December 2, 2020 - 16 Kislev 5781 |
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With the days growing darker and colder, we’re looking forward to Hanukkah - the Festival of Lights - which starts next Thursday evening, December 10th. To help inspire your family celebrations, we’re excited to introduce our brand new PJ Library Hanukkah Hub with kid-friendly craft ideas, delicious recipes, holiday music and cooking videos, podcasts, and more.
We've also put together our annual Hanukkah Happenings list, with 13 local Maine events to help keep your holiday traditions full of life and full of light this year.
And for our older community members, we’re pleased to present special online programs on music, travel, food, and culture, as part of our new partnership in the National JCC Adult & Senior Alliance.
Please join us for these incredible opportunities for connection, learning and celebration.
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COMMUNITY HANUKKAH EVENTS
December 4 - 17
While the festival of lights will look different this year, there are still so many wonderful ways to celebrate together here in Maine. SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING!
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HANUKKAH HUB
From the JCA and PJ Library in Southern Maine
Craft Ideas, Recipes, Music Videos, Podcasts, Cooking Videos, and more to help your family celebrate together or apart. CLICK HERE!
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The Ninth Night of Hanukkah – A special family Zoom program with author Erica Perl
Sunday, December 6 | 4:00 PM EST
Presented by the JCA and PJ Library
Join author Erica Perl for a reading and discussion of her heartÂwarming picture book with a fresh twist on a Hanukkah celebration: celebrating a ninth night with new neighbors and friends!
It’s Hanukkah, and Max and Rachel are excited to light the menorah in their family’s new apartment. But, unfortunately, their Hanukkah box is missing. So now they have no menorah, candles, dreidels, or, well, anything! Luckily, their neighbors are happy to help, offering thoughtful and often humorous stand-in items each night. And then, just as Hanukkah is about to end, Max and Rachel, inspired by the shamash (“helper”) candle, have a brilliant idea: they’re going to celebrate the ninth night of Hanukkah as a way to say thanks to everyone who’s helped them!
Limited signed copies available to order from our friends at Longfellow Books at this link:
Free. Suggested donations of $10/household gratefully accepted. Advanced registration required by Friday 12/4 at noon.
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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. A portion of the proceeds benefit the JCA.
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MARVELOUS MARRAKECH
Four Monday sessions
December 7, 14, 21, 28 | 2:00-3:15 PM EST
Pour yourself a cup of mint tea and join trip leader James Sokol on our virtual trips to this magical North African country, so different from most Arab-dominant countries. Morocco has its own unique, fascinating culture – a blend of indigenous Berber, Arabian, Sub-Saharan African and European (Christian and Jewish) influences. In this series on Morocco, join our wonderful local guide, Nabil, for visits around his diverse, vibrant 1,000-year-old city to discover wonders that await!
Our virtual itinerary includes:
• Dec. 7 - Morocco Overview & Marrakech's Medina
• Dec. 14 - The Gardens of Marrakech
• Dec. 12 - Moroccan-Jewish Life
• Dec. 28 - Koutoubia Mosque & Local Muslim Life
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.
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SONGS OF LIGHT: A Multi-Genre Musical Celebration of Hanukkah
Sunday, December 13th | 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST | Free!
Join San Francisco Bay Area instructor James Sokol to journey through an array of music – Broadway, pop, opera and more! – exploring the theme of “light” along the way.
Please select “ME - JCA of Southern Maine - Portland” when asked through which program partner you learned about this event.
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Torah Conversations
An online study group facilitated by Ellie Miller
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Starting December 3, 2020
Join the group each week by using the Zoom link below.
Last year, we started at the very Beginning (with the Creation story in Genesis) and engaged in a careful reading of every word of the text. We focused on language and structure along with the tales the text imparts. We’ll continue our journey beginning with the Torah portion Va-Yetzei, the story of Jacob and his complicated relationships with his wives, his uncle, and, eventually, his brother Esau.
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.
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AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY CLASS Part II
A 4-session online course with Anna Wrobel
Wednesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27  | 10 - 11 AM
Suggested tuition: $50
This course examines American Jewish history in the last hundred years or so. Key themes are historically contextualized including, but not limited to, migration, labor, antisemitism, Israel, the Shoah, and cultural influence.
The class has been adapted to a Zoom format; each session will last one hour, and while Anna will cite primary sources, there will be less focus on in-class analysis of documents. Time is divided between lecture-style presentation and inquiry-based discussion constructed upon the questions and commentaries of the group. Personal and family histories bearing on the discourse are welcome. Past participation in American Jewish History - Part I is not required.
Advanced registration required by Weds. Dec. 30th
Registered students will receive the Zoom class link on Monday, Jan. 4th.
