Click here to view events on the Theater / Art / Music / Dance page.
Friday, March 12-Sunday, October 24 The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words that Changed the World Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul (map & parking) Tickets: $28 adults, $22 kids and seniors (Ticket price includes museum admission, The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition, and a Dead Sea Scrolls audio tour, which features adult and family versions.)
Explore the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century—The Dead Sea Scrolls, which include the earliest known texts of the Bible. These 2,000 year-old, authentic text fragments are steeped in scientific, religious, and cultural significance. The Dead Sea Scrolls: Words That Changed the World, a special exhibition at the Science Museum of Minnesota from March 12 through October 24, 2010, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness something truly remarkable.
Friday, March 12-Sunday, March 28 Jack and Rochelle By Buffy Sedlachek, Directed by Todd Bruse Based on the memoir Jack and Rochelle, A Holocaust Story of Love and Resistance Theater Or, Sabes JCC
In this gripping memoir play, local Holocaust survivors Jack and Rochelle Sutin share their tale of an almost impossible love affair that has lasted over sixty years. This is a powerful and true story of two young Jews who escape from Nazi ghetto labor camps, join a Jewish resistance group, and eventually escape to America to build a family. Appropriate for ages 10+. GET DETAILS AND TICKETS HERE. OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION: Saturday, March 13 PAY WHAT YOU CAN: Thursday March 18, Monday March 22, Thursday March 25
Sunday, March 14 from 10am-12 noon (coffee and bagels from 9:30am) A CONVERSATION ABOUT BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCER Sponsored by the Women’s Leagues of Adath Jeshurun, Beth El Sisterhood and B’nai Emet Adath Jeshurun Congregation Cost: $5 at the door
Men and women of Jewish Ashkenazi descent are more likely to carry and pass on the BRCA (breast cancer) gene mutations that put women at greater risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Learn about screening, prevention and management from Shari Baldinger, M.S., a certified Genetic Counselor and Dawn Johnson, M.D., a general surgeon with Surgical Specialists of Minnesota. Ellen Kleinbaum, an 18-year ovarian cancer survivor will also present.
This community event is open to all women, men, friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Advance reservation is requested. Please phone or email one of the following: Sally Velick, 952-544-5678, velickster@gmail.com Sheri Steinman, 763-543-4351, shevst@aol.com Karen Rubin, 952-933-2248, karenrubin@aol.com Terry Freedman, 763-522-6418, terfick13@comcast.net
Sunday, March 14 at 11:30am-4pm FREE!! Creating New Dreams: Moving Forward in the Changing Economy Sabes JCC
Second annual community response to the economic crisis including speaker and workshops. Includes lunch and keynote speaker, Art Rolnick, Senior Vice-President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and an associate economist with the Federal Open Market Committee. Mr. Rolnick will speak on “An Optimistic View of the U.S. Economy Going Forward”. Free and open to the public. CLICK HERE to register online.
Sunday, March 14 Jewish Community Action’s 8th Annual Immigrant Rights Freedom Seder! Mount Zion Temple 1300 Summit Ave, Saint Paul Doors open at 1:30, Seder begins promptly at 2:00 pm.
Our seder brings people together from diverse backgrounds to share the story of Passover and its message of freedom. A light sampling of seder food will be served. Admission $10-$18 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. Child care available. RSVP by Monday, March 8 to suzanne@jewishcommunityaction.org or vic@jewishcommunityaction.org or 651-632-2184.
Wednesday, March 17 at 7pm Live from New York's 92nd Street Y™ Presents: Jon Meacham & Fareed Zakaria America and World Affairs Sabes JCC Cost: $5 JCC members, $8 non-members
For the first time, Jon Meacham, editor of Newsweek and Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International appear together, broadcast via satellite from the 92nd Street Y, to discuss America's role in the world.
Jon Meacham is the editor of Newsweek and the author of Franklin and Winston and American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Fareed Zakaria is the editor of Newsweek International. His stories and columns on subjects from globalization and emerging markets to the Middle East and America's role in the world reach more than 25 million readers weekly. He is also the host of the weekly international news program, Fareed Zakaria GPS, which airs on CNN. His most recent book is the national bestseller, The Post-American World. BUY TICKETS HERE.
