The Jewish storytelling community lost a beloved friend and teacher this past summer, one day before her 93rd birthday. Born in Belarus, Roslyn Bresnick-Perry bridged the past with the present with delightful tales of a shtetl childhood and a busy life in New York City, in Florida, and wherever she performed. Presented by her friend, editor, and fellow storyteller, Caren Neile, this lively performance/lecture will include tales from Ms. Perry's oeuvre, her biography, and a discussion of the place of the itinerant storyteller or maggid (in this case maggidah) in both the Old Country and the New World.
To many, Yiddish is nostalgic and has no purpose, except for perhaps knowing a few kitschy words. In truth, this 1,000-year old-language holds the key to understanding ourselves, as Jews, in the here and now. This workshop will explore the importance and relevance of Yiddish and how this language still defines us today.
We will look at some controversial and juicy texts from the Talmud and other sources, which show a side of Judaism that you won't often hear about – such as the “peeping Tom” student in the Talmud, Moses meets Rabbi Akiva, and, of course, the Rosh Yeshiva and the Prostitute. Texts will be presented in English; no prior study background necessary.
Included in our Shabbat and Yomtov services is a prayer for our nation. But how and why did that come about? What is its presumed source, and how has it developed? In this session, we’ll see examples of how the prayer was used as an expression of both hope and of criticism.
Jewish people have held an ideal standard for family life that is captured in the term "Shalom Bayit,” which signifies wholeness, completeness, and fulfillment. Ideally, traditional Jewish marriage is characterized by peace, nurturing, and chesed – loving kindness. Now, for the first time in history, there is a new science of love based on twenty years of scientific research. We teach the couples to access the emotional underpinnings of their relationship, recognizing they are attached to their romantic partner in the same way a child is on the parent for nurturing soothing and protection. The way to enhance a relationship is to be open attuned and responsive to each other and to reestablish emotional connection, ensuring a lifetime of love. What could be more important!
After a short introduction to both Vipassana meditation and Kabbalah, we will attempt to meditate in a manner that is inclusive of both the Buddhist and the Jewish worlds. Following the meditation, we will open a discussion about our experiences and formulate interesting conclusions regarding the universality of human experience.
We've all seen and heard the troublesome news about the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe, and particularly in France. As French Jews rush to make aliyah to Israel or leave for Quebec or Miami, a difficult question must be asked: Is there a future for Jews in France? In this session, we will investigate the rise of anti-Semitism in modern times in France – its causes, the effect of Arab immigration to France, Jewish integration into French society, as well as the relationship between events in Israel and anti-Semitic acts in France.
This interactive session is geared toward individuals looking explore LGBT inclusion from a Jewish perspective. Participants will bring their own voices, sharing their hopes, questions, and concerns about LGBT inclusion within a Jewish context. In a safe, judgment-free environment, we will work to understand terms and identities related to the LGBT community, then explore how our traditions and values call upon us to be inclusive of LGBT individuals in our community. We will close by brainstorming ways to be better allies and advocate to make our communities more LGBT-inclusive. No previous experience or training in inclusion necessary – all are welcome!
Jews must buried whole! Jews need to be buried with their organs in order to be resurrected! Jews are not allowed to get an autopsy! You are alive if your heart is still beating! Explore Talmudic and Mishnaic texts that can shed light on this 21st-century phenomenon, where a person’s heart can beat even though the brain is dead. Some rabbis view a beating heart as a sign of life, some rabbis don’t – come learn why! Learn what halacha (Jewish law) – and the latest legislation in Israel – say about organ donation. Come to this workshop so that you can make an educated decision for yourself.
Who was sent off in a small vessel by his parents to save him from the death and destruction facing his people … then raised among people to whom he is an alien, but who do not suspect his secret identity … then grows up to become a liberator and champion of the oppressed, with the aid of miraculous superpowers? You could have answered either Moses or Superman. Comic book superheroes were the creations of the sons of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, all born between 1914 and 1922. It was a very Jewish sentiment to feel for the underdog and to champion "Truth, Justice and the American Way” that their families had come to the United States to find. The background stories of these Jewish artists gives some insight into their individual inspirations for their characters, and the ones that were to come after.
