Orthodox Union

SPIRIT: Interfaith Diplomacy: Why Orthodox Judaism Must Join the Conversation
2026-03-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Interfaith Diplomacy: Why Orthodox Judaism Must Join the Conversation

This session will explore both the challenges and imperatives of interfaith engagement and the real-world impact that this work has already achieved. Drawing on experiences ranging from global conferences to private, high-level meetings, we will explore how faith leaders can influence public policy and effectively combat antisemitism and anti-Israel hatred through principled, honest dialogue.

Presented by Rabbi Elie Buechler, Associate Director for Interfaith Engagement at the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center

Rabbi Elie Buechler serves as the Director of Programs at OU Advocacy and Associate Director for Interfaith Engagement at the Orthodox Union (OU). He previously led the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) at Columbia University and Barnard College (2022–2025) and was the Assistant Rabbi of The Jewish Center in New York City (2019–2022).

Rabbi Buechler studied at Yeshivat Orayta, earned his B.A. from Brandeis University, and received semikha from RIETS at Yeshiva University. He also holds a master’s degree in Medieval Jewish History from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, where he is currently pursuing his doctorate in the same field. He lives with his family in Teaneck, NJ.

Click here to register for the Zoom link for online participation and/or to receive the recording following the program.
This SPIRIT program is dedicated to the memories of Moshe Ben Dov Ber (a”h) and Shayna Mirel bas Aharon (a”h) (Melvin and Mirele Steinig)

CORPORATE SPONSORS:
MEMORY MATTERS — https://renayudkowsky.com/signature-course/
CAPITIL REAL ESTATE — https://capitil.com/
MEDICARE INSURANCE SPECIALIST — https://www.65andready.com/
FORSPANKLEAR, LLP — https://www.forspanklear.com/
WINSTON WEALTH ADVISORS — https://winstonwealthadvisors.com/ou/
SCHWARTZ BROTHERS JEFFER/SINAI CHAPEL/PARKSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS — https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/forest-hills-ny/schwartz-brothers-jeffer-memorial-chapels/4131
FIRST ISRAEL MORTGAGES: https://www.firstisrael.com/
JRESPONDER — https://www.sosresponder.com/
KORINSKY & KLEIN, LLP — https://www.kklawfirm.com/
LET’S GET ORGANIZED — https://lgorganized.com/
____________________________________________________________________
We have created a new SPIRIT website with archives and upcoming programs! Now you can watch all of the SPIRIT presentations geared toward retirees- on subjects such as history to exercise to mental health, all in one place!
CLICK HERE to enjoy past programs on-demand at your convenience!

The information provided by the OU SPIRIT program is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice on any legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/ financial/halachic or other subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of the information you learn during a SPIRIT program without seeking legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/financial/Rabbinic or other appropriate professional advice.

Partnering Synagogues:
Anshei Chesed Congregation, Boynton Beach (FL)
Anshei Emuna Congregation, Delray Beach (FL)
Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford (CT)
Bialystoker Synagogue, New York (NY)
B’nai Israel-Ohev Zedek, Philadelphia (PA)
Congregation Agudath Sholom, Stamford (CT)
Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Columbus (OH)
Congregation Aitz Chaim, West Palm Beach (FL)
Congregation Anshe Sfard, New Orleans (LA)
Congregation Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, Glendale (WI)
Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, Wynnewood (PA)
Congregation Beth Aaron, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Beth Ora, Montreal (QUE)
Congregation Beth Sholom, Providence (RI)
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, New York (NY)
Congregation Machane Chodosh, Forest Hills (NY)
Congregation Ohav Zedek, Wilkes-Barre (PA)
Congregation Ohr Torah, West Orange (NJ)
Congregation Tiferet Israel, Austin (TX)
Congregation Torah Ohr, Boca Raton (FL)
Congregation Zvi Jacob, Utica (NY)
Darchei Noam, Minneapolis (MN)
East Denver Orthodox Synagogue (EDOS), Denver (CO)
Fleetwood Synagogue, Fleetwood (NY)
Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach (NY)
Kehillat New Hempstead (NY)
Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto (ONT)
Keneseth Beth Israel, Richmond (VA)
Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Torah, Livingston (NJ)
United Orthodox Synagogues, Houston (TX)
Young Israel of Bal Harbour, Surfside (FL)
Young Israel of Brookline (MA)
Young Israel of Deerfield Beach (FL)
Young Israel of East Brunswick (NJ)
Young Israel of Elkins Park (PA)
Young Israel of Fort Lee (NJ)
Young Israel of Hillcrest (NY)
Young Israel of Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale (FL)
Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Young Israel of New Hyde Park (NY)
Young Israel of Plainview (NY)
Young Israel of Queens Valley (NY)
Young Israel of Southfield (MI)
Young Israel of Stamford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hartford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hempstead (NY)

