Building Jewish Bridges is again using local theater arts to explore elements of Jewish thinking and identity. This spring we are working with Berkeley Repertory Theater using two of their productions as springboards to a discussion. This spring playwright Nina Raine’s play, Tribes, will be produced at Berkeley Rep from April 11 to May 11….
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East Bay International Jewish Film Festival
This year, 2014, will be the 19th year of the Festival and it runs March 7 through 29. It takes place in Contra Costa County. The line up looks exciting. Some of the films are: Hunting Elephants (Israel, 2013, 107 minutes) with Patrick Stewart and Yael Abecassis. The Real Inglorious Bastards (Canada, 1012, 57 minutes)…
Read More »Don’t miss Szyk at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Szyk Haggadah: Art Exhibit The haggadah, the ritual text for the Passover seder, evokes the story of the exodus of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. While myriad haggadot have been created from the tenth century to the present, the exhibition highlights the unique and powerful story of The Szyk Haggadah (1940). Arthur…
Read More »You can explore Judaism through Film and Food!
Hummus, Falafel and Brisket – Oh, My! San Francisco Jewish Film Festival Presents three fabulous films about food that are sure to whet your appetite. (Don’t worry; there will be food available for purchase between the showings.) Make Hummus Not War (1:00) Filmmaker Trever Graham’s humorous journey takes us through the hummus bars and kitchens…
Read More »Will you have a Chuppah for your Wedding?
Having a chuppah or wedding canopy is not a Jewish requirement; in other words it is not stipulated in Jewish law. It is, however, a Jewish custom and very lovely. The traditional chuppah has four portable poles and a piece of cloth hanging attached at the four corners to the poles. You can use a…
Read More »Introduction to the Jewish Experience: Israel and Texts
The land of Israel has been central to Jewish history, both ancient and modern. Even during the years of galut (exile) the Jewish heart was “in the east,” in the words of medieval poet Yehudah HaLevy. This class will examine the history of ancient Israel, the beginnings of rabbinic Judaism, and the modern return to…
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