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Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM
A Bisele Yiddish
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 232
Culture, History, How to, Introduction to
Join Sarita to discuss the history of Yiddish and the significance of Yiddish today and to speak “a bisele Yiddish”. You don’t have to speak Yiddish to enjoy this session.
All the World's a Stage
American Jewish Playwrights and their Judaism
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 233
In this session, we will discuss the lives and works of 3 prominent American Jewish playwrights. Two are from the Northeast, Arthur Miller and Neil Simon, and one is from the South, Alfred Uhry. Diane will discuss their lives and backgrounds and how Judaism may or may not have influenced their work. It will feature monologues from some of their most famous plays: Miller’s Death of a Salesman and All My Sons, Simon’s Broadway Bound and Lost in Yonkers, and Uhry’s Driving Miss Daisy and Parade. Audience discussion will be encouraged.
Ask Us Anything
What it's Like to be a Jewish Teen in a World of Choice
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 238
A panel of students from the Mekom Torah High School program will offer insights about their Jewish lives and respond to questions from session participants. They will speak frankly about the influence of their Jewish upbringings, the significance and challenge of their Jewish identities, and their vision of their Jewish futures. For anyone interested in questions of Jewish identity and continuity in contemporary America, this will be a unique opportunity to hear the personal perspectives of some articulate young people from Conservative, Reconstructionist, and unaffiliated families in Delaware County, PA.
Exploring “Hitbodedut”
Talking and Calling out to God as a Spiritual Practice
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Rooftop
Often, we think of Jewish prayer as a recitation of words written by our ancestors. Did you know that there is a Jewish practice that encourages us to “pray” by speaking to God, using our own words to express ourselves, to accost, to call out, to share, and to reflect? Rebbe Nachman of Bretslov said: “Make it a daily habit to seclude yourself in hitbodedut (meditation). Express your innermost thoughts and feelings before God each day in the language you are most comfortable with.” In this session, we will explore Rebbe Nachman’s practice of Hitbodedut through text study and through practice. You are invited to come to this session with an open mind and an open heart. NOTE: IF WEATHER CONDITIONS DO NOT COOPERATE, THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE GYM.
Golden Hands
The Secular and Sacred Legacy of Daniel Blumberg
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 202
This session will consist of a Power Point presentation with give and take on the subject of Judith Maslin's new book, "Golden Hands." Beautiful color views and details of Jewish ceremonial objects that were hand made by local dentist/craftsman, Daniel Blumberg, will be shown. Blumberg's work was displayed widely, especially every year for the Jewish High Holidays in the windows of the Western Savings Bank at Broad and Chestnut Streets.
Jews In Italian Cinema
An Invisible Minority
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 229
In the course of the last decade, Jews and Jewish themes are increasingly visible in Italian films. Following the international success of Roberto Benigni’s 1997 film, Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella), many TV series and movie productions have integrated different Jewish themes and characters. Asher Salah of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design will explore this topic by asking such questions as: How are Jews and Jewish topics being represented in Italian cinema? Which periods of Italian Jewish history receive greater or lesser focus and why? And what might be the reasons for this intriguing development?
Limmud Chavruta: Mayim (Water)
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 208
In this interactive session, we will explore Miriam’s merit, Jonah’s responsibility, Isaac’s wells and the importance of swimming lessons. Ancient sources, modern scholarship, song lyrics and more will be used. Knowledge of Hebrew or Jewish texts is not required.
Newish Jewish Rituals in Practice
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 209
Some rituals are a familiar part of Jewish culture, including B'rit Milah, Bar and Bat Mitzvot, weddings and funerals. But Jewish religious practice is constantly growing and changing, and contemporary American society lends itself to a host of new ritual practices. Thinking about the invention of new rituals and the adaptation of old ones allows us to ask deeper questions about contemporary Jewish culture and, in fact, about the nature of ritual itself.
Occupy Judaism
Exploring Occupy Wall St and Israeli Tent Protests
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 203
Community, Israel, Politics, Social Justice
As a professional Zionist, Lonny Moses was glued to the Israeli news websites during this summer’s tent protests. At Camp Galil, he helped to organize a night activity on the protests. And in New York, he worked with others to put on a solidarity demonstration in Washington Square Park. When the Occupy Wall Street Protests happened in the Autumn, he was there for Kol Nidre and to put up a Sukkah. Using his experiences as a jumping off point, he’ll talk about the Protests and Jewish Values.
Sabbath Variations
The Splendor of Space
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Blauvelt Theatre
This play explores the rich Talmudic tale of Shimon Bar Yochai in six new and unexpected ways, giving the subject a 21st century spin. The great mystic emerges form a cave after more than a decade in hiding and finds himself confounded by the worldly realm. 24/6 draws on the ancient story to create six radically new 10-minute pieces, from a day in the life of a salaryman to a family drama playing out in a hospital room, with influences ranging from Samuel Beckett to Lady Gaga.
Taking the Pulse of Democracy in Israel
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Alumnae Room
Culture, Israel, Social Justice
Democracy is not a guarantee. While Israel boasts a vibrant public sphere, and robust democratic institutions, recent threats – from the numerous anti-democratic bills working their way through the Knesset to growing antagonism towards minorities and women – are worrisome and real. But is the tide turning? From last summer’s massive social justice protest, to the growing involvement of Diaspora Jews from across the spectrum, proponents of Israeli democracy are gaining newfound confidence and hope. Join us to learn more and to take part in the conversation.
The Pillow and the Feathers Goes Digital
Gossip and L'shon HaRa in the Age of the Internet
Sunday 2:00 PM–3:15 PM Room 201
In an age when once-private information flows freely and at breakneck speed, when "community" is defined in multiple ways that are both less personal and more innovative, the famous "pillow and feathers" tale about spreading gossip has taken on new and crucial meaning. What does technology teach us about this timeless value?
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