Upcoming Events: November 8-14

Shavua Tov! Below, I’ve compiled a list of Jewish events I’ve found to be going on next week. Please feel free to comment with any others, and I will add them. See you around town!

Still going on thru Sunday, November 15

JCC of GW 40th annual book festival
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=419

Sunday, November 18-Wednesday, November 11

UJC General Assembly
http://www.jewishfederations.org/local_includes/ujcfiles/ga09/

Sunday, November 8

Sixth in the City Running Club
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=219&dispDt=11/8/2009 10:00:00 AM

B’nai Tzedek Hebrew Conversation
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=403580&recurrenceid=9824

Pre-Holiday Boutique
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395141&recurrenceid=0

The Wisdom of Love
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=397724&recurrenceid=0

Women’s Philanthropy Lunch
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 10:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=398832&recurrenceid=0

Genesis and the Big Bang
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 10:30:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=396266&recurrenceid=0

Bake & Take
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 11:00:00 AM&enddate=11/8/2009 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=401366&recurrenceid=0

Waking up Jewish in Vietnam
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/8/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=400717&recurrenceid=0

Jedchai Jehms
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/8/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/8/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=346492&recurrenceid=8716

Israeli Vegetarian Cooking
http://www.jewishstudycenter.org/classes/

Vertigo Dance Workshop
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2059382547?view=Detail&id=118101

Monday, November 9

Fair Purple Line Campaign Meeting
http://www.jufj.org/event/fair_purple_line_campaign_meeting_1

JewPedia
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=220&dispDt=11/9/2009 7:00:00 PM

Tuesday, November 10

Premiere Homecare White Flint Lord & Taylor Benefit Bash
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=85

Robert Wistrich—Human Rights, Antisemitism, International Politics
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/10/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/10/2009 6:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=404615&recurrenceid=0

Israeli Cinema at Beth Emeth
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/10/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/10/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=385408&recurrenceid=0

Northern Virginia Hebrew Conversation Speakers Series
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/10/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/10/2009 9:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398838&recurrenceid=0

Babywearing Workshop
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2059382547?view=Detail&id=117401

Wednesday, November 11

Modern Hebrew: Reading, Grammar and Speaking
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=242&dispDt=11/11/2009 6:00:00 PM

Israel, Antisemitism and the UN
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/11/2009 4:00:00 PM&enddate=11/11/2009 6:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=403716&recurrenceid=0

Keeping your Balance in Difficult Times
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/11/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/11/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=404421&recurrenceid=0

Lecture: Painting the Town Red
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/11/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/11/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392750&recurrenceid=0

Death, the Afterlife and Resurrection
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/11/2009 8:30:00 PM&enddate=11/11/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=404420&recurrenceid=0

Adas Israel/Peoples’ Church Mitzvah Project
http://www.yachad-dc.org/blog/?page_id=7

Thursday, November 12

Soundpoints, Vol. 1
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=241&dispDt=11/12/2009 7:00:00 PM

Indian Jews in Israel
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/12/2009 4:00:00 PM&enddate=11/12/2009 5:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402145&recurrenceid=0

Lion of Judah Opening Event
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/12/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/12/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=309991&recurrenceid=0

IKings Class
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2059382547?view=Detail&id=116901

J on Demand: A Very Swayze Screening
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2059382547?view=Detail&id=118121

More than Breaking a Glass: Contemporary Look at Jewish Weddings
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2059382547?view=Detail&id=117761

Friday, November 13

Senior Resources Fair
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=93

Sixth in the City Shabbat
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=72&dispDt=11/13/2009 6:30:00 PM

Jewish Renewal with Arthur Kurzweil
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/13/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/15/2009 6:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=376821&recurrenceid=0

YP@AI Shir Shabbat
http://www.adasisrael.org/yp/

Saturday, November 14

Autism Resource Fair
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=89

Shaare Torah Tot Shabbat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/14/2009 10:15:00 AM&enddate=11/14/2009 10:45:00 AM&id=75&eventid=383942&recurrenceid=9371

Shabbat Nitzanim Services
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/14/2009 10:30:00 AM&enddate=11/14/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=384007&recurrenceid=9373

Jerusalem Lyric Duo
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/14/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/14/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402128&recurrenceid=0

Koresh Dance Company
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/14/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/14/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=371991&recurrenceid=0

Benji Lovitt of WhatWarZone.com performs for Reverse Mifgash

Benji Lovitt of WhatWarZone.com performs at Midtown / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

I had an epiphany this weekend that I had officially entered the new era of celebrity, as I decided to go to the Benji Lovitt comedy show on Thursday evening because I knew him from his award-winning blog, WhatWarZone.com.