The inside of a synagogue, and of a prayer book, can look polished, pious ... and bland. We’ll look beneath the surface of some texts and melodies to see the spiritual wrestlings that have been woven into Jewish experience. Do we really mean that God can raise the dead, or that God creates ... "evil?” Do we find traces of our own lives and our own struggles in the liturgies of our many synagogues? We will use texts, music, and media recordings to see the struggles, and sometimes the solutions, of diverse groups of Jews, from Burning Man Shabbat to Neilah in Oregon. All welcome – no previous learning necessary. Bring just a challenging mind (and soul). Prepare to be subverted!
Mussar is the ancient Jewish tradition of ethical and spiritual development. Over 1,000 years old, Mussar is experiencing a revival in twenty-first century North America. Come learn what it is all about. We will explore the history, key figures, practices, and theory of change that make up Mussar. You will come out with practical next steps for making Mussar a part of your life.
We live in a time when people feel that it's necessary to "#normalizebreastfeeding," where some consider publicly nursing your baby as scandalous or inappropriate. The same goes for breastfeeding toddlers and children. But in the Bible and the Midrash, nursing was already "normal," and it was broadly accepted that children would be nursed until age three. Public nursing is actually glorified in the Midrash, for example, as our mother Sara's way of proving that she could, in fact bear children. We will explore various early texts regarding the role and presence of nursing in the Bible and Midrash, to get a sense of how nursing was treated in biblical times. We can discuss how that might illuminate our views on breastfeeding today.
How can unhealthy foods be kosher? What did the Sages say about good nutrition? Is it a mitzvah to eat healthy? Learn the answers to these questions and more as Staci discusses the historical perspective, the modern dilemma, and some simple healthy and delicious solutions to make everyone happy and healthy!
Learn what should and should not be done when compiling a written family history. The session leader has written a book-length manuscript about the life of his father, who was born in 1907, was exiled from Lithuania with his family as a child, survived the Holocaust, and re-created his life in America. This session will cover what works well, what is helpful, and what should be avoided. At least half of the session will be dedicated to taking questions.
During this presentation we will discuss the new oil and gas discoveries in Israel and their impact on Israel’s energy independence and prosperity. We will examine the various strategic options Israel faces in the Eastern Mediterranean with respect to its export of energy resources: Turkey, Cyprus, Europe, and Asian countries. What’s the future of renewable energy? How does the natural gas revolution in the US affect Israel’s strategic positioning and economic independence?
This session is focused on: A) Highlighting Israel's use of social media and web-based techniques, and using that to explain the importance of social media in today's discussions on Israel; B) The most effective ways to use social media to communicate about Israel; and C) Tips and techniques on how to increase engagement and social media interaction. This multi-media presentation will be geared towards those who are active in social media, are pro-Israel student or community members, or are Limmud learners who are interested in effective Israel communication.
As our Jewish community’s perceptions evolve, and acceptance of our LGBT sisters and brothers become the norm, how well will we collectively respond to their unmet needs becomes the question. Whether you’re straight or gay, come participate in a wide-ranging discussion about recent successes, as well as obstacles yet-to-be-overcome by gay people and their supporters. In this informal focus group, voice your insights, suggestions, and concerns as Jewish Community Services explores and develops targeted services and compassionate support to benefit LGBT older adults.
There are several places in the Talmud where we are told that the Rabbis prayed for rain, and the rain did not fall. But, what does this mean about Rabbis? What does this teach us about their power, or their lack of it? How do I cope with my Rabbi’s being a human being who can make mistakes? This session will deal with these questions, and also what we can learn from these stories in 2016! All texts will be in English and the Original, and no previous text experience is required.
Andrea Askowitz will tell stories from her hilarious memoir about her struggles with circumcision (not her own), fights with her mother (is it worse to date a woman or a goy?), and her ultimate redemption: motherhood.
Psalm 23 is perhaps the most familiar biblical passage, recited around the globe at times of death and distress. We will closely read Psalm 23 to understand better what it says, and why it serves as a source of comfort to so many people.
