December 16, 2020 - 1 Tevet 5781 |
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JCC ADULT & SENIOR ALLIANCE PROGRAMS |
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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.
See the complete schedule here.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the JCA.
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SENSATIONAL SEVILLE
Four Monday sessions on Zoom
January 4, 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. 4 - Historical Overview & the Alcazar
• 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.
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MUSIC & MORSELS: Classical Elegance for the New Year
Wed, Jan 6th | 4:00-5:00 PM EST
Free up to 72 hours before event, then $8-$15 tickets
Bring your dessert and coffee or cocktail and a nosh, and take your front-row seat for a beautiful and interesting live musical event with insights into each piece of the program! Pianist Ian Scarfe brings a special New Year's program featuring the most refined and elegant of classical masters - sonatas by Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Scarfe will give a breakdown of the history and context of the sonatas, offering a kind of "listening guide" to these incredible works. After the program, stay for live Q&A with our guest artist.
Please select “ME - JCA of Southern Maine - Portland” when asked through which program partner you learned about this event.
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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.
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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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TORAH CONVERSATIONS
An online study group facilitated by Ellie Miller
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
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. Join the group each week by using the Zoom link below.
We will not be able to admit late arrivals to the meetings.
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ONLINE YOGA CLASSES
With JCA instructor Ashley Flowers
Classes are $5/session.
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Monday - 5:30 PM - Evening Yoga
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Tuesday - 11:30 AM - Midday Yoga
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Wednesday - 9:00 AM - Rise & Flow Yoga
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Thursday - 10:15 AM - Midday Yoga
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Friday - 9:00 AM - Rise & Flow Yoga
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FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN
A special online yoga class with Ashley Flowers
Monday, Dec. 21st | 5:30 – 6:30 PM EST
Suitable for all levels! $5/person.
The winter solstice is great time to pause and reflect. Take an hour to nurture yourself and cultivate vitality with a slow mindful yoga class. A great way to move your body, focus on being present, or simply connect virtually with family.
This class is part of Ashley’s weekly Virtual Evening Yoga Series. Classes are live on Zoom; the link to access class will be provided to you on the Eventbrite online event page on the day of class. You will receive an email 45 minutes before class with the link.
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HEBREW LETTER OF THE DAY
Presented by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life
featuring community members from across Maine
Daily, December 10 - Jan. 5 (except Shabbat)
We're counting up to International Day of Hebrew, the birthday of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, who was integral in modernizing the language. It comes every year on the 21st of Tevet, which this year is January 5. We've invited students, lay leaders, and educators from across Maine to teach a letter a day. Check the CSTJL's Facebook page daily (except Shabbat) starting Dec. 10th for a one-minute mini-Hebrew lesson. This is great practice for kids on vacation from Hebrew School—or for anyone who loves to learn Hebrew!
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SHIRLALA'S CHANUKAH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION - "This Little Light"
Presented by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life
Watch anytime
Join amazing musician Shira Kline for a Chanukah experience right from the comfort of your own home! This participatory concert will include sing-able, danceable music for the whole family, live animated illustrations, interactive storytelling, and participatory art making. Sign up to receive the link to the concert and links to a song sheet, art projects, and more. This video is available through the first week in January.
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HOW THE TALMUD PREPARES US TO HANDLE ANYTHING - An introduction to the Talmud with Rabbinical Fellow Frankie Sandmel
Presented by the Center for Small Town Jewish Life
Sunday, Dec. 20th | 4:00 – 5:30 PM
We’ll dive into a theory of change—a theology of flexibility—and how the Talmud teaches us to move through the world with resilience and connection. We’ll explore a little history, a little theology, and a little about how and why Talmud study has been a central Jewish spiritual experience throughout history. In particular, we’ll look at the Talmud as a text that comes from, and speaks to, those of us who exist on the margins of society. No experience or Hebrew necessary. If you've always wanted to try Talmud study but weren't sure how to start, this class is for you!
