Jan 7, 2020 - 23 Tevet 5781
JCA PROGRAMS
IMPACT INVESTING with Michael O’Leary and Warren Valdmanis 
Presented by the Portland Museum of Art and the JCA 
Tuesday, January 26th | 5:00 - 6:00 PM | FREE

Art for All and DEAI work (diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion) are at the heart of the PMA’s mission. But how can you, as an investor, invest strategically to support this type of work in our community?  

The PMA, in partnership with JCA, welcomes investors and authors Michael O’Leary and Warren Valdmanis to share their experiences in social impact investing and corporate responsibility and sustainability. Together, they helped launch Bain Capital's social impact fund. Valdmanis is now a partner at Two Sigma Impact, and O'Leary is an investor with the impact investing firm Engine No. 1. O’Leary and Valdmanis will discuss impact investing, its critiques—fair and unfair—and its potential to create change for non-profit organizations and their endowments. Their book Accountable: The Rise of Citizen Capitalism, is available locally at Print: A Bookstore or Longfellow Books.
COOK-ALONGS WITH MARGARET HATHAWAY of Ten Apple Farm 
Author of the Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook 
SAMBUSAS & KNISHES 
Sunday, January 31st | 4:00 – 5:30 PM 
 
Savory fillings in a pastry crust make a delicious snack and a portable lunch. In this cook along, we’ll make sambusas and meat knishes, both variations on this tasty theme. Gamana Yarow’s stuffed Somali beef dumplings are spiced with curry powder and flecked with vegetables and herbs. Sadye Schatz’s beef knishes are sweet with onions and enriched with schmaltz—flavors she leaned heavily on as one of Portland’s two kosher caterers in the 1940s and 50s. In this 90 minute zoom, we’ll make the dough and fillings for both, and discuss ways to make these recipes our own.  

Free! Register by Tues. Jan. 26 - Registered participants will receive the Zoom link, recipes and ingredient list on Tues. 1/26.
ITALIAN-AMERICAN “MAC & CHEESE” AND NOODLE KUGEL  
Sunday, February 21st | 4:00 – 5:30 PM 

Noodles with cheese are a classic comfort food that can take many forms. In this cook along, we’ll make variations from the last century’s Jewish and Italian immigrant communities of Maine. In the 1930s and 40s, Steven Quattrucci’s family owned the popular Balboa Cafe on Portland’s India Street, and his grandmother Nana Q's “Mac & Cheese” mixed leftover provolone from the cafe with other cheeses, noodles, and red sauce. Further north, the first Jewish cookbook of Maine was compiled by the Levine Chapter B’nai Brith/Waterville Chapter Hadassah in 1951. In this 90 minute Zoom, we’ll make Nana Q’s “Mac & Cheese” and classic Luchen Kugel from 100 Selected Recipes, plus a slightly embellished version of kugel that our family makes at home.  

Free! Register by Tues. Feb. 16 - Registered participants will receive the Zoom link, recipes and ingredient list on Tues. 2/16. 
Margaret Hathaway is an author, unabashed foodie, and goat farmer. She is the author of six books, including three cookbooks. Since 2006, Margaret and her husband Karl Schatz have raised three daughters, many dairy goats, poultry, and assorted other animals on Ten Apple Farm, their homestead in Southern Maine, where she teaches workshops and cooking classes. 
 
About the Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook: 
The Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook celebrates Maine’s rich culinary traditions—old and new—exploring indigenous foodways, hearty Yankee cuisine, community cookbook classics, and favorite dishes of new Mainers. This collection of more than 200 recipes spans kitchens across the state: pulling dishes from grandma’s recipe box, award-winning chefs, Maine personalities, and rustic fishing camps. Working with food security advocates within the state, $2 from every book sold is directed to support organizations fighting hunger in Maine. Since June 2020, more than $12,000 has been distributed. 
 
The Maine Bicentennial Community Cookbook is available at:
BOOK FESTIVAL IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
The JCA presents Book Festival in Your Living Room 
In partnership with the JCC Literary Consortium and the Atlanta JCC 
ERICA KATZ - The Boys’ Club: A Novel 
Thursday, January 14th | 8 PM ET 
 
Sweetbitter meets The Firm in this buzzy, page-turning debut novel—already optioned to Netflix—about sex and power in the halls of corporate America. 

