Blue 34
Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford lead as star-crossed lovers: can a Jewish left-wing idealist be content with a bright but happy-go-lucky WASP? Together, we shall discuss the politics and closely analyse scenes from the movie. Great actors, interesting script, Hollywood anecdotes and fabulous original song – what more could you want?
Yellow 24
A heart-warming and original one-woman drag show about a queer Jewish girl trying to find her voice. With show-stopping songs and comical, compelling storytelling, BECOMING ELECTRA: A QUEER MITZVAH is a show like no other: exploring what happens when Jewish and queer cultures collide.
Orange 12
Surprising facts about Hebrew letters and words. What are the secret codes and Gematria. How do the Talmud and Midrash fit into the picture. Amazing discoveries, many that needed computers to find. Lots of shocks and intrigue. The WOW factor may help explain why even intelligent people can study the books for 70 years and not get bored. OK for all levels.
Red 4
Israelis in film and on TV today are often portrayed as rugged Mossad agents, counter terror specialists and hummus loving veterans. But that was not always the case, together we will go back and see how the portrayal of Israelis changed over the years- in what way, and why? And how different is it from the Israeli portrayal of themselves?
Orange 11
In this climate emergency, what does the Torah teach about trees, and what do trees teach about Torah? Texts from Bible, Midrash and mysticism lead us to the immediate urgency of replanting forests and to plans, via Eco Synagogue, other UK groups and worldwide, to motivate us to play our part in planting.
Green 25
Does a rabbi violate their congregation’s trust by saying radical things? Do they violate that trust by NOT doing so? Are they a representative of their congregation, or do they speak their own mind? This session will explore the principle and limits of the “freedom of pulpit” to which a rabbi is traditionally entitled.
Yellow 22
Both deciding to research British Jewish history for their Masters theses, Sam and Susy have decided to join forces and present their projects in one session (so neither feels left out). Sam will be exploring disability in the early 20th-century Leeds Jewish community, whilst Susy explores the immigration of 17th-century Sephardim to London.
Purple 31 (Bar)
Ever looked at your favourite food and thought hmmm I wish I had a version of that which I could drink? No? Oh well. This session will introduce you to the exciting world of Jewish cocktails (pickle brine not included). Come along to learn how to turn some classic celebratorh foods into cocktails and discover the tricks to creating your own blends
Red 1
You've never been to a party like this - an Israeli party with pop music and Israeli pop, snacks and surprises from Israel.
Orange 14
Luke Akehurst, director of We Believe in Israel and former Labour NEC member, plus other speakers with differing perspectives on leaving or staying in Labour.
Yellow 21
When I was born my mother refused to circumcise me. When I was three I needed circumcision for medical reasons, proving that God has a sense of irony. When I entered rabbinical school I discovered that my circumcision wasn't kosher and that I needed to "draw blood for the Covenant." How and why did I do it and what does Jewish law say about it?
Rachel Vogler Ilana Hutchinson
Red 6
A session for movement workers and educators. Let's talk about how to use informal education frameworks to create meaningful learning spaces for our young people. Educating on consent, gendered violence, healthy relationships and #MeToo doesn't have to be mission impossible. Let's build a specialised toolkit to take back to your organisation.
Red 7
Veteran Batman editor and JewishCartoon.com & "Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel" creator Gorf compares and contrasts the “source texts” for Moses and Superman, resulting in an astonishing conclusion: superheroes exist because of Torah. Join Gorf for this super-fun and insightful energetic presentation.
Orange 13
The Board of Deputies of British Jews is the UK affiliate to the European Jewish Congress. Join the Board of Deputies Senior Vice President and the European Jewish Congress to hear about key political trends in Europe, the impacts and challenges for European Jews today and future hopes for European Jews post Brexit.
Red 3
Purity and impurity are ambivalent constructs that can be harmful and beneficial. Total purity means death, while life requires exchange, variety and mixture. All living organisms are characterized by impurity in genetic make-up and cultures. The purity rules of kashrut aim for connection with the divine, with nature, with others and with oneself.
Williger-2019-CrossCurrents.pdfRed 2
In January 2019, the Commonwealth Jewish Council launched a campaign called Small Islands: Big Challenges, seeking to raise concern about the environmental issues facing small island nations round the world. What was our thinking and were we right? What's it got to do with a Jewish organisation? Come and argue - or find out why you agree.
Orange 10
As an inevitable consequence of history's cyclical nature, global Jewry once again must contend with rising antisemitism. But, in our multicultural and intersectional world of today, what does antisemitism mean? When is it and when isn't it? And how does race - of either of its victims or its perpetrators - play into the paradigm?
Red 5
Will there always be Jews in Ethiopia? The answer to this question is complicated. It includes tales of persecution and devotion, prejudice and sleight of hand. While Israel keeps promising aliyah, the numbers of Jews in Ethiopia just keeps growing. Who, what and why are they still there?
Blue 33
The question of sustainability sits at the heart of humanitarian response and international development work. While a humanitarian aid agency like IsraAID brings vital resources during a crisis and accompanies communities on the road to recovery, continued intervention without a responsible exit plan can be ineffective – and even make matters worse. This session will explore when, in humanitarian aid, is it time to exit?
Green 27
We are in dark times of climate crisis and political extremism. When responding to the crisis of Nazism in their own times mid-twentieth century European Jewish thinkers Emanuel Levinas and Walter Benjamin turned to Jewish theologies of messianism to redeem their historical moment. Can we do the same?
Blue 32
If you think you might be interested in becoming a rabbi, please join Danny Newman, a rabbi and recent alumnus of Leo Baeck College Rabbinical School, for a confidential discussion and Q&A on what it's like to be a rabbinical student and a rabbi in the UK.