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!

Monday, November 1

Song of Songs: A Love Poem
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125461

Tuesday, November 2

Jewish Philosophers and Philosophies
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=12

The Benny Sharoni Quartet
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/2/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/2/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537622&recurrenceid=0

Glee Dance Class
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125384

Film: Remembering Rabin…15 Years Later
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125583

Wednesday, November 3

Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=5

Interfaith Couples
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=459&dispDt=11/3/2010 7:00:00 PM

Adat Shalom: Jews, Food and Contemporary Life
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/3/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/3/2010 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=542441&recurrenceid=12609

JSC: TorahDrama—The Saga of Joseph
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=NHI2MGoxbGI0MzBzbnZmb3J1NjZqZjkyMm9fMjAxMDExMDNUMjMwMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

JSC: Savoring the Psalms
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=amtta2ZoMnJldHFwNmtrc2c5anV1OTc1bjhfMjAxMDExMDRUMDAzMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

JSC: Shir Havoc: Meshugah Melodies for Familiar Prayers
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=cmo0cGpzdG45Z2oxZnJ2cXFyamdxZG1tOTQgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

Aleph Isn’t Tough: Hebrew for Adults
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125484

Thursday, November 4-Sunday, November 14

JCC of GW Book Festival
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=294

Thursday, November 4

Emerging Nonprofit Workshop
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/6156529?view=Detail&id=104230

JCRC DC Planning Commission Annual Meeting
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/6156529?view=Detail&id=104241

Olam Tikvah: Building Blocks of Leadership
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=11/4/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=490980&recurrenceid=0

Operation Embrace Program
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2010 6:30:00 PM&enddate=11/4/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=499066&recurrenceid=0

Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation: Jeffrey Rosen
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/4/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=11/4/2010 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=541263&recurrenceid=0

Jubilee Jobs
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125782

Friday, November 5

Anat Cohen in concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/5/2010 7:30:00 PM&enddate=11/5/2010 11:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537628&recurrenceid=0

YP@AI Shir Delight
http://www.adasisrael.org/upimages/downloads_yp/Shir%20Delight%20Flyer.pdf

Shabbat Services with MesorahDC
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=421&dispDt=11/5/2010 6:30:00 PM

Saturday, November 6

Shabbat Services with MesorahDC
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=422&dispDt=11/6/2010 9:30:00 AM

B’nai Tzedek: Shabbat Yeladim Service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/6/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/6/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=512279&recurrenceid=0

Children’s Night Out
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=50

Sunday, November 7-Sunday, November 14

JCCNV Book Festival
http://www.jccnv.org/arts-specialties/literary/book-festival.html

Sunday, November 7

Global Day of Jewish Learning
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=560

B’nai Tzedek: Chanukah Boutique
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 9:00:00 AM&enddate=11/7/2010 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=543728&recurrenceid=0

B’nai Tzedek: Simcha Showcase
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 9:00:00 AM&enddate=11/7/2010 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=543735&recurrenceid=0

Adat Reyim: Life Long Educators Brunch
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=11/7/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=546072&recurrenceid=0

Washington Hebrew Congregation: Jaques Berlinerblau
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 10:30:00 AM&enddate=11/7/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=543653&recurrenceid=0

Tikvat Israel Square Dance
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 6:00:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=538980&recurrenceid=0

Kesher Israel Centennial: Orthodoxy at a Turning Point: Women and the Future of Judaism
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=514423&recurrenceid=0

Temple Emanuel: From Solomon to Sondheim Concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=11/7/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=11/7/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=543368&recurrenceid=0

Hunger Action
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125721

Knitting for the Needy
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125741

Community Cinema Café: Deep Down
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1501946246?view=Detail&id=125462

Rebecca Goldstein Discusses “36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction” at the DCJCC Literary Festival

Washington Post Senior Book Editor Ron Charles talks with Rebecca Goldstein about her new book as the closing act of the DCJCC Literary Festival / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

As a concluding act to the Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival, Rebecca Goldstein addressed Ron Charles of Washington Post Book World and a packed theater audience Wednesday night about her current, humorously titled novel, “36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction.”