OU Privacy Policy
For more information about becoming a SPIRIT Partner, contact Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, steinigj@ou.org

SPIRIT: Soulful Passage: An End-of-Life Doula Training and Self-Exploration Journey
2026-03-17 12:00 - 13:00
Soulful Passage: An End-of-Life Doula Training and Self-Exploration Journey

Presented by Chanie Mandel, an End-of-Life Doula
Join Chanie Mandel for an insightful talk on a compassionate approach to end-of-life care. She developed the Soulful Passage curriculum and has trained six cohorts over the last 3 years, globally, via zoom. She will share how this training empowers doulas to provide meaningful, heart-centered support to individuals and families navigating terminal illness. As we age, we are often called upon to act as caregivers for loved ones and sometimes we are even drawn to walk alongside friends who are going through a medical crisis. Discover how Soulful Passage can shift your own perspective on these challenges. You will learn that speaking openly about a topic that is often considered taboo inspires greater preparedness – for yourself and those you choose to support. See how this groundbreaking, grass roots movement is already making a difference in our frum communities.

Click here to register for the Zoom link for online participation and/or to receive the recording following the program.
This SPIRIT program is dedicated to the memories of Moshe Ben Dov Ber (a”h) and Shayna Mirel bas Aharon (a”h) (Melvin and Mirele Steinig)

CORPORATE SPONSORS:
MEMORY MATTERS — https://renayudkowsky.com/signature-course/
CAPITIL REAL ESTATE — https://capitil.com/
MEDICARE INSURANCE SPECIALIST — https://www.65andready.com/
FORSPANKLEAR, LLP — https://www.forspanklear.com/
WINSTON WEALTH ADVISORS — https://winstonwealthadvisors.com/ou/
SCHWARTZ BROTHERS JEFFER/SINAI CHAPEL/PARKSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS — https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/forest-hills-ny/schwartz-brothers-jeffer-memorial-chapels/4131
FIRST ISRAEL MORTGAGES: https://www.firstisrael.com/
JRESPONDER — https://www.sosresponder.com/
KORINSKY & KLEIN, LLP — https://www.kklawfirm.com/
LET’S GET ORGANIZED — https://lgorganized.com/
____________________________________________________________________
We have created a new SPIRIT website with archives and upcoming programs! Now you can watch all of the SPIRIT presentations geared toward retirees- on subjects such as history to exercise to mental health, all in one place!
CLICK HERE to enjoy past programs on-demand at your convenience!

The information provided by the OU SPIRIT program is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice on any legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/ financial/halachic or other subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of the information you learn during a SPIRIT program without seeking legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/financial/Rabbinic or other appropriate professional advice.

