facing economically vulnerable members of the Jewish community in the United States. The panel will discuss the scope of the issue and highlight innovative strategies being implemented to offer support and stability.

Reuben will contribute insights from The Network’s national work in strengthening Jewish human service agencies and leading efforts to address poverty, mental health, disability, and aging in our communities. Under his leadership, The Network has become a central platform for collaboration, capacity-building, and advocacy on these critical issues.

About the Event

Hosted annually by the Spertus Institute, Critical Conversations brings together high-profile experts and activists to explore pressing issues in Jewish life. Past topics have included antisemitism, race, immigration, and climate change.

This year’s program will be moderated by Dr. Dean P. Bell, President and CEO of Spertus Institute, and will feature:

• Jon Hornstein, Senior Program Officer, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

• Dr. Ilana M. Horwitz, Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies and Sociology, Tulane University

• Reuben D. Rotman, President and CEO, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies

We encourage our members and partners to attend this important conversation and engage with the ongoing efforts to uplift and support individuals and families facing economic challenges in Jewish communities.