Jewish Leadership Academy Evening of Learning on December 6

Rabbi Shira Stutman, Senior Rabbi of Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington, D.C., a noted expert on civil discourse and inclusion, will headline a community celebration and evening of learning with the brand new Greater Hartford Jewish Leadership Academy (JLA) on Wednesday, December 6, 2017. The free community program will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Hartford's Gengras Student Main Ballroom, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford.

Rabbi Stutman uses “radical welcoming” techniques to make and build Jewish community at Sixth and I, which has been called “a utopian model” for community possibility by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz. During the December 6 program, Rabbi Stutman will give a presentation on Jewish text study and discuss her work in civil discourse, followed by interactive table discussions and exercises to allow attendees to gain experience with and get tailored feedback and practical guidance on how to listen and speak more respectfully and effectively in all areas of their lives.

This program is the public kickoff of JLA, which will strengthen existing leaders and train new leaders to build a more vibrant, connected and vital Jewish community in Greater Hartford. JLA will offer a range of programs and services, including group learning experiences, individually tailored leadership development plans, and one-on-one coaching and mentoring.

The Evening of Learning is also the first program in a new series, “A Year of Civil Discourse,” presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. The goal of the series is to encourage deeper discussion of difficult topics while respecting diverse opinions.

The December 6 program is free and open to the public and a kosher dinner will be served; reservations are required by Wednesday, November 29. To reserve your spot or to learn more, email info@jlahartford.org or call 860.727.6151.