Melding philosophy and strong characters, the book deals with the protagonist, Cass Seltzer, who hits the big leagues with a best-selling book on religious delusion, an offer to teach for Harvard, a successful mathematician girlfriend, and more. But he is also haunted by two great mentors—his former religion and philosophy instructor Jonas Elijah Klapper, and a math prodigy and rebbe’s son from a Hassidic sect Azarya.

Like Cass, Goldstein might be described as “an atheist with a soul”—she was raised as an Orthodox Jew and kept the traditions until her parents died as part of shalom bayit, peace in the house. Although she explained she can’t believe in Gd for “moral reasons” (reconciling the extent of human suffering with a divine being,) she treats religious communities with sympathy and temperance, both in this book and her previous novel, “Mazel,” which again focuses in part on the Hassidim.

In comparing religious communities to atheists, Goldstein drew interesting parallels between cathedrals and universities, and the religious apostle/disciples relationship versus the secular professor/grad student one. Everyone looks at that elevated, idolized sense they get from religious conviction, she said, and if they can’t find it in Gd, they find it elsewhere. But Goldstein is cautious about the nature of belief. As a philosopher, she takes hers rather seriously.

Goldstein ended by expressing gratitude that recent events like 9/11 have taken the religious debate out of philosophy classrooms and into the public square. Perhaps this is why “36 Arguments for the Existence of God: A Work of Fiction” is attractive to philosophers and lay people, and religious and atheists alike. With thought-provoking books like these, we can bridge gaps and grow as people.

This program was co-sponsored with Moment Magazine, celebrating its 35th anniversary. The DCJCC literary fest is officially over, but stay tuned for upcoming events through the Authors Out Loud program. Check out the Facebook page for more.

Upcoming Events: September 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!

Continuing until Wednesday, October 27…

Hyman S. and Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival
http://washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/literary/jewish-literary-festival/

Monday, October 25

UMD: The Skin of Memory
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/25/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/25/2010 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=536961&recurrenceid=0

Knitting for the Needy
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1388546131?view=Detail&id=125722

Tuesday, October 26

A Creation Theology for the Post-Darwinian Age
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=9

Jewish Foundation for Group Homes Annual Gala
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/26/2010 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/26/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=417687&recurrenceid=0

Jazz Pianist Tamir Hendelman
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/26/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/26/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=516646&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, October 27

Wine-Tasting for Birthright Israel Alums
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/336697169?view=Detail&id=209243&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

Sixth & I Sisterhood: Seeking Happily Ever After
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=403&dispDt=10/27/2010 7:00:00 PM

Books for Prisons
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1388546131?view=Detail&id=125723

Thursday, October 29

Girls Night Out: The Odd Couple
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1388546131?view=Detail&id=125622

Friday, October 28

Olam Tikvah: Building Blocks of Leadership
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/28/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/28/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=490981&recurrenceid=0

Friday, October 29-Sunday, October 31

Adas Israel: Torah Lishma Weekend with Rabbi Ethan Tucker
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/29/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/31/2010 8:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=511729&recurrenceid=0

Friday, October 29

The Next GREAT Idea for the New Year
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=453&dispDt=10/29/2010 12:00:00 PM

DCJCC Interfaith Family Shabbat Dinner
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1388546131?view=Detail&id=125662

Saturday, October 30

B’nai Tzedek: Shabbat Yeladim Service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/30/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/30/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=512209&recurrenceid=0

Sunday, October 31

6th in the City Running Club
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=442&dispDt=10/31/2010 6:00:00 PM

Har Shalom Early Childhood Education Center Open House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/31/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/31/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=535982&recurrenceid=0

Adat Shalom: Taste of Israeli Cultural Arts
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/31/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/31/2010 2:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=539102&recurrenceid=0

National Museum of Jewish Military History: Contemplative Retreat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/31/2010 1:00:00 PM&enddate=10/31/2010 4:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=536466&recurrenceid=0

JSC Contemplative Retreat: How Does It Feel to Dwell in Gd’s House?
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=N2oxNTIza3BiNWw4aW1wYWcwNW9sZmR2cDQgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

JewishDC Moves to Facebook!

Shabbat Shalom, Jews and Washingtonians! JewishDC is branching out. That is, I’ve created a Fan Page on Facebook to share this blog with more people, and to give others an opportunity to promote, discuss and interact more.

Sign in and click here to like it, or check out the badge on the right hand side of this page! Or you can click here to follow the blog on your Facebook feed.

I look forward to your participation and suggestions in times to come!

Upcoming Events: September 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 17-Wednesday, October 27

Hyman S. and Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival
http://washingtondcjcc.org/center-for-arts/literary/jewish-literary-festival/

Monday, October 18

CarrotMob Planning Meeting
http://www.jufj.org/event/carrotmob_planning_meeting

Nicole Kraus reading
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=406&dispDt=10/18/2010 7:00:00 PM

Virginia Eleventh Congressional District Candidates’ Debate
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/613136693?view=Detail&id=104142

Tuesday, October 19

Phonebank in Alexandria
http://www.jufj.org/event/phonebank_alexandria

Congregation Beth Emeth Hosts Mark Plotkin
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/19/2010 1:00:00 PM&enddate=10/19/2010 3:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537712&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, October 20

JewPedia
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=405&dispDt=10/20/2010 7:00:00 PM

Greater Women Women’s Chapter of Brandeis: Book and Author Luncheon
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2010 9:15:00 AM&enddate=10/20/2010 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=536509&recurrenceid=0

Jewish Life after High School: A Fair of Opportunities
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/20/2010 7:30:00 PM&enddate=10/20/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=488359&recurrenceid=0

Jubilee Jobs
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/764688807?view=Detail&id=125582

Thursday, October 21

Save a Child’s Heart Auction and Happy Hour
http://www.birthrightisrael.com/site/Calendar/578516176?view=Detail&id=209263&whence=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.birthrightisrael.com%2Fsite%2FPageServer%3Fpagename%3Dnext_local_dc_calendar

JSSA Fall 2010 Symposium
http://www.jssa.org/calendar?p_p_id=events_WAR_eventsportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_count=1&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_view_cmd=view_event&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_redirect=%2Fcalendar&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_eventId=913465

V.S. Naipaul: The Masque of Africa
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=414&dispDt=10/21/2010 7:00:00 PM

Annual Positive Aging Fair at JCCNV
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/21/2010 9:00:00 AM&enddate=10/21/2010 4:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=485443&recurrenceid=0

The Power of Women in Politics
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/21/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/21/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=508867&recurrenceid=0

Hunger Action at 16 and J
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/764688807?view=Detail&id=125472

Friday, October 22

Downtown Shabbat with Larry Paul and Robyn Helzner
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=73&dispDt=10/22/2010 6:45:00 PM

Shabbat Hoppin with DC Minyan
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/22/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/22/2010 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=534046&recurrenceid=0

Pianist Menahem Pressler
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/22/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/22/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537614&recurrenceid=0

Adas Israel’s Musical Shabbat Service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/22/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/22/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=532486&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, October 23

Ruth Messinger on the Global Crisis
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/23/2010 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=532487&recurrenceid=0

Shaare Torah Tot Shabbat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2010 10:15:00 AM&enddate=10/23/2010 10:45:00 AM&id=75&eventid=432225&recurrenceid=10400

Shabbat Nitzanim Services
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2010 10:30:00 AM&enddate=10/23/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=384143&recurrenceid=9375

Classical Guitarist Shiri Coneh
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/23/2010 12:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=516639&recurrenceid=0

Congregation Adat Reyim Talent Show and Raffle
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/23/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/23/2010 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537671&recurrenceid=0

Sunday, October 24

Heschel Vision Awards
http://www.jufj.org/event/heschel_vision_awards

Beth Shalom: Proud to be Jewish in the Public Schools
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/24/2010 11:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=489891&recurrenceid=0

