Kadimah 2026

For many, Israel has been understood as a response to antisemitism — a place where Jews could live with safety and dignity. After October 7th, Israel’s strength and self-defense were crucial — but something else became impossible to ignore. The passion, determination, and courage that poured out of Israeli society, especially from a younger generation often dismissed as distracted or disconnected, showed that Israel is about something bigger. The intense reactions this sparked around the world revealed a deeper story. In this session, we’ll ask: What larger meaning and purpose can Israel offer today? Drawing on experiences working closely with leaders and thinkers in Israel, I’ll share how the conversation about the long-term meaning of October 7th is unfolding — and what it might mean for the future.

How do we decide who gets treated first when lives are on the line? In this session, we will explore real triage dilemmas and examine how classical sources, halachic principles, and contemporary responsa can guide these decisions. Students will encounter cases involving limited resources, competing needs, and ethical tension, and will see how Jewish law balances compassion, logic, and moral responsibility in moments of crisis.