DOCSLIB.ORG

TRAVELING TOWARD the SELF WHILE VISITING the OTHER Israeli TALI School Educators on a U.S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
TRAVELING TOWARD the SELF WHILE VISITING the OTHER Israeli TALI School Educators on a U.S TRAVELING TOWARD THE SELF WHILE VISITING THE OTHER Israeli TALI School Educators on a U.S. Study Tour LISA D. GRANT, PH.D. Assistant Professor, Hebrew Union College, New York RABBI NAAMAH KELMAN Director of Educational Initiatives, Hebrew Union College, Jerusalem and HANNAH REGEV, M.A. Director of TALI Principals' Center, TALI Education Fund, Israel A well-structured study tour of the United States can be an important educational tool for Israeli educators. The tour described in this article affected the participants in three ways: as Jews, as Israelis, and as educational leaders in their own schools. The trip was a transformational experience that lay the groundwork for change. merican Jewish ttavel to Israel has be- A group of seventeen Israeli educators A:ome an accepted and expected building from the TALI school system set out for block for increasing Jewish identification and eleven days in May, 2000, to leam more about increasing Jewish pride (Cohen, E., 1986; being Jewish in America. The TALI school Cohen, S., 1986, 1989; Cohen & Wall, 1993; system is part of the Israeli secular public Herman, C, 1995). But is tiiere an Israeh school system and was founded in 1976 by equivalent? What happens when Israelis visit parents and educators identified with Conser­ Diaspora communities onplarmed educational vative Judaism. Among these founding par­ tours? ents were former Americans who sought to Little is known about the short- or long- blur the classic secular-Orthodox dichotomy term impact of such visits (Kelman, 1993). In and create a school that would teach Judaic fact, for a host of historic and ideological subject matter in an open and pluralistic edu­ reasons, Israelis have long assumed that they cational environment (Breakstone, 1997; have little to learn from their American Jew­ Tavory, 1998). TALI is an acronym for "en­ ish counterparts. While hundreds of thou­ riched Jewish smdies." In addition to devot­ sands of Israelis ttavel to the United States, ing more school hours to Jewish studies, the they are almost exclusively tourists. They TALI approach is one of engaged interaction visit the usual sites, skipping over any real with subject matter, values, and practice. To­ contact with American Jewish life today. In­ day, there are 60 schools with TALI ttacks or creasingly, however, through initiatives com­ ftill programs, as well as 45 TALI pre-schools mg from Partnership 2000, the American Jew­ throughout Israel. ish Committee, Mifgashim and more, Israelis Because the TALI system is part of the are visiting America for the purpose of dis­ secular school stteam, the teachers and prin­ covering the American Jewish community on cipals are overwhelmingly secular. Secular its terms (Cohen, E., 2000; Ezrachi, 1994; Ezrachi Jewish ideology is identified with the historical &Sutaick,1997). and cultural aspects of Jewish hfe. Israeli identity and Jewish identity are seen as confluent (Herman, S., 1970), adding the na­ Paper presented at the Israeli Association for Research tional dimension. This ideology has ttans­ in Jewish Education, Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv, formed the Jewish holidays into national col- December 11-12, 2000. 172 American Study Tours for Israeli Professionals / 173 lective myths, removing God and ritual obser­ 3. Create a cross-cultural exchange of vance. As a result, "most of those bom and ideas, resources, and curriculum be­ raised in Israel whose education has been tween Israeli and American Jewish edu­ secular, have actually become estranged from cators Jewish tradition to the extent that synagogue life is as foreign as church or mosque ritual" Although the number of professional de­ (Shokeid,1988,p.l27). velopment trips to the United States for Israeli educators has grown, virtually nothing has STUDY METHODOLOGY been published yet about Israeli professional development experiences in the United States. This study investigates the impact that a This study attempts to build on our under­ short-term trip designed to impart an under­ standing of the potential for building pro­ standing of pluralistic approaches to Judaism grams that foster genuine cross-cultural learn­ in American Jewish life and education has on ing and stimulate new thinking for enriching a group of Israeli TALI school educators. It Jewish education both in Israel and in the asks what happens when Israelis, highly