Session Descriptions for Scotland Day Limmud 2010
At the Court of King Josiah - did a new discovery lead to the start of the Jewish religion or did nothing happen?" Clive Gilbert debates with Joel Gilbert.
Father and son, Clive and Joel, debate whether Judaism started during the reign of King Josiah of Judah or not. Joel has recently graduated from University of Sheffield with a BA Hons Degree in Biblical Studies and Philosophy and has investigated this period for his final dissertation. His Dad has an MA in Jewish Studies awarded by Leo Baeck College and is a veteran Limmud presenter, both regionally and nationally. He disagrees with Joel's findings - who will you decide to support?
“A deeply religious nonbeliever” (Mark Solomon)
That is how Albert Einstein described himself, and when a rabbi telegrammed him in 1929 to ask if he believed in God, he replied, “I believe in Spinoza’s God who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with the fates and actions of human beings.” We will read some other statements of Einstein about God and discuss religion, science and our beliefs today.
A Fairtrade fountain…of chocolate! (Katie Hill from Tzedek)
Join us over lunch to taste chocolate at its best! Tzedek is bringing a Fairtrade chocolate fountain to Limmud Scotland. We'll also provide you with information about the Jewish Community's Fairtrade campaign and how you can get involved. We guarantee you'll never want to eat un-Fairtrade again!
A Woman Loved, A Woman Scorned: The Story of Michal (Maureen Kendler)
The tragedy of King David's wife Michal, is not that she was never loved. She was loved, just not by her father or the husband she loved. She is the only woman in the Tanach whose love for a man is recorded, but it does her no good at all, as you shall see…
After Darwin: Survival of the Frummest? (Daniel Reisel)
In the beginning evolution seems to have created the world all by itself. Hang on. If that's true, what's left for God to do? Does God become extinct? Or does God work through evolution in mysterious ways? And what about us? Can an enlightened, non-fundamentalist Judaism survive? In a culture more influenced by Darwin than by Deuteronomy, can we - rational people of the information age - still have chicken soup?
Are diamonds a girl's best friend? Translating Esther Kreitman's novel Brilyantn (Heather Valencia)
In this talk I shall introduce Esther Kreitman's novel Brilyantn (Diamonds), set in Antwerp and London during and after the First World War. I shall focus on the picture she paints of Jewish society, her female characters, and the challenges of translating the novel. Ishall read extracts from the book. (Copies of Diamonds, published by David Paul Books, will be available to purchase).
Caledonian Jews (Nathan Abrams)
This session will explore the history of the Jews in Scotland who lived outside Edinburgh and Glasgow, focusing on the seven communities of Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee, Dunfermline, Falkirk, Greenock and Inverness. Each of these communities was of sufficient size and affluence to form a congregation with a functional synagogue and, while their histories have been previously neglected in favour of Jewish populations in larger cities, their stories are important in understanding Scottish Jewry and British history as a whole.
Coexistence of the oppressed: Arabs, Mizrahi Jews & Immigrants in Israel (Itamar Hamiel)
Most of the coexistence work in Israel is done by and for the more privileged parts of both the Jewish and the Arab societies. There is little cooperation between the marginalized groups as each tends to regard the other with suspicion. The presenter will discuss Mahapach-Taghir's unique grassroots work model that has created a Jewish-Arab partnership. The 'solidarity of the oppressed' enabled them to find common interests for a social change campaign.
Crimes of War - the Antanas Gecas Affair - Panel Discussion (Stephen Cowan, Chair; Bob Tomlinson; Peter Cowan)
The Antanas Gecas Affair started in 1940. In the ensuing war years Antanas Gecas was involved in the murder of 34,143 innocent men women and children. They were murdered because they were - for the most part - Jewish. This session is about how Gecas's presence in Scotland was discovered, how his case was investigated and how discoveries about his involvement in one of Hitler’s 'death squads' led to one of the most remarkable legal cases in UK history.
