In a new program for Jewish Louisville, nine Major Gifts Herzlian Events, where leading figures will address important issues, will be held between October and January.
The series is named for Theodor Herzl, who is considered the father of modern Zionism.
The events, part of a greater relationship-building effort by Jewish Federation of Louisville, are open to leading donors who give $5,000 and above to the Annual Campaign.
The events will involve small home-hosted lunches and dinners designed to provide intimate settings to meet and talk with like-minded members of the community about a topic that is inspirational and thought-provoking.
Topics for the events range from “The Roots of Jewish Cuisine” to “The Right of Free Speech in American & Jewish Law” to “Israel Advocacy in a Polarized Age
Each event will host a notable speaker, including:
• Michael Fraade, director of The J’s Jewish Outdoor, Food, and Environmental Education program;
• Fred Whitaker, a Holocaust education instructor at St. Francis Assisi School;
• Cantors David Lipp of Adath Jeshurun and Sharon Hordes of Keneseth Israel;
• Rabbi Gary Zola, director of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives;
• Dr. Abigail Glogower, curator of Jewish collections at the Filson Historical Society;
• Sheldon Gilman, a recently retired attorney with 40 years of experience practicing law;
• Charles Glick and Dr. Sheri Ross, respectively a member of the National Council of AIPAC and a national board member of Stand With Us, both Israel advocacy groups;
• Dr. Eli Capilouto, 12th president of the University of Kentucky; and
• Dr. Ranen Omer-Sherman, JHFE-endowed chair in Judaic studies at the University of Louisville.
The tradition of the Herzlian Event began in the late 1800’s at the home of Herzl, founder of the World Zionist Organization. A man who was deeply curious about the world around him, he invited Jewish thinkers and activists of his day from many backgrounds to spend an evening engaged in conversation regarding the continuity of the Jewish people.
For more information about the events, contact Julie Hollander, director of women’s philanthropy and outreach, jhollander@jewishlouisville.org. Karen Abrams and Shellie Branson are the event co-chairs.