(Geeky sidenote—not only that, but I also kicked off the evening with fellow blogger/Lovitt lover Vicki Boykis as we are both involved in the insane online-spawned initiative of NaNoWriMo. I think I may’ve hit my 2.0 quota for the day, hee.)

An American-born Israeli immigrant, Lovitt is known for exploiting the lighter side of Israeli life in his act and on his blog and, my most favorite, in his YouTube shorts. He performed to a packed audience at Midtown, touching both on the absurdity of Israeli and American life as well as the ever-hilarious language barrier.

Reverse Mifgash week is a continuation of last year’s program where The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and Birthright Israel NEXT sponsors several Israelis to come to DC and experience American Jewish culture. Check out my coverage of last year’s weekend retreat here!

Lovitt will be Stateside through November 15 as he performs at more venues. For more information on this awesome, funny guy, click here.

Upcoming Events: November 1-7

Shavua Tov! Below, I’ve compiled a list of Jewish events I’ve found to be going on next week. Please feel free to comment with any others, and I will add them. See you around town!

Sunday, November 1

Volunteering with Vibrant Seniors
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=197341&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

JCC Carnival and Expo
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=434

W.H.A.R.F.F. Senior Expo at Temple Beth Ami
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=69

Generations of Generosity
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=185&dispDt=11/1/2009 7:00:00 PM

Hadassah Presents
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/1/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/1/2009 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=389816&recurrenceid=0

The Anthropology in Jews and Jews in Anthropology
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/1/2009 3:00:00 PM&enddate=11/1/2009 3:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=399945&recurrenceid=0

Wazirstan to Washington: A Muslim at the Crossroads
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=117741

YP@AI: Singles Rockclimbing
http://www.adasisrael.org/yp/

Monday, November 2

Volunteer with Israelis
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=196901&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Mitch Abloom: Have a Little Faith
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=240&dispDt=11/2/2009 7:00:00 PM

Interfaith Couples Workshop
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=105941

Tuesday, November 3

A Tale of Three Cities: Vienna, Prague and Budapest
http://www.foundationjewishstudies.org/programs/calendar.html#scholar

Gehser JDS Daytime Tour
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/3/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/3/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=357837&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, November 4

Birthright Israel NEXT Monologues
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=193181&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Exploring the Idea and Practice of the Mikvah
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/3/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=11/3/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397137&recurrenceid=0

Kesher Israel: Beginning Hebrew Conversation
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/3/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/3/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395914&recurrenceid=9645

Stem Cell Research: The Future is Now
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2009 11:45:00 AM&enddate=11/4/2009 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395139&recurrenceid=0

The Journey Traveled Together
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/4/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=400942&recurrenceid=0

Chabad of Silver Spring Parenting Event
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/4/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=370654&recurrenceid=0

Kesher Israel: Great Jewish Thought and Thinkers
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/4/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395950&recurrenceid=9646

GLOE Stitch n Kvetch
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=115181

Knit and Nosh
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=118181

Thursday, November 5-Sunday, November 15

Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington 40th Book Festival
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=419

Thursday, November 5

Comedy Show and Happy Hour with Benji Lovitt
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=197941&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

The Apollo Ensemble from Amsterdam
http://www.promusicahebraica.org/nc_1.html

Justin Nozuka with Sam Bradley and Elizabeth & The Catapult
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=237&dispDt=11/5/2009 8:00:00 PM

Lawyers Breakfast Lunch and Learn
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/5/2009 8:00:00 AM&enddate=11/5/2009 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=361777&recurrenceid=0

Nursery School B’nai Tzedek Open House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/5/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/5/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=400375&recurrenceid=0

Hunger Action at 16th and J
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=117641

Film: Dubak: The Palestinian Jew
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=117341

Friday, November 6

Shabbat Hoppin: Israeli Style
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=196922&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Tikkun Leil Shabbat
http://www.jufj.org/event/tikkun_leil_shabbat_19

GLOE and Congregation Beit Mishpachah Storahtelling
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1597611730?view=Detail&id=118161

Saturday, November 7

True to Life: I’m a Young Jewish Professional
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/108297435?view=Detail&id=196481&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Gesher JDS Dinner with a Twist
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2009 11:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=369794&recurrenceid=0

Blue Jean Ball
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=290305&recurrenceid=0

Woman from Sarajevo
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396418&recurrenceid=0

YPK Havdalah Potluck
http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html#1107

Is there a Jewish angle to Halloween?

