ATID Celebration: Honoring Legacy, Building the Future!

In late January 2026, more than 200 dedicated supporters of The Schechter Institutes, Inc. gathered in Palm Beach, Florida, for an inspiring and deeply meaningful celebration. ATID — the Hebrew word for ‘future’ — perfectly captured the spirit of the day: honoring extraordinary leadership while stepping boldly into Schechter’s next chapter.

The day marked the dawn of an exciting era as we welcomed Schechter’s new President, Rabbi Matt Berkowitz and the new Chair of the Board, David Kekst to their positions. Their leadership comes at a pivotal moment — one filled with both challenge and opportunity for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.

Concurrently, the day also offered a heartfelt opportunity to express profound gratitude to Saul Sanders, outgoing Schechter Chair, for his 15 years of devoted visionary service, and to Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin, President Emeritus, whose 35 years of transformative leadership leave a powerful and enduring legacy at Schechter and around the Jewish world.

Throughout the occasion, speakers underscored a powerful theme: Schechter’s ability to bridge past and future with tradition and forward-thinking leadership.

Schechter CEO Michal Makov-Peled reflected on how the event symbolized continuity and growth, inviting supporters to look inward with pride and forward with purpose as Schechter continues strengthening Jewish peoplehood and expanding its impact across generations and continents.

L-R: Schechter CEO Michal Makov Peled and Rebecca Kekst at the event

Event Co-Chairs Dvora Callahan and Peter Wexler, spoke movingly about their deep commitment and love for the organization. They shared how their involvement with Schechter strengthens their feelings of belonging within Clal Israel and puts into action the words of the famous Talmudic phrase, “All of Israel are responsible for one another.”

In an inspiring keynote address, Rabbi David Wolpe, one of North American Jewry’s seminal public intellectuals, called on everyone in the audience to continue championing Schechter’s mission of advancing and advocating for Israeli and Jewish pluralism. His message was clear, sustained support for Schechter will continue shaping Israeli society and Jewish life around the world.

Rabbi David Wolpe

In his first address as President, Rabbi Berkowitz articulated a compelling vision. “Schechter’s purpose is clear: educating, empowering and expanding Jewish life.”

Rabbi Matt Berkowitz, President, The Schechter Institutes, Inc.

He declared, “Schechter educates toward a pluralistic vision of Jewish education and shared society in Israel. We empower Israelis to confront the trauma of the past two years. Finally, we are forever expanding the contours of Jewish life and learning through art, culture and a commitment to Jewish peoplehood, as evidenced by the remarkable work we are doing in Ukraine. What we do makes a difference in the lives of Jewish children, adults, and families.”

 In describing Schechter’s future, Rabbi Berkowitz posited, “These are the cornerstones of my vision: promoting, partnering and persevering. Beginning here, in this moment, we will enthusiastically promote the vision of Schechter Institutes. I aim to spearhead a process of educating people about the remarkable work we are doing to make a difference on the ground in Israel and Ukraine.”

“Partnering, I intend to nurture powerful synergies among our four branches: our graduate school can work closely with our arts and culture center in Tel Aviv; the TALI Education Fund can rise to much greater heights with our Rabbinical Seminary; our work in Ukraine can benefit from all that we are doing in Israel. Just as important, we need to deepen partnerships with Jewish organizations: JTS, the Masorti Movement, the Rabbinical Assembly, Women’s League, Camp Ramah, and local Jewish federations across North America.” 

“Finally, persevering in our efforts to help heal Israel – and seeking a stronger future for our nation by rebuilding a shared sense of hope. We are already doing this with vigor and determination, continuing our programs in Bibliotherapy, Psychodrama, Bchol Nafshach, in which we work with young adults coming out of their IDF experience, our healing modalities program in Ofakim and only a month ago, launching a spectacular program in Kiryat Shemonah, with the generous help of Palm Beach Federation.”

At the end of his address, Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin reflected on Schechter’s success and his thoughts for its future.

Rabbi Prof. David Golinkin, President Emeritus, The Schechter Institutes, Inc.

“The secret to this success is one word: optimism. If you are doing something important and positive which helps the Jewish people, and if you work very hard – you will find partners and funding and you will succeed.”

“I wish much optimism and continued success to the heads of our non-profits and their staffs – but especially to two people: To my friend and colleague Rabbi Matt Berkowitz who is a unique combination of rabbi artist and mentsch; and to David Kekst who is a rare blend of dedication, generosity and kindness.”

“With God’s help and hard work, Schechter will continue to grow and succeed, just as Herzl wrote in Altneuland in 1902: אם תרצו, אין זו אגדה If you will it, it is no dream!”

ATID was graciously hosted by Temple Emanu-El of Palm Beach. Each and every one felt that its halls and sanctuary were infused with love of the Divine spirit.

In conclusion, one message resonated clearly: Schechter’s future is strong because of the dedication, partnership, and generosity of its supporters. Together, all are honoring a remarkable legacy and actively shaping the Jewish future.

(images copywrite @Stevan Fane)