BE’CHOL LASHON (In Every Tongue)

The 8th Annual Be’chol Lashon

International Think Tank
m ay 21 - 24, 2010 • San Francisco

We invite you to attend the 8th Annual Be’chol Lashon International Think
Tank for leaders of Jewish communities around the world: Africa, Asia, Latin
America, Australia, Europe, Israel & the United States.

Be’chol Lashon is a research and community building initiative of the Institute for
Jewish & Community Research, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in San
Francisco with staff, programs and community partners throughout the world.
Be’chol Lashon acts as a central clearinghouse for ideas, programs, and
organizational collaboration.

The Annual Think Tank is an on-going forum for conversation, networking, and
partnerships. Many Jewish communities exist in isolation, separated from one
another by history, geography, knowledge, culture and experience.

Some of the issues we will discuss are:

1) Conversion: Transition to Judaism
2) Reclaiming a Jewish way of life
3) Redefining the concept of Jewish peoplehood
4) Research about ethnicity, culture, and identity
5) Economic and communal development in emerging Jewish communities.

The Think Tank allows for the exchange of information, projects (planned or
envisioned), and the opportunity to develop networks and groups that continue to
work together throughout the year. We would be honored to have you join us for
this extraordinary opportunity.

Vision: A Global Jewish People

Imagine a new global Judaism that embraces and transcends differences in geogra-
phy, ethnicity, class, race, ritual practice, and beliefs. Discussions about “who-is-a-
real-Jew” will be replaced with celebration of the rich, multi-dimensional character of
the Jewish people.

Institute for Jewish & Co m mu n i t y Research

Diane Tobin, Director, Be’chol Lashon and President, IJCR
Esther Fishman, Think Tank Manager • Andrew Esensten, Think Tank Coordinator
T: 415.386.2604 • F: 415.386.2060 • Diane@JewishResearch.org
 BE’CHOL LASHON (In Every Tongue)
The 8th Annual Be’chol Lashon
International Think Tank
m ay 21 - 24, 2010 • San Francisco

The Jewish people face serious demographic challenges. Worldwide, the number of
Jews is stagnant. Decimated by the Holocaust, Jews now comprise only 00 .1 % of
the world’s population. We believe the Jewish population, through pro-active efforts,
could grow to 20 million by 2020, and 40 million by 2060.

We seek to overcome the significant organizational, cultural and ideological barriers

to growth in the Jewish community. A more expansive Judaism is particularly
engaging for younger and unaffiliated Jews who want Judaism to reflect the global
community in which they live.

Mission
Be’chol Lashon (In Every Tongue) grows and strengthens the Jewish people
through ethnic, cultural, and racial inclusiveness. We embrace the diversity that has
characterized the Jewish people throughout history, and through contemporary
forces including intermarriage, conversion and adoption. We foster a Jewish
community that embraces its differences and harnesses the strength that results
from diversity.

Be’chol Lashon Goals

We strive to:
• Build networks of global Jewish leaders
• Strengthen diverse Jewish communities around the world
• Educate Jews and the general public about Jewish diversity
• Increase the Jewish population by encouraging those who would like to be part of
the Jewish people.

Institute for Jewish & Co m mu n i t y Research

Diane Tobin, Director, Be’chol Lashon and President, IJCR
Esther Fishman, Think Tank Manager • Andrew Esensten, Think Tank Coordinator
T: 415.386.2604 • F: 415.386.2060 • Diane@JewishResearch.org