Rabbi Glasser's Reflections on the 2026 Re-CHARGING Reform Conference

On May 27-28, I attended the third Re-CHARGING Reform Conference in New York City, an event created by Rabbis Ammiel Hirsch and Tracy Kaplowitz of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. I first met these incredible leaders through my involvement with the Amplify Israel Rabbinic Fellowship, which they started based on the vision that Reform rabbis should have intellectual and meaningful spaces in which to cultivate their relationships with Israel.

The goal of this gathering was for Reform Jewish clergy, teachers, and leaders to come together to re-energize our movement’s commitments to core values such as Torah, Israel and spirituality. Over the course of the two days, over 300 participants convened to hear from major thinkers such as author Dara Horn, Israeli Ambassador to America Yechiel Leiter, Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs, and more. 

We also delved into deeper debate and conversation in various small group sessions. In my capacity as a doctoral student, I lead two workshops about contemporary manifestations of antisemitism, inviting participants to share their stories and brainstorm possible interventions for their communities.

In these divisive times, it was a balm to be together with fellow Reform Jews who hold similar perspectives and priorities. Even as we disagree about the details, we affirmed our shared principles, which guide us through our chaotic and changing world. There was a big debate which you may have seen in Jewish community headlines about Zionism and the Reform seminary. I suggest listening to Rabbi Ammi Hirsch’s masterful opening to the conference, which lays out a clear and passionate position with which I strongly agree. Click here for his keynote address.

I got to see many teachers and colleagues, and feel connected to our movement. We also passed four resolutions on the topics of Jewish Peoplehood, Jewish Learning and Commitment, Spirituality and Sacred Practice, and Innovation in Leadership. While we may vary in how to get there, it was wonderful to affirm the pillars of our movement and clarify the foundation upon which we stand. To read the resolutions in detail, click here.

Thank you to Temple for allowing me the opportunity to attend this conference. I came away feeling hopeful about our movement and looking forward to the important conversations ahead.