Capturing the Spirit of Shabbat as Alumni Return to Jerusalem Campus

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the Taube Family Campus in Jerusalem hosted the Annual Alumni Shabbat Experience. The event welcomed over 80 alumni, students, faculty, and guests back to campus for a day of uplifting prayer, enriching learning, and heartfelt connections. Cantor Sarah Grabiner, Associate Director of the Year-In-Israel program, with Israeli rabbinic students Miriam Jano and Olya Malov, led Tefillah as we welcomed our 15 new Year-In-Israel students to campus as they began their time in Jerusalem together.

In addition to remarks from President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D., and Nachman Shai, Ph.D. Dean of the Jerusalem Campus, the afternoon was filled with powerful stories from alumni and students about their work in Israel during these challenging times, underscoring the enduring bonds within the HUC-JIR community.

The group welcomed Elana Kaminka, a lay leader in the Reform congregation of Tzur Hadassah, whose son, Yanai Kaminka z"l, fell on October 7 while protecting his fellow soldiers. She reflected on his life, their grief, and how they have pursued peace and understanding to honor his memory even in this impossibly tense time. Lastly, HUC-JIR's Golden Family Hanassi Fellows shared stories of their inspiring work during and following the program, which is focused on strengthening the bonds between Israeli, North American, and world Jewry.

Later that evening, HUC-JIR and Shalom Hartman Institute hosted "My Rabbi, My Teacher, My Friend: The Torah I Learned from Rabbi David Ellenson z"l." The event featured several of David's students and colleagues reflecting on his teachings, and how he shaped their leadership and vision.

Here are some moments from this memorable day together.