Jonathan Arkush, Vice President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and MFJC Vice President and Sally Berkovic, Executive Director of the Rothschild Foundation (HaNadiv) gave the major lectures. The Fellows also had the opportunity to hear about the local Jewish community in Copenhagen from Chief Rabbi Emeritus Bent Melchior, the current Chief Rabbi Jair Melchior, who participated as a Fellow, and the Israeli Ambassador to Copenhagen, Mr. Barukh Binah. A warm and thoughtful welcome was extended to the Fellows from the MFJC by Mr. Salomon Rytz, Chairman Jewish Communities, Boras, Sweden and Secretary to the MFJC Executive Committee. Mr. Rytz introduced the theme of the program and reminded the Fellows that they were present to share knowledge, build bridges and relationships, so that by the time the Fellowship was over, the Fellows would have a stronger, more educated and dedicated understanding of who they are and who they want to be in the future.
Mr. Arkush began by framing the history of the Jews in Europe from antiquity forward by documenting the establishment of Jewish communities in Western and Eastern Europe, Russia and North Africa. He explored the decimation of the Jewish community during the Shoah, and described the continuous presence of Jews in Europe for 2,500 years, contributing significantly to the social and cultural life of the countries in which they live. Mr. Arkush examined the forces of the political far left and far right, particularly as they have impacted upon areas of Jewish ritual life such as Shechita and Brit Milah, and the growing hostility to Jews in Europe. Despite anti-semitic attacks, however, Mr. Arkush maintained strongly that while some sectors of Jewish life in Europe may come under stress, Jews still have a significant role to play in Europe. He challenged the Fellows to be both optimists and realists, investing in and energizing communal life, learning themselves and educating others about Jewish values and the way of life, while continuing to contribute to the good of the societies in which they live.

Sally Berkovic, CEO of the Rothschild Foundation, led the second key note session on The Future of European Jewry: Shaping an Educational Response, in which she guided the Fellows in a group text study and conversation about key issues in Jewish education. Using a collection of texts she titled “Motherloss, Money and The Mind Body Problem,” the Fellows examined their own experiences of Jewish education including their access to and comfort with sacred texts, their experience of the mimetic transmission of Jewish traditions, and their sense of what makes up the most important aspects of their Jewish identities. In a very real way, Ms. Berkovic challenged the Fellows to consider the outcomes they want for themselves and their communities and the possible creative steps they can take to reach those goals.
One outstanding aspect of this Fellowship was the participation of prior Nahum Goldmann Fellowship alumni as faculty and presenters. Rabbis Tamarah Benima (NGF IV) and Joe Wolfson (NGF XXV) led evening text study workshops for the Fellows on Jewish Identity and Mr. Jo Toledano, (NGF II) Director General of the Alliance Israelite Universelle, and MFJC Vice President, and Mr. Sasha Friedman (NGF XXVI), Director of Szarvas International Jewish Youth Camp, engaged the Fellows in a meaningful panel conversation about formal and informal education in Europe. They shared powerful stories about the need for vital schools, youth programs, and camps in Europe to support and strengthen Jewish families who are committed to remaining in Europe, living active Jewish lives and transforming Jewish communal life there.