Kohenet Dr. Harriette E. Wimms (she/her), Executive Director, The Jews of Color Mishpacha Project
The Torah of Empathy, Belonging, and Mattering: Moving Jewish Spaces from Mundane to Holy — Text-based learning and art
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the Jewish wisdom that guides us in creating sacred communities where every person feels seen, heard, and valued even within their lived diversities. Drawing on Torah teachings, rabbinic commentary, and contemporary resources, this session will examine how the concepts of empathy (rachamim), belonging (shayachut), and mattering (mashma’ut) form the foundation of holy Jewish spaces. Using discussion and role plays, attendees will learn practical techniques for fostering genuine belonging and understanding within communal settings and to identify concrete steps to elevate empathy. This session offer tools to transform our Jewish spaces into vessels of holy “mattering” holiness through meaningful human connection.
