Center for Jewish Living and Learning Winter 2011

literat ure film a rt music dance learni ng

WINTER 2011

winter spotlight THE 23RD ANNUAL BUNNY AND LEO HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM RESIDENCY TITLE:

CONTESTING THE LAND: JEWS AND CHRISTIANS IN LATE ANTIQUITY MINI-COURSES HOLY SPACE & HOLY LAND: Early Christianity’s Attitude towards the Jews and their Land JEWISH THOUGHT: The Land of Israel and Jerusalem in Late Antiquity CONTESTING THE LAND IN THE END OF DAYS

Susan McKeown and Lorin Sklamberg: Saints & Tzadiks

LECTURES & LEARNING

CONCERTS

Anti-Israel Rhetoric: Criticism or AntiSemitism; How Can We Tell the Difference?

Lecture by Kenneth Jacobson, Deputy National Director of the Anti-Defamation League Monday, Jan 10 • 8:00 PM Free

A Cappella Community Master Class With the UPenn Shabbatones Brought to you by the Houston JCC Tuesday, Jan. 4 • 7:00 PM

The Anti-Defamation League is often asked: When does criticism of Israel become antiSemitism and why? Kenneth Jacobson, who has been with the ADL since 1972, is a noted author and articulate speaker on topics related to anti-Semitism, Israel and the Middle East.

He will answer this question during a special presentation jointly sponsored by the ADL and the Jewish Community Center.

RSVPs are requested to ADL at southwest@adl.org.

This program is being made possible by the ADL’s Goldensohn Initiative to Fight Anti-Semitism and the Edith and Sidney Goldensohn Fund in partnership with the Jewish Community Center.

Hillul HaKodesh: Israeli Art and Jewish Blasphemy Lecture by Dr. Alec Mishory, Schusterman Visiting Israeli Professor at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Thursday, Feb 24 • 8:00 PM $8 Member / $10 Public One of early Zionist artists’ significant dogmas stressed a deliberate “negation of the Diaspora” that was manifested in a contemptuous attitude toward Jewish culture.

However, in the 1970s, attitudes began to shift and a process of strengthening Jewish identity through the arts began to take shape.

Interestingly, some secular artists began to give visual expression to Jewish taboos and rituals. Orthodox Jewish-Israelis regard these works as blasphemy. Join Dr. Mishory as he explores this confrontation.

Turn it and Turn it: Studying the Weekly Torah Portion Instructor: Jonathan Fass Fridays • 12:00 PM Join us for a weekly discussion of the Torah portion using both classic and modern commentaries. No knowledge of Hebrew required.

The Women’s Beit Midrash Instructor: Rabbi Michele Faudem Eight Mondays Beginning Feb 21 7:30 - 9:00 PM $70 Member / $80 Public Join a group of women for the study of Biblical and Rabbinic texts each Monday night at our Women’s Beit Midrash. In these sessions we will study chapter eleven of Tractate Sanhedrin, where we will explore the concepts of resurrection and the World to Come. A basic knowledge of Hebrew is helpful.

Making Your Way Through Midrash Instructor: Rabbi Diana Siegel Six Wednesdays Beginning Feb 23 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM $45 Member / $60 Public When we study Torah we often have questions.

We search for answers. The commentaries of our Rabbis help us understand different meanings of Torah. These interpretations and commentaries are called “Midrash.” We will study selected “midrashim” for the Torah and uncover their wisdom and guidance. No previous knowledge of Hebrew is needed.

Life & Death Dilemmas: Medicine & Jewish Ethics Instructor: Rabbi Yossi Grossman, Dean - Jewish Ethics Institute Four-Part Series, Mondays Mar 21, 28, Apr 4 and 11 7:30 - 8:30 PM $36 Member / $45 Public (series) $10 Member / $12 Public (session) Join Rabbi Yossi Grossman as he discusses contemporary bioethical dilemmas and many more practical decision making issues that one faces throughout one’s life, through the prism of Jewish ethics and philosophy.

Session 1: Sharing Life: Organ Donation and Transplantation Session 2: The Human Blueprint: Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer and Other Diseases Session 3: Split Decision: Conjoined Twins

A cappella enthusiasts learn how to choose, arrange and conduct with one of the premier Jewish a cappella groups in the country.

For information call Brittany Horwitt at 713-729-3200, ext. 3327.

UPenn Shabbatones in Concert Opening Act: Houston JCC jTunes Wednesday, Jan. 5 • 8:00 PM at Congregation Brith Shalom, 4610 Bellaire Blvd.