iden­ Unhed States. tified with the collective cultural and historic The U.S. study trip was an intense short- aspects of Jewish life, encounter American term experience for a group of people with Jews, whose Judaism is personal, denomina­ some sense of shared purpose, but who worked tional, and based on religious observance. It in diverse settings throughout Israel. How explores how an educational study tour to much personal transformation canbe expected learn about American Judaism through the from such a brief encounter? Studies suggest lens of Jewish education might influence edu­ that well-planned retreats, residential, or travel cational leadership and initiatives among TALI experiences do have strong potential for fos­ school educators. tering the critical reflection and dialogue nec­ Data come from the participants them­ essary to spark a process of change (Cranton, selves and through participant observation. 1996; Fleming, 1998). This trip was stmc­ Each member of the delegation completed a tured to ensure ample time for both. In addi­ pre-trip questionnaire detailing his or her goals tion, foreign travel can create disequilibrium and expectations for the trip. During the trip, and the irritant of uncertainty that are neces­ frequent group processing sessions took place sary to recast and reframe meaning. It sepa­ during which extensive field notes were taken rates people from role and routine and places and later analyzed. After the trip, participants them in an unfamiliar setting that gives them completed a written evaluation and then met the opportunity to see themselves in a differ­ about two months later for another group ent light than they do at home (Leed, 1991; processing session where notes were recorded Turner, 1973). Travelers try on different and subsequently analyzed as well. personae when they are away from their ordi­ The trip had three stated purposes: nary existence. If they intemalize the change upon returning home, it becomes an essential 1. Expose the educators to the variety, di­ part of their being (Leed, 1991). In such versity, and creativity of American Jew­ situations, the individual's subjective reality ish organizational life and the chal­ has been altered through the experiences of lenges of living a Jewish life in an open the journey. and pluralistic society As noted, however, personal transforma­ 2. Create a community of leamers among tion was seen as a means to the greater end of the delegation, with the goal of articu­ precipitating organizational change among lating a vision for stiengthening the the TALI schools participating in the study Jewish identity of all who interact with tour. This process is even more fragile and TALI schools—students, parents, teach­ complex than the process of personal change. ers, and staff SPRING/SUMMER 2001 Joumal of Jewish Communal Service / 174 Vision must be shaped and shared by a broad Diaspora relations, and, finally, time for dia­ base of constituents. In other words, it cannot logue and reflection on issues of American emerge from top leadership alone, but must Jewish identity, Zionism, and personal identi­ evolve through the dynamic interaction of the fication. Israeli and American academics, various stakeholders in the organization rabbis, and communal leaders lectured and (Evans, 1996; Fullan, 1993; Sarason, 1996). led group discussion. School change must be a collaborative, inter­ In addition to participating in these five active, and systemic initiative suitable to the sessions, most of the principals in the group given context and culmre, where, as Fullan were in the midst of the two-year leadership (1993, p. 78) writes, "each setting is prepared development course at the TALI Principal's to work through its own complexity." Even Center. This course is designed to help them the most powerful short-term retreat or travel ttanslate the core TALI principles of open and experiences can serve only as a catalyst for engaged interaction with Jewish subject mat­ change and not the means. Whether and how ter, values, and practice into the daily life of members of the delegation translate their per­ their schools. It focused on three centtal sonal experiences on the trip into their own dimensions of Jewish identity: building Jew­ organizational setting; how they build coali­ ish knowledge, understanding what is at the tions of teachers, parents, and smdents; and core of Jewish education, and appreciating how they work to change the core values, Judaism as a way of life. Participants began beliefs, and attimdes underlying their school these sessions wondering out loud what they culmre will