Session II - BET  7:30PM – 8:20PM
THE “REAL” CHANUKAH STORY
Prior to the Maccabean battles in the 2nd century B.C.E., there was Hellenistic Reform followed by great upheaval.  How anti-Semitic was that Reform and to what extent did it encourage Jews to assimilate into Greek society?  What is the relationship between anti-Semitism and assimilation?  How relevant is all that to our Chanukah holiday today?
RABBI SETH L. BERNSTEIN, D.Min., Temple Sinai

ISRAELI  DANCING
Learn traditional Israeli dances from the days of the first Israeli pioneers. These dances consist mainly of circle and partner dances of Eastern European, Arab and Yemenite origin.
SAUL AND REENA SLOVIN, Israeli Folk Dance Teachers

HEBREW SUPERNOVA:  THE PHENOMENON OF AVRAHAM SHLONSKY’S POETRY
Avraham Shlonsky was influential in the development of modern Hebrew and its literature in Israel through his many acclaimed  translations of literary classics, particularly from Russian.  A sampling of Shlonsky's poems will be read in the original and in translation and discussed in historical and literary context.
JOEL SIEGELMAN, local Jewish educator

WHO MADE GOD ANYWAY?!
Children can ask some interesting (and challenging) questions about God and other aspects of spiritual life.  At times, the answers come to us quickly and can be quite simple.  At other times, their questions prompt us to explore and evaluate our own beliefs.  Join us for a discussion about ways to talk about God with children at different stages development…theirs and ours.
BETH GREENBERG, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Jewish Family Service of Worcester, Inc.

A PALESTINIAN STATE NEXT TO ISRAEL?
In September, a group of Israeli and Palestinian activists completed years of studying the question of how, exactly, could a Palestinian state exist alongside Israel?  Their fascinating 400 page report, with maps and timetables has caused quite a stir. Be it this plan or another, our expert will discuss with us just what needs to happen next to advance peace?
LARRY LOWENTHAL, National Senior Advisor to the American Jewish Committee

JEWISH NOVELS AND SHORT STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
An introduction to extraordinary and spell binding Jewish fiction from Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Montenegro, Poland, The Netherlands and Peru.  Sometimes comic, sometimes somber, these novels and short stories provide intriguing and often surprising perspectives on Jewish life. 
Stephen A. Sadow PhD., Professor at Northeastern University

THE CHASSIDIC PHILOSOPHY FOR MODERN TIMES
One of the greatnesses of Chassidism has been its ability to take age-old Jewish values and bring them actively into the lives of contemporary Jews.  Join this beloved rabbi and teacher in discussing the eternal principles of 1) faith in One God, 2) the spark of Godliness in each person and  3) how Jews strive for unity with other individuals and  with the Jewish community at large. 
RABBI HERSHEL FOGELMAN, Yeshiva Achei T’mimim

LIGHT AND LOVE:  HOW OUR ANCESTORS CAME TO UNDERSTAND GOD AND THE EXPERIENCE OF SINAI
The two blessings before the Shema thank God for light and love. Why are these two “natural” concepts included in our prayers each day? What do they tell us about how to think about God and how we can encounter God through mindfulness each day? What does the prayer book tell us about what exactly happened on Mount Sinai? Jewish prayer is designed to lead each of us to Sinai every morning to recommit to the covenantal relationship with God. We will look at a spiritual and personal side of prayer.
RABBI CHERIE KOLLER-FOX, Facilitating NewCAJE, co-authoring Children's Bible and Founder and past national chair of CAJE and Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Eitz Chayim, Cambridge, MA

FAMOUS AND NOT SO FAMOUS WOMEN
While not that well know, Jewish history is replete with fascinating accounts of how certain women "made the difference" in their particular time and place. This discussion will focus on the role that famous and not so famous Jewish women have played in different aspects of our history.
WENDY DAVIS-WONG, Temple Sinai, Principal

WHEN IS IT AGAINST THE LAW TO HATE?
In this internet age we are exposed to all kinds of words and all shades of opinions on a daily basis, some quite outlandish.  When do we cross the line?  What is the difference between a hate incident or hate speech and an actual hate crime?  How does anti-Semitism play a role in hate-motivated violence? Learn the facts from this national expert.
ROBERT TRESTAN, Eastern States Civil Rights Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) provides hate crime training to law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts and throughout the country.

