VIRTUAL TENEMENT TALK

JEWS & COMICS

JENNY LOVES ME!

TOUR GLOBAL JEWISH LIFE

QUEERING THE TORAH TEXT

LITERARY MODIIN

Join Literary Modiin for our December Author Event, featuring Linda Kass (author of Bessie), Daniel Victor (author of The Evil Inclination), and Tara Ison (author of At the Hour Between Dog and Wolf).  December 3, 10:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://www.juliezuckerman.com/event-info/literary-modiin-december-2023-author-event

A DAUGHTER’S KADDISH WITH AUTHOR SARAH BIRNBACH

A Daughter’s Kaddish recounts Sarah Birnbach’s year-long odyssey to persevere through an unfamiliar world of Jewish prayer.  To honor her beloved father, Sarah commits to reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish twice a day in synagogue for eleven months—a Jewish mourning ritual that was historically reserved for sons—despite her father’s initial request that she hire someone male to do so.  Throughout her year of devotion, Sarah takes comfort in the loving memories of her childhood while at the same time grappling with some very painful ones—ultimately discovering how the path of faith and grief can lead to true healing.  December 3, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://cwbpgh.org/event/a-daughters-kaddish-with-author-sarah-birnbach/

INDIAN SWEETS FOR HANUKKAH WITH JOANNA NISSIM

Discover the art of crafting sweet Indian treats for Hanukkah in an online event led by Chef Joanna Nissim, a food writer, and cooking instructor specializing in Indian cuisine.  Learn to create mouthwatering gulab jamun, deep-fried dough balls with sweet syrup, and zalebi, sweet fried flour snacks shaped like pretzels or circles.  The choice of Indian sweets for Hanukkah not only brings vibrant colors and rich flavors to the festive occasion but also aligns with the Hanukkah custom of consuming fried foods, symbolizing the miraculous oil lasting for eight days.  Open to everyone, regardless of cooking skills or Jewish affiliation, this event invites participants with a passion for cooking and a readiness to celebrate Hanukkah.  December 3, 4:30 pm, PT.  $25.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/indian-sweets-for-hanukkah-with-joanna-nissim-tickets-751803493487

MAKING CONNECTIONS: EXPLORING ANTISEMITISM IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

As part of the Shine a Light Initiative to build awareness and understanding of antisemitism, join educators from across the country to explore historical and current-day antisemitism in the United States.  Britt Tevis, scholar of American Jewish History and fellow at ADL’s Center for Antisemitism Research, will join Melissa Mott, ADL Director of Antisemitism, Holocaust and Genocide Education, for a discussion of approaches to understanding antisemitism in the United States and how this form of bias operates both in relationship to other group discrimination and within modern Jewish history. The dialogue will include current best practices in antisemitism education, will make connections to sound pedagogy, and share grounding activities for how and why we should translate these principles into classroom instruction.  December 4, 1:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/making-connections-exploring-antisemitism-in-united-states-history/

50 YEARS OF MS.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ms. magazine, a trailblazing publication that ignited the feminist revolution in December 1971.  In a time when abortion was illegal in 30 states and women faced numerous barriers, Ms. boldly pushed the feminist envelope with a cover declaring “Wonder Woman for President” and articles on topics like wages for housewives and women’s voting rights.  Initially appearing as an insert in New York magazine, Ms.gained tremendous traction when it stood alone, selling out 300,000 copies in just eight days.  50 Years of Ms.: The Best of the Pathfinding Magazine That Ignited a Revolution commemorates this historic milestone, reflecting on the progress made in the last five decades and acknowledging the distance yet to travel.  The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Cultural Center hosts the launch of this collection with Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, Executive Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Ms., and Abigail E. Disney, a philanthropist and social activist advocating for transformative changes in capitalism and gender issues.  December 4, 3:30 pm, PT.  Free.  https://streicker-fall-2023.ticketleap.com/ms/dates/Dec-04-2023_at_0630PM

ADL’S NATIONAL JEWISH ERG NETWORK – EXPLORING JEWISH REPRESENTATION IN FILM

As part of the Shine a Light Initiative to build awareness and understanding of antisemitism through advocacy and education, join our next National Jewish ERG Network meeting to explore the power of film to shape societal perceptions of Jews.  ADL’s Director of Programs on Antisemitism, Vlad Khaykin, and ADL Center on Extremism’s Antisemitism Analyst Dr. Laura Weinstein will guide us through the historical and contemporary role of cinema and screen, both as a means to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and mobilize violence, and as a powerful tool in dispelling myths and combating antisemitism.  December 4, 9:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/adls-national-jewish-erg-network-exploring-jewish-representation-in-film/