Thursday, March 18 at 7pm FREE!! The Israel Program Center of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation cordially invites you to attend Israel and the United Nations: Challenges of Global Diplomacy and Advocacy Featuring Prof. Gabriela Shalev, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. Adath Jeshurun Congregation
Due to security requirements, please arrive 15 minutes early, bring a valid ID and avoid large bags. FFI: Contact Noga Shavit at 952-381-3551, nshavit@mplsfed.org or RSVP by visiting jewishminneapolis.org/calendar (click on March 18).
Minnesota Sinfonia FREE!!
Friday, March 19 at 7pm Metropolitan State University, St Paul (map)
Saturday, March 20 at 2pm Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis (map)
Featuring prize winning pianist Loren Fishman (son of Conductor Jay Fishman) performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto #20 in d minor.
Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 10am-noon “BIBLICAL ROUTES TO HUMANISM” Presenter: Hamline University Religion Department Assistant Professor Earl Schwartz Friends School of Minnesota in St. Paul (map) 1365 Englewood Ave., St. Paul (Please use north entrance.)
Congregation Or Emet hosts Hamline University Religion Department Assistant Professor Earl Schwartz who will explore the Biblical routes to Humanism. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 651-699-6302 or Rich Sonenblum at events-1@oremet.org.
Sunday, March 21 at 7pm A Serious Night: Celebrating B’nai Emet Synagogue’s Involvement in the Coen Bros. Academy Award Nominated Film A Serious Man B’nai Emet Synagogue, St. Louis Park
Featuring guest speaker, Star Tribune movie critic, Colin Covert. Including surprises, discussion and reception. B’nai Emet was used for the Bar Mitzvah, an office and funeral scenes of the movie. In lieu of gifts for the Bar Mitzvah character, Danny Gopnik, we welcome donations to support relief efforts in Haiti or food for STEP. Please RSVP to info@bnaiemet.org or 952-927-7309.
Dairy or pareve baked goods would be appreciated for the evening. They may be dropped off at the synagogue no later than noon, Friday, March 19.
The University of Minnesota Center for Jewish Studies: Sixth Annual Community Lecture Series March 23, 2010 at 7:30pm Israel’s War on Terror: Ethical and Legal Perspectives FREE!! Lecturer: Oren Gross, University of Minnesota Beth El Synagogue 5224 West 26th Street, St. Louis Park, 952-920-3512 The event is free and open to the public. A reception follows the presentation.
International Jewish Cooking Spiced with Stories The Third Season-ing—Latin American! Fee: $36, Advance registration required Thursday, April 15 from 7-9pm Picadillo a la Cubana Adath Jeshurun Congregation Niki Stavrou, with Rachelle Lisogurski, Pearl Levin and Dalia Katz
Niki Stavrou of Victor's 1959 Café in Minneapolis demonstrates traditional Cuban foods, including the Picadillo a la Cubana (ground beef with peppers, olives and more) in creole sauce featured on the Food Network's popular show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Dalia Katz and sisters Rachelle Lisogurski and Pearl Levin will talk about growing up in the Cuban-Jewish community. Rachelle is the author of From Havana to Minneapolis: The Journey of a Cuban-Jewish Girl.
Save the Date! April 8-18, 2010 Minneapolis Jewish Film Festival For a complete list of films and venues, stay tuned to www.mplsjff.org.
Thursday, April 8 Opening Night Film + Party
PARTY - doors open at 5:45 pm Sushi, sweets and sumo! Hopkins Center for the Arts
FILM - A Matter of Size - 7:15 pm Hopkins Mann Theatre
'Why Germany Loves Jews' and other Intriguing Topics
The University of Minnesota Center for Jewish Studies is pleased to present its Sixth Annual Community Lecture Series, in cooperation with synagogues, community centers, and sponsoring partners across Minneapolis and St. Paul. Join us as writers and thinkers from varied fields address intriguing questions relevant to Jewish experience today. Events are free and open to the public. A reception follows each.
