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AUGUST 2024 PROGRAMS
CSP
The Walnut Street Synagogue is pleased to be a partner congregation of the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program. Please join us at an upcoming program!
Essential Kabbalah – The Heart of Jewish Mysticism
Part 1 – Thursday, August 15, 3:30 pm EDT
Part 2 – Thursday, August 22, 3:30 pm EDT
Part 3 – Thursday, August 29, 3:30 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Join us as we explore teachings from Kabbalah on several themes: The Purpose of Life, the Nature of God, the Feminine Dimension of God (Shekhinah), Mystical Experience, the Essence of Torah, Finding God in the Material World. Recommended Text: The Essential Kabbalah, by Daniel Matt.
Daniel C. Matt is a teacher of Jewish spirituality and a leading authority on Kabbalah and the Zohar, featured in Time, Newsweek, National Public Radio, and the History Channel. He has authored over a dozen books, including Becoming Elijah: Prophet of Transformation, The Essential Kabbalah, Zohar: Annotated and Explained and God and the Big Bang: Discovering Harmony between Science and Spirituality. Prof. Matt completed an 18-year project translating the Zohar, earning him a National Jewish Book Award and a Koret Jewish Book Award; he currently teaches Zohar online.
Part 1 – Program video
Part 2 – Program video
Part 3 – Program video
Humor in the Holy Land: A Conversation with Daniel Lappin
Sunday, August 25, 1:00 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Join us for an engaging and entertaining online conversation with Daniel Lappin, a celebrated Israeli comedy writer whose work has captivated audiences on television, stage, and in books. As the head writer and producer of Zehu Ze!, Israel’s longest-running TV show (akin to Saturday Night Live here in the States, the show stars such famous Israeli actor/comedians as Gidi Gov, Moni Moshonov, Dovale Glickman, and Avi Kushner), Daniel has brought laughter and sharp social commentary to millions. His impressive portfolio includes the creation and production of Ha-Chaim Ze Lo Ha-Kol (Life Isn’t Everything), Israel’s longest-running sitcom, and You Can’t Choose Your Family, the adaptation of Everybody Loves Raymond for Israeli audiences, in collaboration with Emmy Award-winning creator Phil Rosenthal. A successful playwright and musician, Daniel’s bilingual prowess allows him to craft humor that resonates deeply in both Hebrew and English. Born in North America and raised in Israel, he uses his unique perspective and humor to highlight the quirks and challenges of Israeli society. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Daniel as he shares his experiences, insights, and the powerful role of comedy in addressing societal issues.
Program video
Kazimierz Unveiled -A Virtual Journey Through Krakow’s Historic Jewish District
Tuesday, August 20, 1:00 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Join us for a special CSP Live from the Streets virtual tour of Kazimierz, a unique part of Krakow with a rich Jewish history. Experience the extraordinary atmosphere that lingers from the past as we explore this historic district, which still looks much like it did decades ago. Our guide, Olga, will take us to significant sites, including Helena Rubinstein’s birthplace, the Jewish Community Center of Krakow, the Remuh Cemetery that survived WWII, and the Old Synagogue, the oldest in Krakow and a crucial religious center in the pre-war Jewish District. Discover why Steven Spielberg chose Kazimierz for Schindler’s List and let the stunning architecture and five-hundred-year-old traditions captivate you. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the cultural heart of Krakow.
Poetry in the Wake of October 7th 2023 – In Conversation with our Sacred Sources
Tuesday, August 13, 3:30 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
As we find ourselves often at a loss for words (אין מילים – ein milim) in a post October 7th Israel, with daily losses, the plight of hostages and their families, over 100,000 displaced Israelis and the devastation in Gaza, some poets are rising to the challenge, expressing pain, anger, despair, and abandonment. Israeli poetry has always engaged with sacred texts such as Torah, Midrash, and prayer, and contemporary poets continue this tradition, challenging God, rewriting the Akedah, creating new prayers, and offering fresh perspectives on Shabbat and the Holidays. Dr. Rachel Korazim will guide us through some of these powerful new works, providing insight into the diverse voices within Israeli society and their profound reflections on recent events.
Rachel Korazim is a Jewish education consultant specializing in curriculum development for Israel and Holocaust education. Over the past four years, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Dr. Kotazim created an online global community of hundreds of people who meet to study Israeli poetry. Through her teaching, she has opened a window into Israeli society through literature, stories, poems, and songs. Since October 7th, 2023, Rachel has been collecting and sharing poems by Israelis who are grappling with the recent tragedy, offering a profound insight into the nation’s collective grief, resilience, and hope.
Program video
Jewish Heritage Across the Balkans: A Journey Through History and Culture
Part 4 – Bulgaria – Sunday, August 11, 1:00 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Immerse yourself in the captivating history and rich culture of Balkan Jewry with our exclusive series, “Jewish Heritage Across the Balkans: A Journey Through History and Culture.” Starting on May 12th, join us for a virtual exploration through Croatia, Trieste, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Discover the enduring legacy of Jewish communities, from ancient synagogues to modern-day resilience. Witness the unique blend of Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions, and learn about their significant contributions throughout history.
Part 4 – Bulgaria – We conclude our Balkan journey in Bulgaria, where the majestic Sofia Synagogue and the historic town of Samokov await. Experience the architectural splendor and deep history of the Jewish community from its earliest days to the 21st century.
Evgenia Kempinski, our guide, is a Russian Jew born and raised in St. Petersburg. Her family was originally from the Pale of Settlement – Poland, Ukraine and Belorussia – and endured the suppression of Judaism in the Soviet Union then the rebirth of Jewish culture and religious life in today’s St. Petersburg. She has been an official St. Petersburg tour guide for over 15 years and is the founder and owner of St. Petersburg Jewish Tours – a company offering Jewish travelers a unique experience of showcasing the best of Russia from a Jewish point of view. She currently lives in Haifa, Israel, still keeping close connections with St. Petersburg and its Jewish community.
