Salon Series with Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger

The Salon Series is an opportunity for thoughtful Jewish learners to read, debate, and exchange ideas in an intimate home setting.

Prior to each salon, participants will receive an article covering an issue of great significance to the contemporary Jewish community, which will then be unpacked, debated, and discussed in a safe and friendly environment. The objective is to create a community of learners who are educated about the most complex and pressing issues within Judaism today.

No prior Jewish education, faith, or observance commitments are necessary. The salon is intended to be a non-dogmatic and non-judgmental space to discuss big ideas. Some questions covered in the series may include:

  • Must I believe in God to be a good Jew?
  • Is there a role for ritual and mitzvot in our contemporary individualistic society?
  • Can current American Jewish institutions survive in changing times?
  • Who is a Jew? What are the boundaries of Jewish Peoplehood?
  • Is the golden age of American Judaism coming to an end?
  • Why is antisemitism so pervasive?
  • Is the State of Israel essential to Judaism?
  • What role should religion play in the State of Israel?
  • How should we approach anti-Zionism within our communities?

If this sounds interesting to you, please join us!


Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger is the director of Adult Learning and Growth at CAJE Miami. She has a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University, an MBA from the University of Miami, and is a fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Beit Midrash program. Bella is an academic and entrepreneur, but her greatest passion is teaching!

For more information about The Salon Series contact adultlearning@caje-miami.org