Tickets: $6 – virtual ticket, or $35 – one virtual ticket and one copy of the book (including shipping)
SCOTT TUROW - The Last Trial 
Wednesday, January 27th | 8 PM ET 
  
Two formidable men collide in this "first-class legal thriller" and New York Times bestseller about a celebrated criminal defense lawyer and the prosecution of his lifelong friend -- a doctor accused of murder (-David Baldacci). 

Tickets: $11 – virtual ticket, or $25 – one virtual ticket and one paperback copy of the book (including shipping)
JCC ADULT & SENIOR ALLIANCE PROGRAMS
The Osher Marin JCC has partnered with JCCs across the country to create the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance, offering an array of interesting, engaging and educational programs for continued growth and learning, including entertaining classes and workshops, enriching discussions, and cultural trips.
See the complete schedule here.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the JCA.
SENSATIONAL SEVILLE
Four Monday sessions on Zoom
January 11, 18, 25 | 2:00-3:15 PM EST

Would you still like to travel? Now you can without leaving your home – just stay still! Let us whisk you away for an "armchair adventure" on an interesting, educational, fun and live, guided group tour in a destination beyond your front door.
 
Our virtual itinerary includes:
• Jan. 11 - The Cathedral & Giralda
• Jan. 18 - Barrio Santa Cruz & Jewish Seville
• Jan. 25 - Modern Seville 
 
Join us for the full series or for single visits - whatever works best for you!
$15/single session, or $50 for the series.

Please select “ME - JCA of Southern Maine - Portland” when asked through which program partner you learned about this event.
BROADWAY BACKSTAGE
Four Thursday sessions on Zoom 
January 7, 14, 21, 28 | 4:00-5:30 PM EST  

Let JCC Program Director and Broadway/opera instructor James Sokol sneak you in the stage door to go “backstage” on Broadway! Meet special guest theater professionals – who bring unique expertise, experiences and insights to the discussion – at our exclusive, live, behind-the-scenes visits. Photos/video clips (when available) will enrich the experience. Come learn, off-stage, what makes the magic happen on-stage! January guests include:  
• Jan. 7 - Randy Graff – The Veteran  
• Jan. 14 - Kelli Barrett – The One to Watch  
• Jan. 21 - James Moye – The Actor/Director  
• Jan. 28 - Carolee Carmello - The "Go to Gal"   
  
Join us for the full series or for single visits - whatever works best for you!  
$15/single session, or $50 for the series. 

Please select “ME - JCA of Southern Maine - Portland” when asked through which program partner you learned about this event. 
ADULT EDUCATION
Digital Resources from the USM Judaica Collection  
A free online Lunch & Learn program from USM & the JCA 
Co-sponsored by Congregation Bet Ha'am, Temple Beth El, Shaarey Tphiloh and the Maine Jewish Museum 
Weds. January 20th | 12PM

Explore the rich archive of historical photographs, documents and materials available digitally through USM’s Judaica collection. Presented by Susie Bock - USM Library Coordinator of Special Collections.

Advanced registration required by Tuesday, Jan. 19
TORAH CONVERSATIONS
An online study group facilitated by Ellie Miller 
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 AM 

Join us for the continuation of our journey through Genesis, as we engage in a careful reading of every word of the text. We focus on language and structure along with the tales the text imparts. Join the group each week by using the Zoom link below.

We will not be able to admit late arrivals to the meetings. 
To join the study group email list and to get schedule updates, contact Diane Newman
YOGA & FITNESS
ONLINE YOGA CLASSES
With JCA instructor Ashley Flowers
Classes are $5/session.

  • Monday - 5:30 PM - Evening Yoga 
  • Tuesday - 11:30 AM - Midday Yoga 
  • Wednesday - 9:00 AM - Rise & Flow Yoga 
  • Thursday - 10:15 AM - Midday Yoga 
  • Friday - 9:00 AM - Rise & Flow Yoga 

Visit Ashley’s website for the complete class schedule and to register: https://www.ashleyflowersyoga.com/schedule/
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
ANTI-SEMITISM AND THE EUROPEAN NOVEL 
A 4-session online course with Prof. Sanford Freedman 
Presented by Temple Beth El 
Sundays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 | 10:00 – 11:30 AM 

