Upcoming Events: November 22-28

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 22

Modigliani String Quartet with Jose French-Ballester, clarinet
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=91

JSSA Thanksgiving Basket Delivery
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=88

Rocknoceros
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=235&dispDt=11/22/2009 10:30:00 AM

Temple Emmanuel Jewish Global Weekend Brunch
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/22/2009 9:15:00 AM&enddate=11/22/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=402131&recurrenceid=0

Yachad Community Builders Brunch
http://www.yachad-dc.org/blog/?page_id=7

Everything but the Turkey Setup
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=118741

Monday, November 23

NoVa State Legislators Reception
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/1680527843?view=Detail&id=103121&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcouncil.org%2Fsite%2FPageServer

DCJCC Flu Shots
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=119661

Everything but the Turkey Monday Night
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=118381

Tuesday, November 24

Sixth in the City Running Club
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=219&dispDt=11/24/2009 6:00:00 PM

Film Series: Defiance
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/24/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=11/24/2009 7:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=403677&recurrenceid=0

Temple Emmanuel Interfaith Family Service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/24/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/24/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402136&recurrenceid=0

Israeli Cinema at Beth Emeth
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/24/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/24/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=385437&recurrenceid=0

Preschool Thanksgiving Luncheon
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=119161

Everything but the Turkey setup
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=118721

Wednesday, November 25

Mavericks Live 2009 Featuring Matisyahu
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=234&dispDt=11/25/2009 8:00:00 PM

JEDCHAI JEHMS Jewish Energy Healing Monthly Sessions
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/25/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/25/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=346481&recurrenceid=8332

Everything but the Turkey Wednesday
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1409381291?view=Detail&id=118401

Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 27

Downtown Shabbat with Paul and Robyn Helzner
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=73&dispDt=11/27/2009 6:45:00 PM

Saturday, November 28

Shabbat Nitzanim Services
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/28/2009 10:30:00 AM&enddate=11/28/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=384132&recurrenceid=9375

Shaare Torah Tot Shabbat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/28/2009 2:15:00 PM&enddate=11/28/2009 2:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=383967&recurrenceid=9372

Thanksgiving events around Jewish DC

Graphic courtesy of Weaver's Clip Art

It’s that time of year again, when red and brown leaves fall from trees, friends and relatives make plans for road trips or plane rides, and Turkey, rolls and cranberry sauce are suddenly in short supply at the grocery store. Thanksgiving is exactly a week away!

Though primarily a family holiday, there’s plenty of ways that the community can come together to commemorate the spirit of this American tradition. Check out what the DC Jewish community is up to!

Everything…but the Turkey
Monday, Nov. 23 & Wednesday, Nov. 25, 6:30 pm
The DCJCC’s annual event to prepare and serve food to DC’s homeless community.

JSSA Thanksgiving Basket Delivery
Sunday, Nov. 22, 9:30 am
Help deliver food and cheer to JSSA’s clients in need.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Temple Emmanuel
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30 pm
Join Temple Emmanuel in Kensington, Md. and their Christian neighbors for a choral welcome to Thanksgiving!

Crossposted to Examiner.com

Upcoming Events: November 15-21

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 15

Proud to be Jewish in the Public Schools
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/740907958?view=Detail&id=103161&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcouncil.org%2Fsite%2FPageServer

Chief Rabbi of Ugandan Jews at B’nai Tzedek
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/15/2009 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=398929&recurrenceid=0

Brunch and Learn with Thomas Friedman and Laura Blumenfeld
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/15/2009 10:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=391613&recurrenceid=0

Shirat HaNefesh Book Discussion: “Sara’s Key”
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/15/2009 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=397796&recurrenceid=0

B’nai Tzedek Camp Fair
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 10:45:00 AM&enddate=11/15/2009 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=400602&recurrenceid=0

Gesher Galacia Regional Meeting
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 11:00:00 AM&enddate=11/15/2009 12:15:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402168&recurrenceid=0

Yachad Hadassah Fall Museum Outing
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 12:00:00 PM&enddate=11/15/2009 3:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=398632&recurrenceid=0