The Golem, photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Now that the holiday is officially over, I can come clean…there doesn’t seem to be an official connection between the Jewish community and the partially pagan-influenced/largely secular celebration of Halloween. Sure, there are the occasional Jewish-centered cultural parties, or the uncanny (topical) similarities between Halloween and Purim. But besides for when it falls on holidays (like Havdalah this evening,) there’s really very little connection between the two.

…or is there? Fellow Examiner Rabbi Ben Kamin explores the nature of some very Jewish spooks–the ddybuk, an evil spirit, which possesses the recently deceased, the Golem, who was made of clay and animated to protect Jewish communities from harmful, external forces, and Adam’s first wife, Lilith, who is traditionally thought to be an evil seductress, a jealous harpy who harms babies, perhaps a sort of witch.

His whole post reminded me of one of my favorite Chanukah stories–Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins. In it, our Jew-boy Hershel has to trick some evil, holiday-hating goblins to let the village celebrate the Festival of Lights.

To me, it is a quintessential Halloween story, and far more similar to the holiday than is Purim. Chanukah takes place in the cold, in the dark, and uses the “miraculous” light from the menorah to ward off evil things, like antisemitic conquerors (the Greco-Syrian regime, which was in power when Chanukah became a holiday,) or goblins, ghoulies, scaries, perhaps as a metaphor of that.

Still, occasional controversies pop up between members of Abrahamic religious groups, which question celebrating a holiday with obvious pagan roots. Within Judaism, there is also the issue of embracing assimilation, Americanism, and turning away from the faith. Local blogger Vicki Boykis hosted a discussion earlier this week about what it means to celebrate Halloween as a Jew. The general consensus seems to be that the two don’t conflict.

Crossposted to The Examiner

Upcoming Events: October 25-31

Shavua Tov! Below, I’ve compiled a list of Jewish events I’ve found to be going on next week. Please feel free to comment with any others, and I will add them. See you around town!

Sunday, October 25

Osteoporosis Health Education and Screening
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=323

JConnect Volunteer Fair
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=86

Erotica Trio concert
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=90

Senior Beacon InfoExpo
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=79

Tattoos and Taboos with Ami James
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=225&dispDt=10/25/2009 7:00:00 PM

Walking Tour: Jewish Old Town Alexandria
http://www.jhsgw.org/programs/

“Songs for Children” Thomas Circle Singers Concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/25/2009 4:00:00 PM&enddate=10/25/2009 6:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=394169&recurrenceid=0

Temple Beth Ami Israel Forum: David Pollack
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/25/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/25/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398523&recurrenceid=0

Film: Copyright Criminals
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1797725170?view=Detail&id=116581

Lost in Yonkers–$30 Preview
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1797725170?view=Detail&id=113281

Monday, October 26

JewPedia
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=220&dispDt=10/26/2009 7:00:00 PM

GLOE Volunteering at Food and Friends
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1797725170?view=Detail&id=116881

Tuesday, October 27

Incorporating Direct Action into Organizing
http://www.jufj.org/event/incorporating_direct_action_organizing

Parallel Narratives Never Meet: History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
http://www.jewishstudycenter.org/classes/

Jewish Foundation for Group Homes annual gala
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/27/2009 5:45:00 PM&enddate=10/27/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=275614&recurrenceid=0

Screening: “A Touch Away”
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/27/2009 8:30:00 PM&enddate=10/27/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392527&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, October 28

Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=230&dispDt=10/28/2009 8:00:00 PM

Kesher Israel: Great Jewish Thought and Thinkers
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/28/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=10/28/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395949&recurrenceid=9646

Kesher Israel: The History of Jewish Biblical Exegesis
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/28/2009 8:30:00 PM&enddate=10/28/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395887&recurrenceid=9643

Jubilee Jobs
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1797725170?view=Detail&id=118001

