Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
An Inclusive Approach to Jewish Identity and Community
Why Israel Advocacy Doesn't build Jewish Community
Linda Askenazi
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Congressional Room 2
Identity and Responsibility
On a college campus we have four years to make an impression. How would we want graduating students to answer the question “In what way am I different as a result of my Hillel involvement”? This session will explore an approach that seeks to foster a larger sense of self and purpose along with an expanded perception of unity and peoplehood. Students may be present to add their own experiences.
Calls for Change in the Jewish Establishment
How Can Jewish Creativity and Representative Jewish Organizations Support One Another?
Hillel Levine
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Safari Back Space
Hillel Levine led the student revolution at the 1969 General Assembly of the Jewish federations. The story of how it came about and how it failed offers a cautionary note to today’s calls for innovation within the system. Hillel Levine will reflect on lessons learned and facilitate a discussion between federation and foundation leaders and Jewish educators, artists, and others who need and deserve support for their work.
Can We See God’s Image in the Face of the Religious Other?
Eugene Korn
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Embassy Room 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought,
University Student Recommended
What does Judaism and Jewish Law teach about recognizing the legitimacy of Christianity, Islam and the Asian religions? Is there theological pluralism in traditional Judaism, and if so what are its limits? Is “idolatry” alive and well in the 21st century? This session will concentrate on how Judaism approaches other religions and to what extent Jews can appreciate the religious doctrines of Christianity and Islam.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Fixed Liturgy and the Crisis of Prayer
Michael Strassfeld,
Reuven Hammer,
Andrea Cohen-Kiener,
Leon Morris
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Empire Room 1
What’s a contemporary, sometimes skeptical, Jew to do about the prayer book? What happens if we don’t literally believe the words we are reciting? Why use the prayer book at all when our own personal prayer and meditation feels so much more spiritual? Join three scholars and masters of prayer as they share their diverse perspectives on what’s really going on during davenning (prayer) and share their own strategies to make communal prayer more meaningful.
CSI Limmud
Cain Confesses: But Why Did It Happen?
Joe Septimus
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Tower VIP Room
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought
We will closely read and examine the biblical text to identify the evidence presented and what is missing. We will explore existing midrashim (commentaries) and their underlying theological assumptions and challenge preconceived (midrashic) notions as to why God chose “Abel and his offering” and rejected Cain. We will construct a text-based understanding that poses for us difficult, yet universal, psychological and existential lessons from this biblical episode.
Everyone Can Read Hebrew! Part 2
Carmith Shai
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Cousin Brucie Room
Ritual and Prayer
If you always wanted to learn how to read Hebrew but thought it would be too difficult, these sessions are for you! Learn how to memorize easily the Hebrew characters and their vowels markings. Based on repetition and memory games, you will be able to gain enough tools and confidence to practice by yourself and to follow a synagogue service in Hebrew. These sessions are designed for adults with zero experience in reading Hebrew.
From Chemical High To Spiritual High
Addiction, Recovery, and Judaism
Jonathan Katz,
Marilyn Penrose
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Embassy Room 1
Identity and Responsibility
Explore how Jewish spiritual resources, including rituals, prayers, texts, psalms, traditions, concepts, and values can promote recovery from addiction. Experience from JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others) and 12-step programs will illustrate how to attain both a “spiritual high” and the groundedness to meet life’s challenges. For people in recovery, friends and loved ones of those in recovery, and those who provide treatment, counseling, and spiritual guidance to them.
Harry Potter and the Yetzer Hara
The fight against evil begins within
Daniel Nevins
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Golden Gate Auditorium
Children's and Family Programming,
High School Recommended
One source of fascination in the Harry Potter series is the complicated portrayal of good and evil. Harry, Dumbledore, and especially Severus Snape present ambiguity in their identification with good and evil. What does Judaism teach about the struggle within the human soul? What would the Rabbis have to say to Harry? [Spoiler alert - please read all seven books before this session!]
**This session will be led by Daniel Nevins and his daughter, Talya Nevins.
Introduction to Krav Maga!
Eli Kiwala
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Stardust
University Student Recommended
Try out Krav Maga—the Israeli art of hand-to-hand combat, as taught to the Israeli Defense Force! Beginners welcome—no experience necessary. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring sneakers.
Of Fasts and Feasts
The Relevance of our Fast Days in 2008
Surie Sugarman
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Tower Board Room
Ritual and Prayer,
Text and Thought
We observe four fast days every year commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem. In the year 2008, do these fast days still have real meaning for us? Why should we continue to observe them?
Seudah Shlishit
The third Shabbat meal
Asa Fradkin
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Coffee Shop
As Shabbat afternoon wanes, we enter one of the most spiritual times of the week. The last hours are the most holy, and it is traditional to mark this taste of the world to come with the singing of contemplative melodies, the telling of stories, and a little nosh as well. Draw out the beauty of Shabbat with Asa Fradkin.
Shabbatsana Peaceful Yoga
Better than a Shabbos nap!
Heather Altman
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Empire Room 2
Identity and Responsibility,
Ritual and Prayer
Before we complete Shabbat with Havdalah, we’ll make sure you’ve had a full dose of Shabbat rest. You’re in store for some seriously deep relaxation and renewal with this restorative Rav Yoga workshop that emphasizes the sacredness of rest on Shabbat; peace and healing also feature prominently. Learn how to embrace the peace and let go of stress with an “ooooh, ahhhh, ohhhh.” Wear yoga clothes or comfortable Shabbat clothes (pants necessary), and bring 2-3 blankets and a pillow from your room.
The Art of the Maggid:
Have you ever heard a story that's changed your life?
Ilan Glazer
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Festival Room
Have you ever told a story that's changed someone else’s? Come and hear inspiring stories from the world's newest Maggid (Story-teller)! Join Ilan on a round-the-world adventure of his favorite stories and learn techniques to become an empowering storyteller! Learn how to bring out the story within you and use it to empower and inspire others. You, too, can become a Maggid - let Ilan show you how!
The Crisis of Jewish Life in Israel.
The Challenges Israelis Face in Life Cycle Events
Shaul Farber
Canceled, sorry
Israel
This session will begin with narratives of some of the nightmares Israelis face when confronting the religious establishment in their experience of lifecycle events. Utilizing stories from the trenches as well as statistics about Jewish life, we will explore the challenges of Jewish life in Israel, in addition to some of the new initiatives that are gaining momentum to help transform this difficult side of Israeli life
The Ethics of Reproductive Medicine in Jewish Law
Kenneth Brander
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Empire Room 3
Identity and Responsibility,
Text and Thought,
University Student Recommended
Scientific advances in the area of fertility allow for sex selection, posthumous paternity, surrogacy, and the capacity to avoid genetic “disabilities” prior to fetal development. Does Judaism embrace such technology? Have we reached the point of playing God?
Torat Hayyim—A Living Torah: Women’s Status Today
The Philosophy of Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits
Rahel Berkovits
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Congressional Room 1
Text and Thought,
University Student Recommended
What is the interplay between Torah and real life situations? How do ancient texts apply to modern times? More specifically, how should the strides women have made towards equality in the modern age affect their status with regards to ritual performance and divorce proceedings within the halakhic community? To address these issues, the philosophy of Rabbi and Professor Eliezer Berkovits will be examined through the lens of his writings on women and Jewish law.
Winter Walk With Mosaic Outdoor Club
Gayle Nadler,
Phyllis Spisto
Saturday 3:00 PM–4:15 PM
Help Desk
Arts and Performance
Enjoy the mountain scenery on a hike right near the hotel. Clear your mind with some fresh air and be ready for more great learning when we get back. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, including the right shoes.
