Next session: Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 pm, Sandler Family Campus
When I first heard about the Partners in Jewish Life program, I struggled to fully grasp what it was all about. From what I understood, it seemed connected to the idea of chevruta, a form of paired learning that I have always deeply appreciated and practiced during my leadership training at the Rutemberg Institute in Haifa. Still, the concept felt a bit abstract.
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, however, that understanding came to life in the most beautiful way. While my children enjoyed engaging and playful activities led by Camp JCC, I participated in the second edition of Partners in Jewish Life. What a joyful surprise it was. Participants were intentionally paired with people they might not normally interact with, creating space for genuine dialogue and discovery. Together, we explored a booklet inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, focusing on the concept of Tikkun Olam and our shared responsibility to repair the world.
The richness of the discussions was inspiring. Listening, questioning, agreeing, disagreeing, and reflecting alongside members of our community from different institutions, backgrounds, and perspectives reminded me of the power of Jewish learning when it is done collectively. Partners in Jewish Life is more than a study series, it is an invitation to build bridges, strengthen relationships, and engage deeply with Jewish values in a respectful and meaningful way.
As we look ahead to the next edition, studying Jewish Identity on February 12, I encourage everyone in our community to participate, with this challenge: bring a friend. Be open, be curious, and be prepared to engage in thoughtful conversation with people who may think differently than you. That is where growth happens. That is where community is built.
I look forward to learning together again.
Partners in Jewish Life is presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, in partnership with the Rabbi Sacks Legacy.
For more information about Partners in Jewish Life or to register, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at SLautman@UJFT.org.
