It’s a wrap
Sisterhoods gather for Tu B’Shevat
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Teens and parents at breakout session during Words to Action.
The 30-minute Crossing the Line 2 film can be found online at ctl.stepupforisrael.com. As the CRC leadership follows events taking place on campuses around the globe and through discussion with concerned members of the Tidewater Jewish community, they know that there is a need for further education, resources, and discussion in order to help students navigate that fine line when anti-Israel sentiment crosses over to anti-Semitism. Cause an Effect just scratched the surface
and the CRC leadership has committed that the educational programming and resources will continue to be offered for as long as these issues continue. If you or your student has experienced anti-Semitism or anti-Israel rhetoric on campus and you’re not sure what to do or if you have other concerns or ideas for programming, contact Wendy Weissman, assistant CRC director at 965-6107 or WWeissman@ ujft.org.
n Sunday, Feb. 12, the sisterhoods of KBH, Beth El, and Temple Israel celebrated Tu B’Shevat in the glass atrium of Temple Israel. The 15th day of the month of Shevat is designated as the New Year for Trees. This is when the trees come to life in Israel and begin the cycle of blooming. Rabbi Michael Panitz explained that the reason for a new year of the trees is to know when to begin to harvest the fruit. The Book of Leviticus states that the fruit of the tree may not be eaten in the first three years. The fourth year’s fruit was considered a gift to God and on the fifth year, it was finally permissible to eat the fruit of the trees. Panitz led the blessings of the various foods. Samples of the seven species of fruits and grain mentioned in the Torah were
Ohef Sholom explores Torah through art
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Jack Rosenblum asking a question after watching Crossing the Line 2: The New Face of Anti-Semitism on Campus.
presented. The seven species are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates. Hosted by Temple Israel, the group enjoyed fruits that flourish in Israel, such as olives, dates, grapes, and figs, along with an array of other treats—spanakopita, almonds, cheese and crackers, and desserts. Rounding out the seder, Cantor Wendi led the women and men in celebratory song accompanied on piano by Rabbi Panitz. The event was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate this unique Jewish tradition of expressing gratitude for trees and all they provide to humanity. In the words of the song, “Hinei ma tov umanaim…,” how good it was for “sisters and brothers” to be together—to celebrate, to learn and to raise voices in song—and, of course, eat!
he study of Torah can take many forms. This winter, adult learners at Ohef Sholom Temple have focused on the link between the Torah text and art. The congregation sponsored two trips to the Chrysler Museum to explore art based on Biblical themes. The group’s January session focused on artwork depicting Torah themes and the February session focused on Prophets and Writings. Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, interim associate rabbi at Ohef Sholom, leads the sessions. She chose eight to 10 pieces of artwork to explore. “The artwork serves as a catalyst for deeper discussions about the Biblical text,” says Cohen. “By considering how the artists wrestled with the text, we can begin to make our interpretations.” Of course, Cohen explains, the artists were not Jewish. But their artwork most
often transcends religious differences. “The painting of Adam and Eve really came from a Christian world view,” says Cohen. “But, our conversation was enlivened by comparing the Christian and Jewish outlooks.” During the first trip, the group numbered about 30 congregants. The group focused on such works as Giovanni Benedetto Catiglione’s depiction of Moses Striking the Rock and Pieter Mulier the Younger’s Rebecca journey. The education and community outreach offices at the Chrysler Museum helped to set up the visits. Representatives from the museum greeted the group and a museum educator participated in the first part of the tours. The program is open to the community. For more information, call 757-625-4295 or email information@ohefsholom.org.
jewishnewsva.org | March 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 37