NJ iTeen Summit Schedule
Sunday, April 7 | 10:30-3:30 PM EST
Kaplen JCC on the Palisades
Tenafly, NJ
Schedule of Events
10:30 am – 11 am WELCOME AND REGISTRATION
11 am – 11:45 am OPENING PLENARY
Room 207/208
iTeen Fellows Welcome
Honoring 6 Months since October 7
Vanessa Hidary, the Hebrew Mamita
iTeen Fellows
12 pm – 12:45 pm BREAKOUT SESSION 1
THE TOP FIVE ZIONIST MOMENTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
Unpacked (Sarah Himeles) Room 201
One of the most important tools in Israel education today is ensuring that we have a strong sense of cultural literacy around Israel and Zionism. This session will highlight five key moments in Zionist history that all of us should know, discuss why each event is so crucial to learn, and showcase how Unpacked resources engage with each of these topics.
MAPS AS NARRATIVES
The iCenter (Omer Haviv) Room 202
Every map tells a story from a certain point of view. When it comes to Israel, maps are rapidly changing, and often used as a tool to make a point, political or otherwise. In this interactive session, you’ll go deep into how maps act as storytellers, depending on what details the map-maker decides to include or leave out. You’ll get skills to analyze maps of Israel and identify the perspectives they’re promoting. By the end, you’ll have a new lens for seeing how maps can distort or illuminate reality, and you’ll be ready to make sure the map stories you engage with align with your own views and values around Israel.
MANAGING INTERPERSONAL POLITICAL TENSIONS BETWEEN FRIENDS, PEERS, PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBER
Moving Traditions (Daniel Brenner), Room 203
When do we choose to confront others, open to dialogue with others, or actively avoid others? During the upsurge of Anti-Zionism we have all had to navigate some interpersonal relationships that are increasingly challenging. We’ll explore how relationships, both within families and within school and afterschool contexts, have been frayed by the ongoing political polarization of the Israel-Hamas war and we’ll experience some communication strategies that can help us navigate troubled times.
WHICH ISRAEL DO I STAND WITH? MY VALUES AND ISRAEL IN CONVERSATION,
Tovanot (Ruti Kadish), Room 204
American Jews widely support and believe in Israel as the Democratic Homeland of the Jewish People. Effectively, an equal number of Jews and Palestinians live between ‘the river and the sea.’ Both people are here to stay. What does that mean for a Jewish and Democratic state?
EXPLORE YOUR JEWISH IDENTITY THROUGH SPOKEN WORD
(Vanessa Hidary), Room 205
Unleash your creativity and explore your Jewish identity through the powerful medium of spoken word poetry. How have recent world events impacted your Jewish identity? What do you want the world to know about you? Guided by seasoned poet Vanessa Hidary, you’ll have the opportunity to express yourself, share your truth, and connect with others in a supportive environment. Whether you’re a writer or new to poetry, this inclusive space is yours to find your voice and craft your unique narrative through the art of spoken word.
POWER, VULNERABILITY, AND RESPONSIBLITY: JUDAISM AFTER OCTOBER 7th
Hartman (Rachel Slutsky), Room 210
This class, we will explore various texts—a biblical vignette, a memoir, and a Washington Post article—each touching on the question of Jewish power. When do we as Jews have power, agency, domination? When, by contrast, are we vulnerable, weak, threatened? How do we negotiate these things during a time of war in Israel and Gaza, and what is our responsibility?
NAVIGATING CONTROVERSEY: IS ANTI-ZIONISM A FORM OF ANTISEMITISM? ANSWERING TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT ISRAEL
IAC, Room 212
In today’s global landscape, discussions surrounding Israel and its policies often spark heated debates, particularly among teenagers who are navigating complex socio-political issues. This session aims to provide clarity on a contentious topic: the relationship between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. By delving into historical contexts, understanding definitions, and examining contemporary perspectives, you will gain insights to navigate these discussions thoughtfully and respectfully.
(PARENTS)
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR AN ARGUMENT
For the Sake of Argument (Robbie Gringras), Room 207/208
Is there a way to have a disagreement without it turning into a screaming match? Is there a way to break out of anxious silence and say what I actually mean? This participatory workshop will give you frameworks and tools to begin to find your way to having healthy arguments about Israel.
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm LUNCH AND ROOTONE SHUK
Room 207/208 and Hallway
Lunch, Israeli snacks, Israeli dancing, raffles and more!
2 pm – 2:45 pm BREAKOUT SESSION 2
THE TOP FIVE ZIONIST MOMENTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
Unpacked (Sarah Himeles), Room 201
One of the most important tools in Israel education today is ensuring that we have a strong sense of cultural literacy around Israel and Zionism. This session will highlight five key moments in Zionist history that all of us should know, discuss why each event is so crucial to learn, and showcase how Unpacked resources engage with each of these topics.
