No images? Click here
THE M² EXPERIENCE
O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6
"When the Israelites stood at Sinai, Rashi imagined them gathered k’ish echad b’lev echad (Exodus 19:2) — as one person with one heart. Jewish history suggests that such moments are fleeting and difficult to sustain. And yet the aspiration itself still matters."
This is the work of the Peoplehood Papers: Pedagogies of Peoplehood, a collection of educational practices for Jewish Peoplehood from ten of M²'s Pedagogies Research Fellows. We hope you will explore and enjoy.
What's Next
Share Your M² Memories
Help us celebrate M²'s 10th Anniversary by sharing photos, videos, and memories of your M² experiences to our 10 Year Anniversary Padlet—a virtual stroll down memory lane. Post a favorite quote or story that stayed with you, share how M² has impacted your current work, or add your favorite photo or video that still makes you smile.
We can't wait to see what you share!
The Gift of Good Conversation
With 54 conversation cards correlating to the weekly Torah portions, Shabbat Crossroads Cards are geared toward children and learners of all ages.
We have partnered with Simchat Torah Challenge to send a free set of Shabbat Crossroads Cards (while supplies last) to anyone who subscribes to their mailing list for the first time. Limit one set per email address; shipping within the US.
See this week's Torah portion, Bereisheet, in action in our new YouTube series!
M² Aleh Summits for Early-Career Professionals
Aleh is an opportunity for early-career professionals to reconnect with their passion and purpose, gain insights into navigating the challenges of today’s world, and grow their professional skills and network.
For three days, participants learn together, reflect on their values and priorities in the workplace, and become part of a meaningful network of peers.
We're offering 20% off tuition through Nov. 15 for our upcoming Aleh Summit. Know someone who would benefit from Aleh? Nominate them here.
18X18 Compass
Calling all Jewish Organizations
What do you want your community members to take away from the Jewish experiences you offer? M²'s 18x18 Compass helps organizations clarify what matters most and focus their efforts with intention. Fall 2026 enrollment is open — just 6–8 hours over three months, at no cost to organizations thanks to the deep investment of valued philanthropic partners.
Ideas & Insights
Imagery of Pain and Beauty
When pain and beauty go hand in hand, are you able to see them both?
As we commemorate October 7th this week, we are sharing this resource—an activity you can use as is, with your learners of all ages. The resource looks at the imagery of the kalanit, Israel's national flower, and how so many artists used it as a symbol of those killed in the Hamas attacks. May their memories be a blessing.
What We Built Together
A decade after announcing the establishment of M², CEO Shuki Taylor reflects on 10 years of growth and adaptation—and on the one thing that has remained constant: a commitment to helping Jewish life flourish.
M² in Action
Through the Lens of Hope
Israeli alumni from across M² programs gathered at the Herzl Museum to explore sources of hope through Herzl’s vision. The day included a tour of Mount Herzl and an “artivism” workshop with artist and activist Zeev (Shoshke) Engelmayer, who invited participants to create their own hopeful “Daily Postcards.” The gathering took on added meaning as it coincided with the annual memorial marking the Yom Kippur War.
We're Hiring
Marketing Coordinator | Jerusalem (Hybrid) | Part-time
M² is hiring a part-time (50%) Marketing Coordinator to help expand the organization’s marketing efforts, with a primary focus on social media and email marketing, website content, and digital production. This position is based in our Jerusalem office in Talpiot, with an option for a hybrid setup for candidates who live outside the city. Know someone who might be a good fit? Please send them our way!
Development Associate (Maternity Leave Coverage) | Jerusalem | Full-time
M² is hiring a Development Associate for maternity leave coverage, starting November 1 in our Jerusalem office in Talpiot. We’re looking for a strong English writer and highly organized thinker with three years of experience to join our team. This is an in-person position. Know someone who might be a good fit? Please send them our way!
Community Spotlight
Mazal Tov to M² Alumni
Mazal tov to M² alumni who recently were awarded the prestigious Pomegranate Prize from the Covenant Foundation:
- Rabbanit Dalia Davis, Pedagogies of Wellbeing Research Fellowship 2
- Avidan Halivni, Pedagogies of Jewish Peoplehood Research Fellowship 2
- Jessica Herrmann, Senior Educators Cohort 7
- Jonah Peretz-Lange, Collaboratory 2025
- Rabbi Aaron Portman, Yated North America
- Rabbi Lauren Tuchman, 18x18 Summit
Welcome to M²!
Hyim Brandes joins M² as the Director of AI Products. With more than 20 years of experience in Jewish education and educational technology, Hyim most recently spent more than a decade as the Director of Technology and a senior educator at the Lookstein Center for Jewish Education at Bar Ilan University.
David Wietchner joins M² as the Director of AI Research and Content. With a background in Jewish scholarship, educational thought, research, and rabbinic leadership, David most recently served as Research Coordinator and Journal Manager at the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Kogod Research Center.
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.
M²: THE INSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENTIAL JEWISH EDUCATION