The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) invites everyone with a connection to Jewish life in the South to join us for Southern & Jewish, our annual conference, taking place June 21–23, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are thrilled to partner with Charlotte’s vibrant Jewish community to host this exciting gathering.
Southern & Jewish brings people from across the South and beyond together to connect, learn, and share ideas for sustaining Jewish life where they live. The conference runs from noon on Sunday through noon on Tuesday and features nationally recognized speakers and performers, hands-on learning opportunities, and plenty of time for meaningful conversation and community-building. As one recent attendee shared, “It was such a warm and welcoming experience—I kept forgetting it was my first time!”
The 2026 theme, B’Yachad: All Together Now, reflects the power of coming together across communities, generations, and identities. Like the ISJL itself, the conference is trans-denominational and open to all. Affinity group meetups offer opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests, identities, or life experiences.
Whether you are a teacher, lay leader, parent, local historian, or simply someone who cares about Jewish life in the South, Southern & Jewish offers inspiration, connection, and community.