Yom Masorti 2026
Date: 31 May
Experience the joy of learning from true experts: serious thinking, real insight, heart-opening singing, and hands-on creativity.
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 Jaffe
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.
Taking the long view– Rabbi Roderick Young looks at blood libel invented in Norwich 900 years ago, to a 21-century resolution.
The first known case of the Blood Libel was in 1144 when a boy was found murdered in Norwich. Accusations of ritual murders of Christian children by Jews spread across the country, and persecution and murder of local Jews followed. As a rabbi in Norwich where it all started, Rabbi Young has seen worrying church signs and heard strange conversations. But the Cathedral is working with us on a new memorial and life as a Jewish study centre beckons for the oldest Jewish house in Britain! From mediaeval to modern Norwich, come and meet little William, Meir the Poet, Isaac Jurnet the banker and a vibrant contemporary Norfolk community.
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. If you have a pair of tefillin, please bring them either to lend or to use yourself.
Jews and Politics, Jews and Geopolitics
with Rabbi Jeremy Gordon and Professor Colin Shindler
Join a Rabbi and an Emeritus Professor of Israel Studies and they process the challenges of Jewish life here, in Israel/Palestine and with a view across the Middle East.
Expect some limited Q&A and an inability to solve complex problems simply.
From the shulkhan aruch to sex education: the mitzvah of onah (pleasure) with Rabbi Lara Haft Yom-Tov
What does the Talmud have to say about enthusiastic consent? How do the rabbis think about pleasure in intimate relationships? Explore sexual ethics through a deep dive into the laws of Onah (pleasure) in Jewish marriage. Caution: may lead to dancing.
Staying alive the Jewish way, poems in spite of everything with Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg
Rabbi Jonathan will teach a selection of favourite poems to help us draw strength in troubled times.
Shir HaShirim, the ultimate erotic Megillah with Rabbi Jeremy Gordon, Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet and Dr Sarah Lightman
Rabbi Jeremy Gordon will be teaching Shir HaShirim, the ultimate erotic Megillah. The session draws in the newest publication from Izzun books for which Rabbi Gordon wrote a commentary.
The joy of inclusion with Daniella Shaw and Caroline Goldstein
Belonging for All: What Neurodivergent Members Need Our Communities to Know. What does it take for neurodivergent members and their families to feel they really belong in Masorti communities? This session shares findings from the Belonging for All project, designed by neurodivergent members from across the movement. Drawing on survey data and lived experience, we will explore what good inclusion looks and feels like, what gets in the way, and the practical steps community leaders can take to make a lasting difference.
Masorti in Israel – where we are today, and where we hope to be
This session will be led by Rabbi Joel Levy and Dan Kyle.
Taking a closer look at Tzitzit and the diversity of traditions woven in
This session will be led by Hila Bram and Rabbi Joel Levy
