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Oct

6 2026

In Their Own Words

11:00AM - 12:30PM  

Reba and Sam Sandler Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Contact Sierra Lautman
Director of Jewish Innovation
SLautman@UJFT.org

As the United States commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence, this course highlights the lives, experiences, and contributions of Jewish men and women whose influence on American history far exceeded their recognition. Some are familiar figures, while others remain largely unknown despite the lasting impact they had on our nation. 

Led by Rabbi Michael Panitz, and hosted by the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, this ten-week seminar brings to life the stories of Jewish men and women whose lives, experiences, and contributions helped shape our nation. Through their own words, participants will discover both familiar figures and largely forgotten individuals whose impact is still felt today.

Tuesdays, 11:00am - 12:30pm
September 22 - December 1

$60 JCC Member • $72 Potential Member

Please allow a moment for registration button to load below.

COURSE  SYLLABUS

  • September 2 - Mordecai Sheftall and Haym Salomon: Jewish Patriots of the American Revolution 
  • October 6 - Rebecca Gratz: Philanthropist, Educator, and an Early American Role Model 
  • October 13 -  No Class 
  • October 20 - Uriah P. Levy: Naval Hero, Defender of Religious Freedom, and Champion of Jefferson's Legacy 
  • October 27 - Isaac Mayer Wise: Shaping a Judaism for a New American Era 
  • November 3 - Rebekah Kohut and Emma Wolf: Expanding Opportunities for Jewish Women in America 
  • November 10 - Mary Antin: An Immigrant's Journey from the Pale of Settlement to the Promised Land 
  • November 17 - Morris Hillquit: Labor Activist, Political Reformer, and Advocate for Working Americans 
  • November 24 - Meyer Levin: Writer, Journalist, and Voice of the American Jewish Experience 
  • December 1 - Letty Cottin Pogrebin: Feminist, Author, and Advocate for Social Change 

 

ACCOMODATIONS

The following accessibility accommodations are available for UJFT's programs (depending on the program location). Accommodations must be requested at least a week prior to the event. Requests can be submitted during registration. 

  • Interpreting services for Deaf or non-English speakers
  • Assisted listening services to amplify sounds
  • Preferential seating near a presenter to aid in comprehension
  • Sensory fidget tools
  • Noise-reducing headphones
  • Stand-assist devices
  • Audio recording of written materials for the visually impaired