Is the idea of immersion in the mikveh one of the most beautiful rituals in Judaism, or one of the most sexist remnants of an antiquated view of women?!? Is there any middle ground between these two? Come learn the history of mikveh, read texts about its use, and hear the personal stories of both of us – Orthodox and Reform – as we have encountered the ritual of mikveh. Together we'll explore this ancient tradition, why it has endured, and what it can mean in contemporary times.
In this session, we will make Challah plates with beautiful patterns with a technique called decoupage. Its a super simple technique that you can later apply to many different projects! With just a few materials, you'll have a beautiful piece that will add a lot of character to your shabbat table. Hope to see you there!
Through gentle, easy movements and breathing exercises derived from Tai Chi and Chi Gung, we will learn concrete, repeatable tools that uncover how the Shema helps us conquer fear and, along the way, intentionally moves us to higher consciousness and encourages us to evolve. The session includes a brief text study in accordance with the theme, and is done standing or sitting on chairs. This session is not suitable for children.
Twenty years after Daniel Goleman published his ground-breaking work on Emotional Intelligence, a new kind of intelligence is being promulgated. Spiritual Intelligence, or SQ, is now being hailed as "the next step beyond emotional intelligence." Danah Zohar, who pioneered this concept, calls it "the ultimate intelligence." The latest research indicates that there are twenty-one skills associated with SQ that can be assessed, and, if one chooses, more fully developed, using religious or non-religious techniques and practices. Find out how to assess your own SQ and determine which skills you might like to develop further.
What is Hasidism? You may be tempted to think in black and white, but a Hasid defies stereotype and is enriched by a most daring and free-thinking philosophy. Where did Hasidism originate? How did it succeed in inspiring generations of Jews? Do all Hasids wear white socks and furry hats? Is Hasidism still relevant and inspiring to the twenty-first-century Jew?
Join Professor Oren Stier on a multimedia journey into some of the surprising ways the image and persona of Anne Frank have survived the Shoah, leading her to becoming one of the most notable icons of the Holocaust. Utilizing rare photographs and other materials, Stier will reveal the "young girl" and teenage diarist you never knew. Drawn from Stier’s new book, Holocaust Icons: Symbolizing the Shoah in History and Memory, this presentation will provide insight into the life and afterlife of one of the Holocaust's most famous victims and, paradoxically, one of its most famous "survivors," as well.
Irish writer Frank O'Connor said, "the literature of Jews is the literature of townsmen, and the greatest Jew of all was James Joyce." It cannot be coincidental that the great Modernist novelists were so deeply involved with Jewish themes and subjects: Marcel Proust was a Jew, as was Franz Kafka ("within us all it still lives," he said of the former ghettoes), while Thomas Mann wrote the greatest Jewish novel of the twentieth century, Joseph and His Brothers. We’ll discuss Modernism as the most significant development in the arts in the twentieth century, with illustrations of the roles played in it by Jews as both artists and as subjects.
Israeli dances are a phenomenon around the world. Dance and learn about the magic of Israeli folk dances: circle dances, line dances, mixer dances, and partner dances. It's not just to dance them, but to understand why they are so popular around the world and why is this folkdance different from all the rest. You will leave this session not only energized and with concrete teachings, but also with the knowledge of why our folk dances are so special. Silvio has a unique way of leading and teaching, making everyone feel comfortable and entertained at the same time, and no matter your level, fun is guaranteed.
Join filmmaker Aaron Davidson in watching his short films on three landmarks on the South Florida kosher scene.
Tradition at Steak. Run time 17:06 (c) 2015. Davidson visits the last stand-alone kosher butcher shop on Miami Beach to find out why a butcher is more than just a store.
Rascal House. Run time 9:23 (c) 2015 This film was made on the closing weekend of the Rascal House Restaurant, which was a Jewish-style deli and a fixture in South Florida for over half a century.
Abraham's Bakery. Run time 9:42 (c) 2015 This film lovingly follows the process of making kosher favorites, while hearing from some of the bakers and patrons of this Miami Beach landmark.
This seminar will immerse participants in traditional text study on the meaning of Tikkun Olam as a theological category from the rabbinic period, to medieval Kabbalah, to modern Jewish thought. From Mishnah, to Isaac Luria, to Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, we will trace the central theological concepts of divine self-limitation, human agency, and human responsibility, deepening our intellectual and spiritual appreciation of a value at the heart of modern Judaism.