Tickets: $18 per person Known for their energetic arrangements and entertaining performances, the UPenn Shabbatones will perform for the first time in Houston. Specializing in popular American, Israeli and Jewish music, UPenn Shabbatones performances boast arrangements written by the group members. They have performed throughout the country and have chosen Houston as this year’s winter break destination.

This concert is a collaboration of the Jewish Community Center of Houston and Congregations Beth Yeshurun and Brith Shalom.

Saints & Tzadiks: A Concert of Yiddish and Irish Songs at the University of St. Thomas, Jones Hall, 3910 Yoakum Wednesday, Feb. 16 • 7:30 PM $10 Adults Children and Students Free Irish singer Susan McKeown and Klezmatics lead singer and accordionist, Lorin Sklamberg, present Saints & Tzadiks — a concert combining Yiddish and Irish songs. Culled from rare archive material and old recordings, McKeown and Sklamberg have selected songs on various themes from the Jewish and Irish traditions.

The bulk of the Jewish material is drawn from the Ruth Rubin Archive at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The Irish songs come from both the popular and the ancient Gaelic sean nos traditions.

Session 4: Universal Health Care: A Jewish Perspective

Presented in collaboration with The University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Forum, Houston Young Professionals Supporting Irish Studies and The Irish Society.

CME Credit Pending Additional Fee Required

The University of St. Thomas Center for Irish Studies Cultural Outreach Program is funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

C O N T E S T I N G T H E L A N D : Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity

The 23 rd Annual Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program

PLEASE HELP US TO SUSTAIN THE HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM FOR

Dr. Oded Irshai Department of Jewish History Hebrew University of Jerusalem

TODAY AND FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. GO TO JCCHOUSTON.ORG AND MAKE A CONTRIBUTION ON THE DONATE PAGE.

Dr. Oded Irshai is a Professor of Jewish History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the Academic Chair of the Ben-Zion Dinur Research Center for Jewish History and has served as the Chair of the University’s Department of Jewish History and as a fellow at Scholion, the Interdisciplinary Center for Judaic Studies.

In addition, Dr. Irshai has been a visiting scholar at Harvard University, Penn State, Williams College and the University of Moscow. His primary interests include Palestine in the Second Temple period, Jews and Judaism in early Christian historiography and the social and cultural dimensions of Jewish life in Late Antiquity.

Opening Night Lecture

Mid-Residency Lecture

Mini-Courses

Late Antiquity – Chronology, Sources, and Thematic Issues Sunday, Jan 23 • 7:30 PM

King David and Jesus, the Jewish Patriarch and Jesus: Contesting Lineage Sunday, Feb 6 • 10:00 AM

Holy Space and Holy Land: Early Christianity’s Attitude toward the Jews and their Land Three Mondays: Jan 24, 31 and Feb 7 • 8:00 PM

This lecture will deal with one of the most heated debates between the Church Fathers and the Jews in the 4th and early 5th centuries, the credentials of the Jewish Patriarch and his claim to be a descendent of King David.

Utilizing the writings of Origen, Eusebius, and Early Christian Pilgrims, this mini-series will present Early Christianity’s fluctuating theological and historical attitudes regarding appropriating Palestine from the Jews.

This lecture will outline the main issues of the residency, the encounter between the Jewish understanding of the Land of Israel and the Christian concept of the Holy Land. Dr. Irshai will offer the historical, political, cultural and religious context of this encounter, as well as some of the methodological problems facing us in our analysis.

Bagel Breakfast Beit Midrash

Closing Lecture

Between Eretz Israel and Babylonia: Changes in the Notion of Center and Periphery Sunday, Jan 30 • 10:00 AM

The Past and the Future of the Past: Ancient and Modern Perspectives on Eretz Israel and the Christian Holy Land Wednesday, Feb 9 • 8:00 PM

This discussion will focus on one of the most important and long-lasting changes that took place in the Jewish community of late antiquity – the major shift of cultural and spiritual authority from Eretz Israel to Babylon.

This final lecture will tie together and recontextualize some of the major themes discussed during the residency and offer some later historical perspectives as well as pointers for further thought.

PROGRAM FEES

This program will follow the format of traditional Jewish learning, allowing the participant to directly engage with the source texts.

The Opening and Closing Lectures of the lecture are free and open to the entire community.

The Land of Israel and Jerusalem in Late Antiquity Jewish Thought Two Wednesdays: Jan 26 and Feb 2 • 8:00 PM This mini-series explores the evolving Jewish attitude towards the Land of Israel and the centrality of Jerusalem in Late Antiquity. It also explores Jewish responses to Christian appropriation of the land.

