For most of us, AMEN — two simple syllables — is muttered almost unconsciously at the conclusion of prayers. The end, it suggests.

For Sharon Brous, a renowned rabbi revolutionizing Jewish worship, the ancient affirmation shouldn’t be dismissed so easily.

“I see you,” it declares. “You are not alone.”

It holds enormous power to create human connection, and what could be more critical to our health and spirits following a recent time of so much isolation and alienation than to reawaken our shared humanity?

As her new book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World, is released, The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Cultural Center is honored to welcome back Rabbi Brous, an acclaimed teacher, storyteller and speaker, to issue a clarion call for fostering a deep sense of belonging, to share her experience building communities of care based on her unique spiritual roadmap for soulful, multi-faith justice work and to teach us how to say AMEN with a whole new spirit.

The founding and senior rabbi of IKAR, in Los Angeles, one the fastest growing religious communities in the country, Rabbi Brous is the youngest person ever named to the Newsweek/Daily Beast list of the 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America and, in 2013, she was named the list’s Most Influential Rabbi. She blessed both Presidents Obama and Biden at their Inaugural National Prayer Services and cohosted the 2021 White House Seder. Her TED Talk, “It’s Time to Reclaim Religion,” garnered 1.5 million views.

In conversation with writer, journalist, podcast host Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew.