Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Arguing: A National Sport, a Genetic Disease, or the Jewish Art of Tikkun Olam?
Anat Hoffman
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Emerald Bay 1
Identity and Responsibility,
Teen Approved
What was the first thing Abraham did once he became Jewish? He got into an argument with God, just like a used-car salesman. He wanted to save people. Arguing is the Jewish way to try to save the world, but one should choose his enemies, his agenda, and his strategy wisely.
The Burden of an Evolving Jewishness: Memory and Contemporary Jewish Identity in the Post-Holocaust Paintings of Samuel Bak
Monica Osborne
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Newport Beach 1
Global History and Culture
This session examines the work of post-Holocaust painter Samuel Bak, survivor of the Vilna Ghetto. Bak’s work depicts the convergence of Jewish religious tradition, cultural memory, and the diversity of contemporary sensibilities. It illuminates the tension between disaster and recovery in a way that refrains from questioning the importance of Jewish tradition, but insists on exploring how its resonance has been distorted or altered by the events of the Holocaust, as well as what that means to contemporary Jewish identity.
From Babylon to Beverly Hills
Houman Sarshar
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Laguna Beach 1
Global History and Culture,
Teen Approved
This exciting presentation will show you all the highlights of the history of Jews in Iran from the time of the Diaspora until today. You will learn how this largest and oldest community of Jews in the Middle East has impacted the history of Judaism as well as the development of many facets of Iranian arts and culture. The presentation is aimed at giving participants a well rounded sense of this unique branch of the extensive Jewish family throughout the world and help you better understand many of the key features of the Jewish Iranian community now living in Southern California.
Jewish Education in Secular Israel: Challenges and Achievements
Ariel Picard
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Laguna Beach 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Israel
What is Jewish-Israeli culture? What is the philosophy and pedagogy of secular Jewish education in Israel and how does it determine the Jewish cultural identity of non-Orthodox Israelis? This session will explore various approaches and model some exciting new possibilities.
Mastering Makhloket: Seeing Past Red
Michael Feldman
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Laguna Beach 3
Identity and Responsibility,
MCLE-Eligible,
Text and Thought
How can religiously diverse Jews safely debate same-sex marriage, Obama, conversion, Israel, or family drama? This hands-on workshop explores texts in the Jewish tradition of peacefully handling both personal and ideological arguments and uses a step-by-step process to reveal false assumptions and emotional truths behind our animosities. Work through your own conflicts, share ideas, or just write and listen. Then leave ready to forgive a friend, or at least the author of the last Jewish Journal opinion piece you didn’t like. All are welcome; families are especially encouraged.
Neuroplasticity and the Jews
Josh Horwatt
Canceled, sorry
Additional schedule
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Sunday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Newport Beach 2
Health and Healing,
Identity and Responsibility
What happens when groundbreaking neuroscience meets the Orthodox world? Over the past 7 years, a phenomenon has developed in the Orthodox education system across the country -- The Arrowsmith Program. The Arrowsmith Program applies the idea that the brain is plastic and cognitive shortcomings can be effectively addressed through intensive cognitive remediation. Come learn about how this program works and how its entrance to America has been almost exclusively through Orthodox day schools.
Niggunim of a Twersky Hassid
Aviva Richman
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Emerald Bay 2
Arts and Performance,
Ritual and Prayer
I will teach niggunim (wordless melodies) of Rabbi Menachem Goldberger, a hassid of R. Shlomo Twersky from Denver. These melodies, some joyful some meditative, enveloped my Jewish life as a youngster, and I enjoy spreading them across the Jewish world. Participants will learn by immersion and experience -- we will sink into the melodies together, rather than learning note by note. Great for people of any age who like to sing or listen!
One-on-One With the Rebbe
Yaakov Biala
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Balboa Bay 2
Identity and Responsibility
Meet with the Biala Rebbe for a one-on-one session and experience the time-honored Hassidic tradition of receiving a bracha (blessing) from the Rebbe.
Self-Care and Healing the Jewish Way
Mimi Weisel
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Emerald Bay 3
Health and Healing,
Text and Thought
Meditation, exercise, massage, and healthy eating are some of the tools for reducing stress in our complex, fast world. Learn a Jewish overview of why and then some particulars on how to take of your body, mind, emotions and soul. During this experiential session you’ll come away with some practical techniques to help in your daily life and we will look at some of the teachings of the ancients who knew a thing or two about living with balance.
Social Action: An Interfaith Obligation Throughout History
Ilan Davidson
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Newport Beach 3
Global History and Culture,
Identity and Responsibility
Just as Dr. King and Rabbi Heschel marched together, we must, as 21st century Jews, join with our brothers and sisters of other faiths to repair the world. Join Cantor Ilan Davidson, Executive and Artistic Director of KindredSPIRITS, as he explores how we can successfully begin the process of repairing the world together.
Twice Blessed: 100 Years of LGBT Jewish History
Gregg Drinkwater
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Newport Beach 2
Global History and Culture,
Identity and Responsibility
From 1920s Berlin to 1970s San Francisco and beyond, we’ll explore the rich history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jews in a multimedia format. We’ll visit the world’s first gay synagogue, a gay Zionist assassinated by the Haganah, transgender pioneers and the lesbian Chief Rabbi of Modernism—with detours for Annie Sprinkle, Harvey Milk, Susan Sontag and dozens of others. Come find out why LGBT Jews have always been at the forefront of social change.
What’s the Story?
Stacie Chaiken
Sunday 7:00 PM–8:15 PM
Balboa Bay 1
Arts and Performance,
Identity and Responsibility,
Teen Approved
A group process workshop for writers and performers (and everyone else for that matter) who are wrestling with how to present a personal story to an audience, a reader, or a grandchild. Bring your own materials and ideas to the session.