Contesting the Land and the End of Days Two Thursdays: Jan 27 and Feb 3 • 8:00 PM This mini-series will analyze the centrality of Jerusalem and the Jews in the Christian understanding of the “End of Days.” It will also conduct an in-depth survey of the “End of Days” time tables in the Jewish and Christian world of Late Antiquity.

Participating in the additional lectures and mini-courses requires a $25 pass. Selected programs have additional fees. Higher contributions to the program are greatly appreciated.

Please contact Naomi Barancik at 713.729.3200, ext. 3288 or nbarancik@jcchouston.org to enroll in any of these CJLL programs.

All of these programs take place at the Milton Levit Family Campus at the Joe Weingarten Building unless otherwise indicated.

Community Presentations Congregation Sha’ar HaShalom Tuesday, Jan 25 • 7:30 PM

LANGUAGE

Jews in the Service of Christians: Jews as the Carriers of Authentic Christian Traditions of the Land and its Past

Beginner Conversational Hebrew Instructor: Naomi Barancik Ten Tuesdays Beginning Jan 18 9:30 – 10:30 AM $117 Member / $150 Public

Houston Rabbinic Council Thursday, Jan 27

This course will teach the foundations of everyday spoken Hebrew. You will learn to build simple sentences and have a basic conversation. Acquaintance with Hebrew alphabet required.

The Sons of Aaron: The Resurgence of the Priesthood in Late Antiquity By invitation for Rabbis only

Bureau of Jewish Education Wednesday, Feb 2 • 12:00 PM at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Synagogue Art and Polemics Open to all school educators

<OPEN TO PUBLIC> Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Lunch and Learn Thursday, Feb 3 • 12:30 PM at the Merfish Teen Center Jerusalem and Constantinople: Between the Re-Building of the Temple and the Renovation of Hagia Sophia Church Pre-Lecture Lunch ($10) at 12:00 PM Reservations required 713-729-3200 ext. 3288

<IN HEBREW> Hebrew Speakers Professional Organization Sunday, Feb 6 • 8:00 PM at the Jewish Community Center

Advanced Conversational Hebrew Instructor: Naomi Barancik Ten Tuesdays Beginning Jan 18 10:45 – 11:45 AM $117 Member / $150 Public This course is suitable for those who read and comprehend Hebrew at a more advanced level but wish to expand their vocabulary and develop their fluency.

Beginning Hebrew - Level 1 Instructor: Karen Greenspan Ten Thursdays Beginning Jan 20 12:30 – 2:00 PM $175 Member / $225 Public This introductory course is a program of letter recognition, reading proficiency, building vocabulary, and learning basic phrases using the Hebrew textbook series Aleph Isn’t Tough.

Beginning Hebrew - Level 2 Instructor: Karen Greenspan Ten Mondays Beginning Jan 17 7:00 – 8:30 PM $175 Member / $225 Public This class builds on the reading skills established in the level one class. The focus will be on building reading fluency and a basic vocabulary to increase understanding. The course uses the Hebrew textbook Aleph isn’t Enough.

Beginning Hebrew - Level 4 Instructor: Karen Greenspan Ten Wednesdays Beginning Jan 19 7:00 – 8:30 PM $175 Member / $225 Public In this course we will continue to practice reading skills and vocabulary building with a focus on reading Torah. The course uses the Tav is for Torah textbook.

Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Grammar Instructor: Jonathan Fass Ten Wednesdays Beginning Jan 19 10:00 – 11:30 AM $150 Member / $200 Public Utilizing a college level biblical Hebrew textbook (purchase required), this course will introduce participants to Biblical Hebrew with an emphasis on understanding grammar and syntax. A knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is required to participate.

Bring your lunch to class.

FAMILY

Rabbis and Church Fathers: Biblical Exegesis and Polemics <OPEN TO PUBLIC> Rice University Jewish Studies Program Tuesday, Feb 8 • 4:00 PM at Rice University Jewish - Christian Violence in Alexandria in the Early 5th Century and its Representation in Early Christian Historiography Please call for details regarding the location.

Craig Parks in His Kol Kef Concert Friday, Dec 24 • 11:00 AM $8 Kids / Adults Free Craig Parks mixes it up in a delightful Jewish musical celebration for children and their families in a concert of songs from his new Kol Kef (All Fun) CD. Craig’s energetic, silly, and fun style of song leading brings new life to old favorites. Craig’s performance is full of groovin’ music, hilarious shtick, and some fun surprises!

Tu B’Shvat Is Here Sunday, Jan 16 • 2:00 – 4:00 PM FREE Celebrate the New Year of the Trees with games and eco-friendly crafts.