CELEBRATING YIDDISH VOICES: YIVO’S NEW TRANSLATION SERIES

Embark on a literary journey with Yiddish Voices, a groundbreaking series that introduces today’s readers to the richness of Yiddish literature, spanning diverse authors, genres, and subjects.  Published in collaboration with the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and Bloomsbury Academic, each volume features an English translation of a compelling Yiddish literary work, accompanied by an accessible historian’s introduction.  Curated by Alyssa Quint and Elissa Bemporad, the series focuses on first-time translations of enduring Yiddish texts, exploring themes with contemporary resonance.  The inaugural volume, Three Yiddish Plays by Women, brings together plays from Russia, Poland, and the United States, offering perspectives on enduring women’s issues such as motherhood, financial independence, and self-realization.  Join YIVO in celebrating the launch of Yiddish Voices, featuring performances of scenes from the first volume led by Allen Lewis Rickman, along with discussions with editors Quint and Bemporad and translators Rickman and Miro Mniewski.  December 4, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://yivo.org/Yiddish-Voices

SPEAKEASIES OF NYC

Step back in time to the Prohibition era and uncover the clandestine world of speakeasies in New York City with New York Adventure Club.  Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo, an art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide, this virtual exploration delves into the history of speakeasies during the alcohol ban of the 1920s.  Learn about the Temperance Movement, the 18th Amendment, and the creative ways people navigated the restrictions, giving rise to hidden drinking spots that defined the Roaring 20s.  Explore the social impact of speakeasies, from their role in organized crime to their contribution to the women’s liberation movement and entertainment scene. Delve into the stories of infamous speakeasies like Lansky’s Lounge and Chumley’s, as well as iconic dance halls such as the Savoy Ballroom and Cotton Club.  Discover the secrets behind how speakeasies maintained secrecy, from discreetly transporting booze to escape routes and hidden operations.  The journey concludes with suggestions for today’s best speakeasies in NYC, both original and revival.  December 4, 2:00 pm, PT.  $10.  https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/speakeasies-of-nyc-a-tale-of-crime-creativity-and-celebration-webinar-registration-752806383157/

PARADIGMS OF FRIENDSHIP: WHAT PHILOSOPHERS AND RABBIS CAN TEACH US

The Greek philosophers asserted that there are four types of friendship.  This model, which was adopted by Maimonides, considered shared joint engagement in intellectual matters the highest form of friendship.  Missing from this paradigm is the importance of certain character traits in creating and sustaining friendships.  We will consider the “four friendships” model and then take a Mussar-oriented approach to suggest alternative paradigms.  Led by Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics Rabbi Eliezer Diamond.  December 4, 10:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://www.jtsa.edu/event/paradigms-of-friendship-what-philosophers-and-rabbis-can-teach-us/

JULIUS ROSENWALD: THE MOST IMPORTANT PHILANTHROPIST YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF

Julius Rosenwald, the son of German Jewish immigrants, played a pivotal role in transforming Sears, Roebuck into a retail powerhouse in the early 20th century.  Beyond his business success, Rosenwald emerged as a visionary philanthropist, focusing on expanding educational opportunities for African Americans.  Collaborating with Booker T. Washington, he spearheaded the creation of 4,977 Rosenwald Schools in 15 Southern states, fostering educational access.  The Julius Rosenwald Fund, another facet of his philanthropy, awarded almost 900 fellowships, empowering talented individuals, two-thirds of whom were African American.  This initiative showcased that given equal opportunities, African Americans could excel across various professional arenas.  The legacy of Rosenwald’s commitment to education endures, with ongoing efforts to establish a National Historical Park commemorating his contributions.  Join this exploration of Julius Rosenwald’s impactful work, often deemed the most significant early 20th-century initiative for advancing Black education, featuring speakers Stephanie Deutsch, Sharon L. Davies, Alan Spears, and Dorothy Canter.  December 4, 4:30 am, PT.  Free.  https://www.habermaninstitute.org/events-2023-summerfall/2023/rozenwald

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR HOWARD CHANDLER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Celebrate the extraordinary life of Howard Chandler, a Holocaust survivor whose journey embodies resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit.  Born in 1928 in Poland, Howard faced antisemitic taunts in his pre-war childhood.  When World War II erupted, he endured the horrors of the Holocaust, from the confinement in a ghetto to forced labor and survival in Auschwitz and Buchenwald.  Liberated in Czechoslovakia in 1945, Howard and his brother rebuilt their lives, eventually thriving in Canada.  As Howard turns 95, a virtual celebration invites well-wishes, a collective toast to his remarkable journey, and the sharing of memories to honor the strength that carried him through dark times and celebrate the life he has built.  December 5, 1:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holocaust-survivor-howard-chandlers-birthday-celebration-tickets-757463171737

