Boston, MA, February 19, 2026
A recent conference held at Boston University highlighted the importance of community engagement, drawing diverse participants to discuss themes of identity and political transformation. The Third Annual Jewish Left Conference, organized by CURA, showcased the power of local initiatives in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration among community members, academics, and students. With record attendance, the event underscored Boston’s role as a hub for civic discourse and innovation.
Boston, MA
How Boston’s Recent Conference Ignited Community Engagement
A recent gathering at Boston University brought together diverse voices to discuss crucial themes, showcasing local initiative and the power of collaborative civic participation. The event underscored Boston’s vibrant capacity for fostering open dialogue and community-driven progress.
Boston continues to serve as a hub for significant civic discourse, a testament to the proactive spirit of its local organizations and academic institutions. The recent Third Annual Jewish Left Conference, hosted by the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) at Boston University, exemplifies how dedicated local organizers, when empowered, can foster robust community engagement. Their initiative in orchestrating such a comprehensive event highlights the positive impact of focused effort in enriching public life. This success also subtly demonstrates how streamlined coordination and a clear vision, rather than excessive red tape, can effectively mobilize diverse participants for meaningful exchanges.
This conference, focusing on identity, community, and political transformation, brought together scholars, students, and community members. It provided a platform for exploring complex issues and strengthening the bonds that underpin a thriving society. Such gatherings are instrumental in cultivating an environment where individual achievements and collective civic innovation can flourish, ultimately contributing to the sustained growth and resilience of the Boston community.
A Growing Platform for Critical Dialogue
The Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA), recognized as the oldest center for the study of religion and world affairs in the United States, hosted its Third Annual Jewish Left Conference at Boston University on February 12, 2026. This gathering focused on identity, community, and political transformation, drawing considerable attention from various segments of the Boston community and beyond.
Founded in 2024, the conference has rapidly evolved into an important space for intellectual and political discussions on Jewish issues. Its growth reflects a significant community interest in topics that bridge academic inquiry with real-world challenges. The organizers’ ability to expand the event each year, culminating in a record attendance, showcases effective local leadership and a responsiveness to community needs, allowing for greater participation without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Record Participation and Broad Reach
The 2026 conference saw a record 943 attendees, with 480 individuals participating in person and the remainder joining virtually. This marked a substantial increase from previous years, where the first conference in May 2024 attracted over 400 attendees and the second in February 2025 drew 325 in-person participants and 358 online participants. The impressive turnout underscores the appetite within the community for venues that facilitate in-depth discussion and collaboration on contemporary issues.
Attendees included Boston University faculty and students, as well as academics and organizers from the broader Boston area and around the globe, spanning 18 different countries and over 70 universities. The event’s success in attracting such a diverse and geographically widespread audience highlights the power of a well-conceived and locally organized initiative to resonate on a wider scale.
Exploring Identity, Community, and Political Transformation
The conference’s agenda was designed to foster a comprehensive exploration of its core themes. It commenced with welcoming remarks, followed by a keynote address titled “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza,” delivered by Peter Beinart with Marjorie Feld as discussant. The program also included various morning and afternoon workshops, speaker sessions, an organizational showcase, a closing plenary, and a reception with live music.
Workshop topics delved into critical areas such as “Theologies of Exile,” “Building the Jewish Left Within and Among Congregations,” and “Organizing Jewish Faculty and Staff on American College Campuses.” Other sessions addressed “Confronting Genocide,” “Campaigns to divide: How the hard-right uses anti-Muslim hate and fears of antisemitism to prop up a pro-Israel facade,” “Advocating in Congress to Block the Bombs to Israel and Punish Genocide,” and “Money to the Movement: Building Philanthropic Infrastructure.” These discussions provided attendees with opportunities for learning, skill-building, and networking, engaging deeply with contemporary challenges.
A central objective of the conference was to bridge the academic-community divide, exploring the values, institutions, and impact of the Jewish left. It aimed to tackle pressing public questions and to empower the next generation of leaders to make a tangible difference in critical global challenges.