In collaboration with the Israeli House of the Consul of Israel to the Southwest.

dance

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON PRESENTS:

DANCE MONTH AT THE KAPLAN THEATRE Celebrating 31 Years January 12 – February 12, 2011

Koresh Dance Company Concert

PHOTO: CHERYL MANN

Renowned for their powerful stage presence, Koresh Dance Company will perform two works in its Houston premier. Passomezzo choreographed

by Ohad Naharin, Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company, and Sense of Human, choreographed by Koresh Dance Company’s artistic director Ronen Koresh.

Passomezzo, set to Baroque melodies, is a highly theatrical pas de deux depicting the intimate dialogue between a man and woman about tough love and opposition.

Sense of Human depicts life in its purest, rawest, most guttural state. This work delves beneath our desired self-image to discover our true sense of humanity.

Student Show Friday, Feb 4 • 11:00 AM $8 JCC Member, Senior Adult or Student / $12 Public



Koresh Dance Company Concert Saturday, Feb 5 • 8:00 PM $16 Member / $22 Public / $12 Senior Adults and Students

Tirkedu Houston!

Friday, Jan 14 - Sunday, Jan 16 Full Weekend: $70 JCC Member/ $100 Public / $50 with Valid Student ID Tirkedu Houston! is a fun-filled weekend of enthusiastic and energetic Israeli dancing at the Jewish Community Center. Join Shmulik Gov-Ari, a gifted Israeli folk dance choreographer and teacher who has many creative talents: dance, music, art and instruments (especially drums) as our guest artist in residence. The weekend will include an Erev Shabbat get together, two teaching sessions for intermediate to advanced dancers, (with reviews at the end of each session), a Saturday night dance party, and a review session of all dances on Sunday afternoon. Note Sunday’s review session is for only those who attended Session I, Session II or the dance party.

For a complete brochure and to register visit jcchouston.org.

PHOTO: CHERYL MANN

LIVING

ART

The Jewish Baker Instructor: Naomi Malakoff at United Orthodox Synagogue $36 Member / $45 Public (series) $15 Member / $20 Public (per class)

EXTRA! EXTRA! The Jewish Herald-Voice Centennial Revisited At the Deutser Gallery Dec 1 – 30

Learn some new recipes and share some laughs, as we explore the art of challah making and the sweet tastes of delicious holiday desserts.

As the Jewish Herald-Voice celebrates 102 years, we will revisit its most significant stories. Encompassing the Houston Jewish community’s development as well as world politics, relive history through the newspaper’s headlines.

February 20 • 2:00 - 3:30 PM Challah Making Made Easy and Delicious March 6 • 2:00 - 3:30 PM Desserts That Will Make Your Mouth Water March 13 • 2:00 - 3:30 PM Hamantaschen and Cookies for Purim and Beyond

FILM

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The 7th Annual Houston Jewish Film Festival March 8 - 20

The 2011 Official Selection will be announced soon! Last year’s festival was a great success, with 18 films screened. One selection from 2010, the Israeli film The Debt (HeHov), is now being reproduced in English starring Helen Mirren and will be released in U.S. theaters December 29. This year, expect a variety of films from countries all over the world, covering the personal to the political, both fiction and documentaries.

Ishay Shaer in Concert Sunday, Jan 9 • 7:00 PM $10 Member & Patrons of the Arts / $15 Public Israeli pianist Ishay Shaer returns to Houston in concert at the JCC Kaplan Theatre. Born in 1983, Shaer is one of today’s leading young Israeli pianists. He has given recitals at concert halls around the world including Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Round Top Festival Institute, and the Recanati Auditorium. He is the recipient of numerous awards including prizes at the Newport International Competition, the Clairmont Competition and the International Beethoven Competition. Please join us for this special concert featuring this musical prodigy.

SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, MARCH 26 ISRAELI-GREEK DANCE PARTY WITH AVRAHM PENGAS & THE NOGA GROUP MUSIC, DANCING, FOOD, AND FUN!

Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217

5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 jcchouston.org JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON

PAID

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

In celebration of Dance Month, the JCC will exhibit works by photographer Loli Kantor. During the years 2000-2007, Kantor documented the performing arts, including theatre, puppetry, acrobatics and dance. Photographing the intimacy of daily classes, performance rehearsals, behind-the-scenes moments and performances, the broad scope of the world of dance is revealed. Kantor’s images portray not only choreographed and staged movements, but also moments of a single dancer’s experience at rest.

dance

JANUARY 9 – FEBRUARY 18 Photography Exhibit