ABORTION:  THE JEWISH VIEWS BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERN
Using the Torah, Talmud, Rashi, Rambam along with some modern interpretations we will discuss: When life begins? Mother or child?  Who takes precedence?  The process our Sages and Rabbis used in understanding and explaining the Torah.
RABBI ALAN ALPERT,Congregation Agudat Achim, Leominster

THE GENERATIONS AFTER: THE UNIQUE ROLE OF CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS’
More than 60 years after the Holocaust, the Second and Third Generations of survivors find themselves assuming a primary role in Holocaust remembrance. We will discuss our experiences of the “Generations After.”  Information will be provided about the formal networks available for the Second and Third Generations.  
ELIZABETH ANTHONY, M.S.W., Doctoral Student, Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Clark University and former Deputy Director of Survivor Affairs at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Session III - GIMEL  8:30PM – 9:20PM
BEING A GRANDPARENT IN AN INTERFAITH FAMILY
When children intermarry, parents and grandparents wonder how they will connect to their grandchildren. This session will give grandparents and prospective grandparents the opportunity to share and acquire helpful tools for building relationships with their grandchildren around Jewish learning and identity.  Come and learn!
RABBI LEV BAESH, Consultant at Interfaithfamily.com and Rabbi at B’nai Or, Newton MA

YEHUDA AMICHAI:  THE VOICE OF A JEWISH NATION
If the State of Israel had a poet laureate, Yehuda Amichai would have been offered a lifetime contract.  His poetry expressed the soul of a nation through its birth and struggles.  After a brief overview of Amichai’s life and work we will read several Amichai poems that reflect a cross-section of his concerns.  Hebrew and English texts will be provided; knowledge of Hebrew is not a prerequisite.
RABBI MICHAEL SWARTTZ, Beth Tikvah Synagogue

HOW JEWS AND CHRISTIANS READ THE SAME BIBLE THROUGH DIFFERENT EYES
The “Judeo-Christian Tradition” implies that Jews and Christians share a common understanding of the Bible. While it is true that we share important figures like Abraham, Moses and David and are familiar with the same intriguing stories. However, the Jews and Christians do not read the text of the “Old Testament” (Hebrew Bible) the same way at all. Each religion has different expectations and therefore, different outcomes. This is in large part because we have different understandings about God. We’ll explore how in some famous passages.
EVERETT FOX PhD, Allen M. Glick Professor of Judaic and Biblical Studies at Clark University

THE MOUSE THAT ROARS: ISRAEL A GLOBAL ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
While Israel’ “brand” is many times cloaked in talk of security and violence, this tiny Jewish state has quietly emerged as one of the leading producers of technology in the world, and its innovative ecosystem stands to dominate the world stage.  Hear about the innovation, the anecdotes, and the “joys” of one who does business in Israel, with Israelis.
STEVE SCHUSTER, Temple Sinai

MIKVAH MYSTIQUE
What is Family Purity, and why does the Bible place so much emphasis on it? Explore the fascinating history and significance of the Mikvah, as well as its dramatic resurgence in popularity in modern times. We will analyze this trend and what it means for the future of Jewish communities around the world. Discover the Mikvah’s importance in Judaism.
DVORA GREEN, Chabad of Westboro

THE HEATHCARE DEBATE: "IS IT GOOD FOR THE JEWS?"
The Declaration of Independence claims that we are all entitled to "certain unalienable rights" including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  Should Health Care be on that list? How? Why? Why not?  How does Judaism shed light on this vigorous nationwide debate? What do you think?  Our conclusions may surprise you!
RABBI JOEL PITKOWSKY, Congregation Beth Israel

