Yellow 22
We will look at what it means to have a chronic illness, and how that experience shapes our understanding of the world we inhabit and the Torah that frames that world. Each experience with illness is unique, and we will approach the subject with sensitivity and a compassion toward learning about ourselves and others.
Red 6
Come and hear about political activism in art, poetry and music in Israel and around the world.
Orange 11
Egalitarianism is dealt with so differently across our community. Through an interactive debate and discussion using videos, texts and images you will Choose Your Own Adventure (like the books from when you were younger) through this topic. This session is accessible both to those who are scared of text and those who feel more comfortable with it.
Red 2
More and more UK congregations are creating congregational social justice programmes and activities. This session provides some skills training, wherever you are in the process, and an opportunity for congregational activists to connect and share experiences.
Orange 13
A dazzling showcase of Jewish food and its inseparable link to American Jewish culture. Once there were thousands, there are now fewer than 200 delis across America. Guided by the irrepressibly ebullient Ziggy Gruber – a leading third-generation deli owner – Deli Man charts a mouthwatering history of the deli as a cornerstone of American cuisine. Dir Erik Anjou, 2014
Orange 14
The ‘Partners to Peace’ campaign was led by a group of 30 Jewish student activists who wanted to fundraise for non-violent Palestinian NGO the Holy Land Trust and amplify the voices of Palestinians advancing non-violence while under occupation. Hear from the students about their experiences and how the money raised will be helping on the ground.
Yellow 23
A one man play based upon the classic Yiddish story by I B Singer, translated by Saul Bellow. In the face of betrayal and ridicule, Gimple's belief in God and human goodness has inspired audiences throughout the world.
Red 1
Many people think the Talmud is composed of two main strands: pronouncements of law and stories about rabbis. There is a third strand: short reports of how rabbis (and others) carried out a halachah but tweaked it somewhat. We will look at examples of such behaviour. Text handouts in Hebrew and English.
Blue 34
10% of America’s approximately 6 million Jews identify as black, Latino, Asian or mixed race. We will look at themes of Jewish identity and values, and interesting community dilemmas connecting who we are as Jews and the US Racial Justice movement.
Green 26
Come and see one of the first "fundraising" movies made by Keren Hayesod and The Jewish National Fund, from 1934. Deborah will explain the background and tell anecdotes about the movie, including how the movie was used by Germany prior to WWII.
Red 7
Join us for the launch of this year’s Chavruta book, ‘Tzedakah’. Opening with an extravaganza of music, art and texts; today will look at the origins of our obligation. Who should receive tzedakah? What principles guide us? Can we prioritise? This is the only chance to study this section. Tomorrow we will examine the donor-recipient interaction.
Red 4
Levinas was one of the most influential and intriguing Jewish thinkers of the 20th century. We will explore his philosophy of the “face-to-face” relation, his understanding of Judaism as ethical teaching, and the connections between the two. No prior knowledge of philosophy required. Today: Levinas’s response to the Holocaust.
Orange 10
I don’t believe that Rabbi Yosef Karo misread the Zohar upon which he based his removal of women from participation in burial rituals! Women in Israel up to this day are restricted and limited. Was it ever really a battle against women, denying them their territory? How does one’s pinnacle liberation claim another’s most fundamental rights?
Orange 12
A participatory, semi-dramatised look at the German Rabbinical conferences of 1844-6, the controversies they examined, the characters who attended and the legacy they left.
Marquee 1
Bo'u lirkod! Enjoy all the atmosphere of Tel Aviv’s tayelet learning dances regularly danced in Israel; suitable for newcomers and returnees with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. This is an introduction to Israeli dance for the young and young at heart. Have fun! Learn all the basic moves but with some new music.
Turquoise 19
You may be a seasoned songwriter or a novice, you may wish to write a melody to a beloved Jewish text or perhaps a protest song or even seek to create a new Chanukah favourite. All are welcome and will be supported by Jess with creating something you can take home and share. Each session stands alone, but you can attend both to dive deeper.
Red 5
Every city in the world has its own magic: the urban environment, the architecture, its restaurants, cafes and people. What do we look at while exploring a new place? What catches our eyes and thoughts? Amir will draw your attention to what became 'everyone’s canvas', the street's walls. The session will also allow you to experience graffiti painting.
Judy Klitsner Maureen Kendler Samuel Lebens
Orange 15
Three Jewish educators discuss why Moses couldn't enter the promised land. Hosted by the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies and JW3.
Yellow 24
The majority of Jewish immigrants to Britain and America in the 19th century arrived nearly penniless, yet today their descendants stand out as exceptionally successful. Other ethnic groups have prospered, but none quite like the Jews. How have they risen so far and so fast? Can we credit Jewish culture, or is something else at work?
Marquee 3
From a concert violinist you became a rabbi??? One may wonder... "Well, this is a performer and this is a performer" I replied, or in other words - it's all about terminology. Join us for a special solo violin concert to combine, music, Jewish thought and thinking out of the box.
Red 3
This session will provide an overview of the refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East. The session will try to answer the most important questions: What are the current needs? What can we do to help? What is our role as Jews?
Green 27
Traditional Jews still fast every year on the date when the Romans set the Temple in Jerusalem on fire; some still pray that it be rebuilt. What was lost when the Jews could no longer worship God through the sacrifice of animals? What did they do instead, and was this as good? If the Temple had remained, what would Judaism be like today?
Blue 33
The movement to reconnect with the over 100 million descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities, and the possible ramifications for Israel and the Jewish world.
Sara Moon Deana Gershuny Roxana Jebreel
Green 25
An opportunity to ask questions and hear about Sadeh and hear about other amazing Jewish farms in the USA. Find out how you can get involved and why Jewish farming is fun and important!
Yellow 21
The Talmud sits in the middle of the page, with multiple, unevenly shaped commentaries surrounding it. Around the margins, reference tools point the reader to other works. How did this page layout develop, and why for the Talmud and not for so many other books? Who turned it into the universal format for Talmud printing, and why did it catch on?