By Rabbi Judy Schindler
For a decade, Queens University of Charlotte( Queens) has cultivated a vibrant community of Jewish learning, meaningful engagement, and social justice leadership. As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 academic year, this tradition is entering an exciting new chapter through our partnership with Elon University( Elon).
This collaboration brings together two institutions deeply committed to enriching Jewish life. Queens contributes a dynamic Jewish Studies program, innovative social justice initiatives, and the strength of Charlotte’ s engaged Jewish community. Elon adds the energy of its thriving Jewish Life Center, exceptional Jewish Studies offerings, and an extensive network of alumni, parents, and community supporters.
Elon’ s Senior Director of Jewish Life, Betsy Polk, and Rabbi Judy of Queens, have spent the summer meeting, visioning and planning. Together, we are creating new opportunities for learning, leadership, and connection that neither institution could achieve alone. Stay tuned for inspiring new collaborative programming.
“ Like the old Reese’ s Peanut Butter Cup commercial from the seventies that proclaimed,‘ Take two great tastes that taste great together,’,” says Rabbi Schindler,“ we say the same about Jewish programming at Queens and Elon. Take two outstanding Jewish Life and Jewish Studies programs, combine their strengths, and together they become even greater.” Fall Learning One of the highlights of the upcoming semester will be our Signature Jewish Studies community course“ Being Human,” inspired by the internationally renowned Shalom Hartman Institute. Taught by Rabbi Judy Schindler and Rabbi Rachael Bregman, this course invites participants to wrestle with timeless questions through the lens of Jewish wisdom. What does it mean to be human? Which responsibilities do we owe to one another? How do Jewish values shape our responses to today’ s moral and social challenges?
“ Being Human” will be offered across six Tuesday afternoons from 12:30 – 2 p. m. in October and November on the Queens campus. Participants are welcome to attend in person, join via Zoom, or watch recordings later. This flexibility allows learners from throughout the region – and beyond – to participate in this rich educational experience.
New this year is our Monthly Talmud Club; a Zoom Lunch & Learn that will meet on the first Monday of every month from noon until 1 p. m. starting in October. For nearly two thousand years, the Talmud has challenged Jews to think deeply, question thoughtfully, and engage passionately with life’ s ethical dilemmas. Yet many people have never had the opportunity to explore this foundational text.
Whether you are opening the Talmud for the first time or returning after years of study, this welcoming series will introduce participants to its“ greatest hits” including beloved stories, unforgettable debates, influential rabbis, and enduring ethical teachings. Bring your lunch, nourish your body and your soul, and discover why generations of Jewish learners have found the Talmud to be an endless source of wisdom and inspiration.
Jewish Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Charlotte Jewish News- August 2026- Page 17
Queens University of Charlotte: An Upcoming Year of Growth, Learning and Collaboration
Where Everyone Belongs
By Sue Schreiber
Friendship Circle of Charlotte is built on a simple belief: everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and included. Through thoughtfully designed programs, the organization brings together“ Special Friends”( children, teens and young adults with special needs) and“ Teen Friends”( typically developing peers) to build relationships that enrich both lives.
The Power of One-on-One Friendships
At the heart of Friendship Circle’ s programming is Friends Together, a one-on-one friendship initiative that pairs each Special Friend with a Teen Friend. Matched duos meet weekly to share activities tailored to their interests, whether playing sports, creating art, enjoying games or simply spending time together.
The goal is simple: to cultivate genuine friendship and a sense of belonging.
In the year ahead, Friends Together aims to expand its reach through increased teen recruitment and a more personalized matching process. By fostering these relationships, Friendship Circle continues to minimize social isolation while creating opportunities for personal growth, connection and inclusion for everyone involved.
Strengthening Bonds Through Shared Experiences
Group Programs also play a vital role in fulfilling our mission. Held throughout the year, these Sunday gatherings bring participants of all ages together for sports, art, music, cooking, holiday celebrations and other interactive activities. Beyond the activities themselves, the
This summer, Jewish Life and Jewish Studies students created the collaborative mosaic mural“ Still Here. Still Us.”
programs create opportunities for friendships to grow while offering families a welcoming network of support and shared experience. Looking Ahead Friendship Circle’ s impact extends far beyond its participants. By bringing together teens, families and volunteers, the organization helps to nurture a more compassionate and inclusive community.
This year, Friendship Circle is excited about plans to introduce new program offerings, broaden volunteer opportunities and deepen partnerships across Charlotte, thereby creating more opportunities for participants to engage, grow and thrive.
Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive communities by pairing typically developing
This summer, our Jewish Life and Jewish Studies team welcomed 70 rising ninth graders from Camp Judaea in Hendersonville, NC, for an immersive exploration of Jewish identity, creativity, and connection to Israel. Led by Queens Professor of Art and Design Mike Wirth, Queens Director of Jewish Life Andy Harkavy, and Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies Rabbi Judy Schindler, campers explored the concepts of Am Yisrael( the Jewish people), Eretz Yisrael( the Land of Israel), and Medinat Yisrael( the modern State of Israel).
The dynamic experience culminated in the creation of a vibrant collaborative mosaic mural entitled“ Still Here. Still Us.” The inspiring artwork celebrates resilience, peoplehood, creativity, and hope, while reminding participants that Jewish identity is strengthened through both learning and artistic expression.
Our commitment to building stronger communities also continues through the“ Certification in Social Justice and Community Organizing,” which launches its fourth cohort this September. This nationally recognized program equips emerging and established leaders with practical organizing skills, leadership development, and the tools to build bridges across communities.
Participants learn not only how to advocate for change but also how to listen deeply, organize effectively, and create sustainable partnerships that strengthen civic life. Graduates of the program have gone on to lead nonprofit organizations, launch community initiatives, strengthen congregations, and serve as catalysts for positive change throughout the Charlotte region and beyond. If you know someone who is passionate about strengthening communities and advancing justice, please invite them to join.
As this new academic year begins, one thing is abundantly
clear: Jewish Life, Jewish Studies, and Social Justice at Queens are flourishing. Our partnership with Elon will only serve to further expand our reach, enrich our programming, and create exciting new possibilities for students, community members, and lifelong learners alike.
Together, we remain passionate about building a community rooted in Jewish wisdom, committed to justice, inspired by learning, and strengthened through relationships. We invite you to join us for what promises to be an extraordinary year.
To learn more about our programs or to register for any of them, please contact Judy Schindler at Schindlerj @ queens. edu.
Building bonds at Friendship Circle of Charlotte teens with children and young To learn more, visit Friendshipcirclenc. org adults with special needs.
At its core, the organization is built on the simple yet profound belief that friendship is a universal need. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to feel included, valued, and loved.