Yellow 24
For the past century, Zionism has been a significant factor in American Jewish life. We will discuss the various responses to Zionism within the Jewish community and how they reflect the Jews'perceptions of their place within the broader American society.
Green 26
The Wise Aging program is premised on the belief that one's later years can be a time of growth and not simply an extended period of diminishment. In this session we will engage in some exercises and discussions focused on building resilience and living the years ahead with spirit, self-awareness and joy.
Orange 11
Serach Bat Asher get's pretty short shrift in Torah (you may even have missed her!) but in this session we will unravel her story, and explore a new ritual to add her story to yours at the seder table.
Purple 31
Nonfiction graphic novelist Miriam Libicki will read from her works on identity, politics, and Israel-diaspora relations, and encourage the audience to explore their own stereotype fears by leading them in drawing cartoon self portraits.
Blue 34
This in-depth class will investigate contemporary philosophical interpretations of the enigmatic account of the Tower of Babel. We will consider similarities and differences between multiple languages around the world, and whether we have any chance of true communication with those who speak other languages.
Red 3
Based on her popular 2018 ELI Talk, "Law of the Land: Boundaries, Consent and Atonement," this session looks at why we never learned about sexual consent at Hebrew school. Looking at talmudic concepts of sexual consent, and an overview of how sexual laws in Judaism are passed into synagogues and Jewish movements, we uncover our own Jewish lives.
Blue 33
Go back in time for a rich discussion on beauty and the female body from the days of our foremothers until now. We'll take a look at how these ideas have evolved and look at relevant articles to better understand how current ideas have either impinged on Jewish women or served to make them feel good about themselves.
Alicia Jo Rabins Jacqueline Nicholls
Yellow 23
How do art and text intersect? How do we balance feminism, creativity and love of Jewish tradition? Join us for an intimate, open conversation between a musician/poet and an artist, both working deeply with Jewish texts, as they share their creative process, struggles, and insights. As Rav Kook said: what is old make new, and what is new make holy. Alicia's participation was made possible with generous support from The Covenant Foundation.
Orange 15
Hear Ephraim Mirvis, Chief Rabbi speak about five texts that guide his leadership. Understanding these fascinating sources can provide meaningful messages for us all.
Orange 13
This session will describe the investigation of how the stereotype of powerful American Jewish lobbies that supposedly control Western foreign and domestic policies led Qatar to both embrace American Jewish influencers to promote political agendas, and engage in questionable undercover operations. What happens when Jews get stuck in the middle?
Red 2
Norwich is where the first European blood Libel (or was it?) occurred in 1144. In 2016 Norwich Cathedral mounted an exhibition entitled "Stations of the Holocaust", which showed Jesus experiencing the Shoah. How are these two events linked? How did the Norwich Jewish community react in 1144 and 2016? Come and find out from a rabbi who lives there!
Purple 29
Explore the significance of Arabic in Islam and Hebrew in Judaism, as well as the close relationship between both Semitic languages. Through theological, linguistic, and artistic lenses, we will discover the parallels between both languages and the Abrahamic faiths that they represent. No artistic or linguistic background necessary.
Sam Brandman Judith Ish-Horowicz Micah Gold
Red 5
She’s not alone. The UK now faces twin challenges of isolation in an ageing population, and a housing crisis for younger people struggling to get on the property ladder. Come and hear about how exciting models bringing young and old together can bring huge benefits to you, your parents or even your kids; get involved in the debate!
Orange 10
Come join Hadassah (a psychologist) and Sam (a rabbi) to explore the impact that praise, positivity and peer pressure have on your kids. We will draw from Torah and psychology to help share ideas that we hope will help you raise strong, confident children.
Green 25
Jewish Studies Teachers are preparing and delivering amazing content, activities and special learning opportunities. Yet we often sit alone. Come to this session to share. What have you done that's been particularly impactful? Where have you made a difference to the learning of your students? Feed your creative juices in advance of next term.
Orange 12
In 2003 the American forces in Iraq came across almost 30,000 documents, booklets, Torah scrolls and other Judaica. They were immersed in 5 feet of dirty water and about to be lost forever. Come and hear the miraculous operation that saved most of the collection and the real threat of returning them back to Iraq.
Red 6
The instruments in the Temple included the Magrepha, a very Jewish object, brought alive especially by Louis Lewandowski in Synagogue music at the Great Synagogue in Berlin and kept alive at Belsize Square, London.
Orange 14
“The need of the hour,” according to Daniel J. Elazar, A"H, is the revitalization of the Sephardic way, a tradition “seriously Jewish, yet worldly and cosmopolitan.” Come learn about classic Sephardic Judaism (featuring clips from "The Women's Balcony") and the organization he co-founded to save the Jewish future, The American Sephardi Federation.
Red 7
In this session we'll explore what Jewish themes and values are everywhere in secular music that you can use in your communities. The Beatles and mourning? Pop songs in services? Let's talk about how to successfully create these meaningful moments. Not a musician? Not a problem! These are techniques for making full experiences - not just musical ones.
Red 1
What are the differences between history and memory? And what is their relationship to education? We will focus on Yad Vashem’s main principles in Holocaust Education.
Red 4
• How do you get a five year old in 1960 Jerusalem to eat his vegetables? • Why did my mother not eat anything when the 1948 siege was finally lifted from Jerusalem? • What did my great-grandfather do on his death-bed, that shocked the British Consul? Gil Hovav tells stories about Jerusalem of his childhood, that no longer exists.
Yellow 22
Full moon. Summer heat. Making wine. The 4th Pilgrimage has been revived in modern times as a women's event in the vineyards of Shilo. Learn about the Tabernacle and the meanings of the forgotten festival, then imbibe a newly released wine made from ancient strains of grapes. No wonder personal prayer permeated the area- and does so once again.