The NCJW-WM Clergy Series, presented by our Section’s Our Jewish World program, inaugurated its 2025-2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. via Zoom, featuring Rabbi Steven Bayar. In his three-part seminar, Rabbi Bayar helped us answer questions many of us have long been asking: Will the seemingly endless challenges confronting the Jewish people ever stop? Will we ever be able to enjoy quiet days of Shalom, peace?
Rabbi Steven Bayar
The Clergy Series is coordinated by Our Jewish World co-chairs Ilene Dorf Manahan and Melanie Levitan.
In Session 1, Rabbi Bayar reflected on Internal Challenges—challenges that we face from inside our greater Jewish community. What strategies might we use to confront those challenges, and what consequences might we face if we don’t?
In Session 2, on Sept. 25, Rabbi considered External Challenges—challenges we face from outside our own community. What dangers do they present for us? Could they be so overwhelming as to cause disunity or destruction?
Session 3, on Oct. 9, looked toward the future. What does it hold for us, considering all the seemingly inevitable challenges we continue to face?
All of Rabbi Bayar’s sessions were held on Thursdays, at 1 p.m., via Zoom.