Excerpts from "Jewish Chronicles" (Daniel Cainer)
Master songwriter Daniel Cainer playing some excerpts from his one-man show. A big hit at Limmud Conference and at the Edinburgh Fringe, and a timely reflection on race, religion and identity. From the Yorkshire, Yiddish 'Tale of Two Tailors', to the soap-opera drama of the 'Surbiton Washerama', every song tells a moving, Jewish story. "Very funny, very moving" - Daily Mail. 'Witty and Sophisticated' - Manchester Evening News. 'Winning hearts wherever he goes, … his songs are really stories which keep audiences hooked ' - Jewish Chronicle
Family Fiction (Suri Krieger)
"Yankle is having an awful time. His household situation is impossible… chickens in the family room, a goat in the kitchen, endless noise, non stop complaining..” What is to be done? It is one thing to hear a story, quite another to be an actor in the story. Join us for this live action story song session at Limmud.
First Steps in Yiddish: a workshop for beginners (Heather Valencia)
Come and learn a little Yiddish! This is a fun session for beginners or near beginners - by the end of the hour you will be able to understand and speak - a bissele!
For Me, Writing is Wonderful (Ayalet Shahak)
My daughter was murdered by a suicide bomber in Tel Aviv on her 15th birthday!! It was Purim!! After her death, we found numerous diaries which she had written. In my session, I invite you to go with me on a special journey through her diaries in which we will taste and explore the writings and mysteries of an Israeli teenager in hope of sharing with you the enormous strength in keeping a diary. In my presentation, I will share with you authentic excerpts from her writings and you will gain insight into what it means to grow up in Israel, in the shadow of terrorism, war and non-peace.
Hebrew Calligraphy for beginners (Richard Elliot and Samantha Hamilton)
Come along to try for yourself the stylistic writing of the Torah. Learn about the basics of the techniques required to produce a Torah scroll, learn about the various forms of styles that Hebrew can be written in, experiment with your own style of Hebrew.
Hollywood & History: Behind the Scenes of DEFIANCE (Alisa Katz)
Retelling history through a Hollywood movie has always been a risky feat. DEFIANCE, the rarely told story of the Bielski Partisans was no exception. Come hear the film’s Associate Producer as she shares experiences from the set in Vilnius, Lithuania. Learn what it takes to get a film of this nature from script to screen, and participate in a unique educational session that is currently being used in schools to teach students about this tumultuous time in history.
How a Tiny People Could Save the World (Steven Greenberg and Katie Hill)
Everyone’s got their opinions about climate change, but what does Judaism say about our treatment of the planet? Rabbi Steve Greenberg, along with Katie Hill from Tzedek, will be discussing what the texts say,what actions are being taken in the UK Jewish community and what you can do to get involved.
How Many Ways Can You Sing Kaddish? (Mark Solomon)
In this session we will explore the richness of nusach ha-tefillah, the traditional liturgical chants fordifferent occasions in the Jewish week and year, as well as tunes for Shabbat zemirot, culminating in the great Kaddish challenge. Baalei Nusach are welcome to take their chants, but no prior knowledge is required. Participants can be sent sound files afterwards if requested.
Human Rights Stories from Israel (Ellen Goldberg)
If Reform, Liberal and Masorti weddings are recognised around the world, why not recognise them in Israel? When Arabs are threatened and harassed by racist Jewish neighbours in Israel or when they work in their fields in the West Bank, and the authorities don't seriously prosecute the perpetrators, why aren't they held accountable? Come hear actual stories about how New Israel Fund helps Israelis find solutions to problems like these.
Israel - For and Against (David Capitanchik)
Lecture and Discussion on the arguments for and against Israel. The need to accept a series of compromises in order to reach an agreement with the Palestinians on a two state solution to the conflict. At the same time, however, Israel needs to defend herself against terrorist organisations currently being sponsored by Iran. Criticism of Israeli actions against Hamas controlled Gaza is largely unjustified.
Israeli Dancing for Adults (Shosh Greenberg)
Participants will take part in a variety of different Israeli dances, taught by an experienced teacher. Theywill have the chance to appreciate another facet of this rich culture, as well as enjoying themselves in a relaxed setting. Dances will be set to Israeli music. No experience necessary!
