The Jewish Identity Institute of Kol Shalom Congregation welcomes Ambassador Dennis Ross, leading expert on U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process, to discuss American political leadership and Israel.
Rockville, MD. January 10, 2020 – Kol Shalom Congregation of Rockville (9110 Darnestown Road, Rockville, MD, 20850) announced today the next lecture in its Jewish Identity Institute series, set for Tuesday, January 14th: “Leadership and Israel.”
This event, attuned to the fateful choices and consequences of U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process, will be held from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Kol Shalom Congregation and will feature Ambassador Dennis Ross, a William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
“If Israel becomes one state for two peoples and loses its identity as a Jewish, democratic state, it is an illusion to think that this will not affect the Jewish community — and Jewish identity — in America,” says Ambassador Ross.
Ambassador Ross served two years as special assistant to President Obama and National Security Council senior director for the Central Region, and a year as special advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. For more than 12 years, Ambassador Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process and dealing directly with the parties in negotiations. A highly skilled diplomat, Ambassador Ross was the U.S. point man on the peace process in both the George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton administrations. He was instrumental in assisting Israelis and Palestinians to reach the 1995 Interim Agreement; he also successfully brokered the 1997 Hebron Accord, facilitated the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, and intensively worked to bring Israel and Syria together.
The Jewish Identity Institute invites renowned thought-leaders, each experts in their respective fields, to share their perspective on Jewish identity and leadership. In particular, the speaker-series encourages Kol Shalom members and guests alike to forge enriching social connections around intellectual discussions. Through the Jewish Identity Institute, Kol Shalom will explore the Jewish identities, yearnings, expectations, and needs of multiple generations and backgrounds.
“In this New Year, we embark on fulfilling the congregation’s namesake vision of One Voice that speaks to each human being in our community in the myriad of voices that speak to each one of us,” says Rabbi Gil Steinlauf. “Our journey through this year will be filled with opportunities to engage and connect with Jewish life and community in multiple ways.”
For the “Leadership and Israel” event, topics will include Israel, Palestinians, Arab-Israeli relations, Iran, Iraq, democracy and reform, the Middle East peace process, and U.S. Middle East foreign policy. The cost is $36/person. Regarding subsequent seminars, although each is independent of the others, all are designed to focus on a practical topic under the theme of Jewish identity. Given the expertise of the guest lecturers, the Speaker Series, along with being perfect for anyone with a working Jewish knowledge, also welcomes those wanting an informal way to explore their Jewish identity.
“We hope that you will join us by listening for the Voice at Kol Shalom that calls to you,” says Rabbi Steinlauf. “We look forward to your adding your voice to the on-going Torah that we will discover together.”
Along with contacting Deb Finkelstein, Executive Director (deb@kolshalom.com or 301-309-9110) for more details and to sign up for the “Leadership and Israel” event, Kol Shalom is also providing online registration for this and each subsequent event in the Jewish Identity Institute, which can be accessed at https://kolshalom.com/rabbi-gil-steinlauf-launches-jewish-identity-institute.
About Kol Shalom Congregation
Located at 9110 Darnestown Rd, Rockville, MD, 20850, Kol Shalom is an egalitarian community of Jews committed to the continuity of the Jewish people and traditional Jewish observance as a guide to full participation in American society and the modern world. We strive for spiritual growth through prayer, Torah study, and practice of Mitzvot.
Contact: Deb Finkelstein, Executive Director
Phone: (301) 309-9110
Email: deb@kolshalom.com
Address: 9110 Darnestown Rd, Rockville, MD 20850