determine the ultimate degree of would have in common with American Jew­ change. This study can only touch on the ish educators and what they could leam from begiimings of that process. American Judaism. By the last session they appeared to be eager and open to the intense THE TALI GROUP immersion they would experience on the visit. The group consisted of seventeen educa­ THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE tors (principals, specialists, and senior teach­ ers). Three participants defined themselves The ttip was designed to provide the TALI as modem Orthodox, the balance as secular. educators with an in-depth overview of lib­ Most of the group were veteran principals. eral Judaism in America, as seen through the However, some were relatively new to the lens of Jewish educational initiatives. As TALI system. One participant was a veteran such, the majority of time was spent visiting a nursery school teacher. Almost all were bom variety of Jewish day schools and other edu­ in Israel. With the exception of one partici­ cational settings.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • HJC-Bulletin-Jan-201
    January 2019 / Tevet - Shevat 5779 Bulletin Friends and members, old and new, gathered at the Sisterhood Membership Dinner in October. Todah Rabah to Rachel Saks for being our guest speaker for the evening! Mazal Tov to Marilyn Klein, HJC Sisterhood’s Woman of Achievement ! Rabbi Ari Saks Vicki Perler Sisterhood News Rabbi President by Evelyn Abraham 631-423-5355 631-427-1089 Cantor Israel Gordan Maxine Fisher Director, Synagogue Programming Religious School Administrator MEMBERSHIP And Religious School Innovation 631-427-1157 Join Us and Support the Sisterhood of HJC 631-427-1089 ext. 22 New members to HJC receive a complimentary Sisterhood Ilene Brown Neil Kurshan Director, Early Childhood Center membership for their first year. It is not too late to return the Rabbi Emeritus 631-427-1089 ext. 15 Membership Dues Letter. Checks are payable to: Barbara Axmacher Sisterhood of the Huntington Jewish Center. Executive Director $45 regular membership 631-427-1089 ext. 23 $40 Z’havah HJC Board of Trustees / 2018-2019 $30 senior membership Vicki Perler, President Dan Schoeffler, 1st V.P. Jack Rubin, Treasurer Michael Richter, 2nd V.P. Leslie Hantverk, Secretary VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Brian Cooper, 3rd V.P. Donna Fleiss, Admin V.P. We are always looking for help with Extended Kiddushes, Shari Feibel Sandy Lynn Karow Ofer Rind Programming and Fund-Raising. It is an opportunity to Arthur Frischman Danny Klein Marvin Rosenthal make new friends and reconnect with old ones. Please con- AJ Hepworth Ora Kriegstein Debbie Stein tact Evelyn Abraham if you are interested. Stephen Holbreich Lauren Kupersmith Cari Schueller Todd Houslanger Jim Lodge Ellen Steinberg Marsha P.
    [Show full text]
  • Ordination of the 100Th Graduate of the Israeli Rabbinical Program
    power, in print, broadcast, and social media, Israel is a country awash with ORDINATION “ and in hospital rooms and family moments. rabbis. What difference can one They provide leadership, solace, support, OF THE hundred more make? A great difference. and vision. They are part of a remarkable We find graduates of HUC-JIR’s Israeli movement of Jewish renewal currently Rabbinical Program at some of the most 100TH unfolding - alongside all the challenges and significant settings within Israeli society. conflicts - in contemporary Israel. From the GRADUATE OF They serve as leaders in informal and border with Lebanon to the shores of the Red formal education; as school principals THE ISRAELI Sea, in makeshift structures and impressive and directors of early childhood education edifices, this first one hundred is preparing RABBINICAL systems. They run large institutions, and the groundwork for the hundreds to follow bring congregations to life around Israel. PROGRAM in their illustrious footsteps. They have Their voices are heard in the corridors of established congregations and institutions, ISRAELI RABBINICAL PROGRAM: In the Footsteps of “My classmates grew up secular, 11 Generations Orthodox, or religious Reform, are of different ages and from different places of Rabbis in Israel, but found their center in Reform ideology. I value the connection RABBI LEORA with the North American students EZRAHI-VERED ’17 worshipping and studying with us. It is very meaningful to form friendships with colleagues who will be leaders throughout Israel and around the world, so that our communities will one day EDUCATION: ■ Granddaughter of Rabbi Wolfe Kelman, become friends too.” B.A.