Israeli Dancing for Children & Youth (Shosh Greenberg)
Participants will take part in a variety of different Israeli dances, taught by an experienced teacher. They will have the chance to appreciate another facet of this rich culture, as well as enjoying themselves in a relaxed setting. Dances will be set to Israeli music. No experience necessary!
Jewish Gen-ealogy (Michael Tobias)
An overview of the JewishGen website - come prepared with information about your ancestors and see what resources are available on JewishGen, and possibly elsewhere, to trace them back to the 'old country'.
Just Breathe: An introduction to Jewish meditation (Rachel Gurevitz)
Drawing on ancient, mystical, and contemporary meditation practices of contemplation, visualization, and mantra chanting, we will learn where to find these spiritual practices in Jewish tradition, and experience them for ourselves. Meditation can be an aid to concentration, relaxation, handling challenging situations and conversations, healing, fostering an attitude of gratitude, and deepening personal spirituality.
Just Love Singing! (Judith Silver)
Come, refresh your soul, fill your lungs and make a joyful noise! Judith will teach a selection of songs from our own and other traditions. Experience and ability to read music aren’t necessary, just the willingness to share the unique buzz of singing in harmony with others.
Krav Maga for beginners (Yossi Flint)
A short insight into Krav Maga and what it entails. How it began and how it’s being used in everyday special forces use in Israel today. Some beginner moves starting with defence against an array of attacks. Suitable for all ages!
Life Stories – writing workshop (David Ian Neville)
This workshop will explore imaginative ways in which you can use your own family and personal memories as inspiration for creative writing.
Living in Israel looking out - Living in Scotland looking in panel discussion (Jonathan Wittenberg, Chair; Ayalet Shahak, Itamar Hamiel, Shmuel Ben-Tovim, Jamal Alkirnawi)
In the diaspora, we often rely on second-hand information about what’s going on in Israel – either from friends or family, from the media or from some other source. In this session, we hear from people living and working in Israel about what is really happening there. They will be talking about prospects for peace in a country where people have very polarised views and how Israelis view their engagement with the Diaspora community. What can and should we be doing do make peace a prospect for our time?
Madonna and Kabbalah: From Madonna to Britney Spears (Danny Bergson)
More and more celebrities are becoming fascinated with "Kabbalah". Kabbalah is the new buzzword in Hollywood yet most are still left mystified as to what it’s all about. This session deals with the essential questions; What is Kabbalah? Who is Kabbalah for? Is there more to Kabbalah then red strings? How do I study and practice Kabbalah?
Magical Mystery Tour (Inbar & Aviv UJIA - JLEC)
Let native born Israelis take you on a magical mystery tour of their homeland as you have never seen itcbefore. We will travel Israel from the heights of the Hermon in the north to the southern sandy beaches in Eilat. Using games, songs, images and a range of interactive exciting methods, we will explore different aspects of Israel. This is the only carbon neutral Israel tour available (no airplanes or coaches!)
Meet the Rabbis: Ramban (Chaim Weiner)
Who were the people behind the books on your Jewish bookshelf? This short series will explore some extraordinary lives. From forced disputation to forced exile, Ramban stood up to Kings and Priests at a huge personal cost. A man of Science and of Mysticism, a scholar of Bible and Law, his learning bridged many worlds. His immigration to Israel symbolised the start of the return Jews to Zion. Why has his legacy remained so powerful to this day?
Meet the Rabbis: Rashi (Chaim Weiner)
Who were the people behind the books on your Jewish bookshelf? This short series will explore some extraordinary lives. From a small village in the northern France, this humble man became the commentator par excellence of the Jewish people. His commentary to the Torah was the first book printed in Hebrew, and from his time to this day it is impossible to study Talmud without him. What made Rashi so special?
Midrash and the Lockerbie Bomber - Panel Discussion (David Goldberg, Chair; Jonathan Wittenberg; Peter Watson)
When the Scottish Government released Abdelbaset Ali Al-Megrahi (on licence) there was considerable public debate about the rights and wrongs of doing so. Using Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 8:5, we will examine the issue. Would the Midrash have been helpful?