This course studies Charles Dickens’ character Fagin in Oliver Twist as a literary case study of anti-Semitism in Victorian England, placing it within Dickens’ own correspondences with various Jewish figures concerning the representation of Jews in his works. This 19th century historical period is next compared with two contemporary imaginist novels, Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America and Annette Hess’s Deutsches Haus (The German House). Both play with modes of alternative history and historical reconstruction to portray anti-Semitism during and in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Register by Jan. 8th

  • January 10 - Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist (1838) 
  • January 17 - Philip Roth, The Plot Against America (2004) 
  • January 24 - Annette Hess, The German House (2019) 
  • January 31 - Conclusion; Anti-Semitism today 
ISRAELI FOLK DANCING
Free online sessions with Barbara Merson
Sundays, weekly - starting Jan. 10th
2:30 - 4:00 PM

Dancers of all experience levels are welcome! Each class will start with a review of beginner and classic Israeli dances. The last part of class will focus on a (slightly) more difficult dance and requests Instructor Barbara Merson is a highly experienced Israeli dance teacher with a very wide repertoire. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and have some water handy. For more information, schedule updates, and to participate, contact Barbara at the link below.
AROUND THE JEWISH WORLD
YIDDISH - A LIVING LANGUAGE 
Presented by the Boulder JCC 
Tuesday, January 12th | 2 PM Eastern   

Join Lori Lucas for a lively presentation on the resurgence of the Yiddish language: Its origins, history, and recent developments. Also included: a Bissel Yiddish--words, phrases, and anecdotes. $10/household. 
ART AS A FORM OF OPPRESSION: Changing Our Institutions from Within
With photographer Archy Lasalle 
Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC 
Wednesday, January 13th | 7:00 PM EST 

Join us for a conversation with Archy LaSalle, a Black-Jewish educator and fine arts photographer working to address the lack of representation of Black and Brown artists in the permanent collections of art museums. Hear about his efforts to make fine art institutions more inclusive and view some of his original photographs. Tickets: $12 
BRINGING ISRAEL HOME - A new 16 episode digital series
Hosted by Chef Michael Solomonov 
Premieres Wednesday, January 13th | 8:00 PM EST 

Chef Michael Solomonov typically visits Israel twice a year, but with travel to Israel curtailed in 2020 and into 2021, Solomonov is bridging the gap with “Bringing Israel Home”. At the start of each episode, Solomonov visits with his friends and prominent Israelis, who share their awe-inspiring take on Israeli food culture. Then, live in his home kitchen, Solomonov cooks a mix of new and signature dishes that are centered on the gastronomic subject of the episode. The cooking component in each episode includes a live Q&A with viewers. Recipes will be available to viewers in collaboration with Jewish Food Society, here.   
Hartman@Home Online Learning
From the Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem

Thursday, Jan. 14th | 12:00 PM EST – From Election to Inauguration and Beyond 

Sunday, Jan. 24th | 10:00 AM EST – The Wondering Jew: Israel & the Search for Jewish Identity with Micah Goodman 
HOW TO REVIVE A DEAD LANGUAGE IN 100 YEARS
Presented by the Consulate General of Israel to New England

The Hebrew language was practically dead for 2000 years. It was revived almost singlehandedly by one man, Eliezer Ben Yehuda. Join us for a four-part online series that explores this unprecedented linguistic miracle:

  • Jan 14th | 6:00 PM - Do Israelis Really Speak Hebrew? With Ghil'ad Zuckermann
  • Jan 21st | 6:00 PM - Text and the City - Learning Hebrew in the Street with Guy Sharett
  • Feb 1st | 1:00 PM - Pajamas in Paradise - The Iranian Connection with Thamar E. Gindin
FROM ABRAHAM TO ZABAR’S AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: An Unorthodox Guide to All Things Jewish 
Presented by the Temple Emanuel Streicker Center 
Thursday, January 14th | 6:30 PM EST 

In The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia: From Abraham to Zabar’s and Everything in Between, the hosts of iTunes’ most popular Jewish podcast, Unorthodox, take one-stop Jewish information shoppers on a cheeky romp where Judah Maccabee was a “kickass priest,” Jews composed the soundtrack for Christmas and the definition of a shonde is Bernie Madoff.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The JCA’s mission is to enhance and promote Jewish life and continuity locally, in Israel and throughout the world, and to generate the financial resources to develop, provide and support diverse programs, education and services in order to accomplish these goals.

To view all current employment opportunities CLICK HERE.
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