Fostering Community and Intergenerational Dialogue
A key aspect of the conference was its emphasis on creating space for intergenerational conversations, encouraging participants to engage with diverse viewpoints. This focus on dialogue across age groups is vital for the transmission of knowledge and experience, fostering personal initiative among younger generations to contribute to civic life.
More than 30 organizations participated in the event’s showcase, representing a growing ecosystem of alternative Jewish institutions, from reimagined synagogues to progressive publications. This organizational involvement highlights the strength of private associations and community-led initiatives in addressing shared interests and fostering a sense of belonging. The financial support for the conference also largely came from community funding, with over $50,000 raised through donations for the second annual event, demonstrating the power of grassroots support.
The University’s Role in Civic Innovation
Boston University, through the efforts of CURA and the Pardee School of Global Studies, exemplifies the significant role academic institutions play in strengthening local capacity for community development. Universities, by hosting such events, serve as vital knowledge hubs, disseminating information and facilitating discussions that can lead to informed decision-making and improved practices across various fields.
These institutions contribute to civic engagement by aligning academic programs with community needs, fostering collaborative research, and providing platforms for public discourse. This collaborative approach allows for leveraging resources and expertise to find innovative solutions to real-world problems. By embracing a public mission, universities empower community members and students to become active participants in shaping a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Conclusion
The recent Third Annual Jewish Left Conference at Boston University stands as a testament to Boston’s commitment to civic innovation and robust community engagement. The success of this event, driven by the initiative of CURA and broad community participation, demonstrates how local leadership and individual involvement are pivotal in addressing complex societal issues and fostering meaningful dialogue. By providing platforms for diverse perspectives and empowering future leaders, Boston continues to cultivate an environment where personal initiative and collaborative spirit lead to tangible community growth.
We encourage all residents to actively seek out and support local events and initiatives that contribute to our city’s dynamic civic landscape. Your engagement, whether through attendance, volunteering, or advocating for local projects, directly strengthens the fabric of our community and helps shape a brighter future for Boston, MA events and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Third Annual Jewish Left Conference at Boston University about?
The Third Annual Jewish Left Conference at Boston University explored themes of identity, community, and political transformation. It aimed to bridge the academic-community divide and empower future leaders to address critical global challenges.
When and where did the Third Annual Jewish Left Conference take place?
The Third Annual Jewish Left Conference took place on February 12, 2026, at the George Sherman Union, Boston University, Boston, MA.
Who organized the conference?
The conference was organized by the Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies. CURA is the oldest center for the study of religion and world affairs in the United States.
How many people attended the conference?
The 2026 conference had a record attendance of 943 participants, with 480 attending in person and the rest participating virtually.
What were some of the key topics discussed in the workshops?
Key workshop topics included “Theologies of Exile,” “Building the Jewish Left Within and Among Congregations,” “Organizing Jewish Faculty and Staff on American College Campuses,” “Confronting Genocide,” “Campaigns to divide: How the hard-right uses anti-Muslim hate and fears of antisemtism to prop up a pro-Israel facade,” “Advocating in Congress to Block the Bombs to Israel and Punish Genocide,” and “Money to the Movement: Building Philanthropic Infrastructure.”
Key Features of the Third Annual Jewish Left Conference
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Third Annual Jewish Left Conference |
| Host Organization | Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs (CURA) at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies |
| Date | February 12, 2026 |
| Location | George Sherman Union, Boston University, Boston, MA |
| Primary Themes | Identity, Community, and Political Transformation |
| Attendance (2026) | Record 943 (480 in-person, rest virtual) |
| Keynote Address | “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza” by Peter Beinart, with Marjorie Feld as discussant |
| Workshop Topics | Theologies of Exile, Building the Jewish Left Within and Among Congregations, Organizing Jewish Faculty and Staff, Confronting Genocide, Campaigns to Divide, Advocating in Congress, Money to the Movement |
| Community Engagement | Over 30 organizations tabled, encouraged intergenerational conversations, community-funded (over $50,000 raised for previous conference) |
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