TUESDAY AM
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Jam for Breakfast : Barb Bloomfield
Barb wants to get an informal group of musicians together to play at the talent show or
shuk. Come on and join her! Bring instruments, and sheet music if you've got some.
Round robin style, so everyone gets a chance to play the music they want to play. Any
kind of music is welcome.
My Jewish Journey from Andropov's Soviet Union to Yeltsin's Russia : Barbara
Colton
In 1983 I was invited to bring a delegation of American theatre stars to visit the USSR as
guests of their Cultural Workers Union. Andropov was then General Secretary of the
Communist Party and, together with Jean Stapleton and Earle Hyman, I arrived in
Moscow the day before Pesach and the day after Ronald Reagan made his “Evil Empire”
speech. In the ensuing twelve years I made over fifteen trips and was an eye witness to
historical events and the transformative effect on Russian life in general and Russian
Jewish life in particular.
What Does “Peace” Look Like?: An Artists' Beit Midrash, Day 1 : Eleni Litt
Feel free to attend one or more days – each day will be different and will stand on its
own! In this three-day artist’s beit midrash we will study the psalm that provides the
verse for the theme of this summer’s institute “Peace be within thy walls…” (Psalms
122:7) as well as some other texts about peace, along with the role of boundaries (such as
walls) in promoting and maintaining peace. We’ll be making and sharing visual midrash
that explores the notions of “peace” along with that which promotes it or prevents it. No
particular artistic “talent” is required – only an open heart and mind. All supplies will be
provided, but if you have your own paper and supplies please bring them!
A Taste of „A Taste of Talmud‟ : Joe Rosenstein
A Taste of "A Taste of Talmud" -- a short version of the course, "A Taste of Talmud."
Here’s your chance to get a taste of how the Talmud works. In this session, we will look
at a page of the Talmud (the one studied in the Tuesday morning class), focusing on the
flavor of the discussion as much as on its content. Translation of the text will be used.
Relational Community Organizing: Outreach and Inreach Toward Robust
Communities : Julia Appel
We`ll be discussing best practices for outreach and inreach in synagogue, college, and
other settings, with a particular focus on the role of relational organizing: organizing
communities through one-on-one and small group relationship building. Julia will bring
as personal examples her work as the Jewish Educator at MIT Hillel and now as the
Outreach Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, and you are invited to bring your
own examples.
Tai Chi and T'filah Workshop #1 : Spencer Garfield
This two workshop series aims to connect Tai Chi practice with Jewish meditation,
prayer, and lifestyle. We will explore some fundamentals of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan,
such as the 13 Rules, as well as a taste of the Long Form and essential meditative
practices. Judaic references to meditation included; translation provided. Loose,
TUESDAY AM
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
comfortable clothing and socks recommended. No prior experience required. You may
attend one workshop, or both.
Beginning Kippah Crocheting : Sue Gulack and Ceidlen Beller
Many people who have never crocheted before have finished kippot by the end of
Institute. You can too! Bring $1.50 for hooks and yarn (intructor(s) will bring plenty to
choose from). We usually have at least two groups, crocheters and absolute beginners.
You can continue to catch the instructor(s) during the week for continuing help.
You can Read Sholem Aleichem in the Original Yiddish! : Ron Schnur
We will read a short passage of the famous writer of Yiddish humor, Sholem Aleichem,
word-by-word, from the Yiddish. We will use English transliteration. No previous
knowledge whatsoever of Yiddish is needed. After a half-hour, you will be able to read
the Yiddish text with full understanding, with humor and probably with a better Yiddish
accent than I have. The text will be from Mottel, the Cantor's Son.