A colleague at work once playfully teased me that any time she asked how I was, I answered, "Thank God." This became a running joke in our relationship, because it reveals the extent to which Jews often exclude God in their daily discourse. For some, using God’s name is too parochial, for others, it is alienating. Is there a way to reclaim theological language for ourselves, especially as it relates to each of our inner callings, to make us individually and collectively more spiritually empowered? We will examine some classical Jewish texts, and that which is in each of us. Come with not only a discerning mind, but an open heart!
Our Sages delighted in biblical metaphors, such as water, rock, cloud, and light. However, these are little taught, although the Talmud, Midrash, and Zohar reveal them to be portals to a mature sense of the divine, an expanded consciousness that help us reclaim the two wings the Zohar says a soul needs to fly: Love and Awe. In this session we will consider one metaphor, "Water/Clouds," through guided text study, bibliodrama, storytelling, meditation, and chevruta (study in pairs), to taste of what kept the Sages riveted to our accessible spiritual legacy.
Bible stories leave room for much interpretation. From the Rabbis of old to modern scholars, many commentators write about the Biblical stories. In this workshop, we will look at the Biblical narrative of the Akedah – the Binding of Isaac – and how different artists in different time periods interpreted the story.
This session will examine how Israel's economy transformed over the past two decades, with a particular emphasis on the technology sector. We will learn about select companies that have changed the world and consider the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We will assess the actual benefits of the "peace" dividend and also consider the potential impact of a "lack of peace" tax.
In this class we will analyze dissent and the challenging of religious, communal, and political authority. When is it obligated? How does critique degrade itself into arrogance and pettiness? We will study biblical sources on this topic and then apply it to our current situations as Jews living in the twenty-first century.
No one wants to believe it, but child sexual abuse occurs in our Jewish community just as it does anywhere the world. We will talk about what makes a child vulnerable, safety tips to teach and implement with your child, and key tools to have in your relationship with your children to keep them safe. The format will be lecture with Powerpoint. Participant questions will be encouraged throughout.
The session begins with an overview of places of origin for South Florida’s Jewish population. What narratives describe influx from places in the North, or from the South? Most importantly, how have attendant values and attitudes made SoFl a complex and evolving landscape that is unique, befuddling and proposing next generational issues for natives? The 2014 Greater Miami Jewish Federation Population Study offers some ammunition, along with a culling of other anecdotal observations, that have been overheard, somewhat overlooked, or otherwise seen in print. This will be a highly interactive interview and assessment of participants using Web-based tools like Google Polling and Kahoots.
El antiguo testamento está lleno de historias, gente y sitios que cobran vida a través de la visión de artistas que han manejado este tema. Varios artistas han representado la figura de David, primero como parte del linaje de Cristo y después como héroe que se transforma en el icono de Florencia. El Renacimiento reinterpreta el rol de la figura bíblica convirtiéndolo en el símbolo de su ciudad. Algunos artistas como Donatello y el Verrocchio escogieron a David para representarlo en escultura, mientras que a través del talento de Miguel Ángel, David se convierte en el ideal del cuerpo humano.
This session is presented in Spanish.
This session will be a journey through biblical, rabbinic, and extra-biblical texts that discuss the whereabouts of the Holy Vessels of the Holy Temple, and shocking revelations about where they likely are today.
Tikkun Olam is a high priority for most North American Jews. But how can we change the world if we are not also changing ourselves? This session will explore the intersection of inner growth and social change. We will focus on the Mussar concept of The Choice Point and how decision making can be a method of personal and organizational growth, as well as social change.
Are you afraid of monsters? Do you know who Lilith really was? How is Frankenstein a Jewish story? In this session, we will explore what Jewish magic was and is. We will delve into Jewish superstition, demonology, and divination as we explore the history of the Jewish occult. Join us as we journey into the (under)world of the Jewish supernatural.
If Mindfulness is, as Google suggests, a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Contemplation goes beyond that. It introduces the dimension of Purpose. We'll explore Jewish texts dating from the first centuries of this era, and include some practical Contemplative exercises.
