1913: Seeds of Conflict and Arab & Jew Return to the Promised Land are this month’s films in the 10th Annual Sephardic Winter Film Series presented by Congregation Ahavath Achim, in cooperation with the Sephardic Cultural Center of Oregon. The festival presents a compilation of film screenings with Sephardic content, to be shown on the first Tuesday of each month, beginning November 2016 through April 2017. Film screenings are FREE to the public, (a modest voluntary donation is suggested but not required). After each film is screened, a discussion period will follow with a prominent local personality to lead the discussion. A Sephardic dessert and tea will be provided during the discussion period.
December 6, 2016 (DOUBLE FEATURE)
1913: Seeds of Conflict. Explore an overlooked moment in pre-WWI Palestine when Jewish, Muslim and Christian communities intermingled with a cultural fluidity enjoyed freely by all, and few could contemplate the conflict that would engulf the region for the next century. The film examines divergent social forces growing in Palestine before the outbreak of World War I, that caused the simultaneous rise in Jewish and Arab nationalism. Diverse perspectives dramatize this production and leave the viewer with a fresh look at complicated circumstances.
English language, 60 minutes, Produced by Ben Loeterman and shown on PBS
(SECOND FEATURE)
Arab & Jew Return to the Promised Land. The grinding struggle that has caused such suffering by Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs is pictured in searing human terms. Written and narrated by Pulitzer-Prize winner David K Shipler, this program taps the powerful yearnings of two peoples. Combining new material with interviews, this program is a journey through the psychological landscape where Arabs and Jews meet with emotions, attitudes, and religion.
English language, 60 minutes, Produced by David Shipler, and shown on PBS
Discussion following the films
Remaining films:
January 3, 2017.
Among The Righteous. Lost stories from Arab Lands. Did Arabs save Jews during the Holocaust? Seeking a hopeful response to the plague of Holocaust denial in the Arab world, Robert Satloff, head of a respected Washington think tank, sets out in the wake of 9/11, on an eight-year journey to find an Arab hero whose story would change the way Arabs and Jews view their history. Along the way, Satloff found not only the Arab heroes for whom he sought, but a vast history of what actually happened to the half-million Jews of Arab lands in North Africa under Vichy, Fascist, and Nazi control.
English language, Produced by William Cran, 60 minutes, Shown on PBS, Speaker: Rabbi Kaplan
This feature film will be accompanied with a second short documentary, for your viewing pleasure.
February 7, 2017. The Long Way Home. This Academy Award-winning documentary examines the critical post-World War II period from 1945 – 1948, and the plight of the tens of thousands of refugees who survived the Nazi Holocaust but whom most of the world left to fend for themselves. Their clandestine attempts to get to the Jewish homeland led to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Narrated by Morgan Freeman and featuring the voices of Edward Asner, Sean Astin, Martin Landau, Miriam Margolyes, David Paymer and Nina Slemaszko. Two Thumbs Up from Siskel and Ebert.
English language, 120 minutes, Produced by Rabbi Marvin Hier, Discussion following the film
March 7, 2017. The Truce. A biographical documentary about Italian chemist turned author Primo Levi, who was interned at Auschwitz during WWII. Following his release, he returned to his native Turin. This movie depicts his hellish nine month journey from the camp back to his home. He goes through many different countries, and along the way he meets and is befriended by assorted fellow travelers. Through them, his appreciation of life and freedom slowly returns, but with it also comes a deep rage and an abiding guilt at having survived.
English language, 118 minutes, 1997, Director Francesco Rosi, Discussion speaker: Ivonne Saed
April 4, 2017. The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. Musical instruments take the place of guns and an Iranian symphony takes the place of a gun fight in this clever, emotional homage to The Magnificent Seven. In this drama, a dying man’s last wish sends his oldest friend, Tawila, on a grand adventure to find the best symphony players around for a final performance of “The Ballad of Weeping Spring.” But will a guilty secret undo all of Tawila’s hard work? Winner of 4 Israeli Academy Awards, plus 5 nominations including Best Film, and winner Best Music at Jerusalem Film Festival.
Hebrew with subtitles, 105 minutes, 2012, Film by Benny Toraty, Discussion speaker: Charles Levy
Films shown FIRST Tuesday of each month at 7PM. Admission & Sephardic dessert are FREE.
