From generation to generation: Celebrating 130 Years of Jewish Life at Brown

Dozens of seminars, panels, and other opportunities to celebrate the accomplishments of Jewish alumni 

Faculty led seminars throughout the weekend on topics ranging from political comedy, to religious and philosophical answers to finding happiness, to how food is central to Jewish life, and much more. 

The weekend also included alumni-led panel discussions, like “Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Brown: Through a Jewish Lens,” which was hosted by Danny Warshay ’87, P’20, P’23.5, executive director of the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, and moderated by Robert P. Goodman ’82, P’18, P’24, a Fellow of the Corporation of Brown University. Panelists discussed how their Brown education and Jewish identities informed their approach to entrepreneurship.

“Collaboration is probably the most important thing for building any business—and it really is something that gets fostered in places like Brown,” said panelist Nancy Zimmerman ’85, P’20, co-founder and managing partner of Bracebridge Capital and a Fellow of the Corporation of Brown University. On how Jewish values influence her work, Zimmerman said, “Knowing how to do the right thing is one of the most important ways to build trust, and I think trust is what makes all businesses thrive."

There were also panel events focused on celebrating the professional accomplishments of Jewish alumni across various industries—including public service, journalism, theater, entertainment, and philanthropy. One panel, “How Brown Women Broke through the Jewish Stained-Glass Ceiling,” brought together Jewish alumnae who are making history in religious leadership roles.

“As a parent, it’s inspiring to see how many people feel so strongly about their Brown experience years later,” said attendee Dara Kass P’29. “It’s been really exciting to see their sense of community, their sense of democracy, their desire to change the world. Even if they’re doing it through law or medicine or politics or policy—or whatever—they’re all foundationally grounded in the experience they had here, and that’s remarkable.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to see two film screenings showcasing alumni work—“The Sophisticated Silliness of S.J. Perelman,” a documentary about the notable humorist from the Class of 1925 created by Sean Kelly ’84, and “My Italian Secret,” directed by Oren Jacoby ’77, P’17. 

One of the highlights of the weekend was the gala—a celebration of the incredible achievements of Jewish alumni in the arts. 

“The fact that so many of you enthusiastically came together for this weekend speaks volumes to the fact that the history of Jewish life at Brown resonates across generations,” said Brown President Christina H. Paxson at the gala. “In elevating this history we are enriching the diverse intellectual and cultural landscape at Brown.”

The gala was centered on a special tribute to legendary Alfred Uhry ’58, the Tony-, Oscar-, and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who authored classics like “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Parade.” The tribute included a live performance by alumni and students of a scene from “The Last Night of Ballyhoo.” Guests then enjoyed a recorded conversation between Uhry and Steven Levenson ’06, the Tony-winning playwright of the book for “Dear Evan Hansen.” In the intimate conversation, Uhry reflected on his time at Brown. 

“At Brown, I fell in love with the love of my life, who I was married to for 60 years. I met my writing partner. I got started in show biz. But I never thought all this was going to happen,” said Uhry, referring to his career as a renowned Jewish writer. “So I owe that to Brown. With the combination of theater, and falling in love, and expanding my horizons… It really changed my life to be at Brown.”

One of the key goals for the organizing committee was highlighting the community's impact on the arts. Rubinton said, “We wanted to mark that in a significant way in Brown's wonderful new performing arts center. Alfred Uhry ’58 is an amazing example of the achievements of Brown's Jewish community, and having him interviewed by another tremendous example, Steven Levenson ’06, was a perfect expression.”

The gala—which, like the rest of the weekend, was catered by the Sharpe Refectory’s Kosher Kitchen—concluded with a cabaret performance by alumni and students, including Brown-RISD’s premier Jewish-themed a cappella group, the Alef Beats. The cabaret was emceed by award-winning actor, writer, director, and comic Iris Bahr ’98.

Inclusive, intergenerational connections and traditions

There were opportunities throughout the weekend for Brown’s Jewish alumni from across the decades—and current students—to connect, learn from each other, and celebrate their shared culture and community.  

A special panel event on Saturday, “From Generation to Generation,” explored the unique experiences of Jewish students at Brown over the decades—from the 1950s, when chapel attendance was mandatory, fraternities were segregated, and kosher food wasn’t available, all the way to today. Moderated by James Hirschfeld ’91, P’25, the panel featured alumni from each decade, including members of multi-generational Brown families.

“I thought the panel was fantastic,” said Sarah Gomel ’06. “I was here at a time when so much of the population was Jewish, and so hearing from alums from the 50s and 60s who were trailblazers was particularly interesting for me.”

A Challah for Hunger charity bake brought alumni and students together, as did Shabbat services. The weekend’s religious services were designed to be inclusive of all branches of the Jewish religion with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform services available and open to all. On Friday, attendees enjoyed a family-style dinner, “Shabbat Under the Stars,” which included a guest panel moderated by President Paxson and featuring CEO of The Kraft Group Robert Kraft and Brown Chancellor Brian Moynihan ’81, P’14, P’19. Then, a Shabbat community lunch was centered around a conversation between John Friedman, the inaugural Vascellaro Family Dean of the Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs, and his rabbi, Sarah Mack of Temple Beth-El in Providence. 

Two student-led panels drew significant attendance. The first, “Constructive Conversations Among Community—Disagreeing on Divisive Topics Without Being Disagreeable,” Brown students discussed why it is important to have a campus environment that encourages constructive and respectful discussions on difficult issues. In the second, “Jewish Life on Campus—Current and Future,” student panelists highlighted the latest campus resources along with their hopes for the future of the Jewish community at Brown. 

The Center for Career Exploration also brought students and alumni from many generations together for a well-attended professional networking event called “Building Connections.” Students were able to chat with alumni from a wide range of fields, build meaningful connections, and learn about the role of relationships in professional development. 

“I have enjoyed connecting with alumni and people that I would otherwise not get a chance to meet,” said current student Talia Sherman ’26, about the overall weekend festivities. “It’s been wonderful to also hear alumni perspectives. It’s a chance to gather literally and figuratively under one tent and unite across differences.”

The past, present, and future of Jewish life at Brown

The 130 Years of Jewish Life at Brown weekend provided several occasions for meaningful dialogue and reflection on the unique history of the Jewish community at Brown.

Alumni and student volunteers created a digital timeline focused on Jewish history at Brown. An exhibit of the timeline was installed in Brown RISD Hillel for the weekend, and will remain there until late January 2026. Drawing extensively from the University archives, the timeline provides a community-oriented account of shared history and growth from the late 19th century through the present day. 

There was also a panel called “Historical Perspective: Key Moments in Brown and Rhode Island Jewish Life,” and guided sessions on the special Judaica collections, including rare Haggadot, were offered at the John Carter Brown and John Hay libraries.

While honoring the past, the events of the weekend also inspired conversations about the present and visions for the future. 

“People are here to celebrate, to acknowledge what happened in the past, and then to think about what’s going to happen in the future,” said Sophia Kremer ’25, who served on the volunteer planning committee. 

The theme of reflecting while also looking forward was evident in the joyful atmosphere that defined the 130 Years of Jewish Life at Brown weekend. 

“The expressions of Jewish joy that emanated from events such as the Friday night dinner, the Hebrew sing-along, the gala, and the closing blessing are a reminder of the strength and resiliency of the Jewish people,” said organizer Doft.