Sessions and Schedule

Doing Jewish, Feeling Jewish, Being Jewish: Grandparents as Guides in Mixed-Heritage and Multifaith Families

Today’s Jewish families look and live differently than ever before — and that can make it challenging for even the most devoted grandparents to feel they’re making a Jewish impact. This session is designed for grandparents who want to play an influential role in their grandchildren’s Jewish journeys, especially within mixed-heritage families. We will share practical insights and provide inspiration for grandparents to nurture Jewish identity in diverse families, using a simple, powerful three-part framework: Doing Jewish, Feeling Jewish, Being Jewish Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen their grandchildren’s connection to Jewish life, while honoring each child’s unique identity. Participants will:

• Understand what “being Jewish” means to today’s diverse families, and how grandparents can meet their grandchildren where they are.
• Learn new, inclusive ways to share Jewish identity, values, and traditions that feel natural and meaningful to all family members.
• Gain language for having open, respectful conversations about faith, culture, and belonging.
• Leave with ways to frame joyful, accessible Jewish moments that build connection.

About Rabbi Samuel Klein

Rabbi Samuel Klein is the Director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, where he leads initiatives that foster meaningful connections to Jewish life—including the Loeb Leadership Institute and Reset & Refresh, a nationally scaled learning experience for mixed-heritage couples developed in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America. He holds advanced degrees from Cambridge University (Theology), University College London (History of Art), and the Spertus Institute (Jewish Studies), and completed the Master Teaching Artist program at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, with a focus on museum education and cultural engagement. He is currently a PhD candidate at Gratz College, where his research explores how Jewish ritual shapes identity in diverse Jewish contexts. A frequent speaker and writer on Jewish identity, memory, and belonging, Rabbi Klein brings two decades of experience accompanying couples and young families as they craft meaningful Jewish journeys. He has developed inclusive retreats and learning series in partnership with synagogues, JCCs, Federations, and cultural institutions across the U.S. and Europe. He currently serves as Rabbinic Advisor to Togethering, a national initiative supporting mixed-heritage couples. Originally from the UK, Samuel lives in Seattle’s Seward Park neighborhood with his spouse, Gilah, a lecturer at the University of Washington. He is the proud father of three adult children—each living on a different continent. An avid runner and hiker, he’s often found looping the trails of Seward Park or heading into the Cascades with a good book in hand.