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JUNE 2023 PROGRAMS

THE TASTE OF JEWISH CULTURE

The Walnut Street Synagogue is pleased to present The Taste of Jewish Culture series.  Join us in June for our fifth program, A Virtual Taste of Machane Yehuda Market, on Wednesday, June 14 at 7:00 pm EDT.  Please visit our event webpage for more details and to register.
The Taste of Jewish Culture details

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!

Join us for an enlightening series delving into the complex identities and relationships among Arabs with Israeli citizenship, Palestinians, and non-Muslim Arab minorities in Israeli society. Discover the unique characteristics of these communities, their shifting identities since 1948, and their role in Israeli politics and culture. Through sessions exploring the distinctions between Palestinian and Israeli identities, the intricacies of non-Muslim Arab minorities, and the evolving role of Arab Jews in Israel, this series offers an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted dynamics shaping Jewish-Muslim-Arab-Israeli-Palestinian relations today.
Part 1 – Arabs With Israeli Citizenship – Policy and Identity – Often overlooked by both Jews and non-Jews outside of Israel, 20% of Israeli citizens belong to diverse ethnic minorities, with Muslim Arabs constituting the largest group. Commonly referred to as “Israeli Arab,” “Arab Israeli,” or “the Arab Sector,” these communities are frequently misunderstood and conflated with Palestinians by non-Israelis. In this enlightening program, we will delve into the key characteristics of these communities and examine the evolution of their identities from 1948 to the present day, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse fabric of Israeli society.
Part 2 – Between Palestinian and Israeli Identity –  Explore the distinctions between Arabs with Israeli citizenship and Palestinians, as well as the intricate relationships between these two communities, in this insightful session. By delving into the unique case of East Jerusalem, we’ll unravel the complexities of Palestinian identity and examine the factors that contribute to identity splits. Our discussion will encompass municipal politics, clashing ideologies, generational differences, and the concept of “Palestinians by choice.” We’ll address the pivotal question of how individuals navigate their realities, whether by choosing to integrate within Israeli society or maintaining a separate identity.
Part 3 – Non Muslim Arab Minorities Within Israeli Society –  In this engaging session, we’ll delve into the diverse identities of Christian, Druze, Bedouin, and Muslim communities, examining their unique characteristics, as well as their similarities and differences in the context of their Arab origins. We’ll explore the roles these communities play in Israeli politics and their influence on cultural identities, providing a comprehensive understanding of the rich tapestry of Israeli society.
Part 4 – The Dusky Mirror in Contemporary Israel – Reclaiming Origins –  Building on the insights gained throughout this month’s sessions, we’ll shift our focus to the fascinating phenomenon of Arab Jews in Israel. From the Black Panthers and Shas to Mizrachi and Arab Jews embracing their roots, we’ll examine pivotal moments and influential leaders who have shaped the present landscape. This session aims to deepen our understanding of the interconnected dynamics within Jewish-Muslim-Arab-Israeli-Palestinian relations, shedding light on the complex tapestry of identities that define the region.
Dr. David Mendelsohn supervises the entire academic program of Kivunim. His areas of expertise include Islamic Studies, History and Culture of Arabs with Israeli Citizenship, Bedouin Law and the relationship between language and culture in Arabic and Hebrew. His current research examines the influence of Hebrew on the dialects of Arabic spoken in Israel. Mendelsohn also lectures on the history and relationships between Middle East countries and militant organizations. David holds advanced degrees in diverse fields: a PhD Classics / Linguistics, an MA in Archaeology / Linguistics and an Honours BA in Classical Studies. David is the recipient of one of Canada’s highest academic honors, The Trudeau Prize, and is a world medalist in wrestling. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Ronny and three children.
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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.
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COMMUNITY PROJECTS

CJP Plan to Combat Antisemitism

Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) has developed a plan to combat rising antisemitism in Massachusetts.  They have also recently launched their Face Jewish Hate campaign.  Their campaign combines the real-life stories of antisemitic incidents happening in Greater Boston to draw attention to this issue and provides a resource center focused on educating, mobilizing and empowering our community.
Learn more