This narrative serves as a foundation for a new covenant between Israel and world Jewry, elevating the existing discourse from one with a crisis-based focus to one rooted in Jewish values and ideas.

The iEngage Project seeks to create a new narrative regarding the significance of Israel for Jewish life. This narrative serves as a foundation for a new covenant between Israel and world Jewry, elevating the existing discourse from one with a crisis-based focus to one rooted in Jewish values and ideas. Led by a team of internationally renowned scholars in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle East politics, and history, iEngage is committed to addressing core questions pertaining to the necessity and significance of the State of Israel.

Only a narrative that gives meaning to Jewish statehood and sovereignty and that articulates a vision of Israel that lives up to the highest standard of Jewish values, morality, and democracy can form the basis for a new covenant for Jews around the world. The iEngage Project is working to generate a conversation that will celebrate Israel for what it is and, more importantly, for what it will become, which will in turn engender a commitment to taking part in building such an Israel.

At the same time, there is the success story that is Israel. Without denying the dangers that Israel still faces on a daily basis, its military power and prowess render a narrative of crisis less meaningful. When one adds to the equation the economic vitality of modern Israel, it becomes increasingly difficult to portray Israel as a weak country in dire need of help from Jews around the world.

iEngage Team

Members of the iEngage research team are tasked with creating robust curricula that empower educators, rabbis, and Jewish professionals to change the North American discourse around Israel.

Led by a team of internationally renowned scholars in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle East politics, and history, the iEngage Project is committed to addressing core questions pertaining to the necessity and significance of the Jewish national enterprise; how a Jewish state should exercise power; why a Jew who lives outside of Israel should care about Israel; and what the State of Israel can offer the world.

Citywide iEngage Programs and Institutional Partnerships

iEngage has become the premier educational program on Israel engagement in North America, reaching tens of thousands of constituents within the Jewish community. iEngage programs are often developed and presented in partnership with other organizations both local and national, including synagogues, Hillels, JCC's, major institutions, national conferences, and local boards of rabbis.

Multi-denominational citywide iEngage study partnerships, run with local agencies and Federations across North America, draw participants from across the region. Hartman iEngage scholars present public lectures and train rabbis and other educational leaders to facilitate further exploration of these important ideas in their communities.

iEngage Sponsors and Backers

iEngage is generously supported by The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation, Edward Fein, Legacy Heritage Fund, Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Charitable Funds, The Morningstar Foundation, Alan B. Slifka Foundation, UJA-Federation of New York, and other foundations and individual donors.