Thursday, October 29

Jewish Seated 20s/30s Dating Party
http://www.jewishsocials.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events&event_id=6087#Event6087

Myths, Illusions and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=251&dispDt=10/29/2009 6:00:00 PM

Hebrew Day School’s Open House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/29/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/29/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=398640&recurrenceid=0

Melodies that Speak and Words that Sing: Reclaiming the Poetry of the Jewish People
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/29/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=10/29/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398818&recurrenceid=0

Blood Drive
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1797725170?view=Detail&id=117141

Friday, October 30

Chaverim L’Shalom: Shabbat Around the World Dinner
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=228&dispDt=10/30/2009 6:00:00 PM

Keeper of the Flame: A conversation with Flory Jagoda
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/30/2009 11:30:00 AM&enddate=10/30/2009 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398820&recurrenceid=0

Efrat Gosh at Millennium Stage
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/30/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/30/2009 6:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392529&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, October 31

Huge Halloween Graveyard Jam…with Charity Food Drive
http://www.jewishpro.com/eventdetail.php?id=36

Kol Ami: Discussion of Leading a Spiritual Life
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/31/2009 12:30:00 PM&enddate=10/31/2009 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396322&recurrenceid=0

Harmoniyah Live in Concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/31/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/31/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398819&recurrenceid=0

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html#1031

Zoe Heller and “The Believers” at the DCJCC Jewish Literary Festival

Zoe Heller reads from her novel, "The Believers", at the DCJCC Jewish Literary Festival / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

The quick unraveling of a radical leftist family took center stage in Zoe Heller’s “The Believers,” (my Goodreads review; contains spoilers) a book I loved so much that I just had to hear her speak at the DCJCC as part of the Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival on Tuesday evening.

After speaking around an hour with Senior Editor of The Washington Post Book World Ron Charles about everything from the motivation to write this story to aspects of her own life to an upcoming movie deal, the packed audience got to query the author as well. I found Heller to be down to Earth yet on target when talking about her own characters, many of whom were “unlikeable,” as she always seemed to find something redeeming in them and treated their differences of opinion with respect, no matter her own views.

A journalist originally hailing from England with very little “official” creative writing instruction, I nevertheless admired her ability to see past the need for happy endings or unambiguous characters, and deliver us a story that is as rich and real emotionally as it is in its language. I’m sure that anyone from staff to the audience could tell you it was a real treat.

For more information about upcoming litfest events (still eight days left!) click here.

Upcoming Events: October 18-24

Shavua Tov! Below, I’ve compiled a list of Jewish events I’ve found to be going on next week. Please feel free to comment with any others, and I will add them. See you around town!

Sunday, October 18-Wednesday, October 28
DCJCC Jewish Literary Festival
http://washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/literary/jewish-literary-festival/schedule-1.html

Sunday, October 18

Strut your Mutt!
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=437

Rhythm Around the World
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=90

An Evening with Andrew McMahon
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=202&dispDt=10/18/2009 9:00:00 PM

Film: City of Borders
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1594669452?view=Detail&id=116921

Distinguished Authors at Beth Emeth: Dr. Misha Galperin and Dr. Erica Brown
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 8:30:00 AM&enddate=10/18/2009 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=385390&recurrenceid=0

Kemp Mill Synagogue Run for Israel
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/18/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=333191&recurrenceid=0

Next Gen NeXus Program
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/18/2009 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=391859&recurrenceid=0

Performance of “Parade”
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 2:00:00 PM&enddate=10/18/2009 2:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396230&recurrenceid=0

The Klezmatics in concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/18/2009 6:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396241&recurrenceid=0

The Morality of the IDF—Our Soldiers Speak
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/18/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397046&recurrenceid=0

JewishROC: Raising Kids to Love Being Jewish
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/18/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/18/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=378024&recurrenceid=0

Monday, October 19

DC: Next Gen: We put the FUN in FUNdraising Happy Hour
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/1733348396?view=Detail&id=196202&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Body of Work: A Woman’s Role in Comics
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=223&dispDt=10/19/2009 7:00:00 PM

Images of Jews in Popular Iranian Culture
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/19/2009 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/19/2009 12:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392040&recurrenceid=0

Culture Bearers
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/19/2009 12:30:00 PM&enddate=10/19/2009 1:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396240&recurrenceid=0