OUR LOCAL JEWISH COMMUNITY:  LOOKING INTO A CRYSTAL BALL
The decade of the 2010's will bring many challenges to our Jewish Community: demographically, financially, religiously and strategically. We will take a look at some of those challenges and discuss opportunities to meet them head-on to ensure that we continue to have a strong and vibrant Central Massachusetts Jewish community.
HOWARD BORER, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts

TAKE A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY WITH THE HASIDIC MASTERS
The Hasidic Masters offered readings of the Torah different from our more evident and conventional understanding.  Examining passages from the Hasidism’s classical period, we will explore the way Hasidism approached and understood the Torah.  We will probe what the explicit and implicit ideas might suggest to us today as a resource for renewed Jewish spirituality.
CANTOR MARINA SHEMESH, Congregation Beth Israel

THE ANCIENT ART OF HEBREW CALLIGRAPHY
CANCELLED
DR MARGOT BARNET, Chiropractor and Temple Emanuel Lay Leader

FOODS OF THE TORAH
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in Biblical times? Or just wanted to know the different foods listed in the Torah? This learning session will introduce you to the “original” Mediterranean diet. Biblical texts will be paired with an explanation of the foods’ culinary, historical, and spiritual links. Samples of different food items will be available for a sweet learning experience.
RABBI MATTHEW BERGER, Temple Emanuel

Session III – MINI-SESSIONS
FINDING "JEWISH" ON THE INTERNET
There are a number of new and excellent internet sites to answer any
questions you have about "Jewish."  Get a preview of the best ones with a list to take home with you.
ARIEL DAGAN, Local Jewish Educator

HOW TO PUBLICIZE YOUR JEWISH EVENT
This “mini” course will guide you in how to achieve successful P.R., both in writing, preparing, and disseminating your announcement as well as having it successfully aired in the various media outlets, and social web.  Contact information for all the local media with sample press releases, etc will be included.
BOBBIE CHASE, Local Radio Announcer

MAKE YOUR OWN “MIZRACH”
When we pray, our Jewish tradition bids us to face east (mizrach) towards Jerusalem. Some homes have an ornamental piece of art on their eastern wall which is called…you guessed it…a mizrach!
SUSAN LEVITAN, Local Jewish Educator

SOFER: WHO IS HE AND WHAT DOES HE DO?
A sofer, (Jewish scribe) writes Torah scrolls, Tefillin, and Mezuzot, the writing of Megillot (scrolls of the Song of Songs, Book of Ruth, Book of Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Book of Lamentations) and Nevi'im (the books of the prophets, used for reading the haftarah), and for Gittin divorce documents. There are many rules concerning the proper formation of letters if a written text is to be religiously valid. Come meet our local Sofer and see how this ancient art is performed.
DOVID LIPSCHITZ, Sofer

LEARN TO BRAID THE “PERFECT” CHALLAH
Have you ever seen the “perfect” challah and wonder how it is done.  Join this hands-on mini and become the “perfect” challah braider
ELIOT SOMMER, Congregation Beth Israel

THE PERFECT LATKE
With Hanukah right aound the corner, how great would it be to learn, literally hands on, how to make this traditional treat.  You and others can also “eat the fruit of your labors.”  Enjoy!
JUDY MOSELEY, Congregation Beth Israel

Session IV - DALET  9:30PM – 10:20PM
JEWISH MEDITATION
A guided, mindfulness meditation that allows us to focus on the miracle of breathing. This allows the mind to quiet and still which prepares us for prayer. It cultivates a steadiness of attention and loving-kindness.  This way invites an awareness of the presence of God to enter in each moment.
ELANA ROSENBAUM, noted local instructor in Mindfulness Meditation

A TASTE OF MAMEH LOSHEN
Enjoy a typical, hands-on Yiddish class with plenty of humorous anecdotes, conversation and singing.  This class is for those who know a bissel Yiddish or just love the sound of it.
HAROLD GURWITZ, Congregation Beth Israel

