Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
The Arch of Titus, the Menorah, and the State of Israel
Kalman Topp
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Newport Beach 3
Global History and Culture,
Israel
Through a blend of archaeological sources, Talmudic passages and historical evidence, this class will trace the remarkable odyssey of the Menorah and other temple artifacts from the time they were looted by the Roman general Titus until today. Among the questions explored will be where were the Temple artifacts taken? Is the Menorah depicted on the Arch of Titus the real menorah and if not, why? What will emerge is a message of hope regarding exile, redemption and the modern State of Israel.
FAMILY: Traveling in Time: Family Stories and Songs
Peninnah Schram
Sunday 4:30 PM–5:15 PM
Bristol 3
Arts and Performance,
Family Friendly,
Global History and Culture
In this participatory workshop, Peninnah will help participants explore some of their personal and family stories, beginning with names and lullabies. These are the stories that keep people and memories alive, influencing, reflecting and shaping us. Peninnah will also lead the group in participatory exercises to help retrieve these stories. In this way, we can actively recall and retell our own stories.
FILM: The Longing: The Forgotten Jews of South America
Gabriela Bohm
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Huntington Beach 1 & 2
Arts and Performance
Gabriela Bohm explores a universal story of faith and conversion against all odds in “The Longing: The Forgotten Jews of South America,” which chronicles five people’s attempts to regain their birthright‚ their Jewish heritage. Bohm explores issues of Jewish identity and tolerance, focusing on marginalized Crypto Jews and existing Jewish communities who reject them. Using film clips, she’ll explore complexities of Jewish identity, helping attendees reach new perspectives.
Jewish Roots, Rock, and Reggae
Lev Metz
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Laguna Beach 3
Arts and Performance,
Global History and Culture,
Teen Approved
What do Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and Coolio all have in common? They wrote songs based on the Bible! Hear the songs, read the texts and find out why the Torah is the most popular book ever.
Judaism and Homosexuality: An Orthodox Conversation
Gregg Drinkwater,
Yosef Kanefsky
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Emerald Bay 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought,
Teen Approved
Many assume that Orthodox leaders are uniformly unwelcoming of gays and lesbians, but Orthodox communities are far from monolithic. Join a conversation between an Orthodox rabbi and the director of a gay Jewish organization on the range of Orthodox approaches to gay Jews. What are the opportunities for inclusion and the necessary limits? How does one strike a balance between upholding halacha and empathetically engaging with human diversity?
Not Your Bubbie's Seder
Valerie Berkovich
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Bristol 2
Global History and Culture
Tired of the same old kugel, brisket, and apple charoset? Come and discover new, fresh, and healthy(ish) ideas for your Passover table.
Persians, Latinos and Everything Jewish in Los Angeles: Proposing a New Jewish Future
Jessica Kianmahd
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Laguna Beach 2
Global History and Culture,
Teen Approved
Through discussions, surveys, statistical analysis, and a presentation, participants will be exposed to what it means to have Jewish continuity in a world where assimilation is so popular. Participants will take an introspective look at themselves as a start to understanding what they can do to help Jewish continuity. As a group, participants will discuss various concerns facing Jewish continuity today and then workshop various models for responding to these concerns.
A Prophet Among Us: A Storahtelling Work-in-Progress Showcase
Jonathan Bubis
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Laguna Beach 1
Arts and Performance,
Text and Thought
What would it be like to have images of imminent destruction haunt you in your dreams? How would it feel to take on the role of divine spokesperson? What would it mean to see the world through God's eyes? In this session, you'll get exclusive access to inside the world of a prophet. Through the engaging, innovative theatrical method of Storahtelling, you will meet Isaiah, who, according to the Rabbis, was the greatest prophet only second to Moses. After uncovering Isaiah's story, you will get the chance to explore the significance of assuming the role of prophet in our day.
Recession Era Giving: Maximizing Impact with Smaller Donations
Eve Rodsky
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Newport Beach 2
Identity and Responsibility
It has never been more important than now to maximize your philanthropic dollars. Using a lens of Jewish philanthropy, this interactive workshop will explore strategies, best practices and offer practical advice and case studies on how to use small dollars to make a big difference.
Should We Ever Pray That Someone Will Die?
Jason Weiner
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Emerald Bay 3
Identity and Responsibility
Although we don't actively kill people who are not well, even if it could be considered "mercy killing," is it ever appropriate to hope/pray that a patient or loved one will die? An in-depth text study on some of the relevant sources.
Small Group Harmony
SoulAviv
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Balboa Bay 1
Arts and Performance
Join harmony-intensive SoulAviv to learn the principles of listening, blending, and holding a harmony line to create great sounding harmony.
The Twelve Steps of Covenant
Yitz Greenberg
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Emerald Bay 1
Text and Thought,
Teen Approved
This session will explore how to live personal and communal life in covenantal fashion. What is it like personally? What are the twelve steps to live every aspect of life covenantally? We will explore also the relationship of halachah (as defined by Orthodox and non-Orthodox) to the covenant.
Why Jewish Women Should Not Marry
Esther Macner
Sunday 4:00 PM–5:15 PM
Newport Beach 1
Identity and Responsibility,
MCLE-Eligible
The 'Halachic Pre-nup' and why Jewish women should not get married without one. How do these pre-nups function in Jewish Law and in American Law? Israeli law? Will it solve the crises of the “Agunah”?