October 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm Sibling Rivals: Israel’s Chosenness & Jewish/Christian Understanding Lecturer: Joel S. Kaminsky, Smith College Temple Israel 2324 Emerson Avenue South, Minneapolis, 612-377-8680
November 1, 2009 at 7:30 pm Between the Torah Scroll & the Sword: Religion and Military Services in Israel Lecturer: Stuart Cohen, Bar-Ilan University Adath Jeshurun Congregation 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka, 952-545-2424
November 24, 2009 at 7:30 pm Fugitive Virgins & Hebrew Maidens: Why Jewish Women Became Radicals in Czarist Russia Lecturer: Deborah Hertz, University of California Beth Jacob Congregation 1179 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, 651-452-2226
January 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm Mysteries Revealed: The Dead Sea Scrolls Lecturer: Alex Jassen, University of Minnesota B’nai Emet Congregation 115 Ottawa Avenue So., St. Louis Park, 952-927-7309
March 23, 2010 at 7:30 pm Israel’s War on Terror: Ethical and Legal Perspectives Lecturer: Oren Gross, University of Minnesota Beth El Synagogue 5224 West 26th Street, St. Louis Park, 952-920-3512
April 13, 2010 at 7:30 pm Why Germany Loves Jews: Jewish Life in Berlin Today Lecturer: Leslie Morris, University of Minnesota Mount Zion Temple 1300 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, 651-698-3881
May 6, 2010 at 7:30 pm Toward the Expulsion of the Spanish Jews: Coexistence as Threat Lecturer: Barbara Weissberger, University of Minnesota Special Performance: Musical selections by the Voices of Sepharad Shir Tikvah Congregation 5000 Girard Avenue So., Minneapolis, 612-822-1440
Visit our website for more about our programs and for bios of our distinguished faculty: http://jwst.umn.edu Phone: 612-624-4914
Recurring Events and Opportunities
Magen Tzedek Initiative An initiative of Jewish Community Action
Magen Tzedek (of the Hekhsher Tzedek Commission) is a new initiative to improve the working conditions, treatment of employees, environmental standards and business practices in kosher food-producing businesses. For more information on Magen Tzedek, click on Jewish Community Action at call 651-632-2184. Click here to sign up as a supporter of Magen Tzedek.
Jewish Community Action (JCA) is a non-pofit, membership Jewish social justice organization in the Twin Cities. Magen Tzedek is a joint project of the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism with seed funding is provided by the Nathan Cummings Foundation. Jewish Community Action's role is to involve and educate the Jewish community in making this exciting project a reality! To learn more about Jewish Community Action or to become a member visit www.jewishcommunityaction.org.
Indie Jews An initiative of Jewish Community Action
Indie Jews is Jewish Community Action's response to conversations we had with Jews not affiliated with congregations. We saw a need for a new kind of community, a way for Jews to connect with one another outside of traditional meeting spaces, and a means for taking action together, as Jews, on the social, racial, and economic justice issues that affect us all. We meet monthly for Shabbat dinners, and it’s a great, low-key way for new people to learn about our work and get involved. Visit us on the web at www.indiejews.org or email carin@jewishcommunityaction.org for more information.
Young Leadership Happy Hours for Ages 25-45 Minneapolis Jewish Federation
Young Leadership of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation connects Jewish adults, ages 21-45, to opportunities for personal growth, philanthropy and social involvement while preserving universal Jewish values and ensuring the future of our community. Join us at local hotspots around town, usually on the 4th Thursday of each month, for our Happy Hour. Click here to visit the Minneapolis Jewish Federation's Young Leadership page or find us on Facebook, for more information on our many upcoming events! FFI: Contact Barb Adelman, badelman@mplsfed.org or 952-417-2347.
United Jewish Fund and Council Join other Jewish young adults, ages 22-45, and those who love them for Happy Hour at St. Paul’s favorite bars and lounges for networking and socializing, usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month. FFI: Contact Dan Mogelson, dmogelson@ujfc.org or 651-695-3189.
PFLAG is at the St. Paul JCC PFLAG Twin Cities promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. For more information, visit www.pflagtc.org.
The St. Paul JCC, Jewish Family Service of St. Paul, and St. Paul PFLAG continue to partner on educational programs. If you are interested in seeing the return of the monthly St. Paul PFLAG Support Group, call Marjorie Sigel at JFS, 651-698-0767.
