In this compelling lecture, Ethan Kushner, chairman of Kehilat Moriah Israel’s oldest Conservative synagogue offers an insider’s perspective on the unique challenges and triumphs of preserving Masorti Jewish life in modern Israel. Through a deeply personal lens, he explores the tension between state and Conservative synagogue, the marginalization of non-Orthodox movements, and the daily realities of building a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community amid political polarization, cultural shifts, and national crises.
The Lecture ties timeless Jewish values—pluralism, dignity, peoplehood, and tradition—to the pressing issues of today: from religious freedom and civil rights to the role of religion in Israeli identity, and the struggle for recognition and equality within the Jewish world.
Ethan also looks at Israel pre and post October 7th and offers a perspective on how Israeli society is coping with the longest military conflict in Israel’s history.

This series is a call to action, a bridge between Diaspora and Israeli Jews, and a stirring affirmation of the Masorti movement’s relevance—both in Israel and abroad. The lecture series is in honor of the 70th anniversary of Kehilat Moriah in Haifa, the oldest Conservative Synagogue in Israel.

Ethan Kushner is a seasoned business executive with over 40 years of experience in international business, in sectors ranging from broadcast, telecommunications, homeland security, greentech and medical devices. Kushner has worked extensively in developing countries and was actively selling Israeli technology in the Middle East long before the Abraham Accords.
Prior to returning to Israel in 1999, Ethan worked as a legislative aide to City Councilman Zav Yaroslavsky in Los Angeles. Moving to Chicago in 1990, he managed a small regional television station in the Chicago suburbs and worked with the Israeli Foreign Ministry on PR related issues and speaker. For five years he produced a weekly radio show called " Shalom Chicago."
Having held management positions for various companies in Israel, the UK and the UAE, Ethan describes himself as an expert marketer, avid negotiator, and very goal oriented.
Ethan has stayed involved in American politics first as a member of the Board and Chair of Democrats Abroad-Israel, and since 2023 as Chair of American Democrats in Israel. He has been a frequent guest on Israeli television and radio, commentating on US elections and US-Israel relations. Since 2019, Ethan has been Chair of Moriah Congregation, the oldest Conservative Synagogue in Israel and these days is launching a new venture, "The Kerem Alliance," a non-profit organization focused on rebranding Israel in North America and beyond.