Faith Into Action: Full Schedule and Panels
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast and networking
9:30 – 9:45: Welcome remarks from NCJW NY Executive Director and Rabbi Sara Sapadin
9:50 – 10:50: Rooted in Values: A History of Jewish Action for Reproductive Freedom
This panel will look at the longstanding role Jewish leaders and communities have played in advancing reproductive rights. Panelists will reflect on how Jewish values have shaped advocacy efforts, from clergy involvement and legal work to grassroots organizing, and will highlight key moments when Jewish voices helped expand access and protect reproductive freedom. By placing today’s advocacy in historical context, the discussion will show how these enduring values continue to guide and inspire action.
Speakers:
Professor Joyce Antler, Samuel Lane Professor of American Jewish History and Culture, Brandeis University
Dr. Felicia Kornbluh, Professor of History and Director of Jewish Studies, University of Vermont
Dr. Rachel Kranson, Director of Jewish Studies and Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh
Moderated by: Natalie Birnbaum, Founder, Repro Solutions, P.C.
11:00 – 12:00: Choice of Panels:
What Judaism Teaches About Abortion: Text, Tradition, and Pastoral Responsibility
This panel will examine how Jewish texts and legal tradition address abortion and reproductive decision-making. Speakers will look at key sources and contemporary interpretations, and discuss how clergy support individuals and families facing difficult choices. The session will also address common misconceptions and reflect the range of perspectives within Judaism, highlighting how faith, compassion, and real-life circumstances shape pastoral care.
Speakers:
Rabbi Dr. Linda Henry Goodman, Rabbi Emerita, Union Temple, Clergy Advisory Board, Concerned Clergy for Choice
Rabbi Dennis Ross, Senior Rabbi, Temple Shaaray Tefila, former Director of Concerned Clergy for Choice, Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts
Rabbi Dov Linzer, President and Norman and Tova Bulow Rosh HaYeshiva of YCT Rabbinical School
Moderator: Dr. Michal Raucher, Professor of Jewish Studies, Rutgers University
Protecting Access in New York: The Current Landscape and Jewish Community Action
This panel will examine where abortion access stands in New York today, including recent laws, protections, and the challenges that remain. Featuring advocates working at the national, state, and local levels, the panelists will describe their work on the ground – how they are protecting access, responding to emerging threats, and supporting patients and providers. The session will also explore how Jewish institutions and community members can take action through advocacy, education, and direct support to help ensure access to care.
Speakers:
Julie Kay, Founder and CEO, Reproductive Futures
Allie Bohm, Senior Policy Council, New York Civil Liberties Union
Lenore Davis, Founder, the Brigid Alliance
Moderator: Sarit Golub, Professor, Clinical and Health Psychology, Hunter College
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch and Keynote Address
Keynote Presentation (sponsored by the Eleanor Leff Jewish Women’s Resource Center at NCJW NY)
Allison Fine, President of Every.org, Member of the Board of Directors of Women of Reform Judaism, former Chairwoman of the NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation board, Founder of the Network of Elected Women.
1:15 – 2:15: Staying at the Table: Jewish Leadership in Progressive Coalitions After 10/7
In the wake of October 7, many Jews have grappled with profound challenges in progressive spaces—raising difficult questions about belonging, solidarity, and what authentic coalition work requires in moments of deep pain and polarization.
This timely panel brings together Jewish leaders and organizers to reflect on the tensions, harms, and complexities that have surfaced over the past two years, and to explore what it means to lead with integrity during turbulent times. Grounded in a shared commitment to justice, the conversation will examine how we remain engaged, build principled partnerships, and strengthen movements without ignoring the very real challenges our communities are facing.
Join us for an honest, thoughtful dialogue about courage, accountability, and the work of staying at the table—even when it’s hard.
Speakers:
Shoshana Dweck, Co-chair of ARZENU, the international political voice of Reform, Progressive, Religious and Liberal Zionists
Sophie Ellman-Golan, Director of Strategic Communications, Jews For Racial & Economic Justice
Moderator: Nancy Kaufman, Board Chair, New York Jewish Agenda
2:15 – 3:00: Breakout Groups
Following the panel, participants will move into facilitated breakout groups designed to create a supportive space for reflection and connection. These small-group conversations will offer an opportunity to share personal experiences, process feelings that have emerged over the past year, and engage honestly with the challenges of navigating progressive spaces at this moment.
Guided by trained facilitators, participants will also build practical skills for engaging in difficult conversations—grounded in active listening, curiosity, and clarity about values and boundaries. Whether you are seeking community, tools, or simply a place to be heard, these breakout sessions are designed to help participants leave feeling more supported, prepared, and connected.
Facilitators:
3:15 – 4:00: Where We Go From Here: Faith, Feminism, and Reproductive Justice
Reflections and Strategy From the Front Lines of Jewish Reproductive Rights Leadership
This discussion will bring the gathering to a meaningful and forward-looking close. Shira Zemel, Director of NCJW’s Abortion Access Campaign, and Susan Weidman Schneider, founder and editor-in-chief of Lilith magazine, will reflect on the themes that emerged throughout the day and connect them to the work that lies ahead. Drawing on Jewish feminist leadership, advocacy, and the power of storytelling, they will consider how faith-rooted activism can meet this moment and invite participants to carry the work forward in their own communities and partnerships.
Speakers:
Shira Zemel, Director, Jews for Abortion Access, NCJW
Susan Weidman Schneider, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lilith Magazine