Niggunim are a wonderful way to bring people closer to the source of spiritual relationship. Especially for those members in our communities who may struggle with Hebrew or are still learning the liturgy, the niggun allows us to bypass the intellect and head straight for the heart. Come sing with Jewish musician and composer Noah Aronson and learn a handful of useful niggunim, both new and old.
As we head into an election year, what can we learn from the biblical account of our most colorful Israelite king? We will examine selected episodes from the fascinating and artfully crafted story of King David – stories that shed light on the challenges and potential pitfalls facing political leaders.
Since the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, the Bible has been invoked as the appropriate model and framework for governance for what would become the United States. In the 19th and early 20th century, the Bible figured prominently on both sides in the debate over slavery, immigration, prohibition of alcohol, and numerous other issues. Today, the Bible is selectively invoked to justify legislation regarding the teaching of Creationism, abortion rights and restrictions, race relations, gay rights and same-sex marriage, even foreign policy. In what ways, if any, is "Torah" distinct and different from "the Bible" invoked by politicians? How do Jewish understandings of the Torah's teachings relate to biblical texts alluded to in political debates?
The latest revelations about the Holocaust stuns even the scholars who thought they already knew everything about the horrific details of Germany’s program of genocide against the Jewish people. It’s taken more than 70 years to finally know the full facts.
Researchers in United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and Yad Vashem have recently released newly uncovered documentation that astounds even the most informed scholars. The ADL’s first world-wide study of antisemitism further illuminates the situations we face today. This session will bring you up-to-date on the realities and lessons of the Shoah.
Have you ever left a Jewish gathering with some connection, but no sense of anything Jewish having taken place? How about going to a Jewish learning experience seeking connection with others, only to leave dissatisfied? This class will take an experiential approach to building community, based on communication, sharing, and vulnerability. Using Judaism as a touchstone and the Ayeka methodology of learning (coined by Rabbi Aryeh Ben David), Greg Lawrence will lead us on a journey of introspection and sharing that leaves us satisfied both in the head and the heart.
Do you like to debate? (Of course you do… you’re Jewish.) Come participate in a heated, fascinating, timely, and meaningful audience debate. Seven thousand Americans die every year waiting for organs. Is buying them from poor people exploitation? Can only the rich afford organs? Come and argue your side.
By teaching you some songs (rounds and harmony pieces), we will cover a set of useful ways to learn songs with confidence. We will finish the session singing in harmony!
They came of age in the 60’s; now, in their sixties, they’re redefining what it means to be young. History’s most adventurous generation is now facing the angst of advancing age. Simcha & Frumma Gottlieb, speaking from the leading edge of the baby boom, take an up-close-and-personal look at the art of awesome aging. They show us how to reclaim lost dreams, fulfill new goals, and delight in a life of passionate purpose. Profound and practical, with powerful tools for whole health, beauty, intimacy, finances, parenting adult children – and learning from grandkids, mental clarity, and much, much more!
We live in a truly amazing time when we can interact with more people than our ancestors could ever imagine! The question is, are the relationships we build as deep as they used to be? What might be holding us back? Perhaps we were hurt by someone and now avoid deep relationships? In short, relationships are complicated, especially with those who challenge us the most. Together, we will engage in traditional Jewish texts about the paradox of relational Judaism, specifically about relationships in the Talmud that were rich, but also dangerous. Were they worth it? Participants will learn in chevrutah (pairs) and engage in story sharing.
What in the world is Jewish yoga? What is Jewish meditation? Do Jews meditate? Does meditation come from Buddhism? Who is Rabbi Nachman? We will explore the history of Jewish meditation, experience gentle stretching, create kavanot (intentions), and learn the basic techniques of meditation from a Jewish perspective. If you're looking to create awareness of the body and mind, this is the session for you! Warning: Self-awareness may lead to great contentment.
“Mandala,” Sanskrit for “circle,” is a spiritual and ritual symbol representing the universe in Indian religions. This session will be an experiential, hands-on activity, where you will map your own personal mikvah mandala following a short teaching of the meaning of mikvah according to Jewish tradition, in its physical and metaphysical meanings. In his pioneering exploration of the subconscious through his own art making, Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung observed the circle motif appearing spontaneously, reflecting his inner state at that moment. An array of art materials will be used to create a mapping of your very own personal definition of a mikvah mandala.