Adas Israel: Grandparenting Interfaith Grandchildren
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/24/2010 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=532490&recurrenceid=0

Adas: Mini Walk to Benefit Anne Frank House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/24/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=532488&recurrenceid=0

Hadassah Presents
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2010 11:30:00 AM&enddate=10/24/2010 1:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=521495&recurrenceid=0

Mishkan Torah: Ellen Bukstel concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/24/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/24/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=526641&recurrenceid=0

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

YP@AI Paintball
http://www.adasisrael.org/articlenav.php?id=59

Literary Losses and Gains in Jewish DC

Graphic courtesy of ClipArtPal.com

Wednesday evening instead of going home, I spent a couple of hours at Politics and Prose. This was a momentous occasion for two reasons. First, a NaNoWriMo group was forming for serious (or perhaps crazy) writers in the Washington area. Secondly—and I know I risk being run out of town for this—I’d never been to DC’s famed, independent bookstore before. What can I say; being carless, I was a little afraid of the commute. :”> But when the NaNoWriMo group popped up, I knew I had to give it a go.

Turns out this week won’t just be remembered by me, but by Politics and Prose as well. Last Monday, bookstore cofounder Carla Cohen died at 74. You might have read the lengthy obituary in the Washington Post. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at Tifereth Israel and the store was even closed for a few hours before I got there.

Cohen was known as an enthusiastic salesperson, an avid reader and blunt with her opinions. My friend, Famin, reminisced about how she would attempt to talk people out of their purchases if she didn’t like a tome, as well as her zeal for bringing Indian writers to speak at the bookstore.

Even though I had never set foot in Politics and Prose before, I was very familiar with the place, having attended several readings offsite with Jewish authors. Even tomorrow at 7 pm, the bookstore is teaming up with Sixth & I to present David Grossman, lately author of “To The End of the Land.” DC-based Moment Magazine just featured a review of the novel; click here to read it.

Politics and Prose is also a sponsor of the upcoming DCJCC Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival. Click here to read my earlier promo for this event starting Oct. 17.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Cohen’s family, for this wonderful woman who bestowed so many literary gifts onto the Washington, DC community. May her memory always be for a blessing.

Upcoming Events: September 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!

Monday, October 11

Har Shalom Parent and Infant Play Date
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/11/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/11/2010 10:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=535947&recurrenceid=12414

Gesher JDS Open House
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/11/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/11/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=499528&recurrenceid=0

American U: Jewish/Muslim Relations
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/11/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/11/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=535859&recurrenceid=0

Vinyesa Yoga
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1491906269?view=Detail&id=125545

We the People-Columbus Day
http://www.yachad-dc.org/blog/?page_id=7

Tuesday, October 12

Israel and the World
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=11

Prophets of the Past: Interpreters of Jewish History
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=376

Challah Back community service project
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=454&dispDt=10/12/2010 7:00:00 PM

JCA Career Getaway
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/12/2010 9:00:00 AM&enddate=10/12/2010 9:30:00 AM&id=75&eventid=535205&recurrenceid=0

Wednesday, October 13

Trivia Night
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=206&dispDt=10/13/2010 7:00:00 PM

JCRC Northern Virginia Commission
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/2054755988?view=Detail&id=101821

Har Shalom: Ivrit La’Mishpacha
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/13/2010 10:45:00 AM&id=75&eventid=535912&recurrenceid=12413

Federation Network Kickoff
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2010 6:00:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=450298&recurrenceid=0

JRoc: Journey of the soul after death
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=536940&recurrenceid=0

Temple Emmanuel Renewed Vision Lecture
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/13/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/13/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=533286&recurrenceid=0

JSC: Discovering Kabbalah
https://www.google.com/calendar/render?eid=Yzlkb3F0OTlvdmNlZTNqdnQ5c3BiaWRvdTBfMjAxMDEwMTNUMjMwMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York&gsessionid=rfVc66BsleJ77BlD5jp4SQ&sf=true&output=xml