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Why Moses’ Experiences in Leadership are Still Relevant
A 6-session online course with Ellie Miller
Tuesday mornings, Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16
10:00-11:15 AM | Suggested tuition: $72

How did Moses’ leadership of the Israelites evolve over 40 years in the Biblical narrative? What were the influences that impacted change in his leadership and style: External politics? Shifting dynamics among the people Israel? Competition for leadership roles from within? Changing demographics? In this class we’ll examine a number of incidents from Exodus through Deuteronomy that show how Moses responded to every day demands and to crisis. We’ll have the opportunity to analogize between realities of Moses’ time and our own through text and commentaries. A text of the Hebrew Bible is required - all translations are appropriate.
Advanced registration required by Tuesday, Jan. 5th. Registered students will receive the Zoom class link on Friday, Jan. 8
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Online Yoga Classes
With JCA instructor Ashley Flowers
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
Classes are $5/session.
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The Butcher(ie) is Coming to Town!
Kosher meat deliveries from the Butcherie - Brookline, MA
Delivery fees are being underwritten by the Jewish Community Alliance
All orders must be placed by Dec. 6th at https://www.butcherie.com/. At check out, select “Pickup/Drop-off” and then select “Portland Maine” in the drop-down menu.
Pick up will be on Tuesday, December 8th at 4 PM at the JCA (1342 Congress St., Portland). If you are unable to pick up your order at that time, contact Abbie Yamamoto.
Contact info:
For orders: Butcherie - (617) 731-9888
Maine contact person: Jeffrey Halpern - (207) 200-3550 or jmh12@case.edu
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Statewide Community Hanukkah Celebration
Presented by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life and partners around the state
Saturday, December 12 | 5:30 - 6:15 PM
Join the Center for Small Town Jewish Life on the third night of Hanukkah for an all-Maine celebration! Welcome the new week with a spirited Havdalah with Cantor Sheila Nesis. Bring your chanukiah so you can light candles with Rabbi Darah Lerner of Beth El Bangor. Experience a Hanukkah play written by Rabbi Lily Solochek, Rabbi Carolyn Braun, and Rebbitzen Lisa Mayer especially for this celebration—performed by rabbis from across the state! Enjoy music from Rabbi Sruli Dresdner and Rebbetzin Lisa Mayer. Let’s celebrate the Festival of Lights together as a statewide community!
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Virtual Chanukah Cooking Class with Chef Michael Solomonov
Presented by the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation
Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 8:00 PM EST | FREE!
Learn to make delicious dishes for Chanukah with Executive Chef and Co-owner of Zahav, Michael Solomonov, the 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner for Outstanding Restaurant.
In celebration of the holiday, Chef Solomonov will be making apple shrub, Abe Fisher's potato lakes, Roman artichokes with arugula and olive oil, poached salmon and sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) with cinnamon and sugar.
Pre-registration required. The event will be streamed live over Vimeo. Event password, recipes and ingredient list will be sent before the event.
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Limmud eFestival: A Celebration of Jewish Ideas
December 6 | 1:00 PM EST
Learn with Natan Sharansky, Sid Schwarz, Amy Holtz, Avram Mlotek, Irinia Nevzlin, scholars from the Hartman, Pardes and Hadar Institutes, and dozens more!

Enjoy leading educators, thought-leaders and change-makers teaching about the most interesting Jewish ideas today. Connect with Jewish community, cultivate your curiosity and expand your horizons, all virtually.
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Sunday, December 6 | 2 PM EST
Join us for a free multi-disciplinary program of instrumental performances, behind-the-scenes interviews, and powerful messages of hope. This program will stream internationally, bringing music and holiday light from Israel’s world-class Philharmonic to audiences around the world.
The event will weave together word and song, featuring Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Bette Midler, actress and star of Fauda Ronalee Shimon, actress and model Dar Zuzovsky, music manager Kenny Hamilton, and other special guests. The Israel Philharmonic and its Music Director Lahav Shani will perform pieces from Mr. Zimmer’s acclaimed works.
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The JCA wouldn’t exist without the support of our incredible donors. When you donate to the J’s Annual Campaign, you’re ensuring the continuity of all the amazing programs the J offers. From our nationally accredited preschool and summer camp, our food and diaper pantries, to PJ Library and our amazing programs and events; your gift powers it all. Don’t forget — one quarter of all Annual Campaign support is also allocated to critical Jewish organizations and initiatives, locally and overseas. There truly is no better way to support the Jewish community, than with a meaningful Annual Campaign gift. Donate today!
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1342 Congress St. Portland, ME 04102 | 207-772-1959
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