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WINTER FUNTESTIVE FOR KIDS
With the Center for Small Town Jewish Life
Each day, December 28-31 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM
As the winter weather looms, we know that we'll miss our annual travel, visits, and parties. But we're here to offer some fun Jewish learning and to connect with each other over Zoom! We will offer songs, stories, Hebrew games, and crafts, and every day will have a color, a letter, and a number. The fun will last from 9-10 a.m., and the program is free, though of course your support is appreciated. Generally recommended for kids 4 - 11, but all are welcome! We suggest that kids have paper, crayons or markers, and a snack with them as needed. You'll receive an email each morning with the day's link and information.
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ISRAELI FOLK DANCING
Free online sessions with Barbara Merson
Sundays, weekly - starting Jan. 10th
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Looking for a fun way to get some exercise this winter?
Join us on Sundays on Zoom for a free Israeli dance class. 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. You will be amazed at how quickly you will learn and how good it will feel to move! 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.
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HANUKKAH AT HOME | RAVAYAH DANCE PARTY
With the Jewish Emergent Network
Weds. December 16th | 7:30 PM EST
On the seventh night of Hanukkah, join the Rabbis of the Jewish Emergent Network on Facebook Live for a candlelighting with a little learning, a little singing, and a lot of light. Short and sweet 30 minute main program, followed by live, light-fueled dance parties on each coast. Free! No registration is needed for the main program, registration for the dance parties is required.
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MATISYAHU'S FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Presented by JFNA and Secure Community Network (SCN)
Thursday, December 17th | 9:00 PM ET
JFNA and SCN are proud to present a special livestream performance from iconic superstar Matisyahu — Festival of Light, an end-of-year celebration of Chanukah dedicated to safety and security. The past year has brought tremendous health, economic and social challenges, and we are committed to bringing more light. Tune in for classics, show-stopping hits and the powerful energy that Matisyahu is known for — and join us to bring attention to the need for Jewish communities worldwide to be able to exist and thrive safely and securely. The first 1,000 people to sign up below will receive a free stream to the show as a special gift.
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Hartman@Home Online Learning
From the Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem
RADICALLY REFRAMING THE HANUKKAH MIRACLE: From Military Victory to the Light of Peace
Thursday, Dec. 17th | 2:00 – 3:15 PM EST
Chaim Seidler-Feller explores how Maimonides turns the classic understanding of Chanukah on its head to become ‘the miraculous light of peace’. A taste of modern Israeli poetry will illustrate the effort to recast the ancient holiday back into a military guise that is compatible with the self-image and mythos of contemporary Israel.
More events from the Hartman Institute:
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Weds., Jan. 6th | 12:30 PM EST – From Left to Right: The Importance of Jewish Political Diversity with Yehuda Kurtzer and author Nancy Sinkoff
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Weds., Jan. 6th | 8:00 PM EST - The Texts & Topics Shaping Modern Jewish Life Four-part series exploring The New Jewish Canon anthology with Yehuda Kurtzer, Mijal Bitton, David Zvi Kalman and Elana Stein Hain.
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Thursday, Jan. 14th | 12:00 PM EST – From Election to Inauguration and Beyond
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Sunday, Jan. 24th – The Wondering Jew: Israel & the Search for Jewish Identity with Micah Goodman
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A SEPHARDIC JOURNEY THROUGH THE 20TH CENTURY
Presented by the Jewish Review of Books
Thursday, Dec. 24th | 05:00 PM EST
Join JRB for our conversation with acclaimed historian Sarah Abrevaya Stein. Stein will discuss her award-winning book, Family Papers: A Sephardic Journey Through the Twentieth Century, which uses the correspondence of one Jewish family to tell the story of their journey “across the arc of a century and the breadth of the globe.”
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ADL IN CONCERT AGAINST HATE
Relive a Night of Inspiration and Hope
Revisit this special Dec. 6th performance of stories and songs celebrating extraordinary people who are fighting hate in their everyday lives. Hosted by Debra Messing with performances by Rafe Pearlman, Ifetayo Ali-Landing, Kenny Loggins, Jason Isbell, Andra Day, Aloe Blacc and Adam Levine, and special appearances by Bebe Neuwirth, George Takei, Bob Costas, Olivia Boisson and others.
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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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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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