Cadastral Maps and Landowner Records at B’nai Israel
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 1:30:00 PM&enddate=11/15/2009 3:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402246&recurrenceid=0

Rabbi Breitowitz Lecture
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/15/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/15/2009 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=366228&recurrenceid=0

Community Cinema Café: Between the Folds
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/606384696?view=Detail&id=118141

Monday, November 16

ADL Concert Against Hate
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/16/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/16/2009 6:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=217983&recurrenceid=0

GLOE Volunteering at Food and Friends
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/606384696?view=Detail&id=118441

Film: Voices from El-Sayeed
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/606384696?view=Detail&id=117601

Tuesday, November 17

NextGen FUN in FUNdraising Happy Hour
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/1856918015?view=Detail&id=197961&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Why be Jewish
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=247&dispDt=11/17/2009 7:30:00 PM

Breakfast with Congressman Gerry Connolly
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/740907958?view=Detail&id=103081&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jcouncil.org%2Fsite%2FPageServer

Charles E Smith Day School Lower School Open House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=399141&recurrenceid=0

Trauma And Faith
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=312623&recurrenceid=0

Waltz with Bashir at Georgetown University
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 7:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=401221&recurrenceid=0

Exploring the Practice and Idea of the Mikveh
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 7:15:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=397136&recurrenceid=0

Israeli Cinema at Beth Emeth
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=385436&recurrenceid=9398

Book Talk with Dr. Maina Singh
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/17/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/17/2009 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=403484&recurrenceid=0

Recent Poetry by Jewish and Israeli Women
http://www.jewishstudycenter.org/classes/

Far-Flung Jews: Cultures Across the Globe
http://www.jewishstudycenter.org/classes/

Wednesday, November 18

Mental Health Care Provider Share 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=91

Sixth & I/ B’nai B’rith Trivia Night
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=175&dispDt=11/18/2009 7:00:00 PM

Kesher Israel: Great Jewish Thought and Thinkers
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/18/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/18/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=395952&recurrenceid=9646

Knit and Nosh: November 18
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/606384696?view=Detail&id=118761

Thursday, November 19

The Myth of the “Authentic” Jewish Wedding
http://www.foundationjewishstudies.org/programs/calendar.html#scholar

Pre-Thanksgiving Happy Hour and Mixer
http://www.jewishpro.com/eventdetail.php?id=86

Jewish Rotating Singles Dinner
http://www.jewishsocials.com/index.cfm?CityId=1&action=events&event_id=6089#Event6089

Girls are a Girl’s Best Friend
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=246&dispDt=11/19/2009 7:00:00 PM

Elegant Tastings
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/606384696?view=Detail&id=117801

Dinner at Rio Grande Café
http://www.jewishfriends.org/calendar.html#1119

Friday, November 20-Sunday, November 22

Adas Israel Scholars: Prof. Anne Ochs
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/20/2009 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/20/2009 6:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=401335&recurrenceid=0

Friday, November 20

Global Vision Weekend Shabbat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/20/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/20/2009 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=402132&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, November 21

Sports Hall of Fame Dinner Champions
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=210

Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia Annual Gala
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/21/2009 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/21/2009 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=304394&recurrenceid=0

Jewish Folk Arts Festival Concert Tribute to Cantor Sue Roemer
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/21/2009 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/21/2009 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=373682&recurrenceid=0

Ketubah Club Ice Skating
http://www.adasisrael.org/yp/

Jewish Community Hero announced at Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly

Graphic courtesy of Discovery Education

Ari Terman, founder of JCorps, a grassroots initiative to encourage Jewish community service in local communities, was honored Tuesday with The Jewish Community Hero Award at The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) general assembly in Washington.

An online initiative, the Jewish Community Hero Award called on Jews to nominate and vote for their local celebs online, with plenty from the DC and surrounding areas. From the top 20 choices, a panel of 10 judges voted on five finalists and ultimately a winner.

A DC branch of JCorps sprung up just last August, and has so far held two volunteering events for young professionals to schmooze with seniors. Check out more about them on Facebook.

Cross-posted to The Examiner

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.