EXPANDING THE DEI CONVERSATION: JEWISH INCLUSION AND ANTISEMITISM IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS

Explore pedagogical approaches to teaching about antisemitism and racism, develop strategies for Jewish inclusion, and ignite change to build inclusive schools.  This webinar is part of the Lattes & Learning series hosted by the Academic Engagement Network’s Improving the Campus Climate Initiative (ICCI) with support from Shine A Light on Antisemitism.  December 5, 10:30 am, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/expanding-the-dei-conversation-jewish-inclusion-and-antisemitism-in-educational-settings/

HANUKKAH LIGHTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Embark on a global exploration of Hanukkah lamps with My Jewish Learning, delving into diverse forms influenced by the cultures of Jewish communities worldwide.  Discover unique designs and practices, gaining inspiration to craft your own improvised Hanukkah lamp using unexpected materials. Explore the historical trends that shaped the widely known iterations of Hanukkah lamps and learn about inventive creations, such as ephemeral lamps made from sardine tins and bottle caps in Jewish communities in Kurdistan and Morocco.  Uncover the aesthetic choices that reveal insights into the lives, values, and geography of global Jewish communities, providing a rich understanding of the diversity within Hanukkah traditions.  December 5, 3:00 pm, PT.  $10.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hanukkah-lights-from-around-the-world-tickets-764164064287

THE COMPLEXITY OF JEWISH IDENTITY: A MINORITY IDENTITY IN A DOMINANT CULTURE

This webinar will explore a new Facing History lesson on how the story of Hanukkah can frame an exploration of the complexity of Jewish identity. December 5, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/the-complexity-of-jewish-identity-a-minority-identity-in-a-dominant-culture/

LIVE FROM THE MUSEUM: THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Students can join a museum educator for a virtual tour of the National Constitution Center’s newest gallery, The First Amendment.  Protecting some of our most cherished freedoms—religious liberty, free speech, a free press, the freedom of assembly, and the right to petition—the First Amendment is a pillar of democracy and the American way of life.  The gallery offers a fresh perspective on the history of the First Amendment and how it affects us today.  December 5, 9:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://constitutioncenter.org/calendar/live-from-the-museum-the-first-amendment

THE DARK AND SURREAL WORLD OF ETGAR KERET

Etgar Keret, an internationally acclaimed Israeli writer and filmmaker, is renowned for his short stories that blend the bizarre with the banal, offering glimpses into a surreal world that is both dark and comic.  His works, rarely extending beyond three or four pages, have been translated into over 45 languages and are bestsellers in Israel.  Keret’s notable books include The Bus Driver Who Wanted to Be God, Missing Kissinger, The Nimrod Flipout, The Girl on the Fridge, Suddenly a Knock on the Door, and Fly Already, which earned the prestigious Sapir Prize.  In addition to a memoir titled The Seven Good Years, Keret’s stories have inspired more than 60 short films and appeared in renowned publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times.  As a filmmaker, he has received acclaim for feature screenplays and co-directed the award-winning film Jellyfish with his wife Shira Geffen, among other cinematic achievements.  In 2016, Keret was honored with The Charles Bronfman Prize for inspiring Jewish values and making a global impact.  December 5, 12:30 pm, PT.  Free.  https://mailchi.mp/8f9fa93083c9/csp-zoom-programs-week-of-april-5-5926604

NEGEV PREVAILS

Join A4BGU for a webinar with Ben-Gurion University (BGU) Rector, Prof. Chaim Hames and Prof. Dorit Nitzan, MD, MPH, RD, as they share the institutional and human challenges faced by BGU and its surrounding communities since October 7. Hear firsthand the university’s role as a lifeline for students and faculty and as the community connector in the Negev.  December 6, 10:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://americansforbgu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0xhv4Po9QbGOqzheVehwRQ#/registration

JEWISH PARENTING IN AN AGE OF ONLINE ANTISEMITISM

Antisemitism and other forms of racism and bigotry have a persistent and robust presence online.  This webinar is geared toward parents and will discuss tools to help young people critically analyze and deconstruct antisemitic messaging online to help them navigate virtual spaces.  December 6, 5:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/jewish-parenting-in-an-age-of-online-antisemitism/

