CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

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This is the most updated full schedule for the “Jewish Women and Religious Freedom” Conference taking place on December 3, 2023, at Temple Beth Emet in Cooper City, Florida. 

8:15am – 9:00am: Check-In
Room: Lobby

Coffee, tea and morning snack
Room: Main Social Hall

9:00am – 9:10am: Welcome
Speakers: Rabbi Frank DeWoskin, Katie Reiter, Michele Eiger, Laura Rodriguez
Room: Main Social Hall

9:10am – 10:00am: OPENING KEYNOTE
“Can We Count On the Courts To Protect Our Religious Freedom?”
Speaker: Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente (ret)
Introduction: Mona Reis
Room: Main Social Hall

10:00am – 10:10am: BREAK

10:10am – 11:10am: MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

“Repro Rights In Florida – the Past, the Present and the Ballot”
Panelists: Michele Eiger, Laura Rodriguez, and Mona Reis
Moderator: BJ Saul
Room: Main Social Hall
Panelists will provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and actionable steps to advocate for reproductive freedoms in the state of Florida. We will together explore the historical context and real meaning of “access to abortion,” shedding light on life before Roe v. Wade. We will also dissect current reproductive laws in Florida, provide insight into the Jewish perspective on abortion, and discuss the ongoing Florida abortion rights ballot initiative.

“Creating Change Through Grassroots Organizing and Advocacy”
Panelists: Jenneva Clauss and Destini Smith
Moderator: Rick Gold
Room: Sanctuary
We all have what it takes to connect and change our communities. In this session, participants will learn how to make lasting change through building people power and organizing their community. 

“The Power of Story: Finding YOUR Voice & Using Your Story To Create Change”
Panelists: Denise Lettau and Kristen Browde
Moderator: Evan Goldman
Room: Kiddush Room
Discover the power of personal narratives as two remarkable speakers delve into the intersection of personal experiences, advocacy, and societal change, and learn to leverage your own story for meaningful impact. Denise, with a background in law and banking and as the founder of the Alcee Hastings Black-Jewish Alliance within the Broward Federation, shares insights on using personal narratives to create positive change. Kristen, a transgender lawyer and former Emmy-winning journalist who now finds herself with a large following on TikTok, unveils her unexpected journey into activism, highlighting the profound impact of storytelling.  

11:10 – 11:20 am: BREAK

11:20am – 11:30am: Walking Meditation
Speaker: Rabbi Joshua Neely
Room: Main Social Hall

11:30am – 12:00pm: SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25)
Introduction: Laura Rodriguez
Room: Main Social Hall

12:00pm – 12:55pm: LUNCH

1:00pm – 2:15pm: AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS

“Repro Rights In Florida – the Past, the Present, and the Ballot”
Panelists: Michele Eiger, Laura Rodriguez, and Mona Reis
Moderator: BJ Saul
Room: Main Social Hall
Panelists will provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand and actionable steps to advocate for reproductive freedoms in the state of Florida. We will together explore the historical context and real meaning of “access to abortion,” shedding light on life before Roe v. Wade. We will also dissect current reproductive laws in Florida, provide insight into the Jewish perspective on abortion, and discuss the ongoing Florida abortion rights ballot initiative.

“Public Education: Information, Misinformation, and the Impact of Christian Nationalism”
Panelists: Rachel Unger, Takeata King Pang, Raegan Miller, and Jessica Wright
Moderator: Katie Blankenship
Room: Sanctuary
Join insightful panelists as they explore the influence of religious fundamentalism and Christian Nationalism on Florida’s public education system. Gain practical guidance on navigating beyond headlines, distinguishing between information and misinformation, and advocating for educational values within your community. Walk away equipped to foster a more informed, secular, and inclusive public education environment.

“But You Don’t Look Jewish: Unpacking and Addressing Unconscious Bias”
Speaker: Sage Cassell-Rosenberg (they/him)
Moderator: Jon Cohen
Room: Kiddush Room
Join Sage Cassell-Rosenberg to unify and strengthen the Jewish community, while highlighting the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Jews of Color. Gain insights on addressing implicit bias, fostering inclusivity, and promoting unity in the Jewish community.

2:15pm – 2:25pm: BREAK

2:25pm – 3:15pm: CLOSING KEYNOTE
“Strategies To Regain Our Rights And Preserve Our Democracy”
Speaker: Vice Mayor Broward County and Former State Senator Nan Rich
Introduction: Paul Golin
Room: Main Social Hall

3:15pm – 3:30pm: Close of Conference
Speaker: Katie Reiter
Room: Main Social Hall