Yom Masorti 2026

Date: 31 May

Location: NNLS

Experience the joy of learning from true experts: serious thinking, real insight, heart-opening singing, and hands-on creativity.

Discover Persian Jewish liturgical music, take a closer look at the rich diversity of traditions around tzitzit, and learn with inspiring teachers including Chazzan Rebecca, Rabbis Adam Zagoria-Moffet, Joel Levy, Roderick Young, Jeremy Gordon, Lara Haft Yom-Tov, Yael Jaffe, Natasha Mann and Senior Masorti Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, along with many others.

The day runs from 10.00–4.45, with lunch included.

Yom Masorti is a day of Jewish joy for the stomach, the head, the heart, and the hands.

Stay curious.

Book at https://masorti.beaconforms.com/form/5d5614d4

Sessions

Jewish Joy: Finding Delight in Mitzvot, with Rabbi Yael 

What role does joy have to play in our religious and spiritual lives? In this session we will take a deep dive into the concept of “simchah shel mitzvah” – the joy of performing God’s commandments. Through close text study and shared conversation, we will explore Jewish joy in all its complexity, power, and potential.

The joy of hearing from experts:    

From Michael Ben Gad, Professor at City St George’s, University of London. 

Cold War II or World War III? A Geo-economic perspective

 A growing alliance of authoritarian regimes, led by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (CRINKS), is steadily intensifying its challenge to the Western-led post-war order.  

Much like in the 1930s, when Western democracies failed to deter the Axis powers, the question arises: Does the West possess the will and economic strength to ensure that deterrence does not falter once again? What lessons can be drawn from the recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and what are the economic implications for the US, Europe, Israel and the world’s other democracies?

Jewish Prayers and Songs in Persian / Mizrahi communities

Eitan and Bina will take us through an Interactive Persian Shabbat Music Experience with a selection of songs. 

Turning historical research into performance: the scientist/musicians behind Kodachrome, with Professor Michael Berkowitz from UCL 

Professor Berkowitz on the development of a musical based on his research on Jews and photography. It focuses on the inventors of Kodachrome colour film, first marketed in 1935. With music.

Cutting Edge – revive the Jewish art of papercutting, with Dr Eva Fromovic 

Papercuts used to be a popular art form in the Jewish communities. In this session, Eva Frojmovic, medieval art historian, will show some of the intricate works from the past, some contemporary pieces by Jewish artists, and finally give you a chance to create your own papercut. 

Azamra – I will sing! with Chazan Bex Blumenfeld 

A session of joyful, simcha-filled singing and text study, as we “trim the husks from around our hearts” and learn how to bring true delight to our tefillah.

How to lay tefillin with Rabbi Natasha Mann

A practical, welcoming session. Learn the how, the why, and the meaning behind this embodied mitzvah. No experience needed.

From Colin Shindler, Emeritus Professor of Israel Studies at SOAS, an update on the political situation in Israel

At a time when so much coverage is based on prejudice, fear and ignorance, Colin Shindler presents an authoritative view of this conflict. Tracing the religious, political and historical motivations of both sides throughout many decades of turmoil and upheaval, his latest book, A Forever War is a much-needed overview.