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The Weitzman is honored to host Dr. Mijal Bitton as she delivers the inaugural State of American Jewry address, a series that delves into the critical challenges and conversations shaping the American Jewish community today. Dr Bitton is a leading Jewish thinker whose recognition and respect increased most recently as a result of impassioned speeches over the last year in New York and Washington DC at rallies and protests. In this program, Dr. Bitton will focus on the most pressing issues facing the American Jewish community today such as cultural sustainability, rising antisemitism, the relationship between American Jews with Israeli Jews, and more. This event aims to be both educational and galvanizing, encouraging informed discussion and community engagement. The evening will conclude with a dialogue, fostering deeper communal connections and understanding. 

More about Dr. Mijal Bitton

Dr. Bitton was born in Argentina and immigrated to the US at the age of 12. She is a Research Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan where she holds the title of Rosh Kehilah (communal leader). With a BA from Yeshiva University and a doctorate from New York University, where she conducted an ethnographic study of a Syrian Jewish community, Dr. Bitton is a leading voice in contemporary Sephardic studies in America. She is of Mizrahi background, and immigrated to the United States from Argentina. Selected as one of New York Jewish Week’s ‘36 under 36,’ she continues to shape Jewish thought and leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most dynamic and influential figures in the American Jewish community today.

More about the “State of American Jewry”

The “State of American Jewry” is a lecture series dedicated to exploring the most pressing issues facing the American Jewish community today. Each event will feature a distinguished guest speaker- an expert in Jewish studies, community leadership, or social activism- who will deliver a compelling address that delves into current challenges and opportunities within the Jewish community, such as rising antisemitism, cultural preservation, political influence, intercommunity relations, etc. Each event in the series seeks to illuminate these complex topics in a manner that is both educational and galvanizing, encouraging informed discussion and community engagement among attendees. 

Produced by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, the lecture series alternates between its home location in Philadelphia and other Jewish institutional strongholds across the country. This strategic choice of venues- from academic institutions to cultural centers- aims to engage a broad audience and foster a deeper understanding of Jewish identity within America’s multicultural tapestry. Each event not only provides a platform to address critical issues and celebrate the resilience and dynamism of the Jewish community but also concludes with an onstage dialogue and Q&A session, further enriching the communal conversation and strengthening the collective resolve to address pivotal concerns. 

When held at the National Museum of American Jewish History, the series gains a profound historical context that enriches the discourse and connects attendees more viscerally to the Jewish past and its influence on contemporary life. This prestigious venues serves as both a backdrop and a catalyst for exploration, surrounded by artifacts and exhibits that chronicle centuries of Jewish history in America. Here, participants are invited to reflect, engage, and discuss how legacies of the past hope the realities and possibilities of today’s Jewish community, enhancing their appreciation for the American Jewish experience.