ROI Summit Kicks Off in Jerusalem

(l-r) (L to R) ROI participants Toni Rickenback (UK); György Hámori (Hungary); Micaela Bacher (Argentina); Olivia Brafman (UK); Deborah Blausten (UK). Photo by Noa Magger. — (l-r) ROI participants Toni Rickenback (UK); György Hámori (Hungary); Micaela Bacher (Argentina); Olivia Brafman (UK); Deborah Blausten (UK). Photo by Noa Magger.

“Ask me what that change looks like, and I’ll turn that question back to you.
Because it’s not what I want, it’s what YOU want.
YOU have the answers and the keys to making Jewish life more relevant,
exciting and accessible …
so dream big, take risks, and make it happen.”
Lynn Schusterman

With the above words, philanthropist Lynn Schusterman kicked off the 2015 ROI Summit Sunday afternoon in Jerusalem.

Lynn Schusterman and Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat, at the opening ceremony of the 2015 ROI Summit. Photo by Noa Magger.

This year’s Summit brings together one hundred and fifty of the Jewish world’s leading change-makers. They hail from 32 countries and have brought with them a diverse set of skills and talent – from app development and crusading journalism, to toy design and community organizing – which they are harnessing to build a thriving Jewish future and a better world. Following the five-day gathering, participants will join an active global network of young Jews dedicated to social entrepreneurship, innovation and Jewish continuity.

With the Jewish calendar year of 5775 being Shmita, this ninth ROI Summit draws on this ancient commandment to leave the land fallow and apply the revitalizing goals of the sabbatical year to the individual. In a modern iteration of the Shmita cycle, ROI Summit participants will embark on a journey of pausing, shifting perspective and re-visioning, leaving them with renewed motivation and energy to return to their communities and better the world.

“We are proud that the ROI Summit has become an exceptional forum to convene some of the most promising young Jews from around the world, providing a platform for them to challenge each other and develop their visions for change,” said Justin Korda, executive director of ROI Community. “This group of inspiring leaders has incredible potential to infuse new energy into the global Jewish community.”

Participants enjoying their first Summit meal and beginning to create memories. Phoho courtesy ROI Community. — Participants enjoying their first Summit meal and beginning to create memories. Photo courtesy ROI Community.

ROI believes that the participants themselves provide some of the most valuable summit content, so much of the experience will revolve around sessions based on peer-to-peer skill- and knowledge-sharing. To encourage participants to learn from the diverse array of global leaders attending the event, ROI has commissioned a dynamic online platform called “Brainstorm,” where participants can arrange “Brain Dates”: 30-minute meetings of the mind during which participants will challenge and inspire one another, and share their expertise with their counterparts.

Other innovative sessions will include “Creativity Studios,” artistic workshops which will provide fertile fields for creative awakening and experimentation, and “Flip Panels,” which are designed to fuel the future of Jewish creativity. During “Flip Panels,” participants will engage with opinion leaders and experts who will seek their advice on significant challenges they are facing in their organizations and communities.

Keynote speakers at the conference include: Joshua Foer, author of “Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything,” who was the 2006 U.S. Memory Champion; Randall Lane, editor of Forbes magazine; Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, director of JHub in London; and Israeli Social Entrepreneur Adi Altschuler, named a “Next Generation Leader” by Time Magazine.

The Summit, ROI Community’s flagship program, is an initiative of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.