Kabbalah Sparks Every 4th Monday, 7-9 pm Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S., Minneapolis Gather for study and meditation on Kabbalistic themes with Rabbi Sim Glaser throughout the year. No reservations necessary. Free. Go to www.templeisrael.com for more info.
The Supportive TORAH Class The Supportive TORAH Class is a support group, “Ask the Rabbi" session and TORAH class. The Supportive TORAH Class is an excellent opportunity to meet Rabbis from the Jewish community, and to learn and network. The class meets at Fishman's Delicatessen and Bakery, 4100 Minnetonka Blvd in St. Louis Park on Thursday afternoons from 12:00-1:15pm.
Contact Jeff Kaner at jekaner@hotmail.com or 612-339-1256 or 612-203-2033 to RSVP and to keep up on current dates for the class.
Aish Minnesota A JEWISH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR MINNESOTA: The name Aish HaTorah, literally “Fire of Torah,” was inspired by the talmudic story of Rebbe Akiva, a 40-year-old shepherd who could not even read the Aleph-Bet. One day, he came across a stone that had been holed out by a constant drip of water. He concluded: If something as soft as water could carve a hole in solid rock, then how much more so can Torah -- which is fire -- make an indelible impression on my heart. Rebbe Akiva committed himself to study Torah, and went on to become the greatest sage of his generation, with 24,000 students learning under him at one time.
As Elie Weisel said: “Aish HaTorah means to me the passion of teaching, the passion of learning. The study of Torah, the source of Jewish values, is the way to Jewish survival.” In the words of Rabbi Noach Weinberg, founder of Aish International: “Tie every Jew to a pride in his heritage, to a confidence in our future, and an appreciation of how precious his involvement with the Jewish people can be for himself, his children, grandchildren, and all of humanity.”
More information about Aish Minnesota can be found at www.aish.com.
Jewish Recovery Network (JRN) Beth El Synagogue 5224 W. 26th St., St. Louis Park The JRN is a group for addicted people in recovery, as well as their families and friends, who feel a need for Jewish support and direction in addition to that gained from other 12-step programs. For more information, call Joyce S. at 763-544-4446.
Monday Night Limud Every Monday, 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm Beth Jacob Congregation 1176 Victoria Circle, Mendota Heights
This ongoing class taught by Rabbi Morris Allen continues with the study of Talmudic concerns having equal status before the law. It is a fascinating discussion examining the ability of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) or the King to serve on a Beit Din or give testimony in a legal proceeding. Text is the Steinsaltz Talmud edition, in Hebrew and English. The discussions are serious, engaging and challenging and are accessible for those who might not have had previous experience with rabbinic texts.
Israeli Dancing Tuesdays at 7:00 pm/8:00 pm St. Paul JCC
Educator and Israeli dance expert Shira Schwartz leads an Israeli dance class for adults at the St. Paul JCC on Tuesday nights. Cost for the class is $5 each time. The schedule most nights includes the beginners class from 7-8 pm and open dancing for all from 8-9:30 pm. You can come for both the class and the open dancing, or just one. Come learn some new dances and have some fun. FFI: 651-255-4737.
B'nai B'rith Sunday Morning Bowling League Teams now have openings for people to join. The league is co-ed and open to all ages. Bowling experience, ball and shoes are not required. Commitment: willing to bowl one or two Sundays every month September through April. If you're interested, contact Michael at 952-929-2718.
Sabes JCC and St. Paul JCC Helping Out in These Challenging Economic Times “Losing your job doesn’t mean losing your balance….Get your life back in balance at the Sabes JCC.” The Sabes JCC has increased scholarships for memberships and programs, and has put together the "Whole Health Plan". This program provides "pay-what-you-can" memberships for the recently unemployed with discounted rates on programs. Through a collaboration with JFCS they will also be able to provide counseling and employment services. Visit the Sabes JCC website or call Steve Kitsis, Membership Director, at 952-381-3414 for more information.