    [Show full text]
  • Judaism: a Supplemental Resource for Grade 12 World of Religions: A
    JUDAISM A Supplemental Resource for GRADE 12 World of Religions A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE JUDAISM A Supplemental Resource for GRADE 12 World of Religions A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE 2019 Manitoba Education Manitoba Education Cataloguing in Publication Data Judaism : Grade 12 world of religions : a Canadian perspective Includes bibliographical references. This resource is available in print and electronic formats. ISBN: 978-0-7711-7933-4 (pdf) ISBN: 978-0-7711-7935-8 (print) 1. Judaism—Study and teaching (Secondary)—Manitoba. 2. Religion—Study and teaching (Secondary)—Manitoba. 3. Multiculturalism—Study and teaching (Secondary) --Manitoba. 4. Spirituality – Study and teaching (Secondary) – Manitoba. 5. Religion and culture – Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Manitoba. I. Manitoba. Manitoba Education. 379.28 Copyright © 2019, the Government of Manitoba, represented by the Minister of Education. Manitoba Education Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Every effort has been made to acknowledge original sources and to comply with copyright law. If cases are identified where this has not been done, please notify Manitoba Education. Errors or omissions will be corrected in a future edition. Sincere thanks to the authors, artists, and publishers who allowed their original material to be used. All images found in this resource are copyright protected and should not be extracted, accessed, or reproduced for any purpose other than for their intended educational use in this resource. Any websites referenced in this resource are subject to change without notice. Educators are advised to preview and evaluate websites and online resources before recommending them for student use. Print copies of this resource (stock number 80750) can be purchased from the Manitoba Learning Resource Centre.
    [Show full text]
  • Contributors
    Contributors Rabbi Judith Z. Abrams, PhD, z”l, was the founder and direc- tor of Maqom (www.maqom.com), which was a pioneer in the area of online teaching of Talmud to adults. She authored over twenty books for adults and children, including The Other Talmud. Rabbi Richard F. Address, DMin, is the founder/director of www. jewishsacredaging.com. He served for over three decades on the staff of the Union for Reform Judaism as a regional director and as founder/ director of the Department of Jewish Family Concerns. Most recently he completed tenure as senior rabbi of Congregation M’kor Shalom in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He currently serves as adjunct faculty at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. He was ordained by HUC-JIR in Cincinnati in 1972. Rabbi Carole B. Balin, PhD, is a professor of history at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. She is the 753 From The Sacred Calling: Four Decades of Women in the Rabbinate. Copyright © 2016 by the Central Conference of American Rabbis. Used by permission of Central Conference of American Rabbis. All rights reserved. Not to be distributed, sold or copied without express written permission. 754 • T HE S ACRED C ALLING narrator for the PBS special The Jewish People: A Story of Survival and a blogger for the Huffington Post, and she writes on topics ranging from the Maxwell House Haggadah to the history of bat mitzvah. Her most recent book, co-edited with Wendy Zierler, “To Tread on New Ground”: From the Hebrew Writings of Hava Shapiro, contains the life story and writing of the first woman to keep a diary in Hebrew, to compose a feminist manifesto in Hebrew, and to contribute prolifically to the Hebrew press.
    [Show full text]
  • 22992/RA Indexes
    INDEX of the PROCEEDINGS of THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY ❦ INDEX of the PROCEEDINGS of THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY ❦ Volumes 1–62 1927–2000 Annette Muffs Botnick Copyright © 2006 by The Rabbinical Assembly ISBN 0-916219-35-6 All rights reserved. No part of the text may be reproduced in any form, nor may any page be photographed and reproduced, without written permission of the publisher. Manufactured in the United States of America Designed by G&H SOHO, Inc. CONTENTS Preface . vii Subject Index . 1 Author Index . 193 Book Reviews . 303 v PREFACE The goal of this cumulative index is two-fold. It is to serve as an historical reference to the conventions of the Rabbinical Assembly and to the statements, thoughts, and dreams of the leaders of the Conser- vative movement. It is also to provide newer members of the Rabbinical Assembly, and all readers, with insights into questions, problems, and situations today that are often reminiscent of or have a basis in the past. The entries are arranged chronologically within each author’s listing. The authors are arranged alphabetically. I’ve tried to incorporate as many individuals who spoke on a subject as possible, as well as included prefaces, content notes, and appendices. Indices generally do not contain page references to these entries, and I readily admit that it isn’t the professional form. However, because these indices are cumulative, I felt that they were, in a sense, an historical set of records of the growth of the Conservative movement through the twentieth century, and that pro- fessional indexers will forgive these lapses.