The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer
Thursday, August 8, 3:30 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Please join us for a delightful one-hour online session with Annie Korzen as she discusses her new book, The Book of Annie: Humor, Heart and Chutzpah from an Accidental Influencer. Annie will be interviewed by Deborah Vankin of the Los Angeles Times, and then she will answer questions from the audience. Known for her colorful and unapologetic humor, Annie brings her decades-long career in TV, film, and theater— including the recurring Doris Klompus on Seinfeld— to the forefront. In this session, Annie will share her witty and candid takes on a variety of topics, from the miracle of childbirth to the nuances of religion and motherhood, leaving you laughing out loud. Beyond the humor, Annie’s poignant observations on kindness, self-acceptance, and our shared human experience offer inspiration and insight. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the grandmother you wish you had and to explore the wisdom and laughter that have garnered her over 400,000 followers on TikTok.
Annie Korzen has written humorous essays for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and other publications. She has performed solo shows on three continents and toured the US with The Moth Mainstage. Annie has been a guest on Oprah, Access Daily, Inside Edition, the CBS Evening News and Dr. Phil.
Deborah Vankin is an arts and culture writer for the Los Angeles Times. In what’s never a desk job, she has live-blogged her journey across Los Angeles with the L.A. County Museum of Art’s “big rock,” scaled downtown mural scaffolding with street artist Shepard Fairey, navigated the 101 freeway tracking the 1984 Olympic mural restorations and rode Doug Aitken’s art train through the Barstow desert. Her award-winning interviews and profiles unearth the trends, issues and personalities in L.A.’s arts scene. Her work as a writer and editor has also appeared in Variety, LA Weekly and The New York Times, among other places. Originally from Philadelphia, she’s the author of the graphic novel Poseurs.
Program video
Off The Beaten Track In Israel
Tuesday, August 6, 1:00 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Join us for an exciting journey with super guide Gila Levitan as she takes you off the beaten track to discover hidden gems of Israel. Think you know Israel? Think again! Gila will present intriguing locations, inviting you to guess their whereabouts before diving into the rich history and directions on how to explore these sites yourself. This isn’t just trivia—it’s an invitation to explore Israel like never before. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Gila moved to Israel 17 years ago, transitioning from a career in physiotherapy to becoming a top-rated tour guide, celebrated on TripAdvisor. With her passion for detail and love for teaching, Gila will enrich your knowledge and inspire your next adventure. Don’t miss this chance to uncover the lesser-known treasures of Israel with one of the country’s most acclaimed guides.
Program video
Michael Solomonov: A Culinary Journey
Thursday, August 1, 1:00 pm EDT
(online in partnership with the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program)
Join us for a captivating one-hour online conversation with Michael Solomonov, the celebrated chef renowned for his dedication to showcasing Israel’s diverse culinary traditions. As the co-owner of CookNSolo Restaurants with Steve Cook, Solomonov has revolutionized the dining experience in the U.S. with Philadelphia’s iconic Zahav, which has earned the prestigious Four Bells: Superior rating from the Philadelphia Inquirer twice. Solomonov’s culinary excellence has been recognized with five James Beard Awards, including “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurant.” Beyond Zahav, his culinary empire includes beloved establishments like Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Abe Fisher, and the newly opened Lilah. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the mastermind behind these acclaimed restaurants and cookbooks as he shares his journey and insights into the vibrant world of Israeli cuisine.
Program video
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Boston Unites Against Terror – Hostage Tunnel Immersive Exhibit
Sunday, August 18 through Tuesday, August 20
(exhibit at Boston City Hall Plaza)
Visit the exhibit which features an audio visual simulation of hostages’ experiences in Hamas tunnels in Gaza.
Learn more (exhibit flyer) – Boston Unites Against Terror
Update from Israel
Thursday, August 8, 7:30 pm EDT
(online program presented by the Lappin Foundation)
Join the Lappin Foundation for an update from Israel. Ido Aharoni Aronoff will present an up-to-date report of developments related to recent Hezbollah terror attacks in Northern Israel and the Israel-Hamas War. Aharoni is an Israeli diplomat, writer, lecturer and consultant. He was Israel’s Consul General to New York, serving from 2010 through 2016 and he has been a member of the Tel Aviv University Board of Governors.
Israel Security Briefing
Monday, August 5, 8:30 am EDT
(online program presented by Combined Jewish Philanthropies)
Join CJP for a briefing on the escalating situation in Israel following the murder of twelve Druze children by a rocket launched by Hezbollah in the Golan Heights community of Majdal Shams. We will hear on-the-ground updates and an in-depth, critical analysis of the increased potential for region-wide conflict, as well as what’s next for Israel from one of Israel’s foremost security experts.
YAD CHESSED
Yad Chessed helps Jewish individuals and families who struggle with financial hardship pay their bills and buy food. As a social services agency rooted in the Jewish values of kindness (chessed) and charity (tzedakah), they are committed to helping those in need navigate a path toward financial stability while preserving their privacy and dignity. They provide emergency financial assistance, grocery gift cards and compassionate advice for those trying to make ends meet. Hundreds of families and individuals throughout the state rely on Yad Chessed to provide for their essentials, and even at times, a Jewish burial for a loved one. Members of our community, as well as others in the Jewish community, who need assistance may contact Yad Chessed by phone at 781-487-2693 or by Email at intake@yadchessed.org for a confidential conversation. Questions can be directed to info@yadchessed.org.
Support Yad Chessed