Partnering Synagogues:
Anshei Chesed Congregation, Boynton Beach (FL)
Anshei Emuna Congregation, Delray Beach (FL)
Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford (CT)
Bialystoker Synagogue, New York (NY)
B’nai Israel-Ohev Zedek, Philadelphia (PA)
Congregation Agudath Sholom, Stamford (CT)
Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Columbus (OH)
Congregation Aitz Chaim, West Palm Beach (FL)
Congregation Anshe Sfard, New Orleans (LA)
Congregation Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, Glendale (WI)
Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, Wynnewood (PA)
Congregation Beth Aaron, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Beth Ora, Montreal (QUE)
Congregation Beth Sholom, Providence (RI)
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, New York (NY)
Congregation Machane Chodosh, Forest Hills (NY)
Congregation Ohav Zedek, Wilkes-Barre (PA)
Congregation Ohr Torah, West Orange (NJ)
Congregation Tiferet Israel, Austin (TX)
Congregation Torah Ohr, Boca Raton (FL)
Congregation Zvi Jacob, Utica (NY)
Darchei Noam, Minneapolis (MN)
East Denver Orthodox Synagogue (EDOS), Denver (CO)
Fleetwood Synagogue, Fleetwood (NY)
Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach (NY)
Kehillat New Hempstead (NY)
Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto (ONT)
Keneseth Beth Israel, Richmond (VA)
Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Torah, Livingston (NJ)
United Orthodox Synagogues, Houston (TX)
Young Israel of Bal Harbour, Surfside (FL)
Young Israel of Brookline (MA)
Young Israel of Deerfield Beach (FL)
Young Israel of East Brunswick (NJ)
Young Israel of Elkins Park (PA)
Young Israel of Fort Lee (NJ)
Young Israel of Hillcrest (NY)
Young Israel of Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale (FL)
Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Young Israel of New Hyde Park (NY)
Young Israel of Plainview (NY)
Young Israel of Queens Valley (NY)
Young Israel of Southfield (MI)
Young Israel of Stamford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hartford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hempstead (NY)

OU Privacy Policy
For more information about becoming a SPIRIT Partner, contact Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, steinigj@ou.org

Something to Say at the Seder
2026-03-22 20:15 - 21:00 | Young Israel of Woodmere, 859 Peninsula Blvd., Woodmere, NY, United States
Join Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt for his annual pre-Pesach shiur, commemorating the 19th yahrzeit of Yosef Nissan ben Yechezkel, Mr. Joseph Glatt, obm. Light refreshments to follow.

SPIRIT: Finding Peace with Food on GLP-1s
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00
Finding Peace with Food on GLP-1s
When appetite changes, your relationship with food has to change too.
Presented by Bonnie R. Giller
A masterclass for people using GLP-1 medications who want to feel steadier, calmer, and more confident around food – without slipping back into diet mentality.

Understand what truly changes — and what doesn’t — when you’re on a GLP-1
Recognize how diet mentality can quietly resurface, even without food noise
Respond to low or inconsistent hunger with care instead of fear
Build steadier patterns around food that support energy, health, and trust
Shift away from control-based decisions and toward consistent, supportive care
Learn how to live well with food while your body is changing

Bonnie R. Giller is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education
Specialist, and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with over 38 years of experience helping
adults improve their health and relationship with food—without obsession or extremes.
Her work blends medical nutrition therapy with intuitive eating, supporting individuals with
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, GLP-1 medications, gut health concerns, and decades of
dieting to build sustainable, realistic nutrition habits.
Using her WholeBody Trust approach, Bonnie helps people nourish themselves confidently,
honor their health needs, and move beyond food guilt—no matter where they are on their
health journey. She is the author of Enjoying Food Peace and can be found at bonniegiller.com

Click here to register for the Zoom link for online participation and/or to receive the recording following the program.
This SPIRIT program is dedicated to the memories of Moshe Ben Dov Ber (a”h) and Shayna Mirel bas Aharon (a”h) (Melvin and Mirele Steinig)

CORPORATE SPONSORS:
MEMORY MATTERS — https://renayudkowsky.com/signature-course/
CAPITIL REAL ESTATE — https://capitil.com/
MEDICARE INSURANCE SPECIALIST — https://www.65andready.com/
FORSPANKLEAR, LLP — https://www.forspanklear.com/
WINSTON WEALTH ADVISORS — https://winstonwealthadvisors.com/ou/
SCHWARTZ BROTHERS JEFFER/SINAI CHAPEL/PARKSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPELS — https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/forest-hills-ny/schwartz-brothers-jeffer-memorial-chapels/4131
FIRST ISRAEL MORTGAGES: https://www.firstisrael.com/
JRESPONDER — https://www.sosresponder.com/
KORINSKY & KLEIN, LLP — https://www.kklawfirm.com/
LET’S GET ORGANIZED — https://lgorganized.com/
____________________________________________________________________
We have created a new SPIRIT website with archives and upcoming programs! Now you can watch all of the SPIRIT presentations geared toward retirees- on subjects such as history to exercise to mental health, all in one place!
CLICK HERE to enjoy past programs on-demand at your convenience!

