Skip to main content

Allison Gilbert Weekend

Join Har Zion Temple for a special weekend of connection featuring Allison Gilbert, bestselling author and Emmy Award–winning journalist, from January 30–February 1. Through engaging talks, meaningful conversations, and intimate gatherings, Allison will explore how relationships, shared stories, and intentional connection help us grow stronger as individuals and as a community. Drawing on her work with Dr. Ruth Westheimer and her own life experiences, Allison offers practical and inspiring insights into cultivating closeness, resilience, and belonging.

Events throughout the weekend are designed to resonate across ages and life stages, from young parents to longtime community members.

These programs are offered free to Har Zion Temple members through the generous support of the Fishman Institute Scholar-in-Residence and Rabbi Haaz’s Discretionary Fund.

Forging Friendships for Moms

Friday, January 30 | 1:30–2:30 PM (Ends right before Noreen Cook Center Pickup)

With after-school activities, playdates, much time spent en route to one place or another, and complicated or multiple bedtimes, it is challenging for moms to carve out time and space for nourishing friendships. Allison will facilitate a discussion on two critical paths to forging and nurturing connections for young moms: consistency and authenticity.

*This talk is open to moms with NCCECE+JFGRS aged children.

Forward from 9/11 and October 7

Friday, January 30 | 7:15–8:15 PM (Following Joy of Shabbat Dinner)

Allison won her first Emmy for her live, on-site coverage of the collapse of the Twin Towers twenty-five years ago. She will help us look at how communities process and navigate national trauma. We will consider similarities and differences between 9/11 and October 7 and what coping mechanisms are available to us as we move forward. Allison will bring insights to bear on these questions from her dear friend and co-author Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

The Reflection Effect: How Remembering Our Loved Ones Is Key to Healing

Saturday, January 31 | 1:00–2:00 PM

When we lose a loved one or dear friend, that relationship is taken from us. Often, the ensuing grief leads to further isolation and a weakening of other nourishing relationships in our lives. Allison will lead an informal conversation over coffee and dessert about objects and heirlooms and the healing power of keeping memories of loved ones alive.

Wine, Cheese, and Dr. Ruth

Saturday, January 31 | 6:15–7:15 PM

Allison was a dear friend of and co-author with the absolutely singular Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Enjoy this opportunity to learn and laugh as Allison talks with us about Dr. Ruth’s unique life and her transformative impact on our understanding of healthy relationships.

The Epidemic of Loneliness and The Joy of Connections (Keynote)

Sunday, February 1 | 10:30–11:30 AM

In recent years, we have become more aware of the prevalence and dangers of social isolation and loneliness. Each generation confronts isolation at great physical, emotional, and cognitive risk — teenagers to young adults to empty nesters to seniors. Allison will provide a roadmap for overcoming loneliness based on Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s Menu for Connection and will engage with Rabbi Haaz and the audience about fostering nurturing relationships.

Book Signing & Light Nosh

Following the Talk

Take advantage of the opportunity to meet Allison Gilbert, purchase her most recent book co-authored with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and begin your discovery of The Joy of Connections.

The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life
Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loved Ones Alive

about allison

Hi, I’m Allison Gilbert, an author who loves to write and talk about human connection.

I’ve written six books, won three Emmy Awards, and host two conversation series on reducing loneliness and strengthening relationships. My husband and I met at sleepaway camp and have been married nearly 30 years. We have two wonderful children who are now young adults.

the joy of connections

The Joy of Connections is a practical and uplifting guide to building meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world. Co-authored by Allison Gilbert and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the book offers 100 simple, actionable ways to combat loneliness and strengthen connection at every stage of life.