Kvell at the Well: Celebrating the Joys of Being Jewish Starts on Nov. 3, 2024
Building Bridges is Kolot Mayim Reform Temple’s annual 6-part series of free Zoom lectures offered on scheduled Sunday mornings at 11 AM from November to April. Last year, we welcomed over 600 unique participants locally, nationally and internationally.
Our theme for Building Bridges 24/25 is Kvell at the Well: Celebrating the Joys of Being Jewish. Within the context of the dramatic increase in antisemitism that we have witnessed since the events of October 7th, we believe that it is more important than ever to highlight our proud and strong Jewish culture, history and heritage. The series will provide a unique forum to explore themes of Jewish identity, faith, tradition, and community as well as highlight our resilience, survival and hopes for the future.
The “Well” is a powerful Jewish symbol in the Torah. It is the source of life-giving waters, a community meeting place, a landmark, and a site for divine revelation. Our goal is to inspire and empower Jews to draw from the well of our collective experience and proudly celebrate (kvell about) our shared identity as a people. The series will feature trailblazing Jewish leaders from Canada, the US and Great Britain.
Nov. 3, 2024 Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch For This Moment: Stepping Up to Lead: CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, writer and social justice activist. Rabbi Hirsch hosts the popular weekly podcast, Just For This, where she invites women leaders from various sectors to discuss their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. She will give a thought-provoking talk on women and leadership through the lens of Jewish values. View the lecture here.
Dec. 8, 2024 Rabbi Elyse Goldstein Open Doors, Open Hearts: How Women Have Enriched Judaism and Changed the World: One of the first female Reform Rabbi in Canada, and author of ReVisions: Seeing Torah Through a Feminist Lens. Rabbi Goldstein will share her understanding of how women have opened doors to a richer and brighter future for our world. View the lecture here.
Jan. 12, 2025 Ben M. Freeman The Jews: An Indigenous People: Author of the Jewish Pride trilogy, Freeman will discuss his new book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, set to be released in February 2025 where he boldly affirms that Jews are unequivocally indigenous to Israel. Register here.
Feb 2, 2025 Rabbi Dan Moskovitz The Role and Voice of Liberal Judaism in Canada Post- October 7: Senior Rabbi of Temple Sholom, Vancouver. Rabbi Moskovitz will share his thoughts about the keys to Jewish survival throughout history and within the context of the contemporary challenges of the 21st Century. He will explore fundamental Jewish teachings and cultural expressions that have helped Jews and Judaism survive and thrive through millennia of persecution and trauma. Register here.
March 2, 2025 Jonathan Bergwerk, Audacious Jewish Lives: Jewish Innovators Who Changed the World. Author of the Audacious Jewish Lives book series. Bergwerk will examine the lives and psychology of influential Jews, from Moses to Einstein, Marx and Freud. His talk will highlight their significant impacts on Jewish life and the wider world. Register here.
April 6, 2025 Mordechai Pinchas Torah Tales: Adventures in Scribal Art: Sofer STa”M (Jewish Scribe).Pinchas will share captivating and often humorous stories from his scribal adventures, offering a rare glimpse into the work of a modern Jewish Sofer. Register here.