A brief history of how BDS got its start, from the 1920’s to the present; the impact of the UN’s Zionism-as-Racism resolution on the UN Durbin Racism conference and how it has adapted to local concerns; the cast of characters behind BDS; what is its real goal; and finally, what should be done. If something always sticks, then we should concentrate on making our message better.
On the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Bob Diener confronted many tough issues: how to treat employees, how to please customers, whether to cut corners, whether to follow the temptation of an unsavory deal. Bob found solutions to all these issues through careful study of “the best guidebook to running a successful business ever written” – the Bible. Dilemmas become easy when viewed from the biblical perspective. “Our work is meaningless unless to do good,” counsels the Book of Ecclesiastes. Companies that abide by the Bible’s rules tend to prosper long term. Companies that cheat, defraud, and operate unethically don’t stay in business very long. You too can become a successful entrepreneur by following the biblical principles that Bob discusses.
Conversion is one of the most controversial issues in Judaism today. The four movements of Judaism have different approaches to conversion – which sometimes create conflict. How do we deal with this? Could there be a solution? What do the classical textual sources of Judaism say? How has this issue been dealt with in Jewish history? What questions does this issue raise about what it means to be Jewish in the twenty-first century? With intermarriage rate at over 70% of non-Orthodox American Jewry, this is an issue that we all need to confront.
One of today's most hot-button topics has to do with what it means to be transgender. Caught in the confusion of this are the individuals, couples, and families who struggle with this reality on a personal, and spiritual level. This presentation will touch upon what it means to be transgender, the experiences a transgender person might have, the effects on the family, and ways the Jewish community has made efforts to reach out in support. Regardless of our own assumptions, and biases, this presentation will equip the participant in ways to make respectful sense of, and be empathetic to, those who identify as transgender – along with their friends and family.
Presumed dead since the Holocaust, Ladino culture has been fondly reminisced for over half a century. Ladino Sephardim have spread thinly all over the globe, and have been engulfed by other Jewish traditions. Over the past few years, we are witnessing a return of the Ladino progeny to the glory of their ancestors. This has come about with the security of relative peace, the urgency of a world demanding authenticity, and by increased connectivity through the Internet and travel. Since 2013, International Ladino Day has been celebrated annually and Ladino language and classes are becoming more available. Sephardim from the Ottoman Empire are reconnecting with their heritage. Join the Balkan Jewish Communities in this panel discussion to learn how they are working to help make it possible.
With the passing of The Supreme Court decision regarding same sex marriage, we have all become sensitized to this previously under-recognized segment of our communities. The Jewish community will have to deal with many additional halachic issues regarding the ritual status of transgender and multi-gender members of the minyan. The issue is not new; rather, it’s been discussed numerous times in the Talmud and Middle Age sources.
This workshop will identify and explore the Jewish spiritual practices you are most drawn to, while discovering the answer to "If I'm already a good person, why be Jewish?" And, given that a meaningful Jewish spiritual life is inspired by powerful stories that are well told, we will begin with a vibrant telling of Rabbi Goldie Milgram's "The Missing Mitzvah Feathers," a true story that takes place in Russia and the Ukraine as Perestroika dawns.
In this workshop, we will explore the various transitions we’ve made in our lives and the lessons we’ve learned from them. In particular, we will examine a current life transition, how it is impacting our way of being in the world and how we can manifest our hopes, dreams and aspirations for a fulfilling future. We will explore Jewish texts that put our transitions in perspective. We will share rituals around life changing events --- including birthdays, divorce, retirement, moving to new homes and jobs, and dealing with illness and recovery, as well as grief and loss — increasing meaning and joy leading to transformation. Expect to write and to engage in dialogue with your inner voice and others on this journey of discovery.
This session will offer an introspective look into living a life that matters and translating that into the writing of an ethical will. Ethical wills date back to Jacob in the Bible, and have been written throughout the years as a loving gesture and a guidepost for future generations. Merle R. Saferstein will give practical, hands-on ideas on how to write an ethical will and the value of doing so. She will also share suggestions for living and leaving your legacy.
