Featuring Speaker Dr. Mijal Bitton 

Jewish Identity and Community in a Changed World 

Since October 7, American Jews have faced a transformed landscape—challenging how we see ourselves, our communities, and our future. Join JCRC and keynote speaker Dr. Mijal Bitton – a spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist – as she explores what’s changed, what it means, and how we move forward together. 

Dr. Bitton will illuminate the shifts reshaping Jewish life, highlight paths toward resilience, and offer a vision for thriving—not just surviving—in this new environment. Together, we’ll discuss how Jews and allies can foster strength and understanding, individually and societally, in a complex moment. 

Dr. Mijal Bitton is a spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist. She is the co-founder and Rosh Kehilla of The Downtown Minyan in NYC and serves as Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund. Dr. Bitton is also a Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner, where she leads pioneering research on Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews in the United States. An alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, a New Pluralist Field Builder, and a Sacks Scholar, she lectures widely, co-hosts the podcast Wondering Jews, and was a featured speaker at the historic March for Israel in DC. Follow her on her Substack newsletter, Committed, where she shares weekly Jewish wisdom for living a meaningful Jewish life today. 

Honoring Gary Tankenoff, z’’l and Harvey Feldman, z’’l

We will pay tribute to the lasting legacies of two remarkable donors whose generosity and vision continue to strengthen our mission. 

We honor Gary Tankenoff, z’’l, whose deep commitment to Holocaust education and community security left an enduring mark on the JCRC. Fighting discrimination and prejudice was foundational to Gary; he was a man deeply moved by the stories and lives of Shoah survivors and WWII veterans in our community and strived to honor them. His unwavering dedication to preserving history and fostering Jewish life continues to inspire and uplift our work. 

We also celebrate the life of Harvey Feldman, z’’l, whose generosity and civic spirit helped strengthen community security. A true “city kid,” Harvey was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He went on to become a successful investor which led to his philanthropy and giving back to the city and communities that he loved. 

Event Details 

Sunday, June 8, 2025 

Downtown Minneapolis 

5:30 p.m. – Reception on the outdoor covered patio (Light vegetarian dairy dinner and beverages served) 
7:00 p.m. – Program featuring Dr. Mijal Bitton (Program to be held indoors) 
8:15 p.m. – Outdoor reception resumes (dessert served) 
9:00 p.m. – Evening concludes 

Dressy Casual Attire – dress comfortably for the weather (outdoor reception on covered patio and indoor program) 
Complimentary Parking – All guests receive a complimentary parking pass for the Renaissance Depot parking ramp. Valet parking will also be available.

PURCHASE TICKETS

We encourage you to purchase your tickets early if you can join us since space is limited. All tickets include a light dinner, beverage, a seat for the program, and complimentary parking. A kosher meal is available upon request. $500.00 tickets include premium seating and breakfast on Monday, June 9, 2025. If you are unable to join us this year, please consider making a contribution. 

Become a Sponsor

Contact Nina Afremov at nina@minndakjcrc.org or 612.338.7816 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.