EVERYDAY HEROES: IGNITE YOUR POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD
The iCenter (Omer Haviv), Room 202
What does it mean to take action and make a difference—for your community, for Israel, and for the Jewish people? Through exploration of real “Everyday Heroes,” gain a deeper understanding of the impact even small acts can have when we come together in unity. Gain insight into the ways ordinary people have shown extraordinary initiative and courage. Find inspiration to identify needs in your own community and bring about positive change.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL RESPONSES TO ANTI-SEMITISM AND ANTI-ZIONISM
Moving Traditions (Daniel Brenner), Room 203
How do we absorb all the hateful, moronic, and vile things that people are saying about us and about our homeland without losing our emotional balance and sense of overall wellbeing? This session will explore, from a Jewish perspective, how we process negativity, react to hate when it comes close to us, and how we learn to become stronger in the face of difficult times.
WHY ARE THE HANDMAIDS MARCHING ON JERUSALEM? ISRAEL’S SOCIAL PROTESTS AND YOU
Tovanot (Ruti Kadish), Room 204
Like the saying about Jerusalem, there is an Israel of our dreams and there is an Israel ‘on the ground’ comprising a population of nearly 10 million living their daily lives. Every cultural and social fissure and challenge that exists in the US exists in Israel with, of course, some contextual differences. Since Jan 2023, hundreds of thousands have been protesting in the streets. Why? And What does this have to do with you
THIS IS THE PLACE FOR AN ARGUMENT
For the Sake of Argument (Robbie Gringras), Room 205
Is there a way to have a disagreement without it turning into a screaming match? Is there a way to break out of anxious silence and say what I actually mean? This participatory workshop will give you frameworks and tools to begin to find your way to having healthy arguments about Israel.
POWER, VULNERABILITY, AND RESPONSIBLITY: JUDAISM AFTER OCTOBER 7th
Hartman (Rachel Slutsky), Room 210
This class, we will explore various texts—a biblical vignette, a memoir, and a Washington Post article—each touching on the question of Jewish power. When do we as Jews have power, agency, domination? When, by contrast, are we vulnerable, weak, threatened? How do we negotiate these things during a time of war in Israel and Gaza, and what is our responsibility?
IAC EITANIM – ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM FOR TEENS
IAC (Maya Doron), Room 212
IAC Eitanim Connects teenagers to Israel through innovation and entrepreneurship, building the leaders of the future with in depth skills & tools for personal growth and societal awareness with Israel at heart.
(PARENTS)
MEETING PARENTS IN THIS MOMENT: NAVIGATING PARENTING THROUGH MOMENTS OF CRISIS AND UNCERTAINTY
JTEEN/The Jewish Education Project (Erica Hruby), Room 207/208
Parenting a teen when the world is ‘calm’ is challenging enough. When crisis and uncertainty is layered on top of that, parents are presented with a whole new set of challenges. Using the tragedies that began on October 7 to frame the conversation, we will explore ways parents can support and guide their teens through times of uncertainty, exploring the impact social media has on teen mental health as well as social media’s role in shaping their understanding of facts and narratives. We will also discuss strategies for parents to use in support their own self-care.
3 – 3:30 pm CLOSING – iTeen Fellows
Room 207/208
Rabbi Daniel Brenner
RABBI DANIEL BRENNER was described by the New York Times as a ”rabbi, storyteller, and aerobics instructor” for his creative approach to Jewish education and pedagogy. For the last thirteen years, Daniel has brought together Jewish wisdom and developmental psychology in his role at Moving Traditions, where he currently serves as VP of education. He has helped train the Tel Yehudah staff for over a decade and has worked with over ninety other Jewish overnight and day camps as an educational consultant or trainer. He lives with his beloved, Dr. Lisa Brenner, in Montclair, New Jersey. Their three children, Noam, Jonah, and Adira, all went to and worked at Young Judaea camps.
Erica Hruby
ERICA HRUBY is a Jewish educator with nearly 30-years of teaching, curriculum writing, and professional development experience in Jewish community, academic, and residential settings. Erica serves as the Senior Manager of National Teen Education and Engagement at The Jewish Education Project. She is the founder of Anchored Parenting, LLC where she serves as an educator and coach for tw/teens and parents of tw/teens. Erica has an M.A. from Georgia School of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a focus on children and adolescents.
Omer Haviv
OMER HAVIV Omer was born and raised in Israel. During her military service, Omer graduated from the prestigious Israeli Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree from Haifa University. She was the first woman to serve aboard a Sa’ar 5 Class Corvette, creating the opportunity for women to serve aboard this type of vessel. Omer has a Research-Master’s degree in Policy and Management in Education from Tel Aviv University and has written pioneering research about Educational Networks in Israel. Before moving to the U.S, she managed a non-profit sailing association and received her Teaching Certificate. Omer is excited to work with The iCenter as Chicago’s Shinshinim hub coordinator, bringing young Israeli volunteers to North America to teach and enrich Jewish communities.
