WDF Spring Institute: Full Schedule

8:30pm EDT

Improv with Ariel

Sunday May 11, 2025 8:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

Faculty and Speakers

Ariel Halpern

Raised in the Detroit area in a Modern Orthodox community, Ariel attended K-12 Jewish Day School. After graduating, he attended the University of Michigan, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Film Studies. After working in Television in LA and Jewish non-profit in Chicago... Read More →

Sunday May 11, 2025 8:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Poplar

Main Gathering

8:15pm EDT

Class Meeting

Monday May 12, 2025 8:15pm - 9:15pm EDT

Poplar

Faculty and Speakers

Eliana Fischel

Rabbi Eliana Fischel believes that Judaism can and should elevate every aspect of our lives, from how we pray to how we relate to others. As an Associate Rabbi at Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC), Rabbi Fischel leads 2239, one of the largest Reform 20/30s communities in the country... Read More →

Monday May 12, 2025 8:15pm - 9:15pm EDT
Poplar

Class Meeting

11:45am EDT

TBD

Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT

Poplar

Faculty and Speakers

Jordanna Gessler

Jordanna Gessler, granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, is Chief Impact Officer at Holocaust Museum LA where she oversees Education, Archives, Exhibits, and Visitor Services. With over 15 years of experience, Jordanna is a visionary leader with a proven track record in leading programs... Read More →

Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:45am - 12:45pm EDT
Poplar

Fellow-Led Elective

11:45am EDT

Hitbodedut – Our Responsibility to Connect with Nature

Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT

Poplar

Faculty and Speakers

Ely Benhamo

Ely Benhamo (she/her) is a seasoned leader in Jewish communal service, boasting a wealth of experience in driving impactful change and fostering meaningful connections within the community. As Senior Director of Major Gifts at OneTable, Ely plays a pivotal role in developing and overseeing... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Poplar

Fellow-Led Elective

11:45am EDT

Kavod/Honor

Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT

Poplar

An exploration of the theme of Kavod. How to honor a leader’s presence without diminishing your own

Faculty and Speakers

Rob Gleisser

Rabbi Rob Gleisser is the Rabbi and Senior Jewish Educator at Penn State Hillel. Rabbi Rob was ordained at HUC in May of 2020. He served as the Student Rabbi in New Iberia, Louisiana, Flint, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio. Rob graduated from Ohio State University in 2014 with bachelor... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
Poplar

Fellow-Led Elective