    [Show full text]
  • Rabbi Wolfe Kelman
    Rabbi Wolfe Kelman Rabbi Wolfe Kelman (November 27, 1923 – June 26, 1990) was an Austrian-born American Rabbi and leader in the Conservative Judaism in the United States who never led a congregation, serving for decades as a mentor to hundreds of rabbis in his role as the executive vice president of the Rabbinical Assembly, where he also prepared the initial steps for the rabbinic ordination of women in the Conservative movement.[1] Early life and education Kelman was born in 1923 in Vienna to Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kelman, the scion of a line of Hasidic rabbis originally from Poland. He moved with his family to Toronto, Ontario, Canada as a child. His mother took on the responsibilities of leading the Jewish community after the death of his father when Kelman was a 13-year old. His mother's assumption of the leadership role was one of the factors that led Kelman to "believe women could function as rabbis". He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II [1] Leadership in Conservative Judaism Upon the completion of his military service, Kelman attended the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, where he received his rabbinic ordination. Eschewing a congregation and a pulpit, and at the prompting of Dr. Louis Finkelstein and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, he accepted a post at the Rabbinical Assembly in 1951. There he helped professionalize the Conservative rabbinate, adding educational retreats and ensuring that rabbis received compensation and benefits commensurate with their role. In the nearly four decades before his retirement in 1989, the number of Conservative rabbis quadrupled from 300 to 1,200 during a period when the Conservative movement grew together with the rise of suburban Jewish communities.[1] Kelman joined his mentor Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel during the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 with Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Klau Library the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Library Pavilion
    Celebration of the klau library and the jewish foundation of cincinnati library pavilion November 1, 2009 14 Heshvan 5770 Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Cincinnati, Ohio donors The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation Dr. Bernard Heller Foundation Trustees: Ruth O. Freedlander, Carole L. Weidman, and Beatrice Weidman Gift in Honor of Rabbi David M. Posner Rosalyn Rosenthal Family Elaine and Robert Blatt v Neil Bortz v Sue and William P. Butler Lucille “Twink” and Dr. Charles Carothers v Dr. Stanley Kaplan Sue and James Klau v Ted* and Gladys “Jeff ” Lazarow Gloria and Alvin Lipson v Macy’s, Inc. Beth Isaac Synagogue v Duke Foundation, Inc. v Shelly and Michael Gerson Anne and George Heldman v Karen and David Hoguet Lynne and Robert Kanter v Mimi and H. Jerome Lerner Paula Klau Oppenheim and William J. Oppenheim Joan and Philip Pines v Elaine and Marvin Rosenberg Jody and Jeffrey Scheiman v Theodore Schwartz Jane and Rabbi Barton Shallat v Suzanne and Jerome Teller v U.S. Bank Susan and William Friedlander v Barbara and Stephen Friedman Robin E. Harvey v Mona and Dr. Richard Kerstine v The Kroger Company Brenda and Burton Lehman v James A. Miller Lawrence A. Sherman v Corky, Ellen and Rick Steiner v Norma and Donald Stone Margaret and Howard Ballagh Fund v Winnie Barrows* Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation v Marcy and Coleman Goldsmith Rachel and Edward J. Goldstein v Wendy and James G. Heldman The Children of H. Jerome Lerner v Levin Family Foundation Judy and Neil “Nick” Ringel v Del Ann and Robert Sathe *of blessed memory We are grateful to Macy’s, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • [Jerusalem, Israel]. 1995