JSC: Being Jewish in the Workplace
https://www.google.com/calendar/render?eid=NmwxNmdqaDMyc2x2Z2Npczkxamk4YXQ4Z2dfMjAxMDEwMTRUMDAzMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York&gsessionid=OK&sf=true&output=xml

Knit and Nosh
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125471

The Cinema: “Breakfast Club”
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125441

Life’s Relationships class
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125641

Thursday, October 14

David Grossman reading
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=408&dispDt=10/14/2010 7:00:00 PM

US-Israel Relationship: Historical and Personal Perspective
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2010 4:00:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2010 6:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=536527&recurrenceid=0

NoVa Hebrew Congregation: Peter Beinart speaks
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/14/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/14/2010 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=533676&recurrenceid=0

Learn the Game of Mah Jongg
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125362

Friday, October 15

Services with MesorahDC
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=421&dispDt=10/15/2010 6:30:00 PM

Morning Muscle Fitness
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125542

Saturday, October 16

Saturday services with MesorahDC
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=422&dispDt=10/16/2010 9:30:00 AM

Torah Yoga Tot Shabbat
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=265&dispDt=10/16/2010 10:00:00 AM

Kennedy Center: Ran Dank in concert
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/16/2010 2:00:00 PM&enddate=10/16/2010 2:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=516637&recurrenceid=0

Sunday, October 17

DCJCC Literary Festival Opening Day
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125323

“A Cage Went In Search of a Bird”: Kafka and the Kafka-esque
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=7

Stefan Jackiw, violinist
http://www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=539

35-Plus Jewish Singles Speed Dating
http://www.prosinthecity.com/jewishevents.php#DC_9515

Sixth&I Running Club
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=441&dispDt=10/17/2010 10:00:00 AM

B’nai Israel: Gubernatorial Forum
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/17/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/17/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=537536&recurrenceid=0

JRoc Seminar
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/17/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/17/2010 4:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=536939&recurrenceid=0

Tikvat Israel: Edwin Black reading
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/17/2010 11:30:00 AM&enddate=10/17/2010 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=533285&recurrenceid=0

Charles E. Smith Day School Fellner Lecture
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/17/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/17/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=447966&recurrenceid=0

Behrend Builders open build
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125581

Swim Stroke Technique
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=124529

Parenting Classes: KidSongs
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/411091718?view=Detail&id=125115

Local Leaders Nominated for Jewish Community Hero Award

Graphic courtesy of Discovery Education

Who do you know who should be honored as a Jewish communal leader? The Jewish Federations of North America ask this question for a second year with their Jewish Community Heroes project. Individuals are encouraged to go online and nominate or vote for their favorites, but the process ends on Oct. 8! A small team will choose from 20 semifinalists and announce the official hero next month at the JNFA General Assembly in New Orleans.

Closer to home, several inspiring leaders have already been recognized for their contributions to the Jewish world. Learn more about them here, and click on their profile pages for more info!

• Rabbi Shlomo Porter, Baltimore, Md., teacher, community leader
• Danny Siegel, Rockville, Md., author, lecturer, poet
• Zakah Glaser, Nonprofit entrepreneur at Soveya
• Aleta Margolis, Washington, D.C., Nonprofit entrepreneur DC Center Inspired for Teaching
• Dave Weinberg, Silver Spring, Md., entrepreneur Jewish Institute, Future of Jewish Nonprofit Summits
• Lori Palatnik, Rockville, Md., nonprofit entrepreneur Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project

Upcoming Events: October 4-10

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!

