THE MISSION
The Sephardic Rabbinic Conference is a gathering of rabbis from across North America and different countries dedicated to perpetuating the classical Sephardic tradition and its timeless teachings. The conference will serve as a forum and platform for collaboration and collective leadership to preserve, strengthen, and advance the Sephardic legacy we so cherish. Through interactive roundtable discussions and thoughtful panels, we will consider the critical challenges and exciting opportunities facing Jewish communities both in America and across the world.
The theme of our inaugural conference is, The Future of Sephardic Education, and the transmission of our beautiful heritage and approach to future generations. We will examine the landscape of Sephardic educational institutions—both existing and missing—from early childhood to advanced learning. Sessions will focus on youth and community engagement, what has worked and what has not, and how rabbis can best navigate today’s challenges. We will explore the role of the digital age in Torah learning, showcase useful resources and practical toolkits, share best practices, and discuss ways we can cultivate and create a pipeline of future Sephardic leaders.
With esteemed rabbis, educators, and experts in attendance, this two-day conference will be an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas and forge partnerships that can shape the Jewish world—ensuring a vibrant future for the Sephardic community and Am Yisrael as a whole.
Schedule
Sunday August 10 - Monday August 11, 2025
Orthodox Union Headquarters
40 Rector St, New York, NY 10006
Program Kickoff
The conference will officially commence at 12:00 PM on Sunday, August 10
Program Conclusion
The conference will conclude with Minha on Monday, August 11 at 6:00 PM.
Day 1: Foundations of Sephardic Education & Inspiration
11:30 AM
Registration & Buffet Lunch
1:00 PM
Welcome Remarks & Opening Plenary
Dibre Berakha and Hizuk
1:30 PM
Session 1: Sephardic Education Today: Where Are We & Where Are We Going?
A focused dialogue on the current landscape of Sephardic education and the direction needed to strengthen its future.
3:00 PM
Coffee Break
3:30 PM
Session 2: University & Young Professionals Education – A Model for a Lifetime of Learning
Engaging university students and YPs through classical Sephardic methods, identity, and community-building initiatives.
4:30 PM
Minha Break
5:00 PM
Session 3: The Power of Musical Learning
An exploration of music as a pedagogical instrument in cultivating memory, meaning, and reverence within Sephardic Torah education led by the American Sephardi Federation (ASF).
7:30 PM
Dinner & Keynote Address
Buffet dinner and keynote speech at Tribeca synagogue,
49 White St, New York, NY 10013
8:30 PM
Musical Evening of Torah & Piyyutim
Featuring esteemed Hazzanim and accomplished musicians
Open to friends, family, and supporters of the conference
All at Tribeca Synagogue
Day 2: Schools, Pedagogy & Leadership
7:30 AM
Shaharit, Learning, and Breakfast
Tefilla followed by Seder Limmud with optional Haburot at OU HQ
9:30 AM
Session 4: Early Childhood & Primary Education – Setting the Foundation for Future Generations
Laying the educational, emotional, and spiritual groundwork for a life rooted in Torah and our mesorah.
10:50 AM
Coffee Break
11:00 AM
Session 5: High School – Cultivating Scholarship, Character, and Confidence in our Teens
Strengthening religious commitment and Sephardic identity during the formative adolescent years.
12:20 PM
Lunch & Guest Speaker
Rabbi Moshe Hauer
Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union (OU)
1:30 PM
Session 6: From Scroll to Screen – Torah in the Age of AI and Social Media
Harnessing the technological tools and innovations to transmit Torah and Jewish values—while honestly confronting its powers and its perils in an ever-evolving digital world.
3:00 PM
Break
3:30 PM
Session 7: The Yeshiba – Preparing Future Leaders
Exploring the tools and institutions needed for training rabbis and educators in the classical Sephardic tradition.
5:00 PM
Closing Session: Takeaways & Next Steps
Dibre Hizuk focused on translating insights into action and setting a course for continued collaboration.
Conference Partners
![RCA 2025 LOGO[1].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/899bd5_1f797cece04b46c1ae63fc94f4dca0a0~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_58,w_1620,h_2102/fill/w_86,h_109,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/RCA%202025%20LOGO%5B1%5D.png)
With Gratitude to our Supporters:
Juan (Yaakov) Mesa Freydell
Rabbi Sammy Kassin
Marc Moyal (in honor of Alice)
Conference Details
Hotel Accommodation
Guests traveling from out of town will be provided with comfortable overnight accommodations for Sunday, August 10. Rooms will be arranged at a nearby hotel to ensure a restful and convenient stay during the conference.
Meals & Refreshments
Meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the conference. This includes lunch and dinner on Sunday, as well as breakfast and lunch on Monday. Light refreshments and coffee will also be available throughout the day.
Optional Shabbaton
Participants are invited to attend Congregation Shearith Israel on Shabbat Nahamu prior to the conference.
Please note: Shabbat lodging is not included in the program accommodations.