    MS-763: Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman Collection, 1930-2004. Series I: Wexner Heritage Foundation, 1947-2004. Subseries 1: General Files, 1949-2004. Box Folder 66 7 Summer Institute [Jerusalem, Israel]. 1995. For more information on this collection, please see the finding aid on the American Jewish Archives website. 3101 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 513.487.3000 AmericanJewishArchives.org l~~~~~~~~I The Wexner Heritage Foundation Summer Institute ISRAEL: VISIONS & DIVISIONS J U L Y 9 ....... 18 1·9·9 · 5 JERUSALEM ISRAEL VISIONS & DIVISIONS: THE STRUGGLE FOR JEWISH IDENTl'TY IN THE STATE OF ISRAEL PROGRAM SUNDAY, JULY 9 Depart USA MONDAY, JULY 10 5:00pm Arrive Ben Gurlon Airport 7:00pm HwPnlMI•• Palma ~ Rabbi lbmle Ariail md Merrt Lorinpr Arlan l :OOpm Laromme Hotel l :JOpm Courtyard TUESDAY, JULY 11 7:00 • 7:45 am Blalro 1:00 • 1:30 am Introduction: Zion Ballroom Arcbltectun of Illa lmtttuD Rabbi Nlllban Laufer PNaulll, WUllU Hnitllp P°""""tJM 1:45 am sharp a .... depart for ICC Jermalem Laromme Lobby l'*nwliwl Cotif•n"" C•'*' 9:30 • 11 :00 am Workshops ICC Claurooms THE CENTRALITY OF 11IE LAND IN THE BIBLICAL COVENANT ML Ruth Calderon Ben-sbabar Room 105 EhdlulihlU/tw J.wW. SllMlia Dr. llalah Gafnl Room 106 H•W.• Ulfl••nllJ Rabbi Donnlel Hartman Room 113 ~ H,,,,_,. l,..lillla ML Mellla Hellner Eabed / Room 108 H•l>n• UlliYU'SilJ Dr, Bryna Levy Room 114 M..,., TU WCMN11'1 l111llbla /tw T°""' Sbltll.1 Dr. Shalom Paul Room 110 H•""" UtdNnilJ Rabbi Jonathan Porath Room 111 JoW Diltribllliolt c,,...,;,u.
    [Show full text]
  • APRIL 7, 1994 35{PER COPY Israel Begins Withdrawal from Gaza Strip Efforts to Resume Talks Continue
    11111111111111111CAR-RT-SORT110 2239 11/30/94 0 14 ~ R. I. JEWISH HISTOHICAL ASSOC IA 130 SESSIONS ST. " PROVIDENCE, RI 02906 Rhode Island Jewish THIS WEEK Special Occasions HERALD PAGES 10 & 11 The Only English-Jewish Weekly in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts VOLUME LXIV, NUMBER 20 NISAN 26, 5754 /THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1994 35{PER COPY Israel Begins Withdrawal from Gaza Strip Efforts to Resume Talks Continue by David Landau and ciplessigned in Washington last Dvorah Getzler September, the withdrawal was JERUSALEM (JT A) - Israel scheduled to begin Dec. 13 and has begun the process of with­ conclude April 13. But the with­ drawing from the Gaza Strip, drawal has not formally begun even while Israeli and Palestin­ because negotiations on the de- ian officials con- tailsof implemen­ tinue in their ef­ tation were not forts to restart the Foreign Minister completed. formal talks aimed Completion of at implementing Shimon Peres said the withdrawal, Palestinian self­ in Jerusalem that according to the rule. he remained military, will re­ In recent weeks, quire three to five at least two bases optimistic that an .weeks after Israel Local Youth Recognize Yom Hashaoh belonging to the agreement would and the Palestine The horrors of the 1940s, as imagined this year by local students (not just from Hebrew schools) Israeli army and soon be reached on Liberation Orga­ in grades seven through 10, draw a steady stream of silent witnesses at the exhibit "What About border police have nization sign an Today?" currently at the JCCRI. Story on page 4. Herald Photo by Alison Smith been evacuated Hebron.