Ruti Kadish
RUTI KADISH has been active in the feminist, LGBT, and peace movements, in both the U.S. and Israel, for over two decades. Ruti was born in Israel where she spent most of her childhood. After completing her military service, Ruti left Israel to study in the United States. She received a BA in Women’s Studies and a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from UC Berkeley. Before a postdoc in Israel Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park, Ruti was a Fellow at the Mandel School for Educational Leadership in Jerusalem where she designed progressive Israel curricula for informal Jewish education. Ruti has taught women’s studies, Jewish and Israel studies and LGBT studies courses at UC Berkeley and the University of Maryland College Park. Through the early aughts Ruti worked as a consultant in diversity education, primarily assisting primary schools in becoming more welcoming environments for all different kinds of families, including LGBT headed families. Later Ruti directed Congressman Jamie Raskin’s Democracy Summer Project, which works to educate, train, empower, and mobilize high school and college students to elect progressive leaders at all levels of government. For the past 15 years Ruti has worked in the Israel/Palestine space, educating toward social justice, a diplomatic solution, and self determination for Palestinians and Israelis.
Sara Himeles
SARA HIMELES is editor in chief at Unpacked. She has created and managed content and strategic communications for former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and presidential candidate Barack Obama. Sara received rabbinical ordination from Ziegler at American Jewish University in Los Angeles and her BA in communications and public service from the University of Pennsylvania.
Vanessa Hidary
VANESSA HIDARY (Founder, Director, Producer) – Internationally acclaimed Spoken Word Artist/ Author/ Director Vanessa Hidary, grew up on Manhattan’s culturally diverse Upper West Side. Her experiences as a Sephardic Jew with close friends from different ethnic and religious backgrounds inspired her to write “Culture Bandit,” the nationally toured solo show that chronicles Vanessa’s coming of age during the golden age of Hip-Hop. She has aired three times on “Russell Simmons Presents ‘Def Poetry Jam’ on HBO, and is featured in the award winning film “The Tribe,” which was selected for the Sundance Film Festival, The Tribeca Film Festival, and The Jewish Motifs International Film Festival in Warsaw, Poland. Vanessa was chosen as one of 50 speakers to appear at the “2010 IdeaCity- Canada’s Premiere Meeting of the Minds’”. She has appeared at numerous LIMMUD conferences including South Africa and the UK, and has performed at the Lion Of Judah conference at the Jewish Federation’s General Assembly convention. Her popular poem, “The Hebrew Mamita,” went viral garnering over half a million YouTube hits, igniting widespread discussion among Jews and non Jews alike regarding the subject of identity. She is the founder of the Kaleidoscope Project, a narrative-arts driven initiative that was sparked by a desire to highlight the stories of Jews of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, observance levels, and interfaith experiences.
Rachel Slutsky
Rachel Slutsky is an assistant professor of Jewish Studies at Seton Hall University, a Catholic university in New Jersey. She teaches courses on world religions, Jewish history, the Tanakh/Hebrew Bible, and the Jewish beliefs and history that shaped the early Christian tradition. Rachel is also an academic fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. After graduating from the Maimonides School in Brookline, MA, Rachel attended Yeshiva University (BA, 2014), the University of Chicago (MA, 2016), and Harvard University (PhD, 2022). In her free time, Rachel enjoys teaching Zumba, reading a good book, taking walks, and embroidering. Rachel wants to love cooking but finds it stressful! She lives in Linden, NJ, in a Modern Orthodox community alongside a Chassidic community, with her husband Jacob and their daughter Liba Naamah.
Robbie Gringras
Robbie Gringras is a British-born Israeli writer, educator, and performer living on the top of a hill in the Galilee. He is co-director of For the Sake of Argument, and co-author of “Stories for the Sake of Argument” with Abi Dauber Sterne. In Israel education Robbie coined the phrase “Hugging and Wrestling with Israel”, created and drives the 4HQ System of Israel Education, and consults and teaches internationally on Israel Education. Robbie has also worked in professional theater for over 30 years. In 1991 he co-founded his own physical story theater company called Besht Tellers – performing on London’s West End and throughout the world. Since making aliya, he has taught at Israel’s main theater schools, directed several plays, and his self-written solo shows perform throughout the world in English, Hebrew, and Spanish. He’s married to Dorit, a magical stained-glass artist, and they have two kids. www.robbiegringras.com
Maya Doron
I am the activism and civic engagement manager of the IAC NJ’s chapter.
Working with schools, communities and teens, we combat antisemitism by educating about it and providing efficient knowledge and tools to be able to advocate for Israel and to become Israel’s next generations’ ambassadors.