Three scholars take a look at two dueling collective identities currently circulating in the Jewish world. One is the Jewish Peoplehood framework, an imagined “collective identity” that transcends time and space. The other is a developing, de facto Israeli identity that transcends religious and ethnic affiliation. Participants will walk away with an understanding of what each framework signifies, how they compete with each other, how they complement each other and how they may represent facets of a growing divide.

Nurture a sense of hope and inspiration as you learn how grassroots efforts are building a peaceful shared society in Israel. Packed with insights from a youth movement leader representing Jewish and Palestinian Israelis, an American cultural festival organizer based in Jerusalem and more, this conversation will cover topics such as growth opportunities, developing new partnerships and how the American shared society experience maps on to that of Israel. Expand your knowledge in what is sure to be a fascinating panel discussion.

Recently, Ultra-Orthodox women in the United States and Israel are setting historic precedents in their professional careers while leading vibrant family lives at the same time. What do these accomplished individuals, Judge Ruchi Freier and Israeli President Rivlin’s Chief of Staff Rivka Ravitz, have to say about optimism for the future of the Jewish community? Explore the evolution of the Ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel and North America as you discover the many ways to express identity and Jewishness as a people.

Two celebrated, 21st century comedians walk into a conference and…what could happen? Humor is not only a mainstay of Jewish identity, it is a secret weapon in mitigating tensions or teasing them out for discussion and deeper connection. Take part in an entertaining comedy and identity master class that will examine Israeli and American identities through an unfiltered, candid conversation about and with humor.

Chef Einat Admony is an Israeli chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author who is of Iraqi, Iranian and Yemenite descent. Also known as the ultimate balaboosta, Admony is the chef and owner of Balaboosta, the fine-dining Middle Eastern restaurant; Kish-Kash, New York’s first couscous bar; and the beloved falafel chain, Taim. Treat your taste buds with Chef Admony as you sample flavors and combinations that explore identity through cuisine.

Join Spoken Word Artist Vanessa Hidary for a live performance and conversation highlighting the personal monologue as a powerful tool in expressing Jewish identity.

Looking for a genuine Z3 experience of meeting others and bridging the divide through engagement and shared understanding? Be part of these lively, interactive roundtable conversations moderated by Rabbi Josh Weinberg. Take a seat at a table for 10 where an editable “conversation cloth” will help participants break the ice and conduct an interactive discussion about the nature of the relationship between United States and Israeli Jews. Chock-full of imagery and guided steps, this exercise is for anyone who approaches the Israel-Diaspora relationship with curiosity and an open mind.

What does Jewishness look like outside of the Jewish State? This unmissable breakout session presents the stars of the hit Israeli TV documentary mini-series “The New Jew” in a multi-faceted conversation about personal journeys and vibrant, creative expressions of Jewishness across America. Moderated by Guri Alfi, one of Israel’s top comedians, storytellers and TV personalities, this panel will offer a deeper appreciation of and a warm-hearted Israeli perspective on American Jewish diversity – its struggles, its challenges and its opportunities.

How do we separate fact from fiction about Jewish life on campus? This panel will present diverse perspectives on tolerance vs. bigotry in American colleges as well as a review of the recent incident at UC Berkeley Law School where certain student groups passed a bylaw stating they would not invite Zionists to speak on campus. What does this incident indicate, if anything, about the broader sense of Jewish life and identity at universities? Attendees of this talk will leave with a better understanding of the context, become more informed on the issues and will be equipped to contextualize similar events that take place.

Do the recent Israeli elections have an impact on the relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry? Bear witness as rock stars of Israeli policy come together for a frank conversation about the Israeli elections as seen from the vantage points of statecraft, diplomacy, academia and politics. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of Israeli society as well as why what happens in Israel does not necessarily stay in Israel.

Enjoy a master class in identity and music featuring some of the most celebrated voices from Israel and the Diaspora today. Sha’anan Streett is a musician, script-writer, social activist and lead singer of HaDag Nahash, one of Israel’s most successful and influential hip-hop/funk bands. Saul Kaye is an international touring Jewish music artist. Originally known as the pioneer of Jewish blues, Kaye has released 10 CDs of his own and produced eight albums for other artists. ​Pnina Agenyahu, named one of 66 Israeli influential women one should know and Director of Partnership2Gether with The Jewish Agency for Israel, leads an exploration of musical influences, song and a positive Jewish identity rooted in the creative arts.

"Join Rabbi Zac Kamenetz and Sarah Persitz from Shefa for this unique session as they share stories from their field of “psychedelic Judaism.” As Jews seek out the purported benefits of psychedelic medicines, how might we begin dialoguing about the potential for healing our national traumas and shifting communal narratives? What tools from Jewish tradition might be supportive in this process? Participants will also be guided through a simulated psychedelic experience* to step into an expanded state of consciousness, before sharing in a process of integration, or meaning making. *This involves a rapid breathing technique and is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant. Additional caution should be taken for those with high blood pressure. A modified option will be available offering a more meditative embodied experience. "

The Declaration contains some of the biggest complexities and tensions the Jewish people still face today. The process of writing the Declaration of Independence was fascinating and rife with conflict and arguments. In the session, we will dive into the Declaration, familiarize ourselves with it, the secrets behind the words, and the possible resolutions it offers to some of the biggest challenges we face as a people and Diaspora-Israel relations at large.