Playpen

In June 1954, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Lewis Strauss revoked the security clearance of Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer who had been the scientific leader of the Manhattan Project that developed the first atomic bombs. Physicist/Rabbi Jack Shlachter will explore how their respective Jewish identities may have contributed to the revocation.

Learn about the kabbalistic understanding of sin, the concept of evil inclination and the path of rebalancing and re-birth through repentance.

Acclaimed Klezmer historian Henry Sapoznik will explore the forgotten history of Black cantors such as – Mendele der Shvartzer Khazn, Thomas LaRue Jones and Goldye Steiner, the first – and only — Black woman cantor.

Reuven Schlenker, a distinguished Sofer or Scribe, will show how artistry in Hebrew calligraphy is used to write sacred Jewish texts. He will tell us the responsibilities of the Sofer, give a quick history of scribal arts and explain the associated rabbinical laws.

Erica Asch is the Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Augusta, ME, is the President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and is a Senior Program Associate of the Center for Small Town Jewish Life at Colby College. She will share stories of how the Center works with remote communities around the United States to empower their leaders to create vibrant, diverse, and socially equitable communities.

A 3-session class about the lives and music of celebrated Jewish songwriters George & Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, and more. The ever-popular instructor and musician Seth Kibel will include recordings and live performances. Recordings of each session will be available if you miss a session.