Join host Prof. Iqbal Akhtar for a conversation with Jenny Pearson about her transition from leading community engagement at the Arsht Center to navigating complex interfaith dynamics at the Jewish Federation.

Jenny opens up about her upbringing in New York and Florida, her drive to push the boundaries of Jewish culture beyond "Fiddler on the Roof," and her instinct to return to Jewish community work post-October 7th. They explore the necessity of crossing the aisle, the nuances of the Jewish diaspora in Miami, and how emotional connection can transcend ideological differences.

Show Notes & Key Takeaways:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Professor Iqbal Akhtar welcomes Jenny Pearson from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation.
• [00:00:58] Early Life & Identity: Jenny discusses growing up between New York and Florida in an observant Reform home and the experience of being Jewish in non-Jewish neighborhoods.
• [00:04:15] Arts for Social Change: How Jenny’s career began in community-engaged arts, bridging cultural gaps through creativity.
• [00:06:05] Reimagining Tradition: A look at how Jenny produced a contemporary art interpretation of the Passover Seder to push the boundaries of Jewish culture.
• [00:11:30] The "Guava Rugelach" Festival: Celebrating the unique intersection of Miami culture and the global Jewish diaspora through music.
• [00:15:20] The Impact of October 7th: Jenny explains her professional pivot from general arts administration back to specific Jewish advocacy and community relations in the wake of the conflict.
• [00:16:45] Introducing "Rekindle Miami": Launching a new 6-month cohort for young adults focused on strengthening Black-Jewish relations and discussing racism and antisemitism together.
• [00:19:00] Navigating Polarization: Strategies for having difficult conversations about Gaza, misinformation, and political divides.
• [00:23:00] Beyond the Binary: Building deep friendships across the political aisle by focusing on shared values and life experiences rather than ideology.
• [00:26:30] Advice for Students: Jenny’s advice on finding your professional path: "Do what you love" and follow the work that gives you energy.

Interfaith, Miami, Jewish Federation, Black-Jewish Relations, Community Engagement, Arts for Social Change, Dialogue, Rekindle Miami, FIU.