Emily Levy-Shochat , a committed activist and top leader of the Masorti/Conservative Movement in Israel and around the world joins us for a conversation about how our voices as American Jews can help protect Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state- while also strengthening the Jewish people and pluralism worldwide.

About Emily Levy-Shochat
Born and raised in Liberty, New York, Emily and her husband Jack made Aliya from Boston almost 50 years ago after completing her studies at the Brandeis Hornstein Program and beginning her professional career with the Jewish Community Centers of Boston. 

Emily's career in Israel has focused on grass roots community development, provision of educational and social services for populations at need, organizational development and training within the non-profit world.  

She currently serves as Co-Chairwoman of MERCAZ Olami, the political party representing the global Masorti/Conservative Movement at the World Zionist Congress and in that role is on the boards of the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency, and KKL/JNF.  She was the Chairperson of Masorti Israel for 5 years, leading successful efforts to develop and grow  Masorti – Conservative Judaism in Israel. 

Representing Mercaz, Emily has served on the KKL-JNF Board for six years during which time she was a Deputy Chairwoman of KKL/JNF and Chairwoman of its Environment and Science Committee.   Hers was the voice which initiated and untiringly lobbied for what resulted in a major new commitment by KKL: financial, organizational and programmatic support to combating climate change.  

Professionally, Emily has been dedicated to strengthening civsociety, to maintaining Israel’s democracy, to protecting human rights and to strengthening citizens’ influence in the public sphere. Among the positions she filled during her 40-plus year career were as the CEO of two NGO’s, lecturer and supervisor in Community Development at Hebrew University and Director of Community Outreach for the Israel Reform Movement. 

Today, in addition to her extensive volunteerism, Emily happily much satisfying time with her 4 grandchildren.