This past summer, Jerusalem played host to a variety of international conferences with the common topic, the Jewish People and the Future. These gatherings addressed sometimes overlapping issues but were markedly different in both the age groups targeted and the tone set for the Jewish future. In reflecting on two of the larger and more public events, it is clear older, more established institutions in the Jewish world are unfortunately still often closed to emerging leaders; this in spite of the constant bemoaning the dearth of future leadership. At the same time there are hundreds of young, passionate and talented Jewish activists, eager to take on serious leadership roles. They are not waiting for an invitation, but are already taking on the challenges of the Jewish world in the 21st century. It … Continue Reading