SHINE A LIGHT COUNTERING ANTISEMITISM MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Social media and online platforms have become conduits for the amplification of hateful messages and conspiracy theories, often targeting and scapegoating Jewish individuals and communities, leading to the mainstreaming of Holocaust denial and distortion, particularly among young people. Recognizing the need to address this issue, UNESCO, OSCE/OHIDR, AFT, AJC, and Shine A Light have collaboratively developed a series of micro-credential learning activities aimed at empowering schools and teachers to raise awareness about antisemitism and its consequences.  The webinar introduces the comprehensive framework of the Shine A Light Countering Antisemitism micro-credential series, offering educators practical materials to become certified as Shine A Light Educators Countering Antisemitism.  The session emphasizes the role of testimony-based resources in tackling antisemitism and conspiracy theories, both within educational settings and online, contributing to the broader goal of countering discrimination and hatred by building critical consciousness among educators.  December 6, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://shinealighton.com/events/3321/

HANUKKAH DONUT MASTERCLASS WITH PASTRY CHEF FANY GERSON

Learn to make a perfectly fried doughnut every time.  In this Hanukkah doughnut master class, you’ll learn how to make the dough, how to fry, and how to decorate from James Beard-nominated chef Fany Gerson.  Gerson’s award-winning, small batch doughnuts are creative, unique and delicious.  December 6, 4:30 pm, PT.  $25.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hanukkah-doughnut-masterclass-with-pastry-chef-fany-gerson-tickets-749363334907

JUDY CHICAGO: HERSTORY

“Judy Chicago: Herstory” is a groundbreaking New York museum survey showcasing the prolific six-decade career of the renowned artist Judy Chicago.  The exhibition transcends conventional boundaries by placing Chicago’s extensive body of work in conversation with pieces by other women across centuries in a distinctive installation called “The City of Ladies.” Featuring contributions from over eighty artists, writers, and thinkers, including Frida Kahlo, Virginia Woolf, and Simone de Beauvoir, the exhibition traces Chicago’s evolution from her 1960s Minimalism experiments and feminist breakthroughs of the 1970s to her later narrative series exploring themes like environmental disaster, birth, masculinity, and mortality.  “Herstory” contextualizes Chicago’s feminist methodology within various art movements, emphasizing her profound impact on American art and her pivotal role as a cultural historian reclaiming space for women artists often overlooked in art history.  The tour, conducted by a New Museum educator, provides an insightful exploration of this comprehensive exhibition, followed by an opportunity for the audience to pose questions about the exhibit.  December 6, 10:00 am, PT.  $10.  https://jewishmuseummilwaukee.org/event/virtual-gmp-judy-chicago-herstory-new-museum-ny/

SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL LEARNING

This interactive workshop emphasizes the importance of social and emotional skills in fostering both academic and personal success.  Targeted at Jewish educators across various educational settings, the session encourages participants to engage with Social, Emotional, and Spiritual Learning (SESL) tools.  Led by Dr. Nancy Parkes, the workshop explores diverse strategies for integrating these skills into curricula and schedules, fostering empathy, caring, responsibility, and resilience in students.  The two-hour virtual session aims to empower educators to be intentional in their approach, creating a positive and supportive learning environment for children and teens.  The Zoom link is provided upon registration for seamless participation.  December 6, 10:00 am, PT.  $72.  https://jewishlearning.works/event/social-emotional-and-spiritual-learning/?event_date=2023-12-06

THE SOVIET JEWISH BOOKSHELF

In an environment where Judaism had been all but destroyed, and a public Jewish presence routinely delegitimized, reading provided many Soviet Jews with an entry to communal memory and identity.  The bookshelf was both a depository of selective Jewish knowledge and often the only conspicuously Jewish presence in their homes.  The typical Soviet Jewish bookshelf consisted of a few translated works from Hebrew and numerous translations from Yiddish and German, as well as Russian books with both noticeable and subterranean Jewish content.  Such volumes, officially published, and not intended solely for a Jewish audience, afforded an opportunity for Soviet Jews to indulge insubordinate feelings in a largely safe manner.  In his new book Marat Grinberg pinpoints and decodes the complex reading strategies and the specifically Jewish uses to which the books on the Soviet Jewish bookshelf were put.  He reveals that not only Jews read them, but Jews read them in a specific way.  December 6, 10:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://jewishcommunitylibrary.org/events-listing/soviet-jewish-bookshelf/

