SESSION 1 — 12:30 pm

Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Human Relations Study Session: “From Healing to Hope: Pathways to a Better Future”

Yom Kippur is a time of heshbon nefesh — the ultimate accounting of our souls. In this polarized world, how do we continue the dialogue that will lead to unity and a brighter tomorrow. Join outstanding religious leaders who will reflect on this moment in time and the opportunities for us to envision a better future together.

SESSION 2 — 2:00 pm

Public Safety and Attainable Housing: “Repairer of Fallen Walls”

Our Yom Kippur Haftarah portion (Isaiah 58:12) implores us to think beyond our own fast and imagine how we can make our community, and the world, better for all people. Join Eduardo Ferrer, Policy Director, Georgetown University Juvenile Justice Initiative; Cynthia Marshall, Executive Director, Action in Montgomery (AIM); and Alan Banks, Community Engagement & Education Associate, Friendship Place; for a conversation about the relationship between attainable housing and public safety. What can we do to ensure all in our community have an affordable and safe place to live and our community continues to thrive? This session will also highlight WHC initiatives around this topic and give concrete ways our congregants can get involved.

Dick Kaufmann: Young at Heart

An annual tradition as Dick and his band take a musical look at life after retirement. Where should I go? How should I spend my time now that I don’t work 40+ hours a week? And how do I do it and stay young at heart?

Israeli Embassy Chat: Israel Post-October 7th

Rabbi Shankman and Sawsan Hasson, Minister for Public Diplomacy, Israeli Embassy, will discuss the current state of affairs in Israeli society, what we as Americans can do to improve our outreach to other communities, how to strengthen the Israeli narrative, and make the case for Israel. Sawsan will also share what has the Embassy been doing since October 7th to combat antisemitism.

SESSION 3 — 3:30 pm

Poetry & Music

This year has been an extraordinarily challenging one for Jews in Israel and around the world, with antisemitism everywhere, including our high school and college campuses. As we commemorate one year since the attack on Israel and as we struggle to understand our own well-being and safety, this year’s session will bring us together for support, strength, and comfort. Our focus on psalms and prayers set to music by Israeli artists will lead us directly into our Afternoon and Yizkor services.

ALL AFTERNOON

Action for Israel

In addition to offering study sessions, this Yom Kippur we will also provide the opportunity to get involved in action to show our love and support for the State of Israel. Stop by the Hurston Library (located just off of the Kreeger Lobby) between 12:30 and 4:00 pm to write a letter to families who are still waiting for the loved ones who are being held hostage in Gaza, send a card to an IDF soldier thanking them for their sacrifice, or contact your member of Congress to remind them we care about maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. Examples, templates, and all the necessary supplies will be provided.