CAJE Launches “SAGES in the 305” - A Bold New Public Lecture Series Inspiring Jewish Learning Across Miami
Posted on 10/17/2025 @ 06:00 AM
By Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger, CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning
CAJE Adult Learning is thrilled to unveil its newest community initiative, “SAGES in the 305” — a lively new public lecture series (and yes, the name’s a pun!) bringing some of the brightest Jewish thinkers from across the globe to Miami.
Generously sponsored by Ellie Ganz and the Ganz Family Foundation in loving memory of Charlie Ganz z”l, each talk will take place in a different part of the city, weaving together the many threads of Miami’s Jewish community through shared ideas, spirited dialogue, and big questions that matter.
The overall goal of the series is to make Miami the vibrant Jewish intellectual and cultural hub it deserves to be.
Opening Night: Sarah Hurwitz – “As a Jew”
The series kicks off on Monday, October 27, with Sarah Hurwitz — former White House speechwriter and New York Times bestselling author — in conversation with me, CAJE’s Director of Adult Learning.
Together, we will dive into Hurwitz’s highly anticipated new book, As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us — a powerful and deeply personal exploration of Jewish identity, antisemitism, and the beauty of reclaiming one’s heritage with pride and joy.
Hurwitz spent eight years crafting words for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, shaping some of the most memorable speeches of the Obama era.
After leaving the White House, she turned her remarkable gift for language inward and embarked on her own journey of Jewish rediscovery — one that began with a simple Introduction to Judaism class and evolved into a bestselling literary and spiritual awakening.
Her first book, Here All Along, was named a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award and the Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature.
Her latest, As a Jew, has already debuted as a New York Times bestseller and was selected as a Natan Notable Book (Summer 2025).
Critics and thought leaders are calling it essential reading:
“The most important book I’ve read this year, and it’s not even close,” says Susan Cain, author of Quiet. “Sarah Hurwitz writes with warmth, wisdom, and wit, and she answers questions I’ve been asking all my life.”
Publishers Weekly praises it as “a full-throated case for Judaism’s relevance… an important and energetic analysis of what it means to be Jewish in America today.”
And according to Yossi Klein Halevi, “Beautifully written and brilliantly argued, As a Jew is that rare book that defines a historical moment. The American Jewish awakening is upon us, and Sarah Hurwitz is its prophet.”
This event marks Hurwitz’s only South Florida appearance, giving Miami audiences an exclusive opportunity to hear one of today’s most insightful and inspiring Jewish voices in person.
The conversation will take place at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach and is free and open to the public (advance registration required).
The first 250 in attendance will receive a complimentary copy of Hurwitz’s book (one per family).
Save the Date: Other Upcoming Speakers in the “SAGES in the 305” Series
- Dr. David Bryfman, CEO of The Jewish Education Project and host of the popular podcast Adapting: The Future of Jewish Education – December 16th at Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, Aventura
- Rabbi Ethan Tucker, President and Rosh Yeshiva of Hadar and co-author of Gender Equality and Prayer in Jewish Law – February 12th at Temple Judea, Coral Gables
- Rabbi Shai Held, President and Dean of Hadar and author of Judaism Is About Love – March 4th at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center
Additional speakers are scheduled for special audiences, including JPRO, Wexner Fellows, the Greater Miami Rabbinical Association, Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy, and more. Stay tuned for additional details!
More Opportunities for Outstanding Learning
This new lecture series builds on CAJE’s already robust Adult Learning program, which offers 10–15 online courses each semester, hosts discussion salons throughout Miami-Dade, teaches day school parent classes, and provides educational content for the Miami Jewish Film Festival.
With “SAGES in the 305,” CAJE hopes to ignite curiosity, spark conversation, and strengthen the fabric of Jewish life in Miami, uniting people across affiliations and generations through learning and shared purpose.
Register for 'SAGES in the 305' featuring Sarah Hurwitz
