Upcoming Virtual Conversations from Wisdom Without Walls

We are Dr. Sandra Lilienthal and Rabbi Jeff Salkin, the co-founders of Wisdom Without Walls. Our vision, from day one, has been to create a space for Jews from all walks of life to engage in meaningful online conversations. Through dialogue with important  Jewish thought leaders, we bridge divides and explore issues that impact all Jews.

Since launching in early 2024, we’ve been busy! View the 2024 annual report.

We’ve hosted over fifteen conversations, welcoming Jews world wide to our virtual gatherings. Our guests have included leading voices like Yossi Klein Halevi, Rachel Korazim, and Leil Leibovitz. Each one brought their unique perspectives to foster thoughtful dialogue about Jewish ideas.

Here are our next several conversations:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 5:00-6:30 MST
Rabbi Marc Gellman, “A Modern Midrash for October 8th

The four who entered the garden: Ben Zoma, Ben Azzai, Aher, and Akibah
A modern midrash for October 8th

In this conversation, Rabbi Gellman will examine an ancient Talmudic tale and its relevance to Jewish resilience, faith, and healing today. He will offer insights into navigating spiritual mysteries and finding meaning in times of profound challenge.

Rabbi Dr. Marc Gellman, PhD is the Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York and was the interim rabbi for the Aspen Jewish Congregation in Aspen, Colorado. Rabbi Gellman served as president of The New York Board of Rabbis during the attacks of 9/11.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Rafael Medoff, “The Eternal War Against the Jews“
Presented in partnership with The Jewish Publication Society

The Eternal War Against the Jews

The October 7 attack on Israel was part and parcel of two thousand years of violent antisemitism around the world. What can history teach us about the Hamas assault and the international community’s response to it? How have those events reshaped perceptions of antisemitism and anti-Zionism? And how have they impacted Israel-Diaspora relations?

Dr. Rafael Medoff is founding director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, in Washington, D.C., and the author of more than 20 books about the Holocaust, Zionism, and American Jewish history. His forthcoming book’s title is “The Road to October 7th: Hamas, the Holocaust, and the Eternal War Against the Jews.“

Here is our full list of upcoming conversations.