Monday, October 4

Discrimination on College Campuses
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/1614258628?view=Detail&id=104201

American University: Terezin Remembered
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/4/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/4/2010 7:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=516546&recurrenceid=0

JSC: Biblical Themes in Literature, Opera, Art and Film
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=bGduMjk3Z29kaG9xZjh1bmxxbjh0MW80M29fMjAxMDEwMDRUMjMwMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

JSC: How should the American Jewish Community Engage with Moderate Islam?
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=M3A3aWNlYmY4cXZtOGcxcTBvbGkwMzJ1dWtfMjAxMDEwMDRUMjMwMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

Interfaith Couples Workshop October 2010
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=125070

Tuesday, October 5

Mark Bittman reading
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=397&dispDt=10/5/2010 7:00:00 PM

Virginia Meet and Greet with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli
http://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar/1614258628?view=Detail&id=104141

Adas Israel Lifelong Learning Classes begin
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/5/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/5/2010 12:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=532485&recurrenceid=0

JLI Signature Course
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/5/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/5/2010 9:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=529208&recurrenceid=11453

The Anat Force trio
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/5/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/5/2010 11:59:00 PM&id=75&eventid=525292&recurrenceid=0

JSC: It’s Getting Hot in Here: Jewish Ethics and Solar Energy
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=OGZiajNsZjFldGNxN2cwM3ZmMjFjMXFzZ2cgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

Wednesday, October 6

The Sacred Canvas: Using Art to Understand Genesis
http://www.foundjs.org/calendar.php?evntId=4

JSSA and Olam Tikvah: You and Your Aging Parents
http://www.jssa.org/calendar?p_p_id=events_WAR_eventsportlet&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=maximized&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-2&p_p_col_count=1&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_view_cmd=view_event&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_redirect=%2Fcalendar&_events_WAR_eventsportlet_eventId=970232

JewPedia
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=405&dispDt=10/6/2010 7:00:00 PM

B’nai Tzedek: Hazak Genealogy Program
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/6/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/6/2010 3:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=530986&recurrenceid=0

Defiant Requiem
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/6/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/6/2010 10:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=447258&recurrenceid=0

JSC: Far-Flung Jewish Cultures Around the Globe
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=OTc5cmNkcW1mMWRhM2VuNGs3c3JwbGFwMzhfMjAxMDEwMDZUMjMwMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

JSC: How to Give a Great D’var Torah
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=dnNtY2F1aDR2ZXZzcW8zZGw2N3UxbWszZmtfMjAxMDEwMDdUMDAzMDAwWiB1bm5sdDIzNDJlMDBxaG40ajNjbjhlYzBpNEBn&ctz=America/New_York

JSC: The Biblical Roots of Warrior Heroes: Roots of King Arthur Story in Samuel I
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=NWYxZWUzMXJmYnE3aHV2bGt0dWxjMHF1czQgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

Hatha Yoga with Shankara
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=125541

Thursday, October 7

Elon Gold: Half Jewish, Very Jewish
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=402&dispDt=10/7/2010 8:00:00 PM

B’nai Tzedek: Understanding Two Year Olds
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/7/2010 7:15:00 PM&enddate=10/7/2010 8:45:00 PM&id=75&eventid=507919&recurrenceid=0

Hunger Action at 16 and J
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=125469

Panel Discussion: Examining Postmemory and Transforming it into Art
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=124885

Friday, October 8

From Tesfa to Tikvah: From Israel to Hope
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=412&dispDt=10/8/2010 9:00:00 AM

Hopes and Dreams: Raising Jewish Children with Intention
http://www.sixthandi.org/EventDetails.aspx?evntID=411&dispDt=10/8/2010 10:30:00 AM

Hebrew Home Elder Care Symposium
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/8/2010 7:30:00 AM&enddate=10/8/2010 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=490339&recurrenceid=0

Library of Congress: Author/Playwright Joshua Sobol
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/8/2010 12:00:00 PM&enddate=10/8/2010 1:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=517001&recurrenceid=0

Adas oneg service with guest William Kristol
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/8/2010 8:00:00 PM&enddate=10/8/2010 8:30:00 PM&id=75&eventid=511728&recurrenceid=0

Saturday, October 9

B’nai Tzedek Shabbat Yeladim service
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/9/2010 10:00:00 AM&enddate=10/9/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=512276&recurrenceid=0

Shaare Torah Tot Shabbat
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/9/2010 10:15:00 AM&enddate=10/9/2010 10:45:00 AM&id=75&eventid=432241&recurrenceid=10401

