Adroit Maneuvers by Michael Bertish.
This timely and thought-provoking drama portrays a very different view of the personal impacts of war in a touching study of intergenerational trauma and the painful dysfunctions that continue to haunt an entire family. The play is full of music, and discussions of art, philosophy, culture, science and politics on a world stage. As details of the story lay out the facts of the past, the audience can’t help but be reminded of the political climate of the present.
Not suitable for children.
ABOUT THE PLAY
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
This well-known anonymous statement from the 1930s (often erroneously attributed to American novelist Sinclair Lewis) is a prophetic warning about the rise of authoritarian regimes. With the recent tragic events of Charlottesville and other flashpoints of intolerance in the news, assaults on members of the LGBTQ community and racial, religious and ethnic minorities, attacks on a free press, and the rise of voices advocating extreme nationalism throughout the civilized world, many say that our current time is reminiscent of the advent of World War II. However, the real test of our time is to avoid the trap of reactionary fear and to commit to healing change. Adroit Maneuvers offers a compassionate, hopeful perspective on bridging these divides that threaten to fracture our humanity.
The play is set in New York City in 1996 at the Dinger family home. The story revolves around an elderly grandmother, Tilde, and her adult grandson, Micky, who comes back to the city for a final visit. Micky is determined to get Tilde to open up about her experiences during the Anschluss in Vienna. Until this point in her life, Tilde has never spoken about living through the Nazi invasion and World War II. As Tilde tells her story, her memories come to life and the characters from her past enter to relive vignettes from the golden era of Vienna’s famous café society. Micky discovers Tilde’s acts of selfless courage and her friendships with world-class figures of the day: Sigmund and Martha Freud, Albert Einstein, and members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Tilde’s story is interwoven with true historical events, and hearing her story gives Micky the courage to be open for the first time about his own deep-rooted secrets.
This timely and thought-provoking drama portrays a very different view of the personal impacts of war in a touching study of intergenerational trauma and the painful dysfunctions that continue to haunt an entire family. The play is full of music, and discussions of art, philosophy, culture, science and politics on a world stage. As details of the story lay out the facts of the past, the audience can’t help but be reminded of the political climate of the present.
In October 2017, actor/director Tom Hanks said, “If you’re concerned about what’s going on today, read history and figure out what to do because it’s all right there.” Adroit Maneuvers delves into the history of intolerance and brings us to the realization that we have the power to rise above it all through devoted relationships, humility, compassion and forgiveness.
Opening Night – Peace & Justice Exhibit
Artists Sara Harwin, Kanaan Kanaan and Inga Dubay explore the tradition of sacred letters in Hebrew, Arabic & English calligraphy in many forms of art expression. They each have a creative voice dedicated to peace & justice. “Inga Dubay, Kanaan Kanaan and I come from three different lettering traditions, yet when we each speak about our journeys, we seek to touch upon a sacred, spiritual path,” says Harwin.
Please join us for an opening panel discussion with light snacks, followed by a viewing of the exhibit.
Free and open to the community.
Art Gallery Exhibit: The Passover Series
Shlomo Katz, Polish/Israeli, 1937 – 1992
Born in Lodz, Poland, Shlomo Katz immigrated to Palestine when he was eight years old in 1945. Katz developed an original technique of oil painting on a gilded metal surface. The result recalls medieval icons on the one hand, and oriental miniatures on the other. These ancient resources combine to form a totally modern image with a light humorous touch and a noble character. It took a lot of experimentation to translate these images to the graphic art form. The metallic inks of the golden tones and the importance of absolute registration presented just a part of the challenge, but the Katz serigraphs became the ultimate in modern printmaking.
Exhibit on display April 19 – 28, MJCC Lobby
First place Israel photo by Niomi Markel
Israel from the Eyes of the Community – A PDX Community Art Display:
Members from the Greater Portland area submitted photos that were taken by them while in Israel. A committee selected the photos on display. During the week leading up to our annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebration (May 8), visitors were ask to vote for your favorite photo! That evening, we will announce the winners.
This year’s winning photo was taken by Nimoi Markel.
Submissions to lsteinberg@oregonjcc.org by April 12.
Exhibit on display April 29 – May 31
Sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Portland and PJ Library
CNS and the Suher family announce the fourth annual Scholar in Residence program in memory of Yoni Suher (z”l), featuring Rabbi Elana Zaiman, author of Forever Letters. More at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence.
Wed, Nov 6, 6pm Dinner, 7-8:30pm Talk – Navigating the Teen Years: Opening the Door to Conversation and Connection
Fri, Nov 8, 7:15-9:00pmpm dinner and talk – Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest
Sat, Nov 9, 12:15-2:00pm lunch and study – What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate
Sun, Nov 10, 9am-12pm brunch and talk – The Forever Letter Writing Experience
Complimentary meals are provided at each talk with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships. Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.” –Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
**This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.**
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Wed, Nov 6, 6pm Dinner, 7-8:30pm Talk
Navigating the Teen Years: Opening the Door to Conversation and Connection
Teens, parents, and grandparents, using texts and stories, will explore how to create greater connection during these years and beyond.
Complimentary meal provided with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence
or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.
Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”
–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Fri, Nov 8, 7:15-9:00pm dinner and talk
Connecting In These Times of Political and Social Unrest
What we are feeling is real and we are not alone.
Through stories and teachings, Rabbi Zaiman helps us to better connect with ourselves and with the ones we love.
Complimentary meal provided with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence
or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.
Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”
–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Sat, Nov 9, 12:15-2:00pm lunch and study
What Makes a Forever Letter Resonate
Sharing values, wisdom, and experiences from medieval times to today, Rabbi Zaiman will look at excerpts of letters as templates for creating Forever Letters of our own.
Complimentary lunch provided with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence
or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.
Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”
–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Sun, Nov 10, 9am-12pm brunch and talk
The Forever Letter Writing Experience
Connect with ourselves and those we love, as we learn to share our stories and write as we would like to be heard. You don’t have to be a writer. You don’t have to love to write or know who you are writing to. Show up and be yourselves. Bring your favorite pad, pen, or notebook, and we will provide brunch.
Complimentary brunch provided with RSVP.
RSVP at: nevehshalom.org/scholar-in-residence
or contact: receptionist@nevehshalom.org, 503.246.8831. Seating is limited.
About Rabbi Elana Zaiman
Rabbi Elana Zaiman, the author of The Forever Letter is the first woman Rabbi from a family spanning six generations of Rabbis. She’s also a chaplain and travels throughout the US and Canada as a Scholar-in-Residence, speaker and workshop facilitator.
Through empowering stories, sample letters and writing tips, Rabbi Zaiman serves as our guide on a journey into Forever Letters, what they are, why write them, and how they can deepen, heal and uplift our relationships.
Elana lives with her husband and son in Seattle.
“More than any time in our recent history, it’s critically important for families to come together and share their love and support of one another. Elana Zaiman’s The Forever Letter offers tools, guidelines, and examples for grandparents and parents to share their love, respect, and values with the next generation.”
–Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul
This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom.
** This event, including all meals, is underwritten by the Stan and Ethel Katz Briller Jewish Education Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation and the Yoni Suher Fund of Congregation Neveh Shalom. **
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
JAM Art Show + Sale
Enjoy a rotating exhibit in the MJCC lobby all month. Members of ORA: Northwest Jewish Artists will answer questions, accept commissions, and sell their art. A portion of the proceeds benefits the MJCC.