    [Show full text]
  • FEBRUARY 1, 1996 35( PER COPY JCCRI Forced to Make Cutbacks by Neil Nachbar That Job Will Be Done In-House
    •••••••**'**•••••••5-DIGIT 02906 2239 11/30/96 ** 24 R. I. JEWISH HISTORICAL ASSDCIA 130 SESSIONS ST. PROVIDENCE RI 02906 Rhode Island J8w1sn Tu B'Shevat HERALD PAGES 10 & 11 The Only English-Jewish Weekly in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts VOLUME LXVI, NUMBER 11 SHEVAT 11, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1996 35( PER COPY JCCRI Forced to Make Cutbacks by Neil Nachbar that job will be done in-house. Another change at the center Herald Associate Editor Weisman said the number of is that the Rhode Island Holo­ Due to a decrease in funding JCCRI members has held steady caust Museum w!ll no longer from the United Way and in­ and the cost of a membership be connected to the JCCRI. It creased expenses, the Jewish will not go up. "We can't keep will be its own agency, with its Community Center of Rhode raising prices," she stated. own board of directors and its Island, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Weisman admitted that the own phone number (453-7860). Providence, has had to make opening of a Gold's Gym nearby The museum will still use some some cutbacks. hasn't helped membership, but of the center's services, how­ "Cuts from the United Way added that the JCCRI offers ever, such as custodial. have decimated places like us," much more !hart a gym. There have been a few staff said Executive Director Vivian changes at the JCCRI as well. Weisman. "Like a good family, Karen Hollands was hired a we have to live within a budget." ''Like a good family, couple of weeks ago as a full­ According t0 Weisman, some we have to live time sports specialist and soon staff members have been lost there will be a new director of due toattritionand those people within a budget." health and physical education.
    [Show full text]
  • Jewish Counterculture Oral History Project BARRY HOLTZ Interviewed by Jayne K. Guberman December 21, 2016 a Project of the Jewis
    Jewish Counterculture Oral History Project BARRY HOLTZ Interviewed by Jayne K. Guberman December 21, 2016 A Project of the Jewish Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania Barry Holtz, 12/21/16 Jayne Guberman (JG): My name is Jayne Guberman and today is Wednesday, December 21, 2016. I'm here with Barry Holtz at his home in New York City and we're going to record an interview for the Jewish Counterculture Oral History Project. Barry, do I have your permission to record this interview? Barry Holtz (BH): Yes, you do. Jayne Guberman: As you know, today we're going to explore your experiences during the late sixties and early seventies and particularly your involvement in Havurat Shalom and the impact that the havurah has had on your own life, and beyond into the larger Jewish world. I'd like to start by talking about your personal and family background a little bit, and to flesh out who you were at the time you first got involved with this experimental Jewish community being started in Boston. So let's begin with your family growing up. You were born in 1947 in Boston. BH: That's right. JG: Can you tell me a little bit about your family when you were growing up with your mother and father, grandparents? BH: Sure. So most of my early years, I grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts. My family background, just from the Jewish side in particular — my mother, who was a very big influence on me, grew up in an, I would say, typically Orthodox family of the immigrant generation.
    [Show full text]
  • Feminism and Jewish Tradition
    Thinking about Women Feminism and Jewish Tradition { A Symposium { n May 2010, many readers were intrigued to discover in the INew York Times that Elena Kagan, newly nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama, was the first-ever Bat Mitzvah, in 1973, at Manhattan’s Lincoln Square Synagogue. 4 | Summer 2010 Thinking about Women /// A Symposium She had asked to read from the Torah on Shabbat morning, but that request could not be met, not yet, at that Modern Orthodox congregation. Instead, the ceremony was held on a Friday night, and young Elena, future dean of Harvard Law School, read from the Book of Ruth, which, according to the Times, “she also analyzed in a speech.” Today, the ritual of Bat Mitzvah is often observed in Modern Orthodox synagogues, in Israel and abroad, in a variety of ways. At the same time, congregations defining themselves as Orthodox retain the mechitzah, the partition between men and women that has long since been eliminated in Conservative, Reform and other liberal synagogues. Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox, who maintain the strictest halachic standards in their insular enclaves, continue to control marriage and divorce for all Jews in the modern state of Israel. Indeed the Western Wall, a spiritual magnet for Jews worldwide, has been converted by the Israeli rabbinate into an Orthodox synagogue. The tensions between Judaism and modernity find perhaps their fullest expression in the arena of women’s rights and roles. Should women study Talmud? Most Jews today, including many Orthodox Jews, will tell you yes. Are women capable of reaching the highest levels of mastery in the sophisticated and technical field of Jewish law? Of course they can, in the consensus, just as they thrive at Harvard Law and Haifa’s Technion.
    [Show full text]