Multiculturalism in the Negev (Jamal Alkirnawi)
The Negev is home to Bedouins, Arabs, and Jews. Language barriers and deconstruction of identity are just two of many issues that these various peoples must contend with on a daily basis. Hear my experiences as a person who grew up in the Negev exploring the way that I approach developing projects, the way I seek to strengthen links between Jews and Bedouins in the Negev, and how to build tolerance, openness, and acceptance among diverse peoples and cultures.
Music & Joy (Danny Bergson)
A family orientated music and story session that will lift your soul with joy and happiness as we sing familiar tunes together as well as learn some new ones too! For centuries Jewish identity has been captured through music and story and passed on to the next generation. Rabbi Danny has been entertaining audiences around the UK for over 10 years at weddings, schools and other venues.
My great (and short!) great grandfather - Eliezer Ben Yehuda (Gil Hovav)
Gil Hovav, great grandson of Eliezer Ben Yehuda, reviver of the Hebrew language, reveals the hidden stories behind his legacy.
Of heart, soul, conscience and the struggle to be human (Jonathan Wittenberg)
Jonathan Wittenberg will read from and speak about his recent book The Silence of Dark Water: an Inner Journey, opening the opportunity to reflect on our life’s pilgrimage and our search to discover meaning, appreciate life, behave with compassion and relate to God.
Out and About - Judaism in the public arena panel (Michael Gluckman, chair; David Rose, Rachel Gurevitz, Kinneret Shiryon, Nathan Abrahams, Gideon Sylvester)
Experts from the world of interfaith discuss their experiences and their ideas about the positive role that Judaism can play in an increasingly secular and assimilated world. What is the point of interfaith? Does it mean different things to different people? By engaging, do we risk diluting our own faith? These, and other fascinating issues, will be examined and debated as the panellists and the audience exchange ideas.
Outreach - How far can we go? (Gideon Sylvester)
Should religious Jews try to attract their coreligionists back to the faith? If so how far is it legitimate to go in our efforts to bring them back? Does anything go? If not what are the limits? We will look at some of the rabbinic texts and response on the moral limits of outreach.
Perverse Sex and Humour: Comic Scenes from a Rabbinic Wedding (Steve Greenberg)
When Rabbi Yehuda the Prince finally agrees to invite the famously hilarious and often inappropriate Bar Kappara to his son's wedding the result is both funny and edifying. The comedy routine has been put to various uses by different commentators. Not only will we learn from a two thousand year old stand up comic how to pun Jewishly, but we will explore for ourselves how theology, sexuality and perhaps humour are linked.
Praying with Lior Director: Ilana Trachtman. USA 2008 87 mins. (Jewish Film Festival UK)
Winner of the Best Documentary Award at the recent UKJFF in London, this inspirational and moving film asks whether someone with Down’s syndrome can also be a spiritual genius. The film reaches into the heart of a dynamic and complex family amidst their preparations for Lior’s barmitzvah.
Religious Pluralism in the State of Israel Religious Pluralism in the State of Israel (Kinneret Shiryon)
Progress, Challenges, Obstacles and Achievements through the prism of Kehillat Yozma and the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism's struggle for state funding - A story of tenacity and faith!
Shalom Aleichem! Welcoming the Angels of Jewish tradition (Rachel Gurevitz)
Are Angels Jewish and, if so, where do we find them? Biblical sources, midrash, Jewish liturgy, mystical texts, and more will be mined for the answers. We’ll search for the angels in Jewish tradition, and see howthey point the way to revealing the angels in our lives today.
Simple everyday Israeli food - workshop (Gil Hovav)
Gil Hovav, Israeli food critic and TV host, cooks two mouth watering every day Israeli dishes.
Sodom on Screen: Jews, Film and Sex (Nathan Abrams)
Are Jews Sexy? Are they even sexier on screen? In this session we'll explore recent films to find out the answer.
Solidarity Complex: Israel at times of crisis and what it means to be ‘pro-Israel’ (James Sevitt)
Solidarity Complex is a short documentary which examines the forms of public protest that emerged in London, UK on 10 and 11 January 2009 in response to the Gaza crisis. It examines the language and action of protest, and invites us to engage in conversation with each other about what it means to be ‘pro-Israel’ and how we express our care and concern for Israel, and to think anew about how to create more effective public action.