Mothers and Daughters at the Holocaust
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/19/2009 2:00:00 PM&enddate=10/19/2009 2:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397018&recurrenceid=0

Reading of “See Under: Love”
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/19/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/19/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392525&recurrenceid=0

Tuesday, October 20

Day Laborer Justice Meeting
http://www.jufj.org/event/day_laborer_justice_october_meeting_mackenzie_baris

Brandeis Book and Author Luncheon
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/20/2009 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=342851&recurrenceid=0

Beth Emeth: An afternoon with Mark Plotkin
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2009 1:00:00 PM&enddate=10/20/2009 3:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=388936&recurrenceid=0

Exploring the Idea and the Practice of the Mikveh
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=10/20/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397135&recurrenceid=0

Tuesday, October 20-Wednesday, October 21

National Jewish Democratic Council 2009 Washington Conference
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2009 12:00:00 AM&enddate=10/21/2009 11:59:00 PM&id=75&eventid=337751&recurrenceid=0

The Unlikely Jew: Surprises and Journeys in Jewish Identity
http://www.jewishstudycenter.org/classes/index.html#multiplesession

Wednesday, October 21

Chamber Music Concert
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=90

Community Building Workshop
http://www.jprodc.org/

Save the Deli
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=224&dispDt=10/21/2009 7:00:00 PM

PJLL Jewish Heritage Class
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=10/20/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397135&recurrenceid=0

Great Jewish Thought and Thinkers
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/21/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=10/21/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395948&recurrenceid=9646

The History of Bible Exegesis
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/21/2009 8:30:00 PM&enddate=10/21/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395886&recurrenceid=9643

Thursday, October 22

Food Stamp Counseling Training
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1594669452?view=Detail&id=117661

Lost in Yonkers—Theatre J Pay-What-You-Can
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1594669452?view=Detail&id=113201

Thursday, October 22-Friday, October 23

Irit Zohar: Painting in Action
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=165&dispDt=10/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Friday, October 23

Shabbat Hoppin’ with Chabad
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/1733348396?view=Detail&id=196321&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Tikkun Leil Shabbat
http://www.jufj.org/event/tikkun_leil_shabbat_18

Cantor Larry Paul & Robyn Helzner Shabbat Service
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=73&dispDt=10/23/2009 6:45:00 PM

Meet Virginia candidate Ken Cuccinelli and a rep. for Lt. Gov Bolling
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/629293026?view=Detail&id=103261

Interfaith Couples Shabbat Dinner
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1594669452?view=Detail&id=111021

Friday, October 23-Saturday, October 24

Shirat HaNefesh: Biblical Women Series
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/23/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396464&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, October 24

Shabbat Nitzanim Services
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2009 10:30:00 AM&enddate=10/24/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=384131&recurrenceid=9375

Book Discussion and Havdalah
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/24/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=396319&recurrenceid=0

Theatre J Lost in Yonkers $30 Preview
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1594669452?view=Detail&id=113261

Corn Maze
http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html#1024

Judaism: more than a religion or a culture—now a career!

Graphic courtesy of InternetClipart.com

As an editorial assistant at a Jewish non-profit, I shouldn’t be surprised by this. But more than just an option, the professional Jewish world is stepping up it’s recruitment of young adults, and is taking stock of those who identify as professional Jews.

The Insight Fellowship, launched in 2008 to offer twenty-somethings the chance to intern at various Jewish non-profits in New York City and Washington, DC, is reportedly stepping up it’s program. The reason? Because it’s working thus far!

From the press release:

“Our research demonstrates that investment in professional development for younger-generation professionals significantly enhances their effectiveness, interest in and commitment to working in the Jewish community,” said Yonatan Gordis, executive director of CLI. “Focusing the Insight program in local communities will allow us to reach many more young people and to broaden and deepen our impact.”

The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, a major backer of Insight, is also supporting this survey on Jewish communal professionals. The questions run the gamut from work benefits to religious affiliation and the sponsors, The Jewish Communal Association and The Berman Jewish Policy Archive encourage everyone working at Jewish organizations to partake.

Dr. Misha Galperin, executive vice president and CEO of The Washington, DC Jewish Federation, is acting as committee chair to the survey.

Cross-posted to The Examiner

Upcoming Events: October 11-17

Shavua Tov! Below, I’ve compiled a list of Jewish events I’ve found to be going on next week. Please feel free to comment with any others, and I will add them. See you around town!