The St. Paul JCC is offering reduced fee or no-cost temporary memberships to help people “stay connected and healthy — in good times and in bad.” The St. Paul JCC’s program, Somaych Nofim (Supporting the Fallen), is discreet and confidential. Individuals or families must be referred by a rabbi or JCC staff member, then they simply pick up a membership packet at the front desk. For information, contact a St. Paul area rabbi or the St. Paul JCC at 651-698-0751 or www.stpauljcc.org.
Find out what's going on at the Minneapolis Sabes JCC here and what's going on at the St. Paul JCC here.
Visit, Study, and Volunteer in Israel
Twin Cities Shlichim The Minneapolis and St. Paul Jewish communities each sponsor a Shaliach (male)/Shlicha (female), an Israeli emissary whose job it is to promote advocacy for Israel, teach about Israeli history, geography, culture and politics, and forge connections between Israelis and Diaspora Jews. The Shlichim are good resources for information about any aspect of Israel, including travel, study, and volunteer programs. The Minneapolis community Shlicha is Noga Shavit, 952-381-3551 or nshavit@mplsfed.org. The St. Paul community Shlicha is Alisa Warshavsky, 651-255-4753 or alisa@stpauljcc.org.
The National Council for Volunteering in Israel The National Council for Volunteering in Israel, founded in 1972 by the Israeli government, is dedicated to centralizing the abundant information about volunteering in Israel into one place. On this site, you will be able to access information about volunteer opportunities, volunteer recognition, volunteer organizations, and volunteer news.
Note: The National Council for Volunteering is not a placement organization. Any questions you have regarding specific volunteer positions, including registration, must be directed to the appropriate volunteer organization. For your benefit, the contact information for each volunteer position is listed following the work description. For further information, click on www.ivolunteer.org.il/eng/.
Sar-El - The National Project for Volunteers for Israel In the spring of 1983, "Sar-El" - The National Project for Volunteers for Israel - was founded as a non-profit, non-political organization ("Sar-El" is the Hebrew acronym meaning "Service for Israel"). Sar-El encourages volunteers from around the world to come to Israel for a number of weeks where they will experience one or more of the following: Working in nursing homes, working in IDF warehouses, guided tours of interesting locations in Israel, lectures on Jewish and Israeli topics, Shabbat hospitality, and more. For further information, click on www.sar-el.org.
Livnot U'Lehibanot (“To Build and To Be Built”) Livnot U'Lehibanot (“To Build and To Be Built”) is the premiere Israel experience geared towards Jews 21-30+ with little or no background in Judaism. The program is run in English and no prior knowledge of Hebrew or Judaism is required.
Classes and workshops are held on a variety of topics, participants celebrate Shabbat in a traditional manner as a group and with host families, and each group spends a portion of the program working on community service projects. No previous work experience is required. Past projects have included the construction of parks and playgrounds, the painting of murals and apartments of the elderly and immigrants, summer camps with Ethiopian immigrants, renovation of ancient buildings in Tzfat and digging in the tunnels below the Western Wall.
Livnot offers a Community Service Volunteer program open to Jews from all backgrounds, in addition to the following: Taglit-Birthright Israel 14 free days vs.10; 21-26 only; 6 challenging hikes; more community service. The Livnot Journey 5 Month MASA Program - Volunteer, hike, study, seminars, workshops. Live in Tzfat! 30-Somethings Tour, volunteer, hike and learn with great new friends. Galilee Fellowship 2 week programs. Hiking. Community service. Seminars & Workshops. Livnot Northern Exposure Hiking, Community service and activities.
Click on www.livnot.com for further information on the programs, prices, dates, registration and more.
Jewish Singles Vacations www.tourgroups.com/jsv National and International group tours for Jewish singles
Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America www.mosaics.org/joomla/index.php Mosaic Outdoor Clubs of America is a non-profit (501c3), lay-led Jewish outdoor group focused on bringing Jews together in an outdoor setting to meet new people, learn about Jewish ideals and values and to embrace the environment. With more than twenty affiliated local clubs throughout North America and Israel, Mosaic serves Jews of all ages, both married and single, who share a love for nature and Judaism.
Miri Ben Ari - The Hip Hop Violinist
CONTACT US If you have questions, comments or suggestions about Jewish Singles Collaborative or the website, please click here to contact the JSC Coordinators.
