Insight Israel Forum:
Embracing Our Tradition & Future


The Associated’s Insight Israel Forum kicked off its second year with a dynamic, interactive webinar – Israel: What’s Next?

Moderated by Beth Goldsmith, chair of the board of The Associated, the panel included J.J. Goldberg, editor at large of The Forward and Jonathan Tobin, editor-in-chief of The Jewish News Syndicate, and addressed a spectrum of viewpoints about current events – specifically US-Israeli relations, a two-state solution, anti-Zionism, the 2020 presidential election, rise in antisemitism and the recent normalizations of relations between Israel and UAE as well as Bahrain. 

“Our panelists offered diverse viewpoints while explaining the history, complexity and nuances of topics related to Israel and Jewish peoplehood,” comments Lisa Abrams, one of three co-chairs of Insight Israel Forum. “Throughout the webinar, both panelists modeled respectful, civil discourse, a true hallmark of the Forum.”

Launched in November 2019, the Forum is a bold new step for dialogue and education about Israel and provides support to community leaders on individual Jewish journeys of education and exploration. 

During the inaugural year, 400 plus community members participated in diverse formats of programming, highlighted by more than 200 participants enrolled in the PODS initiative (Personal Opinion Dialogue Seminars) led by scholars, educators and facilitators.  

Due to the pandemic, the Forum quickly pivoted to a virtual PODS format in March. This past summer, nearly 250 community leaders “traveled” to Israel as part of the Forum’s e-Adventure series that provided participants with live, real-time synchronous, textured classes and tours.

Beginning in mid-October, the Forum will offer a robust, innovative menu of virtual programs.  Using diverse formats for both community leaders and the community at large, the four integrated modules include:

  • e-Adventures (virtual experiential learning)
  • Community Forums (panels, lectures, conferences)
  • PODS (Personal Opinion Dialogue Seminars)
  • F3: Israel Family, Food & Fun (social engagement)

For additional information, please visit our Insight Israel Forum page and for questions contact jblavatt@associated.org.





Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List

Add Impact to Your Inbox

Sign up for our newsletter


Subscribe to our newsletter

The Associated is a home for everyone in the Baltimore Jewish community. We offer several email lists to help people find a community, engage with their peers and support Jewish journeys around the world.

Join Our Mailing List