Please join the Jewish Communal Leadership Program, the Covenant Foundation, and the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies for a convening on Jewish education to honor the memory of master Jewish educator and long-term executive director of the Covenant Foundation, Harlene Winnick Appelman."

This gathering will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and Michigan Hillel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Harlene made her home. Dinner will be included for those who RSVP by October 2.

Master educators Dr. Sivan Zakai, Dr. Susie Tanchel, and Rabbi Rebecca Milder will explore the unexpected gifts embedded in children’s capacity for learning and imagination. Musical artists and educators Anthony Mordechai Tzvi Russell and Sarah Aroeste and visual artist Hillel Smith will consider the use of art and culture to challenge our cultural assumptions. Rabba Yaffa Epstein will honor Harlene's work in elevating the entire field with a keynote presentation focused on “The Holy Work of Education: Excellence, Passion, and Empowering Others.” The evening program will include music from Sarah Aroeste as well as words of appreciation and remembrance from some of Harlene’s students, colleagues, and friends.

Additional program sponsors include the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, the Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman Foundation, Michigan Hillel, the Center for Jewish Studies at Eastern Michigan University, Hillel Day School, and Just-Ice Tea.

This event (including a kosher dinner at Hillel for those who RSVP before October 2) is free and open to the public. We welcome all community members, educators, and Jewish professionals. For more information, please contact Megan Bernard (megberna@umich.edu). Out-of-town guests are invited to be in touch for help with local arrangements.