Dear Friend,

We often think of our values as something we articulate – ideas we name or beliefs we hold. But in reality, they take shape in quieter ways, through the decisions we make, especially when the path forward is unclear.

This month, over 90 early-career professionals chose to show up. They gathered at the M² Aleh Summit in New Orleans, coming together to learn, to connect, and to take seriously their role in shaping a future that is still unfolding.

In doing so, they offered a quiet but powerful reminder: even in moments of uncertainty, the things that strengthen us most are commitment, community, and a willingness to show up.

Don’t miss two upcoming virtual sessions offering practical, thoughtful tools for navigating and leading conversations about Israel.

Warmly,
The M² Team

Connection in a Complicated Moment: Talking Israel with Teens

Before teens head off to camp, Israel trips, or other summer programs, equip yourself with a resource that turns complexity into conversation. Join us for a practical session on how to use the Crossroads: Israel Edition card set to engage teens in meaningful discussions about Israel.

📆 Thursday, May 28 | 12:00-1:00 pm Eastern

Israel Education at an Inflection Point: Complexity, Conviction, and Community

Why have conversations about Israel become so fraught, and what does it take to lead them well? Hear M² CEO Shuki Taylor bring his perspective to Spertus Institute’s Critical Conversations and be part of a timely, nuanced discussion. 

📆 Monday, May 11 | 11:00 am -12:30 pm Eastern

M²  ישראל: מועדים חדשים וריטריט

נמשכת ההרשמה לתוכניות המוצעות החל מחודש מאי בעלות מסובסדת במיקומים שונים ברחבי הארץ:

מרחב ערכים: בואו לחשוב מחדש על הערכים שמניעים אותנו בעשייה החינוכית בעת הזו.

📆 הרי ירושלים, יד השמונה, 21-23.6.26

 יתד: בואו לחקור כיצד נחנך לעתיד טוב יותר, להצטייד בשפה ובכלים מעשיים.

📆 שדה בוקר, שרמנ׳ס, 18-19.5.26 | הרי ירושלים, יד השמונה, 21-22.6.26

חדש! ריטריט קיץ: תחנת רענון לאנשי ונשות חינוך באמצע הקריירה. מספר המקומות מוגבל וההשתתפות מותנית בהליך קבלה. ההרשמה עד 11 במאי 2026. 

📆 הרי ירושלים, יד השמונה, 5-8 ביולי 2026

In a recent piece for Sources, Arna Poupko Fisher, an M² Educational Advisory Board Member and former Board Member, shares how thoughtfully navigating discomfort in the classroom can foster growth, self-awareness, and transformative educational encounters.

In this Q&A with Dr. Tamar Hess, she illustrates the ripple effects of Zionism in modern Hebrew poetry by featuring a poem by M²’s Israel Programs Director, Shlomit Naim Naor.

Rabbi Jen Gubitz, Pedagogies of Wellbeing alum, published a piece on Zibby Owens Online Essay Collection: “On Flying While Jewish,” a personal reflection on the lessons that traveling with a toddler taught her.

Gila Silverman, a Jewish Pedagogies Research Fellowships and SEC 8 alum, shared a moving essay, “The Beginning of the End: A Hospice Reflection,” published by Lilith Magazine.

All of us at M² send heartfelt condolences to M² partner Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein on the passing of her brother, M² program participant Matan Koch. Matan was an all-around incredible person who, among many other things, was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, dedicating his life to advancing inclusion and accessibility in both civic and Jewish spaces.

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy continue to inspire.

Have you started a new position? Published a thought leadership piece? Received an award? Please let us know so we can congratulate you and update our community and our records. 

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