Temple Emanuel Speaker Series to Feature Rabbi Sam Weiss on Antisemitism on College Campuses

Temple Emanuel of Andover will present a timely and important community program, “Antisemitism: A View from Campus,” on Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 pm, featuring Rabbi Sam Weiss, a nationally respected Jewish educator and Andover native. The program will explore the rise of antisemitism on college campuses through both historical context and lived experience. The event is open to the public and is particularly encouraged for high school students, parents, and educators. Advance registration through the Temple Emanuel website is required.

Since October 7, Jewish students across the United States have faced increasing harassment, intimidation, and, in some cases, physical violence on their campuses. Incidents have included antisemitic taunts, praise for terrorist violence, and efforts to marginalize Jewish voices in academic spaces. This program is designed to help students, parents, educators, and community members better understand these developments and engage in meaningful conversation.

Rabbi Weiss’s presentation will be offered in two parts: an overview of antisemitism in historical and educational contexts, followed by a firsthand perspective on the current campus climate. He will be joined by Jake Katz, son of Temple members Dana and Matt Katz and a recent graduate of Stanford University. Jake will share his personal experience navigating Jewish life and identity as a college student during this challenging period.

Rabbi Weiss is the son of Gerri and Jeff Weiss and grew up in Andover, where his Jewish education began at the preschool and continued through the Lillian S. Kessel Religious School at Temple Emanuel of Andover. He pursued rabbinical studies at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City and was ordained as a rabbi following his studies.

After ordination, Rabbi Weiss served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth El in Bangor, Maine, and taught courses in Judaic Studies at the University of Maine. He currently serves as the Egalitarian Rabbi and Senior Jewish Educator at Brown RISD Hillel. Rabbi Weiss lives in Providence with his wife, Erin, and their children, Milo and Eden.

“This program is especially important for our community as families prepare students for college and young people consider what Jewish life looks like in academic spaces today,” said Kathe Tuttman and Susie Novick, co-chairs of the Social Action Committee Speaker Series. “Rabbi Weiss brings both deep scholarship and real-world insight to a conversation that is affecting Jewish students nationwide.”

Event Details

Program: Antisemitism: A View from Campus

Date and Time: Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 pm

Location: Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, MA

Registration: Pre-registration required via the Temple website

Admission: Free and open to the public

The Social Action Committee at Temple Emanuel is committed to advancing justice, compassion, and community engagement through service projects, learning opportunities, and advocacy initiatives. The Committee builds partnerships with local organizations to address food insecurity, housing needs, and social equity while empowering members to live out the Jewish values of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

Founded more than one hundred years ago, Temple Emanuel serves members throughout the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire and beyond as a spiritual home, a supportive family and a diverse and inclusive Jewish community that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life. For additional information, email info@templeemanuel.net or contact the Temple office at 978.470.1356. Temple Emanuel is located at 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, MA. For more information, visit www.templeemanuel.net.