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