Congregation Rodeph Sholom & Pardes Present:

Zakhor – The Commandment of Memory

Sunday, April 27 | 3:00–5:30 PM EST | Congregation Rodeph Sholom, NYC

"If we are the story we tell about ourselves, then as long as we never lose the story, we will never lose our identity."
— Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

Jewish tradition commands us to zakhor—to remember. But why? And how does memory shape who we are today?

Join us for an afternoon of profound learning, dynamic conversation, and community reflection as we explore the sacred duty of remembrance with Pardes faculty member Nechama Goldman Barash, Rabbi Leon Morris, and moderator Elaine Hochberg.

In Partnership with: B'nai Jeshrun Shomer Collective Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Temple Israel of the City of New York Village Temple

Program Schedule

3:00 PM | Welcome
With Cantor Stefano Iacano

3:00–4:15 PM | Zakhor: Why Remember What We Sometimes Try to Forget
Led by Nechama Goldman Barash
From the Exodus to modern times, memory defines Jewish identity and moral responsibility. This interactive session, using Pardes methodology, will explore how Jewish memory sustains, challenges, and transforms communities.

4:30–5:15 PM | Zakhor: How We Remember in Contemporary Life
A conversation featuring Rabbi Leon Morris and Rabbanit Goldman Barash, moderated by Elaine Hochberg

From Passover to Holocaust Remembrance Day to Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days, our calendar is a journey of memory. But which narratives shape us? How does remembrance turn suffering into moral responsibility? And what happens when our memories conflict?

5:15 PM | Wine & Snacks
Join us for a casual gathering to reflect and connect.

This event is free and open to all. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Jewish memory in a meaningful way. Looking forward to seeing you there! Congregation Rodeph Sholom and Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies