3/17/2019
School of Social Work
The world is changing and so is Jewish feminism. At this critical juncture, the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Jewish Communal Leadership Program (JCLP) has brought together three unique individuals who center feminism as a Jewish value. Join JCLP and April Baskin, Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann and Sarah Hurwitz as we relate the legacies of Jewish feminism to what it means to confront today’s opportunities and challenges. These pioneering women are bringing together traditional and innovative approaches in order to create communities that center women, Jews of Color, gender nonconforming people, and other marginalized peoples. Each build innovative Jewish communities, expand boundaries, open doors and break through ceilings. As the Racial Justice Director for the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, April Baskin centers voices of Jews of Color and the LGBTQIA+ community. The founder of Mishkan Chicago, Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann, redefines and revitalizes Jewish congregational life. Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter for Michelle and former President Barack Obama, now works to empower women and build their voices in politics and beyond. April Baskin, Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann and Sarah Hurwitz are critically thinking about the challenges facing Jewish feminism today. When united, their voices guide us in building the Jewish feminist future.