Sunday, October 11: Simchat Torah

If not Now, When? Keshet National Equality March
http://www.jufj.org/event/if_not_now_when_keshet_national_equality_march

Hike and Brunch
http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html#1011

Monday, October 12

Israel Diplomacy Fellowship
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/825046571?view=Detail&id=194681&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Voices 2009
http://www.shalomdc.org/page.aspx?id=162132

Yachad’s We The People Day of Service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/12/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/12/2009 4:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=363899&recurrenceid=0

Tuesday, October 13

The Turbulent History of Jewish Life in Italy
http://www.foundationjewishstudies.org/programs/calendar.html#scholar

Rally for Just and Humane Immigration Reform
http://www.jufj.org/event/rally_just_and_humane_immigration_reform

A Visit to Home Depot
http://www.jufj.org/event/visit_home_depot

DC Labor Film Festival
http://www.jufj.org/event/dc_labor_film_festival

Meet the Virginia Candidates: Jody Wagner and Stephen Shannon
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/1700084278?view=Detail&id=103181

Baddies—Between Images and Text
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2009 4:00:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2009 5:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392146&recurrenceid=0

Film: The Reader
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2009 7:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=393141&recurrenceid=0

Tuesday, October 13-Wednesday, October 14

Red States, Blue States and the Jewish State
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2009 12:30:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2009 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=393146&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, October 14

Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=216&dispDt=10/14/2009 8:00:00 PM

Jewish Morality at a Crossroad
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2009 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2009 12:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=393144&recurrenceid=0

Author David Stromberg
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2009 12:30:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2009 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392522&recurrenceid=0

Melvin Urovsky discusses biography of Brandeis
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2009 4:00:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2009 4:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392648&recurrenceid=0

Jewish Criminals, Con Artists and Gangsters
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392746&recurrenceid=0

Knit and Nosh
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/442075595?view=Detail&id=117681

Conscious Cravings: Eating Right for Ourselves and Our World
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/442075595?view=Detail&id=117301

Film: At Home in Utopia
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/442075595?view=Detail&id=116601

Thursday, October 15

Premier Homecare Fundraiser at StretchAlicious
http://www.jssa.org/events?p_p_id=8&p_p_action=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_pos=2&p_p_col_count=3&_8_struts_action=%2Fcalendar%2Fview_event&_8_eventId=84

Northern VA Hebrew Congregation Speakers Series
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/15/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/15/2009 9:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=381558&recurrenceid=0

Hunger and Action at 16th Street J
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/442075595?view=Detail&id=117621

Capital Kaballah
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/442075595?view=Detail&id=116501

Friday, October 16

Lunchtime series with Rep. Mendelson
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/1700084278?view=Detail&id=103241

Shabbat Hoppin with Chabad
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/16/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/16/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=391853&recurrenceid=0

Adas Israel Oneg with Sheryl Gay Stohlberg
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/16/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/16/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=391590&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, October 17

Drum Circle Service at Shaare Tefla
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/17/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/17/2009 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=392537&recurrenceid=0

Drive-by Sukkot experience

Young professioals gather at Adas Israel's festive sukkah for sushi and sumo / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

I signed up for and attended Adas Israel’s sushi and sumo in the sukkah Wednesday night, but barely was the sushi set on the table that I had to leave for Baltimore. So I can’t really tell you what happened at this innovative-sounding event, but in case any participants are reading this, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments!

My main objective was to spend at least a little bit of time during the Sukkot holiday in an actual mandated sukkah, so off I trekked. I was not disappointed in the least.

Adas Israel’s sukkah was huge, certainly with enough space to fill a dozen tables. On the walls hung paper chains and Hebrew school renditions of Biblical heroes like Esther and David. The thatched roof danced in the breeze, hanging fruit shimmying playfully like wind chimes.

A lulav and an etrog adorned every table at Adas Israel's sukkah / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

Though billed as a unique, culture-blending event, Wednesday’s festivities were not without the traditional lulav and etrog, used to praise Gd in the spirit of the holiday. I wish I’d gotten a chance to shake them!

Sukkot ends this Saturday night, with the advent of Simchat Torah. Join YP@AI once again for the three martinis celebration, or find other activities going on in Jewish institutions around town! Chag sameach!