The richness of Jewish intellectual and spiritual tradition, and its ability to help us understand and access hope, optimism, and faith, has never been more important than it is today—especially in a world that can feel increasingly chaotic.

On November 1, 2026, Brown University’s Department of Religious Studies, Brown RISD Hillel, and Clal–The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership will come together for a one-day conference exploring these ideas through Jewish thought, academic insight, and their application to everyday life.

*All meals will be Kosher.

THE PROGRAM

12:30-1:00 | Greetings

• President Christine Paxson
• Professor Michael Satlow
• Rabbi Brad Hirschfield
• Rabbi Sam Weiss

1:00-2:30 | Panel 1: "How Can Our Hope for the Future Serve Us Today?"

• Chair and Facilitator: Rabbi Julia Appel
• Professor Alan Mittleman
• Professor Carlos Aizenman

2:30-3:00 | Break

3:00-4:30 | Panel 2:  "How to Hope in a Time of Crisis."

• Chair and Facilitator: Rabbi Elan Babchuck
• Professor Ruth Langer
• Professor Chris Moore

4:30-4:45 | Break

4:45-5:30 | Text Study Breakout Sessions

5:30-6:30 | Cocktails

6:30-8:30 | Dinner and evening performance by the Alef Beats, Brown's premiere Jewish a cappella group

Join us for this dynamic event, and new ways of understanding how hope, optimism, and faith can help us move forward and live more fully.