The Elijah Mystique (Suri Krieger)
We invite him to our seder every year, we sing his song after each havdalah, he is one of our most popular Biblical prophets… but who is this mysterious prophet and what do we really know of him? We will explorethe lore and lure of Elijah, through art, music and text.
The Israeli Economic Miracle (Shmuel Ben-Tovim)
In May 2010 tiny Israel will officially join the US, UK, Japan and other economic giants in the exclusive club of Developed Markets. It has sailed through the credit crunch with minimal damage. Is this the same Israel with limited natural resources, external and internal political instability, a huge defence budget, soup kitchens, etc.? And yet no Jewish community in either the UK or elsewhere has been kindly asked to stop supporting the Jewish state. How does one make sense of all of it?
The Jewish Mind (Inbar & Aviv UJIA - JLEC)
Come and learn about the inventions that Jews around the world have contributed to society – the important stuff and the more important stuff - from Einstein to a menorah magnet that attaches your menorah to the window without it falling! Even on the eighth candle!! And maybe you can also invent a thing or two to make your life easier!!
The mysterious matter of the Megilla (Clive Lawton)
Nothing is what it seems in the megilla and it has at its heart so many paradoxes and contradictions that it's absolutely astonishing that it should have found its way into the canon of the Bible at all. What were they thinking? We'll try and find out…
The Power of Songleading: A Masterclass (Zoe Jacobs)
If you love to sing with groups of people, you could be a great song leader! Discover techniques used to successfully lead people of any age in song. Harness the power of music to create an atmosphere, unite a group, and give you the warm-fuzzies! Bring a sense of humour and the courage to learn through making mistakes.
Through our Eyes’ - A journey that opened our eyes and touched our hearts (Candid Theatre Company)
In April 2009, the members of Candid Theatre Company embarked on one of the most challenging journeys they have ever undertaken. They visited Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. ‘Through our Eyes’ is an informal short contemporary piece written and performed by Candid Members, it tells the story of their recent journey and shares their personal experiences. The performance is visually stimulating and thought provoking.
Vashti: The other Purim heroine? (Maureen Kendler)
Without Vashti, no Esther... Who is Vashti, the forgotten Queen that disappears so early on in the Purim story? Heroine or villain? Back to the texts to find out…
What does the Bible say about the Arabs? (Gideon Sylvester)
According to the rabbis, the conflict between Jews and Arabs dates back to the Bible where a series of complex relationships led to the tensions between Isaac and Ishmael. Whose fault was it? We will look at the Biblical stories and unravel some of the rabbinic commentaries.
Why did Jews not invent drama? (Clive Lawton)
In this workshop, Clive returns to his roots as a 'the drama man'. We'll explore the essence of drama and, through practical exercises, we'll find out what's possible. Given the seasonal moment, we might also experiment with love and lovers on the one hand and Purim on the other. Wear comfortable clothing designed to manage your modesty.
Working with the Voice and the legacy of Alfred Wolfsohn (Rosamund Steen)
A physical, practical session on the body and voice using the technique of Voice Studio International as taught by the RSAMD's Centre for Voice in Performance. Its origins lie in the voice work pioneered by Alfred Wolsohn, a German Jew, at the turn of the century.
Wow! That's a Shul?!: Reinventing the Synagogue (Steve Greenberg)
The fundamental institution of Jewish identity, the synagogue is struggling. Prayer is no longer grabbing people and the cultural offerings available outside the community are increasingly more attractive. Should the idea be scrapped, gutted, renovated? The very first synagogues in the first century CE were town halls where scripture was read and interpreted and hostels where travellers found a meal and a night's rest. If the synagogue has served different needs throughout Jewish history, then what needs should it be serving today?
Writing "A Caring Community for Jewish Care Scotland": the process and pitfalls (Sharon Barron)
This session will be about the process of writing the history of an organisation, with particular reference to A Caring Community: 150 years of Jewish Care Scotland. I will discuss the process of research, the organisation and the selection of material and the constraints within which an author always works. The session will be informal and discussion encouraged.
