Shalom Hartman Institute x The Well: Jewish Learning Series Kickoff

The Well is thrilled to announce a brand-new partnership with the Shalom Hartman Institute, kicking off with an inaugural session of community learning on Wednesday, November 8th, and continuing through the spring of 2024!

The Shalom Hartman Institute is a leading center of Jewish thought and education, serving Israel and North America. Their mission is to strengthen Jewish peoplehood, identity, and pluralism; to enhance the Jewish and democratic character of Israel; and to ensure that Judaism is a compelling force for good in the 21st century.

This 4-part series is tailored for you: the curious, the concerned, the passionate, and those who might feel like being an adult today requires filling in some important Jewish educational gaps. No matter your level of Jewish education - this series and our educators will meet you where you are. Each session is crafted around a unique theme, bringing together insights and perspectives to empower us in shaping our own leadership journeys.

Kicking things off, we’re diving deep into understanding Israel. We’ll explore what it means to foster a healthy connection with Israel, both personally and within our communities. We’re thrilled to have Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon on board for this inaugural session. More about him below. Stay curious, and see you there!

Future sessions are as follows:

Session 2: Sacred Time, February 2024 

Session 3: Obligation, March 2024

Session 4: Tzedakah, April 2024 

Hartman's Community Leadership Program - Seminar in Israel will take place June 26 - July 3, 2024. Those who attend this series will be eligible to receive funding to subsidize the seminar. More information coming soon! Learn more about the seminar here:

Due to the generosity of donors, there is no cost to attend. Please note that this program is available exclusively for young adults, approximately ages 21-40. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Learn more about Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon, guest educator for the 11/8 Kickoff:

Rabbi Dr. Joshua Ladon is the Director of Education for the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where he guides the content and curriculum of national and regional programs to help ensure our cutting-edge offerings speak to the realities of the Jewish community and the challenges of the Jewish people. An award-winning educator, Joshua previously oversaw programming for Hartman in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to Hartman he served as the Dean of Student and Jewish Life at the Jewish Community High School of the Bay.

Joshua received a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and subsequently lived in Jerusalem for seven years, completing an MA in Jewish Thought at Tel Aviv University. He also received rabbinic ordination from the Shalom Hartman Institute and a doctorate in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Joshua also teaches in the Interreligious Studies Program at the Graduate Theological Union.