No images? Click here
THE M² EXPERIENCE
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6
"With Rosh Hashanah around the corner, our Jewish calling to introspect is here. The beautiful thing about this holiday, though, is that we’re all in it together."
In our latest blog post, M² Senior Program Director Abby Mintz reflects on the power of introspection, both in her work at M² and in her personal journey, and how looking inward can help us grow as we look ahead to Rosh Hashanah.
What's Next
A Gift for Rosh Hashanah
Crossroads Cards: Shabbat Discussions pose real-life dilemmas that young people can relate to – a fight with a sibling, a group chat that went too far, a rule that feels unfair. Each card connects with that week's parsha, the weekly Torah portion, relating everyday life to a larger question Jewish tradition has been wrestling with for generations.
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 only.
How to Use Shabbat Crossroads Cards
Happening Today
Join our free virtual workshop today, September 2, to learn how to bring the cards into your own classroom, youth group, or Shabbat dinner table and spark thoughtful, lively discussions.
📆 September 2 – Today!
🕙 12PM ET / 9AM PT / 7PM Israel
📍 Join us on Zoom
Deep Dive Israel for Senior Educators Cohort (SEC) Alumni
Calling all SEC Alumni!
Experience Israel with M² through our signature educational approach — combining site-based learning, meaningful encounters, and values-driven exploration of the stories and questions shaping Israeli society today.
✈️ Travel to Israel October 19–24, 2026, with SEC alumni from across the globe.
✨ The program is heavily subsidized and the cost of participation is only $500. Generous travel stipends are available as well.
M² Aleh Summits For Early-Career Professionals
Early-Bird Discount!
Aleh is a three-day summit for early-career professionals at Jewish communal organizations 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 a limited time, two of our upcoming summits are offering a 40% tuition discount. Aleh is open to all professionals at Jewish organizations, no matter their role or Jewish background.
18X18 Compass Pilot
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. Join a webinar on September 3rd (tomorrow!) or 15th to learn more.
Ideas & Insights
Reclaiming a Judaism of Doing in the Classroom
In a conversation especially relevant for day school educators, M² CEO Shuki Taylor explores what it really means to build a Judaism of doing rather than a Judaism of ideas – and what that can look like in the classroom. Listen to this episode of Leadership Lenses hosted by Barry Kislowicz.
Carrying the Broken Tablets: Jewish Education in a Fractured Moment
In an op-ed for eJewishPhilanthropy, Mabat 2 alum Rabbi Na’ama Levitz Applbaum, Director of Educational Leadership and Engagement at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, writes about the importance of equipping our students with the right tools to engage with our complex reality without fear.
M² Director of Resources Ilana Gleicher-Bloom writes about what it was like working with her kids to help develop Crossroads Cards, using their real-life experiences and reactions to shape this new resource, and opening up her own family’s Shabbat table to a myriad of fascinating discussions.
The Future of Zionism Begins at Summer Camp
M² Aleh participant Avishai Infeld, Outreach & Special Projects Coordinator at the American Zionist Movement, writes in The Times of Israel about the vital role Jewish summer camps can play in shaping young people’s connections to Israel.
Empower Students to Embrace Their Hyphenated Identities
M² Past Board Member Becky Voorwinde, CEO of The Bronfman Fellowship, writes for Interfaith America about the power of embracing a hyphenated Jewish-American identity, and why helping young Jews celebrate their hyphenated identities is essential to strengthening belonging.
We're Hiring
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
Welcome to M²!
Justin Rockman joins the M² team as our General Manager of Products & Technologies, based in our Jerusalem office. Justin is a technology entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building and scaling companies. At M², he leads the organization's products and technologies.
Molly Jirgal joins M² as a program coordinator working on the 18x18 Compass initiative, based in our Chicago office. She is excited to bring her data analysis and community-building experience to M² to help Jewish organizations align their offerings with the unique needs of their communities.
Our Deepest Condolences
M² staff and board extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Lowell Glazer, a generous philanthropist and supporter of M² who made a lasting impact in Baltimore and beyond. May his memory be a blessing.
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