Sponsors: Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY),
Albert J. & Esther Menashe, Richard & Judi Matza, Charles & Jo Levy, Ron & Pam Sidis, Renee Ferrera,
Eve Stern & Les Gutfreund, Michael Menashe
For information call David 503-892-6634 or jewishfilmportland.org
Join us for a play date with Moms and Tots (0-3 yrs.)
Music – Movement – Stories – Crafts – and more!
While the babies play, moms can relax, sip a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a muffin, too!
5 Thursdays from 10:00am to 11:00am
November 10th and 17th
December 1st, 8th, and 15th
Classes will be at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life:
2858 NE Sandy Blvd
Open to all & Free of charge!
To RSVP or for for any questions contact Mushka at
Mushka@JewishNortheast.com
Learn the basics of Improv Theater! Students will learn short-form games that teach the skills of listening and responding, working together as a group to create a story on the spot, and building self-confidence. The class will be working towards a demo that showcases their favorite improv games, and shows off their new comedy chops!
Thursdays starting Oct. 13 – December, no class Nov. 24; 3:45 – 4:45pm
Cost: $95/student; CG 108
In partnership with PJA and the NW Children’s Theater and School
Friday 7:30-9 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat service
Saturday 9:30-10 am: Silent meditation
Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm: Shabbat morning service
Saturday 12:30-2 pm: Kiddush & potluck lunch
Saturday 2-5 pm: Workshop/practice session with Rabbi Jeff Roth
Rabbi Jeff Roth is the founder and Director of The Awakened Heart Project for Contemplative Judaism. He is the co-leader of the Jewish Mindfulness Teacher Training program. He has also facilitated over 190 Jewish meditation retreats.
“Many of our human existential struggles stem from the sense of disconnection, alienation and loneliness that comes from a fragmented view of reality. The typical concept of ‘self’ creates a sense of isolation from other beings, leaving us feeling lost and hopeless. But the practice of mindfulness, combined with the teachings of Torah, offer a direct path to liberate ourselves from alienation, awaken to the truth of the present moment and create a new relationship with God.” – Rabbi Jeff Roth
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of this month for our Shabbat gathering of toddlers and their caregivers.
Enjoy stories, songs and crafts that celebrate holidays and Jewish values. Stay afterwards for bagels and coffee with Rabbi – free play for the kids and schmoozing for the adults.
Best for kids up to age five, although older siblings are welcome too.
An uplifting hour of study on Shabbat! Delve into biblical and midrashic text, with a group of other women to find meaning from our traditions that relate to our lives. All levels of experience welcome. Taught by Mel Berwin. Free.
Young families, come hang out in your jammies (adults too) for a special PJ Havdalah with Rabbi Posen. Join friends for dinner, Havdalah, crafts, and a milk and cookie storytime. $5 per person. Sponsored by Shoreshim, Congregation Neveh Shalom, and PJ Library.
RSVP at: www.tinyurl.com/PJHavdalahDec2016
On Saturday, December 10 at 7 PM, the Havurah Synagogue and Temple Emek Shalom present a screening of “A Third Way,” a gripping story about the power of building intercultural and interfaith trust on a grassroots level between Israeli settlers and Palestinians. In a time of global conflict, extremism and “fundamentalisms” of many kinds, “A Third Way” tells a story of a microcosm, a small community of people normally thought of as enemies, who become friends. These improbable friendships may be the seeds, growing right now, of a better future for all in the Holy Land. Director Harvey Stein, will introduce the film and lead a discussion following the screening. Sliding scale tickets at the door, $5 – $10. The Havurah is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland. Call 541-488-7716 for more info.
Please join us for a very special evening of great music, fine wines, and delicious desserts for a beautiful end to your weekend. You will be treated to the musical gifts of Ilene Safyan, award winning singer and composer and talented, versatile pianist, Barry Lavine. They will perform some of your favorite music, including Jazz standards, contemporary favorites and some wonderful new surprises. This will be an evening to remember! $36.00. Tickets at: tinyurl.com/lightthenight2016.
Join for a chic playdate for moms & tots with music & movement, stories & crafts ages 0-3 years old.
Free of charge and open to all!
RSVPor for more information: www.PortlandJewishPreschool.com
or
Contact Mimi Wilhelm mimi@portlandjewishschool.com, 503.977.7850
A project of The Gan – Portland Jewish Preschool in conjunction with PJ Library Portland