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