Tapestry Presents:
Z3 @ SAN | Z3 Project: Building the Jewish Future Together
Building on the legacy of our Tapestry event, which for years brought the community together for a day of Jewish learning and connection, this program carries that vision forward in a new way. The Z3 Conference brings Jews from across the political and religious spectrum together to explore Israel, Zionism, identity, and the future of Jewish life. Z3@ brings that spirit to San Diego. Built by the Lawrence Family JCC and shaped by the questions and voices that matter most here.
- Saturday, December 6, at 7:00 pm | Young Zionist Panel
- As part of the Z3@SAN weekend, the Young Zionists Panel brings together essayists from Young Zionist Voices and emerging leaders from across San Diego for an honest, hopeful look at Zionism today. Together in conversation with Jacob Leibowitz from Hillel of San Diego, these young changemakers will explore what it means to build a meaningful relationship with Israel in the 21st century - one rooted in dialogue, curiosity, and shared values. Expect fresh ideas, bold questions, and heartfelt conversation about identity, connection, and the future of the Jewish people.
- LOCATION: Congregation Beth El, 8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Sunday, December 7, at 9:30 am | Z3@SAN Conference: A Day of Community Dialogue and Learning
- Join us for a full day of thought-provoking breakout sessions and community conversations featuring speakers from San Diego and around the world. Together, we’ll explore new ideas about Jewish peoplehood, identity, and the evolving relationship between Israel and global Jewry. Rooted in the mission of the Z3 Project, this day embodies unity without uniformity - bringing diverse voices together to imagine a shared Jewish future.
- LOCATION: Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center | JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY: Sunday, December 7
9:30 am …………………………………Check-in and light breakfast
10:00 am ………………………………Conference Plenary in the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre with Zack Bodner, CEO of Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto
11:00 am ………………………………SESSION BLOCK #1 | Select one session to attend
12:30 pm ………………………………Lunch break | Lunch will be provided
1:30 pm …………………………………SESSION BLOCK #2 | Select one session to attend
2:45 pm …………………………………Closing community gathering with drinks, dessert and music!
*Ticket includes Saturday panel and full Sunday program: light breakfast, sessions, lunch, and closing community gathering.*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 | Z3@SAN Conference Breakout Sessions
Choose 1 session to attend from each block
BLOCK 1 | 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
1A. Why the Early Roots of Israel in Palestine are Archaeologically Debated, and Why it Shouldn’t Be | Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef
Step into the world of biblical archaeology with Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef - MGSDII Visiting Professor and archeologist - as he unpacks how history, science, and identity intersect in the story of ancient Israel. Discover why debates over the region’s early roots are often misunderstood, and how new research helps us see the past with fresh eyes.
1B. Dialogues in Chevrutah: Reclaiming Zionism Through Art | Shlomit Levy Bard
For this session, artist Shlomit Levy Bard will share details from her most recent project - (RE)Defining Zionism. A traveling photographic and storytelling exhibition, (RE)Defining Zionism features intimate portraits of a cross section of Israeli society, accompanied by excerpts from interviews, videos, and audio testimony. It brings empathy, nuance, and human voices to one of the most contested terms in contemporary discourse. Launched after October 7, 2023 amidst a global rise in antisemitism, the project addresses urgent needs: to foster critical thinking, resist reductive narratives, witness the variety of perspectives about identity and Zionism within Israel, and encourage active listening and reflection.
Shlomit will share about the project and participants will be invited to participate in a listening and reflection dialogue about Zionism, Israel and identity during this interactive session.
1C. Refusing to Stay Silent: Defending Jewish Identity and Zionism | Alissa Bernstein
In a time of rising antisemitism and polarization, Alissa Bernstein - Essayist for Young Zionist Voices and Assistant Director of the American Jewish Committee’s Los Angeles regional office - shares her journey of speaking up with courage and conviction. Learn how personal storytelling and active advocacy can strengthen both Jewish identity and collective resilience.
1D. The Jewish Resilience Project: Dialogue, Identity, and Belonging in a Post-October 7 World | Tracy Frydberg
Since October 7, The Jewish Resilience Project at the Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue at ANU offers a series of leadership seminars and trainings on building Jewish identity, belonging, and resilience in this moment. These programs have been delivered across Israel and globally, focusing on how Jews can develop and strengthen their Jewish narrative in response to the challenges of this period. It's a framework which integrates the Israeli and American Jewish set of post-October 7 challenges, feelings, and responses into a shared, global framework, facilitating shared language, partnerships, and strategies between the two major Jewish centers.