“JOINING THE TRIBE”: A UNIQUE OF CONVERSION
Who, when, how, why? Come and discuss your experiences, your expectations, your concerns about conversion. Come if you have converted, want to convert, or want to understand how and why others convert -- this is wide open discussion!
EMMA ROOT, Congregation B’nai Shalom

MUSIC FOR OUR SOULS
While prayer through words is meaningful, prayer through song touches our souls at a visceral level. Songs form an intense connection to our deepest feelings and our sense of community. Join us for a joyful, participatory sing-along session in the “camp” tradition.  If you’ve been to Jewish camp, you know how uplifting song sessions are; if you haven’t, you are in for a treat! No musical talent necessary…just bring an open heart.
LISA MARCUS-JONES, Cantorial Soloist, Congregation B’nai Shalom & Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA

IN A DOWN ECONOMY, HELPING OURSELVES AND HELPING EACH OTHER
Worcester Central Mass Connections and the Community Response to the Recession
Created in the spring of 2009, WCMC is a coalition of multiple synagogues and Jewish organizations formed to help those in the community who are facing difficulties during the economic downturn.  Find out about ongoing and planned efforts to provide support, information and resources for those dealing with unemployment or underemployment and its consequences. Learn about opportunities to participate and practice Tzedakah. Questions and discussion are encouraged; a WCMC table will provide further information.
LAURIE PORTER, Temple Emanuel, STEPHEN SLATEN, Director of Jewish Family Services of Worcester, MARA YEROW, Temple Emanuel and MINDY HALL, Congregation B’nai Shalom

SKINNING MY KNEES ON MY FAMILY TREE PART 2
Would you like to develop your own Family Tree?  Almost ten years ago I decided to explore my roots. In this session I will share what worked and what didn't as well as some other lessons learned.
BOB SIEGEL, Jewish Genealogist

FASCINATING JEWISH LITERATURE FROM NORTH OF THE BORDER
Leonard Cohen, Mordecai Richler and A.M. Klein, are just a few names that are familiar to Americans.  These are just some of the authors of the best Canadian Jewish Literature. We will look at the rich legacy of Canadian Anglo-Jewish Literature.
MARCIA TANNENBAUM, lived in Canada from 1981 – 1986 where she was at Judaic teacher, a legal consultant and served as Principal of the Ottawa Talmud Torah.

MAN TALK: A WORKSHOP FOR MEN ONLY!
Men don’t often have an opportunity to talk about themselves and about many topics in an arena with only men.  When men are alone together, they create a safe space for themselves to talk candidly without judgment and without caution.  Men will be encouraged to talk about their involvement Judaism.  We will look at Jewish scripture and prayer as a metaphor for men’s roles.
MITCH GORDON, Congregation B’nai Shalom

BRACHOS (BLESSINGS) BEHIND BARS PART 2
By popular demand, a part II of last year’s discussion on the subject of Jews and Judaism in our prison system is being offered by this local expert.  What about recent news accounts about Jews in Prison?  What does Judaism say about how we should react or not react to those incarcerated?  This will surprise you!
RABBI YAAKOV BLOTNER, is Rabbi of Shaarai Torah West Synagogue and Senior Chaplain of the State Department of Corrections

THE ART OF CHASIDIC STORYTELLING
Explore the wondrous world of Chasidic storytelling. From ordinary peddlars and wagon drivers of the shtetyl emerge tales of rich and passionate purpose and timeless lessons that captivate our imagination even today. Storytelling is a transformative experience and inner window to the soul.
RABBI MICHOEL GREEN, is Rabbi at Chabad of Westborough

LET'S SPEAK HEBREW
Even if you know but a few wordsin Hebrew, at the end of this 50 minute session, this wonderful Hebrew teacher will have you speaking "Lashon HaKodesh" or Hebrew like and Israeli (almost) and having a lot of fun in the process. This is your chance...try it!
ZIVA ROSENHAND, Local Jewish Educator