Using Theater to Illuminate Complex Social Service Issues

Our Opening Plenary will feature Christopher Moses, Artistic Director of The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, the Southeast’s premier producing theater. Christopher will moderate an engaging panel discussion with Jake Brasch, playwright of Sometimes the Path Forward Isn’t The One We Expect, and three talented actors from this poignant and hilarious world-premiere production. The play explores the challenges of addiction, dementia, and the profound power of intergenerational connection. Through performance and interactive theater, we’ll delve into these universal and complex issues that resonate deeply both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the transformative power of storytelling!

https://www.alliancetheatre.org/production/2024-25/the-reservoir

Building Bridges Beyond the Jewish Community

Join us for an inspiring session with Eboo Patel, a renowned leader in interfaith engagement and founder of Interfaith America. Eboo will share powerful tools and strategies for building meaningful relationships beyond the Jewish community, offering innovative approaches to fostering intergroup dialogue and collaboration. Discover how we can create connections that strengthen understanding, trust, and shared purpose across diverse communities.

Eboo Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of American democracy. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Eboo is Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.

Eboo served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote addresses, and has written five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. He is an Ashoka Fellow and holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship. Eboo lives in Chicago with his wife, Shehnaz, and their two sons.

A Dialogue on Responses to Rising Antisemitism

Our Closing Plenary will feature Rabba Rori Picker Neiss, a respected leader in addressing antisemitism and interfaith engagement. As a representative of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and a faculty member for the Spertus College Leadership Certificate Program in Combatting Antisemitism, Rabba Rori will offer insights and strategies for navigating the increasing challenges of antisemitism today.

Following her keynote presentation, she will facilitate a dynamic panel discussion with Talyah Breslin (JFCS Toronto), Allison Steinberg (JVS Toronto), and Jacob Rosenblum (Rose Community Foundation, Denver)—all participants in the Spertus program. Together, they will share their experiences, strategies, and lessons learned in combating antisemitism within their agencies and communities. This thoughtful and timely dialogue will leave us with actionable ideas and renewed determination to face this pressing issue.