A hybrid event presentation (in-person & virtual)
Please note event times are listed in MT
EVENT CO-SPONSORED BY: Temple Solel
ABOUT THE EVENT:
What does it mean to be Jewish in 2027? Join three Phoenix-area rabbis, moderated by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz (President & Dean of Valley Beit Midrash), for a timely and thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the questions, challenges, and opportunities shaping Jewish identity today. Through diverse perspectives and an engaging conversation, our panelists will reflect on what it means to live Jewishly, build community, navigate an evolving world, and carry Jewish values and traditions into the future. Join us for an evening of meaningful dialogue.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Rabbi Rony Keller recently began his tenure as Senior Rabbi at Temple Solel, bringing with him a lifelong passion for Jewish education, leadership, and community. A graduate of the University of South Florida and ordained by the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, he served for 13 years at Congregation Beth Israel in Scottsdale as Associate Rabbi and Director of Education. His dedication to Jewish learning and leadership earned him the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) and led to his service as President of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix.
Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin is the Rabbi and Executive Educator at Congregation Beth Israel. She was ordained from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in May 2010, after receiving her Master’s Degree in Jewish Education in 2008. Prior to her studies at Hebrew Union College, Sara earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Brandeis University in Sociology and Judaic Studies. Rabbi Mason-Barkin began her career as an educator in a Jewish day school. While teaching, she discovered a passion for helping people of all ages find meaningful moments of Jewish connection in their own lives. This dedication to Jewish education led her to Jerusalem, where she began her rabbinical studies. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Rabbi Mason-Barkin has spent significant time in Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. She lives with her three children, Charlie, Sela, and Milo.
Rabbi Bethany Slater is a scholar and Jewish educator currently completing her rabbinic ordination through the Hartman Rabbanut North America program. She serves as rabbi of The New Shul alongside her husband, Rabbi Stephen Slater. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Theology from Boston College, where her research focused on Jewish prayer and Mussar. She also holds an MA in Jewish Studies from Oxford University and a BA in Philosophy and Religion. Before coming to The New Shul, Bethany served as Executive Director of Claremont Hillel and previously taught religion and Jewish studies in university and community settings.