Meet Michelle Weinfeld, Author of From Generation to Generation

Six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust, but Michelle Weinfeld's grandfather survived. From Generation to Generation explores the intersection of values, history, and identity. It answers

questions such as:

How are we influenced by the generations that came before us?

How do we embrace religion and culture in a secular society?

What is necessary for self acceptance?

Come hear Michelle tell her family story!

The Listening Project Continues! (in person)

Sunday, April 21, 2024 • 13 Nisan 5784

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Just in time for those potentially challenging Passover seder conversations, join us for a Listening Project practice session hosted by Andy Robinson. We'll warm up with a few listening exercises. Then we'll set up small groups to discuss whatever subjects you want to talk about: Israel and Palestine, antisemitism, how you're thinking about Judaism, etc. Come prepared to listen with curiosity and without judgment.

Registration is encouraged

Lunch and Learn: The Two Lives of Henrietta Szold

Thursday, April 18, 12:00 PM

Henrietta Szold was one of the most important Jewish leaders of the 20th century. Her long life, from 1860 to 1945, spanned some of the most turbulent years in modern history. The events of that time shaped the lives of millions of people and are woven into the fabric of Szold’s life story.

Long-time OZ member Linda Kopper, who serves as President of Hadassah Vermont, will explore the “two lives” of Henrietta Szold, and discuss how her legacy lives on today.

RSVP

The Annual Rabbi Max B Wall Lecture Series

Navigating the complexities of the conflict in the Middle East

Saint Micheals College McCarthy Arts Center

The Book of Israela

Monday, April 8, 2024 • 29 Adar II 5784

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Join Rabbi Rena Blumenthal, who has led BJ High Holiday services for the past two years, read from her novel, “The Book of Israela.” No prior familiarity with the book is necessary to enjoy the reading and participate in the discussion that follows. For those who would like to read the book ahead of time, a small number of copies will be available for purchase at Bear Pond bookstore. (The book is also available on Amazon in paperback and kindle editions). Light refreshment will be served at the reading. Limited copies can be purchased ahead of time at Bear Pond Books or on Amazon. Registration is encouraged!

Register

Exploring the Politics of Contemporary

Education How can it be that many of our institutions of higher learning are grappling with outbreaks of antisemitism, even as they espouse the values of social justice and diversity? In pursuit of this question, we must delve into the prevailing ideas and ideologies that have gained prominence in the

educational arena. We will also consider what might be gained and what might still be missing from current approaches and implementations of critical theory as we strive for greater tolerance, understanding,

and healing across all communities.

The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel

A Documentary Screening and Discussion

This film combines archive footage -much of which has never before been shown - with Ertel's

own brave telling of his extraordinary odyssey. A true story so bold, brave, and beautiful, it will restore your faith that humanity can survive even the darkest days.

Filmmaker Joseph Cahn will join us live on screen for Q & A following the screening.

Suggested donation - $10.00

Reservations recommended.

Email cbevtoffice@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

Join the Greater Burlington Jewish Community to bear witness to the massacres of October 7th and show your support for a survivor as they bravely share their story and experience.

The Listening Project: 60 Conversations with Jews about Israel and Palestine (in person)

Sunday, March 3, 2024 • 23 Adar I 5784

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

In response to the attacks of October 7 and subsequent events, Andy Robinson took his cue from Erica Heilman of the Rumblestrip podcast, who says, "You can be curious. You can be judgmental. But you can't be both at the same time."

He reached out to fellow Jews, asked a lot of questions, and tried to listen more deeply. Join us as he shares what he learned from 60 conversations: how people are feeling, how they connect with Judaism, their experiences (or not) with antisemitism, their thoughts about Israel and Palestine, and possible paths to peace and reconciliation.

After sharing his experiences and taking questions, Andy will facilitate a few listening exercises.

What questions would you like to ask each other? Are you prepared to listen without judgment?

Registration requested. To better facilitate these conversations, we are limiting this event to 20 people. If there's enough interest, we will schedule a second date. If you have questions about the content, reach out to Andy: andy@andyrobinsononline.com.

Register

Tough & Tender Landscapes (in person)

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Beth Jacob welcomes Wendy Hoffman and Judith Janoo, two friends and published authors in their own right.

Sharing some of their recently published poetry, Jewish and non-Jewish perspectives overlap in their experiences. Just Thisis a lyrical journey of growing up in a Maine fishing village, marrying into the Malaysian culture, and living in the Northeast Kingdom. Eloquently detailed, Judith Janoo’s poems speak to the earth and its creatures, love and connection, loss and beauty, and wonder.

In Belonging, Wendy Hoffman’s poems describe recipes and cooked-from-scratch Jewish food carried in the grandmother’s memory from the Old Country to this New Land. Strudels keep a clashing family holding on. The poems encompass the truths of the daily lives of three generations of women and hint at contradictory hidden ones.

THE PROGRAM:

Are you a caregiver for someone you love? A partner, family member, friend?

Do you anticipate being called to a caregiving role sometime in the near or distant future? 

