Monthly Speaker Series
An interesting and thought-provoking speaker each month! For 2025-2026, we seem to have a “Jews Around the World” theme.
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In response to member input, they’re all on Sunday mornings. Come early for Bagels!
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We gather to hear our in-person and live-Zoom speakers. Registration is required.
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Sign up for our newsletter here for more up-to-date details.​
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2025-2026 Speaker Series – All are Sundays ​​
December 7th, 10 am In-Person
Followed by the Annual Membership Meeting
Back in the U.S.S.R., Daniel Jaffe (Havurah member!).
The struggles of Soviet Jews he befriended while studying there inspired Daniel to come out as a gay man in the U.S. and campaign on their behalf as well as for LGBT civil rights.
Palm Springs location will be provided with RSVP.
January 11, 10 am Live Zoom
Standing Together: A Vision of Peace in Israel.
​“ Peace and independence for Israelis and Palestinians, full equality
for everyone in this land, and true social, economic, and
environmental justice is possible.” (from the organization’s website)
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Palm Springs location will be provided with RSVP.
February 15, 10 am Live Zoom
From Prophets to Pioneers: The Rise of Modern Hebrew with Yoel & Orly Ganor
Hear how an ancient religious tongue was revived into a modern secular language.
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Palm Springs location will be provided with RSVP.
March 15, 10 am, In Person and on the piano
Concert and Conversation: How Jews Defined the American Experience through Popular Song; Ben Sidran, Ph.D.
Jews have never been more than 3% of the American population, yet they defined the world of popular music and changed how Americans saw themselves.
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Jewish Federation of the Desert, 69-710 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage
April 12, 10 am, Live Zoom
From Iberia to Amsterdam & Beyond: The Atlantic Islands in Sephardic Migration and Diaspora Formation, Roger Martinez-D’Avila.
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Palm Springs location will be provided with RSVP.
May 3, 10:00 am, Live Zoom
Kreplach & Dim Sum: Yes, There are Jews in China!, Robyn Helzner.
​Through lively stories, photos, video, and music, Robyn shares an
irresistible enthusiasm for both the ancient and modern Jewish
communities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Kaifeng.
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Palm Springs location will be provided with RSVP.
