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*This is a FREE event, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. The richness of Jewish intellectual and spiritual tradition, and its ability to help us understand and access hope, optimism, and faith, has never been more important than it is today—especially in a world that can feel increasingly chaotic.
On November 1, 2026, Brown University’s Program in Judaic Studies, Brown RISD Hillel, and Clal–The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership will come together for a one-day conference exploring these ideas through Jewish thought, academic insight, and their application to everyday life.
Join us at 80 Brown Street for robust conversations and new ways of understanding how hope, optimism, and faith can help us move forward and live more fully.
12:30-1:00 | Greetings
President Christine Paxson
Professor Michael Satlow
Rabbi Brad Hirschfield
Rabbi Sam Weiss
1:00-2:30 | Panel 1: "How Can Our Hope for the Future Serve Us Today?"
Chair and Facilitator: Rabbi Julia Appel
Professor Alan Mittleman
Professor Carlos Aizenman
2:30-3:00 | Break
3:00-4:30 | Panel 2: "How to Hope in a Time of Crisis."
Chair and Facilitator: Rabbi Elan Babchuck
Professor Ruth Langer
Professor Chris Moore
4:30-4:45 | Break
4:45-5:30 | Text Study Breakout Sessions
5:30-6:30 | Cocktails
6:30-8:30 | Dinner and evening performance by the Alef Beats, Brown's premiere Jewish a cappella group
*All meals will be Kosher.
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Event venue
80 Brown St, Providence, RI, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.