Together we will learn from a panel of three health professionals and an experienced caregiver about the blessings and challenges of caregiving.

SPEAKER PANEL:

Melissa Brandes, MD, is a Doctor of Internal Medicine caring for patients age 18-100+. The scope of her practice includes caring for patients in nursing home settings, providing home visits to homebound patients, and providing end-of-life care. She has been in practice for over 25 years and is currently in private practice in South Burlington with Green Mountain Internal Medicine.

Karen Cote, MSW, is a Social Worker and a certified end of life doula, and a very active member of our Temple Sinai's congregation. She is employed with The Burlington Housing Authority, working with residents in need of caregiving. Karen has been working in this field for 37 years. She has extensive experience in caregiving in her personal life as well. Karen has spent many years working with the Chevra Kaddisha. Karen recently became the recipient of the Vermont Rays of Kindness Honor!

Marjie Kaye Sheppard is a native Vermonter, retired massage therapist and long time member of Temple Sinai and Sisterhood. Together with her sister, Laurie, Marjie has cared for their mother, Joan, in a variety of settings since Joan suffered a stroke in July of 2020. Their journey together has been a series of roller coaster rides. Marjie is not a fan of roller coasters, literally or figuratively.

Alan Rubel, Author, is a past Barre City Alderman, Barre Town School Board Member, past President of Beth Jacob synagogue and past Board Member of Central VT Health and Hospice, among many other active community memberships. He is the author of numerous books, including his current co-editorship of the award winning book, The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing: Caregiving Stories of Hope, Humility and Love. Alan will discuss his book at this event, selling and signing copies at the end of the evening. Alan is a member of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue.

Information about caregiver resources in our area will be shared at the event.

REGISTER HERE

1:00 pm • Sunday, Jan. 28
CBE Social Hall
 

A panel discussion with friends in Israel will take place on Zoom with Rabbis Michael Cohen and Osnat Eldar, Dr. Shai Golan, and Ms. Clare King Lassman. They will share their understanding of the war situation and its effect on Israeli life.  These presenters will join us from Israel via Zoom.  Lance Wang will serve as moderator for this panel discussion.  Time for audience questions and comments will follow.

About the speakers.

• Rabbi Osnat Eldar, a Reform rabbi, serves Kehilat Salaam Yaakov in Zikhron Ya'akov and is a leader in progressive social activism there.

• Rabbi Michael Cohen (whom we know well!) is a Reconstructionist rabbi on the faculty of Bennington College and the Arava Institute, whose focus on environmental activism serves as a bridge between Jewish and Palestinian (and other Arab) cultures

• Dr. Shai Golan practices Chinese medicine in Zikhron Yaakov and, as a member of Physicians for Human Rights, has volunteered with a mobile clinic in the West Bank

• Ms. Clare King Lassman is a fundraiser and development specialist for the Givat Haviva School and works with the Akko Arab-Jewish Community Centre, both of these organizations building bridges across the Jewish-Arab divide in Israel

Please join us for a memorable International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration

Thursday, January 25, 2024

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET on Zoom

The program is free and everyone is welcome.

Please register here for the Zoom link.

Holocaust survivor Werner Salinger will give his testimony of escaping Nazi Germany as a child, his early recollections of the time he spent with Albert Einstein and a decision that took him back to Germany where he met his wife,

the daughter of a Nazi soldier.

TU B'SHVAT SEDER BY ZOOM

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 7:30 PM

"TU b'SHVAT is the most important Jewish holiday we could be celebrating at this time."

-Rabbi Kirshbaum

email for link bethlehemshul@gmail.com

An Introduction to Hebrew Reading for Adults

Want to begin to read Hebrew?  Want to brush up on your skills?  Join with Rabbi Aaron and Lani Ravin to learn how to read Hebrew and in particular key words and prayers. This series will also deepen your understanding of the prayers and the Israeli cultural context. There are two, 6 week sessions: attend one or both. At the end of each session, students are invited to participate in a Shabbat service and help lead a prayer.

WHEN: Tuesdays at 7:30 – 8:30 PM; On Zoom; for 12 weeks, starting January 16, 2024

Session I:  For beginners and those who want to refresh their memory

• Jan 16, 23 and 30; Feb 6, 13 and 20 (6 weeks)

Session II:  Continue your learning or brush up on what you once knew

• Feb 27; March 5, 12, 19 and 26 (6 weeks)

Register Here

Phyllis Rubenstein will guide us along her flip flop thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Beginning after Passover and taking off time for the Jewish holidays, Phyllis followed spring, and then summer, wildflowers north from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to central Pennsylvania. In mid-July, she flipped north, summited Mount Katahdin in Maine and then followed summer wildflowers and fall foliage south back to central Pennsylvania, finishing in early November. Phyllis will talk about trail life and community, the joys and challenges she encountered, and the daily practices which grounded her epic journey.

https://www.bethjacobvt.org/event/thru-hiking-the-appalachian-trail-a-blessed-journey.html