03.05.2026 –, (2OG) Kuppelsaal Sprache: English
How do we define "Who is a Jew" in an era of increasing intermarriage and political polarization? How do we balance the integrity of Jewish law with the lived reality of our families?
The International Masorti Movement is asking these questions and working on new halakhic policies - join us in exploring this work in process.
Amichai has taken a bold step forward with his "Joy Proposal" - choosing to officiate at intermarriages under some circumstances and therefore choosing to leave the Masorti Rabbinical Assembly. The film Sabbath Queen explores his journey. (It might be a good idea to watch it before this session.)
Gesa has been part of the conversations of the Rabbinical Assembly, of which she is now president. In her shul, the majority of Bar/Bat Mitzvah kids have one parent who is not halakhically Jewish.
We want to discuss the deeper theological and communal shifts required to sustain Jewish life in the Diaspora and in Israel today, taking two distinct but deeply rooted approaches to the future of the Jewish people, both committed to the evolving boundaries of the Jewish peoplehood.
Gesa ist Rabbinerin der Jüdischen Gemeinde zu Berlin, zuständig für die Synagoge Oranienburger Straße. Sie ist Mitgründerin von Masorti Deutschland und Präsidentin der International Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative/Masorti Rabbis.
Sie ist auch deutsche Delegierte im Präsidium der Zionistischen Weltorganisation. Begeisterte Limmudnikit der ersten Stunde, verheiratet und Mutter von drei Kindern.
Social activist and storyteller, writer and community leader, Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie (he/him) is the Co-Founding Spiritual Leader of the Lab/Shul community in NYC and the creator of the ritual theater company Storahtelling, Inc. Israeli born, he’s been living in New York since 1998.
He is Co-Chair of the Board of Rabbis for Human RIghts, 2026 Inaugural Recipient of Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah Fellowship.
He received his rabbinical ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in 2016, the 39th generation of rabbis in his family — the first one to be openly queer.
Rabbi Amichai is the star of Sabbath Queen, Sandi DuBowski’s award-winning documentary film, 21 years in the making, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2024.