In this session, Tracy Frydberg - essayist for Young Zionist Voices and Director of the Tisch Center for Jewish Dialogue at the ANU Museum in Israel - will lead participants in how to build shared language and contribute to the global framework that links Israeli and American Jews.
1E. Unity, Not Uniformity: Pluralism in Our Peoplehood | Zack Bodner & Betzy Lynch
What does it mean to be one people with many perspectives? Join Zack Bodner - President and CEO of the Oshman Family JCC and Co-Founder Co-Founder of the Z3 Project - and Betzy Lynch - CEO of the Lawrence Family JCC - for a thoughtful conversation about Jewish pluralism, respectful disagreement, and the strength that comes from diversity within unity.
1F. Israel in the Headlines: Navigating Media Narratives | Noah Abrahams
From breaking news to viral posts, how do we make sense of the stories shaping global conversations about Israel? Journalist, broadcaster, and writer Noah Abrahams offers insight into today’s media landscape and shares tools for engaging critically and compassionately with complex narratives.
BLOCK 2 | 1:30-2:45 PM
2A. Zionism and Jewish Creativity in Modern Culture | Noah Shufuntinsky
Music, art, and identity come together in this powerful session with Noah Shufuntinsky - A.K.A. rapper Westside Gravy - known for his bold voice in contemporary Jewish culture as his music has been used as a vehicle through which he shares his lived experiences as a Black and Jewish man. Explore how modern creativity reimagines Zionism and celebrates Jewish pride across generations.
2B. Decolonizing the Conversation: A Deeper Look at Zionism | Alberto Mansur
Author and lawyer Alberto Mansur challenges participants to rethink familiar narratives about Zionism and power. This session offers a thoughtful framework for understanding Zionism through a decolonial lens, one that honors complexity, context, and history.
2C. From the Pulpit to the People: A Rabbi's Journey Through Faith, Politics, and Community | Rabbi Ron Shulman
Rabbi Ron Shulman reflects on the balance between spiritual leadership and public responsibility. Through stories and insights from decades in the rabbinate, he explores how faith and values guide Jewish engagement in today’s changing world.
2D. Two Homes, One Heart: Living Between Israel and America | MODERATOR: Shira Schafer; PANELISTS: Doron Malka, Daniella Spiegel
This panel brings together voices who live across borders and identities. Hear from Israelis and Americans who share what it means to belong deeply to two places, and how connection and care keep our global Jewish family strong.
2E. Giborim in Action: Building Bridges Between San Diego and Sha'ar HaNegev | MODERATOR: Heidi Gantwerk
Moderated by Heidi Gantwerk - President and CEO of Jewish Federation on San Diego - this panel features emerging leaders from the Giborim program, a unique partnership uniting young professionals from 12 Jewish organizations. Discover how collaboration, friendship, and shared purpose are strengthening ties between San Diego and its sister region, Sha’ar HaNegev.
2F. Israel, the Diaspora, and Our Shared Jewish Future | Dr. Tal Elmaliach
Historian and MGSDII Visiting Professor Tal Elmaliach examines how Israel and the global Jewish community have shaped one another for generations. Join this session to explore where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how our shared story continues to evolve.
About Z3 Project
Z3 is an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC. We aim to foster a fresh approach to Jewish engagement in the 21st century. We are dedicated to promoting a thriving Jewish future by building a robust Jewish public square where we facilitate meaningful dialogue between Diaspora Jewry and Israel. We believe in the power of Jewish Peoplehood, mutual understanding, and a shared destiny to unite Jewish communities across the globe.
IN OUR WORK, WE RELY ON THREE CORE OPERATING PRINCIPLES:
- UNITY, NOT UNIFORMITY. The Z3 Project aims to honor our differences while working for the oneness of the Jewish People.
- DIVERSITY OF VOICES. The Z3 Project convenes thinkers of differing backgrounds and perspectives across the political and religious spectrums.
- ENGAGING AS EQUAL PARTNERS. The Z3 Project brings together Israelis and Diaspora Jews to build our common future.
*Z3 Project is an initiative of the Oshman Family JCC. Z3 is a registered trademark. To learn more about the Z3 project, visit z3project.org*