Beth El Shabbat Nitzanim services
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/9/2010 10:30:00 AM&enddate=10/9/2010 11:00:00 AM&id=75&eventid=384018&recurrenceid=9373

JSC: Shul Hopping 101
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=NnA5aHJmczlxcGE5OWNianNycG0wdDUybWdfMjAxMDEwMDkgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

Sunday, October 10

Kesher Israel: Orthodoxy at a Turning Point: Orthodoxy and Innovation
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=b2RhNmlvZjNvaWUwZ2l2cWg3Y2tkNW92bWMgZjBicjI0dWs0dHA2Z3NkMWU2azNnM2s0OTBAZw&ctz=America/New_York

JCC of NoVa Across Life’s Spectrum workshop
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/10/2010 9:00:00 AM&enddate=10/10/2010 3:15:00 PM&id=75&eventid=501995&recurrenceid=0

B’nai Tzedek Candidates’ Forum
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/10/2010 9:30:00 AM&enddate=10/10/2010 12:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=531691&recurrenceid=0

Jedchai JEHMS
http://www.shalomdc.org/calendar/index.aspx?startdate=10/10/2010 7:00:00 PM&enddate=10/10/2010 9:00:00 PM&id=75&eventid=474874&recurrenceid=8716

JSC: Fall Nature Walk
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=ZXJzM3BzbHI2Y3EzcHU3MGwza3VpN29nNDQgdW5ubHQyMzQyZTAwcWhuNGozY244ZWMwaTRAZw&ctz=America/New_York

Community Cinema Café: Real Injun
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=125221

Emery Shelter Visit
http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/1948719037?view=Detail&id=125470

All Fired Up
http://www.adasisrael.org/upimages/downloads_yp/YP@AI%20All%20Fired%20Up%20-%20October%2010,%202010.pdf

Celebrating Sukkot and Simchat Torah at Sixth & I

Members of the DC Jewish community joyously dance with Torahs in the Sixth & I basement / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

Happy October! And belated chag sameach for Sukkot and Simchat Torah! Did you do anything fun?

I joined some enthusiastic DCers on Thursday at Sixth & I in celebrating Simchat Torah with Rabbi David Shneyer of Am Kolel congregation, Kehila Chadasha havurah and the Fabrangen Fiddlers music group.

Simchat Torah details the renewal of the Torah reading cycle and celebrating Judaism’s most holy book with drink, dancing and revelry. Five groups of people paraded several Torahs around the sanctuary before moving downstairs, where congregants could dance a lively hora around the scrolls. Don’t these folks look happy? With good snacks and feet-pounding klezmer music, it’s somewhat impossible not to get swept up into the excitement.

I, however, had another goal in mind for coming to Sixth & I. Simchat Torah also marks the end of Sukkot, the week-long festival that commemorates the fall harvest and Jews wandering the desert for 40 years. We are commanded to make our own temporary dwellings, called sukkahs, to commemorate the past. And I hadn’t been to a sukkah all week!

This unique sukkah, titled "Gathering" and on loan from New York, braves the elements in a Washington, DC downpour / photo taken by Rachel Mauro

Sixth & I is playing host to a particularly unique sukkah from New York’s Sukkah City design competition. This particular sukkah, called Gathering, was created by Dale Suttle, So Sugita and Ginna Nguyen. It’s sweeping, upwards motion reminds me of a brushfire—or perhaps the burning bush, used by Gd in the story of Deuteronomy to speak to Moses and lead the Jewish people. The creators speak of “urban intimacy” as well. All I knew is I had to get a picture.

Unfortunately, as those of you in DC must be aware, Thursday night rained a monsoon on us. I was literally splashing into puddles and soaking my arms trying to get a shot of this majestic sukkah, which sat, drenched, in a parking lot guarded by a chain-link fence. Though I strained to see the sukkah, my camera was apparently more interested in photographing the fence! 😛 Luckily, some photo editing makes the sukkah a little more distinguishable from its protection.

For a far more impressive showing of the sukkah, check out Sixth & I’s videos here and here. Definitely worth a visit in the day time!