“Why Do Jewish?” Workshop with Zack Bodner

Author Talk + Workshop
Zack Bodner, “Why Do Jewish? A Manifesto for 20th Century Jewish Peoplehood” 

In this in-person + livestreamed author talk and interactive workshop, Zack Bodner provides a roadmap for how to “do Jewish” in the 21st century and discusses what Jewish identity looks like in an era where identity is a choice.

“Zack Bodner is one of the most innovative leaders in today’s American Jewish community, and this book is packed with ideas…in service of a vibrant Jewish future.” – Yehuda Kurtzer, President of The Shalom Hartman Institute of North America 

How can we live a more meaningful life? How might we feel more connected to others, to the world around us, to the past and the future? In an era when we can choose our own identities, why might we choose to identify as Jews? In his new book, “Why do Jewish? A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood,” Bodner explores these questions and more as he thoughtfully shifts from asking “why be Jewish?” to “why do Jewish?” Bodner proposes “the next big Jewish idea” is that action is what matters most.

Through a combination of personal stories, insights from some of the world’s greatest teachers, and contemporary analysis, “Why Do Jewish?” takes one of our oldest wisdom traditions and provides an accessible guide for anyone looking for answers to life’s most important questions and how to live a more meaningful Jewish life.

Book sales + signing after the event.

Part of our 2022-23 Chew on This! Speaker Series.

Tickets

$10 talk only*
$18 includes signed book

*Talk is FREE for Jewish educators and professionals. Contact boxoffice@sjcc.org for promo code.
Patrons have the option to attend in person or via livestream. Event reminder + streaming link emailed 1 hour prior to program start time.

About the Author

Zack Bodner is President and CEO of the Oshman Family JCC of Palo Alto, CA, where he oversaw the creation of a new Center for Social Impact committed to helping repair the world through initiatives that address poverty, disaster relief, racial justice, and civic responsibility. He also oversaw the launch of the Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood, which hosts the Architects of the Jewish Future Series and the Kol Isha Women’s Leadership Development Program. Under Bodner’s leadership the OFJCC created the annual Zionism 3.0 conference, known as The Z3 Project, a global effort to re-imagine Diaspora-Israel relations. Before joining the JCC, Bodner served for 14 years as the Pacific Northwest Regional Director of AIPAC. In addition to being an accomplished speaker, including stints as a storyteller on “The Moth” and TEDx presenter, Bodner writes regularly for publications including “The Forward,” “Times of Israel,” “The J Weekly,” and “eJewish Philanthropy.” He is a member of YPO, was in the Executive Leadership Seminar at The Aspen Institute, served as an iFellow Mentor for the iCenter, and is an Amitim Fellow for JCC Global. He lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and three children. Learn more at www.zackbodner.com.

Venue Details + Policies

• ALL SALES FINAL | NO REFUNDS | NO EXCHANGES | NO CREDITS
• General admission | Doors open 30 min. before showtime
• Patrons will receive an event reminder email with additional event details and livestream details one (1) hour before showtime.
• No outside food allowed.
• Processing fees apply at checkout
• Please view our Welcome Back page for current venue policies, including vaccination requirements and mask policies.
• Patrons agree to all SJCC terms and conditions above and at SJCC Box Office + Venue Policies Page.

Need Help?
Contact BoxOffice@sjcc.org | 206-388-0833 (email is best for a quick response!)
(response time: 24 hrs weekdays – 48 hrs weekends)

Part of the J’s new Chew on This! Speaker Series, which features authors, chefs, and thought-leaders to feed your mind, soul, and palate.