Speakers

Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio, and is the author of several books.  She is a much sought-after international speaker, featured in the Federation Speaker’s Bureau, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including key-note talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington D.C. area, with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik. Lori is the Founder of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project (JWRP), an international initiative that brings thousands of women to Israel each year from 18 different countries on… >>

Saul Blinkoff is a Hollywood filmmaker who has worked for many high profile clients including; DISNEY, DREAMWORKS, NETFLIX, MTV & AMAZON. He started his career animating on the hit DISNEY films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan and Tarzan and went on to direct, Winnie the Pooh Springtime With Roo, Kronks New Groove and was a director on the hit DISNEY show Doc McStuffins. Saul has consulted for animation studios internationally in Tel Aviv, Toronto, Seoul, Dublin, Vancouver & China. Saul is one of the most sought out Jewish speakers in the world, giving inspiring and… >>

Ruchi Koval is the co-founder and Associate Director of Congregation JFX, an innovative community in Cleveland, Ohio. She has been a Jewish educator for two decades, leading self-development groups for adults and teens, and mentoring educators around the world. Ruchi is a certified parenting coach, motivational speaker, musician, author, and mother of seven. She is also a columnist for the Cleveland Jewish News, and her first book, "Conversations with G-d," was released in 2016. Find Ruchi on Facebook and Instagram; her blog at outoftheorthobox.com; and her podcast on iTunes and Spotify. >>

Lihi Lapid is an Israeli author and journalist whose books and weekly newspaper column deal with contemporary women’s issues. Her popular weekly newspaper column is published in the weekend supplement of one of Israel’s major newspapers. Lihi has written two bestselling novels in Hebrew, Secrets from Within and Woman of Valor, as well as a cookbook and a bestselling children’s book.  She in known as the new feminist voice of Israeli women, focusing on the feminine.Prior to becoming a writer, Ms. Lapid was a professional photographer. In addition to her writing, photography and speaking, she is a devoted wife and… >>

Originally from New York, Rabbi Gavriel Friedman has spent the last decade studying and teaching in various Yeshivas throughout Jerusalem. His lectures highlight the entire gamut of programs, including the Discovery Seminar, Jerusalem Fellowships, Executive Learning Center, Essentials Beginner’s Program and more.  A sought after speaker of the Jewish speaking circuit, Rabbi Friedman has lectured in dozens of locations around the globe, including South Africa, England, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, and across the United States. Rabbi Friedman’s charisma captivates audiences of all ages and inspires men, women and children across the Jewish spectrum.  His unique ability to present Torah concepts… >>

Hagay Elitzur, born and raised in Israel, has dedicated his life to public service for the Jewish people. After two years as the Jewish Agency emissary in Chicago, he returned in 2011 as the Senior Division Head of the Diaspora Division at the Ministry of Jerusalem and Diaspora Affairs. In this critical position, he oversees the planning and implementation of Israel's governmental policy towards the Diaspora, and leads a myriad of dynamic multidisciplinary initiatives to strengthen the mutual dialogue between Israel and communities throughout the world, in order to combat anti-Semitism, strengthen Jewish identity and develop young leadership. Hagay holds… >>

Nili Couzens is a JWRP Trip Leader and a popular Jewish Educator. She is a sought-after motivational speaker and has spoken on tours across the U.S., Israel, Greece, South Africa, and Central America.  Nili has been involved in women's Jewish education and community leadership for over 20 years. She is the Founding Director of Jewish Life Seminars, a Jewish educational organization in Philadelphia and has recently moved  to Israel with her husband and children. Visit her website at http://www.nilicouzens.com/  >>

Rabbi Ken Spiro's quick-paced, humorous style catches and keeps an audience's interest; his ability to explain deep concepts clearly makes an impact that lasts long after the presentation.Rabbi Spiro is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher for Aish HaTorah's Discovery Seminars and the Jerusalem Online University. In addition, he is a licensed tour guide from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Rabbi Spiro graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Russian Language and Literature and did graduate studies at the Pushkin Institute in Moscow.He has an MA in History from The Vermont College of Norwich University and Rabbinic Ordination from Yeshiva… >>

Mr. Charlie Harary, Esq. is a prolific speaker, known internationally for his charismatic, passionate and sophisticated lectures, seminars and key note addresses on personal growth, entrepreneurship, social change and spirituality.  Mr. Harary has spoken to businesses, organizations, and educational institutions on a variety of topics and to audiences of all sizes and affiliations. His videos have received worldwide attention and have reached hundreds of thousands of people.Mr. Harary is the CEO of H3 Capital LLC, an advisory and investment firm based in New York.Mr. Harary is a Clinical Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at the Syms School of Business in… >>