A panel of LJCC members discuss the ways in which Israel - as a place, an historical reality, a political state, an idea - has shaped their own Jewish identity. After the panelists speak about their personal relationship to and understanding of Israel, we will have an open discussion.

We ask that those who attend and choose to speak do so from their own experience and not from a place that hopes to change how others feel. 

Within our community, there are a diversity of perspectives. The goal of this event is to strengthen our community not through the pursuit of consensus but rather through the goal of mutual understanding and the acknowledgment of our difference. The views expressed in this panel are entirely those of the speakers and in no way represent an official position of the LJCC. 

The panel for "What Israel Means to Me" includes Henry Bial, Janice Friedman, Ari Linden, David Berkowitz, and friend of the community, Wren Browne.

This event is part of the on-going communal conversation that we began in October 2023 with a community solidarity potluck. Other programming has included the community discussion forum on the war in Gaza (February 2024) and the guest lecture from Dr. Avi Shilon (April 2024). 

Please note that this event is in-person only.