HIAS’ 2023 COMMUNITY VIRTUAL CANDLE LIGHTING

Join a community candle lighting on the first night of Hanukkah as a symbolic act of coming together to bring light into the world during challenging times.  The event aims to foster shared reflection, song, and light, featuring insights from activists nationwide working to make a positive impact for refugees in their communities.  The gathering serves as an opportunity for advocates, volunteers, and supporters to unite, recognizing the collective efforts toward creating a welcoming environment for refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.  Participants are encouraged to light their menorahs, fostering a celebration that signifies a reconnection and rededication to core values of welcome, dignity, and freedom for all.  December 7, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://hias.org/events/hias-2023-community-virtual-candle-lighting/

LIGHT, MIGHT, AND BEYOND

Chanukah has been called “a type of holy Rorschach test.” The story and rituals of this holiday have many different meanings depending on how you look at them.  Join dynamic Jewish educator Abby Eisenberg to explore the development of Chanukah and how its various messages have evolved over time.  We’ll analyze historical, religious, and liturgical texts and, in doing so, attempt to determine if there is one dominant theme of the holiday or if Chanukah can truly be based on multiple – perhaps conflicting – themes. We’ll aim to glean meaning that resonates with each of us, for the holiday, for this year, and beyond.  December 7, 10:00 am, PT.  Free.  https://events.org/events/calendarcourse?tid=1443b10f-f309-4a5e-bdc2-fdea33e69e38

JEWS & COMICS

Explore the rich history of Jewish contributions to the American comic book world with New York Adventure Club’s event.  Delve into the origins of the comic book in 1933, credited to Max Gaines, a Jewish newspaper publisher who folded and stapled pages to create the format.  Discover the pivotal role played by 18-year-old Jewish cartoonists Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman, and witness how Jewish artists and writers have continued to shape the comic book landscape.  Led by renowned comic book art illustrator and historian Arlen Schumer, the visual lecture provides an overview of Jewish pioneers in the industry, explores the impact of EC Comics in the 1950s, and showcases the Jewish-led renaissance of superheroes in the 1960s.  The session concludes with a Q&A, inviting participants to engage with the fascinating world of Jewish contributions to comic book art.  December 7, 1:00 pm, PT.  $10.  https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/jews-comics-the-outsized-jewish-influence-on-comic-history-webinar-registration-753297371717/

RACHMANINOFF AT 150! PHOENIX CHAMBER ENSEMBLE CELEBRATES CHANUKAH WITH MUSIC BY RACHMANINOFF, HAYDN, AND MORE

Join Phoenix Chamber Ensemble pianists Vassa Shevel and Inessa Zaretsky and guest artists Anna Elashvili on violin, Raman Ramakrishnan on cello, and Ivan Filipchyk on accordion.  The concert will begin with “Lullaby” by Sephardic composer Paul Ben-Haim in memory of the terror victims in Israel.  The program will include pieces by Rachmaninoff, Bach, Haydn, and Piazolla, and the concert will conclude with Yemei HaChanukah in celebration of the first night of the holiday.  December 7, 4:30 pm, PT.  Free.  https://programs.cjh.org/stream-tickets/rachmaninoff-2023-12-07

LIGHTING THE WAY

Join Classrooms Without Borders as we light the menorah with Rabbi Jonty Blackman.  During this special occasion, we’ll explore the enduring spirit of Hanukkah.  Join us for an evening of enlightenment and inspiration as we dive into the holiday’s history and its timeless lessons of hope and heroism.  December 7, 1:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lighting-the-way-eight-nights-eight-heroic-stories-tickets-750738678597

THE MONEY KINGS

Author Daniel Schulman and UC Riverside’s Michael Alexander explore the captivating narrative of German-Jewish immigrants who transformed modern finance and the stock market in America.  Arriving with little, they rose from peddling trinkets to founding global giants like Goldman Sachs, Kuhn Loeb, and Lehman Brothers.  Their clashes and collaborations with industrial magnates like J.P. Morgan shaped America’s financial destiny, capitalizing industries, and underwriting giants such as General Motors and Macy’s.  December 7, 12:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://open.aju.edu/event/the-money-kings-jewish-immigrants-to-financial-dynasties/

THE LAY OF THE LAND

When we look at the US map today, we can chart regional differences. Stereotypes abound regarding Northerners and Southerners, the East and West Coasts.  And don’t get me started about the way midwesterners are thought about and portrayed.  Believe it or not, such variations played out even within the narrow borders of the Land of Israel in the time of Jesus. What does the geography of the Land of Israel have to do with Jesus, and how did Jews (and Romans) exploit geography for purposes of division and solidarity? Led by Professor of Religion at Vassar College Marc Michael Epstein.  December 7, 4:00 pm, PT.  Free.  https://mailchi.mp/61b2457ed3c7/csp-zoom-programs-week-of-april-5-5926564