The information provided by the OU SPIRIT program is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice on any legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/ financial/halachic or other subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of the information you learn during a SPIRIT program without seeking legal/medical/nutritional/mental health/financial/Rabbinic or other appropriate professional advice.

Partnering Synagogues:
Anshei Chesed Congregation, Boynton Beach (FL)
Anshei Emuna Congregation, Delray Beach (FL)
Beth David Synagogue, West Hartford (CT)
Bialystoker Synagogue, New York (NY)
B’nai Israel-Ohev Zedek, Philadelphia (PA)
Congregation Agudath Sholom, Stamford (CT)
Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Columbus (OH)
Congregation Aitz Chaim, West Palm Beach (FL)
Congregation Anshe Sfard, New Orleans (LA)
Congregation Anshe Sfard Kehillat Torah, Glendale (WI)
Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, Wynnewood (PA)
Congregation Beth Aaron, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Beth Ora, Montreal (QUE)
Congregation Beth Sholom, Providence (RI)
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck (NJ)
Congregation Etz Chaim of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, New York (NY)
Congregation Machane Chodosh, Forest Hills (NY)
Congregation Ohav Zedek, Wilkes-Barre (PA)
Congregation Ohr Torah, West Orange (NJ)
Congregation Tiferet Israel, Austin (TX)
Congregation Torah Ohr, Boca Raton (FL)
Congregation Zvi Jacob, Utica (NY)
Darchei Noam, Minneapolis (MN)
East Denver Orthodox Synagogue (EDOS), Denver (CO)
Fleetwood Synagogue, Fleetwood (NY)
Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach (NY)
Kehillat New Hempstead (NY)
Kehillat Shaarei Torah of Toronto (ONT)
Keneseth Beth Israel, Richmond (VA)
Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Synagogue, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Orthodox Congregation Toras Chaim, Baltimore (MD)
Suburban Torah, Livingston (NJ)
United Orthodox Synagogues, Houston (TX)
Young Israel of Bal Harbour, Surfside (FL)
Young Israel of Brookline (MA)
Young Israel of Deerfield Beach (FL)
Young Israel of East Brunswick (NJ)
Young Israel of Elkins Park (PA)
Young Israel of Fort Lee (NJ)
Young Israel of Hillcrest (NY)
Young Israel of Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale (FL)
Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills (NY)
Young Israel of New Hyde Park (NY)
Young Israel of Plainview (NY)
Young Israel of Queens Valley (NY)
Young Israel of Southfield (MI)
Young Israel of Stamford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hartford (CT)
Young Israel of West Hempstead (NY)

OU Privacy Policy
For more information about becoming a SPIRIT Partner, contact Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, steinigj@ou.org

SPIRIT Trip to New Orleans
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-17
Join fellow SPIRT participants (60+ demographic) in New Orleans!
This mission which will provide activities for you to enjoy the local culture and entertainment and while doing chessed within the local community!
Monday, May 11-Sunday, May 17th
Single occupancy: $2,500 per person*
Double occupancy: $2,000 per person*

Some highlights . . . (subject to change) are:

Horse and Buggy Ride on a tour of the French Quarter
Jewish Historical Tour
WWII Museum
Steamboat Cruise
French Market
Visits to local shuls in New Orleans
Light volunteering activities (geared for those 60+) to assist local communities

*Price includes hotel stay, transportation during the mission, meals, and activities. Flight is not included, and participants are responsible for booking their flights.
Register here:
https://oureliefmissions.org/events/spirit-new-orleans/
