Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Monday Breakfast
Monday 7:00 AM–9:00 AM
Fountain Terrace
Having been up all night, you'll need some coffee and a box of Wheaties or Cocoa Puffs to give you enough energy to squeeze in your final sessions.
Ahashverush:
The Villain Behind the Villain and the Dangers of Unchecked Powers
Fred Klein
Canceled, sorry
Additional schedule
-
Sunday 5:30 PM–6:45 PM
Balboa Bay 2
Text & Thought
The struggle in the Book of Esther is really that of two opposing kingdoms: the 'Kingdom of God' and the 'Kingdom of Ahashverosh.' In what way is Ahasverosh far more menacing than generally considered? Using textual analysis and midrashic interpretation, we will uncover surprisingly relevant political lessons for us today.
Attention Jewish Educators!
Practical Tips and Tricks for Full-time and Lay Teachers
Flora Hoori
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Balboa Bay 2
Identity & Responsibility,
Text & Thought
This session will talk about the role of religious education and highlight tips and tricks for teachers to use in both the formal, day school, informal and classroom settings. Is our role to nurture students in their faith or is it to encourage students to think and respond critically and intelligently to religion?
Encounters Between Isaac and Ishmael:
A Jewish Perspective on the Relationship Between Judaism and Islam
Chaim Seidler-Feller
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Emerald Bay 3
Global History and Culture,
Text & Thought
An analysis of Islamic teachings regarding Jews and Judaism and of the image of Ishmael and of Islam in Qur'anic, Biblical and historical source materials. In a world riveted by a renascent Islam, this seminar offers a framework to better understand this compelling phenomenon.
FILM: When Do We Eat?
Monday 8:30 AM–10:30 AM
Presidential Suite 2
Arts & Performance
This popular independent feature comedy tells the story of the dysfunctional Stuckman family as they get together for “the world’s fastest Passover seder,” their first one together in three years. An unwitting dose of ecstasy, a studly stranger, a sex therapist, and a one-eyed Israeli tent salesman are among the ingredients that mix together to create a meal that no one will forget. It is also an opportunity that teaches everyone involved lessons about themselves and each other. (86 minutes)
Five Things You Did Not Learn in Hebrew School
Mark Borovitz
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Laguna Beach 3
Text & Thought
Come and explore the inner life journey of Judaism and learn how insights from Torah are translated into simple daily life actions. This session will give you a new way of seeing yourself, your community, your Judaism and your life.
Focus Group Meeting
Monday 9:00 AM–11:15 AM
Catalina 1
Focus Group Meeting
Sascha, Sarah and Satire
Josh Neuman
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Emerald Bay 1
Jewish comedic film and television actors are bold and brash about their Jewish identity. Is that good or bad for the Jews?
Torah Reading for the Absolute Beginner (IV):
It’s Not Just for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Set
Alex Fax
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Costa Mesa Board Room
Looking for a challenge? Want to leave the conference with a new skill under your belt? Join us for four sessions over the course of the weekend and learn to read the Torah. Basic Hebrew reading skills are required; musical talent is not.
Yiddish Los Angeles
Bradley Bernstein
Monday 8:30 AM–9:45 AM
Laguna Beach 1
Jewish LA
In this session, we'll get a fresh look at our fair city through words of Yiddish authors who made Los Angeles their home.