An in-depth look at the agunah/agun issue. What does it mean to be an agunah/agun? What is the history of this halachic predicament and what efforts have been made to affect change over the years? This is an up-close and personal perspective, which will expand to community consciousness, public awareness, and the social responsibility surrounding this issue.
Elise and Gil Bonwitt have worked as both professional and lay leaders in the social sector. Through those experiences, they identified several best practices that would have exponential impact on Jewish social sector organizations, including Gazelles, used by more than 1,000 companies worldwide. As a consequence, they co-founded Gazelles Social Initiative, an international program that implements some of the applicable Gazelles best practices into the social sector. You will be surprised to find out that some of the best practices are based on Jewish principles and values. This session will allow Jewish non-profits to strengthen their strategies, business models, and relationships.
Hebrew Kirtan – inspired by a form of devotional prayer developed in India – is a call-and-response, participatory chant where short, sacred phrases from the Jewish tradition are treated as powerful, universal meditations. It is at once contemplative, ecstatic,and plain old fun. Join the “Kirtan Rabbi,” Rabbi Andrew Hahn, for a deep immersion in this cutting-edge practice. We will chant a lot. And we'll discuss creating and leading chants, do easy meditation and voice exercises, and study related Jewish texts. You do not need to know any Hebrew or be a singer to enjoy this workshop.
This overview of the Klezmer genre will explore the meaning of the melodies, the classic Klezmer repertoire of weddings, simchas, after-the-wedding, and much more. The class will feature live music. You’ll learn the answers to some of those burning questions such as: How did Jews dance before Hava Nagila? Or, who was the "baden?" And what is a real Hora?! And you thought you knew . . . Musicians and non-musicians are welcome. If you can actually play any Klezmer, bring your instrument. You won’t actually play, but it should look nice!
Take a journey to prewar Poland and meet my mother, a young girl growing up in the tiny village of Germakivka. See how her world changes into the darker experiences of German occupation, the destruction of her family, of flight into the forest, hiding, survival, and her eventual escape to freedom. Travel with me to "modern"-day Germakivka and see what's left of my mother's past.
The Talmud tells us that there are certain Rabbis who are considered "The Strong Ones of Israel" – but what gives them strength? Is strength positive or negative in the Talmud? How does location and environment effect a person’s Judaism? We’ll examine these questions together, and attempt to understand our own relationship to Israel and the Diaspora. All texts will be in English and the original, and no prior text experience is necessary.
The Golden Age of Jewish Mysticism in Spain coincided with the rising popularity of Tarot cards. You might think that the two have little do with each other, yet these cards are filled with Kabbalistic imagery. We will reveal the symbols of the Kabbalah in the Tarot cards and, in so doing, we can transform the cards into tools for mystical meditation. Come and learn how to reveal the power of Kabbalah in the Tarot cards.
Words can be used to build or to destroy. Our words can actually break one’s spirit, even stir up hatred and violence. They not only exacerbate wounds, but inflict them directly. Of all the creatures on this planet, only man has the ability to communicate through the spoken word. The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift from God. In this session, I will explore the power of our words. I will bring examples from the Bible, Halacha, and our prayer book, and examine the concept of Lashon Hara.
We will make candle holders with Fimo, a material similar to clay that, once it’s baked in a conventional oven, gets hard like a rock. It comes in different colors that you can mix. In this workshop, we will prepare pieces for you to take home to bake. Parents are welcome to join this session with their kids!
The United Nations has become a symbol of Israel's global political challenges and Jewish diplomacy efforts. This presentation will provide an insider’s view of the United Nations, its functions and relationships with the Israeli Government and the Jewish People, in the past and today. Among the topics covered: the Palestinian question in the United Nations, economic and technology development, and more.
This session will take the participants on a voyage through the history of Islam's growth and development, from the seventh century through its manifestation of world-wide presence in the twenty-first century. It will explore the growth of the Muslim communities throughout the various nations of Europe, specifically, and how that growth has impacted Europe's view of Israel.
Eating disorders do not discriminate between race, religion, or social class. However, the Jewish community has unique situations that could contribute to the development of an eating disorder. This session will describe the serious nature of these disorders from a biological, psychological, and spiritual perspective. Jewish influences on one’s relationship with food and body weight, shape, and size will be explored.