Programme
This is what will be going on when - plus there's other stuff like the Phantasmagorical Dream Booth, Scouting for Jews, Bone Marrow Donation, bookshop and shuk and much more...
Please note that the programme may be updated between now and Fest and may be subject to last minute changes, for reasons beyond our control.
Click here for a full list of presenters.
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
Thursday
Arrival
Welcome to Fest! Lovely to see you! Unpack your stuff, pitch your tent and get yourself settled. Then come to the helpdesk and get stuck in to making this our home, and our Garden of Bounty, for the next few days. You could help decorate the site, walk the Eruv or get the games out
17:00 – 20:00
Hot Chocolate Hub: Pause your setting up, grab a hot choc and hang out with seasoned Festniks or first timers wanting to make new friends.
Then after a busy day setting up the site, you can…
Gather round with our Musicians' Intensive for a singsong under the stars (from 20:00)
Join Alastair Falk and Toni Rickenback for 'Much Ado about Noshing' a light hearted look at food in Jewish literature (with some adult material) (from 20:30)
Relax and chill out with Jacqueline Nicholls DJing in the bar from 21:30
Friday
09:00 - 10:30
We will discuss how to meditate and then do a simple mediitation focussing on the breath. All welcome.
Starting with breathing/exfoliating techniques you'll awaken your senses and stretch with moves from Gyrokinesis and pilates. Bring hand towel.
The Prophetic texts use metaphors. What is a metaphor exactly? The Jewish answer is not the classical one.
Urban Kibbutzim in Israel 1: What Are They All About?
Are the days of Israel's kibbutzim really over? We will explore the NEW type of Kibbutzim: urban, socially involved, committed.
09:00 - 12:00
Into the Woods – a Guided Walk
A medium length walk (about 2-3 hours) visiting Sparsholt village and a woodland nature reserve. Wear sensible clothing.
10:45 - 12:15
Rosh Hashanah, the Late Bloomer
How a holiday undefined and without content became the Jewish New Year and Day of Judgment. Texts, no background necessary.
Metaphysics and Meditation 1: The Yogic Jew
Metaphysics and Meditation 1: The Yogic Jew A global-comparative introduction to the philosophy, history and practice of meditation, with particular reference to Judaism and Kabbalah.
What shall it prophet a man...? Moses was one - amongst other things. Examine the Prophet Motive.
Rahav: the Mother of All Prophets
Rahav the harlot, the original woman of the wall, the model for later prophets. Her story teaches about a different way of seeing the truth.
Bring your knitting needles along and come share your creations with some fellow knitters.
Bachya Ibn Pakuda: a Modern Prophet?
Medieval scholar and dayan searches for the heart of Jewish practice.
12:30 - 14:00
What is Prophecy?
How do the Jewish philosophers explain prophecy? What is prophecy? How is it possible? Could you be a prophet?
Nathan Abrams, Michael Rosenfeld
This session will explore dreams on film using a variety of in-depth examples.
Create a Vision Board for 5771
Move closer to the life of your dreams. Magazines, scissors and glue provided, and no artistic ability required!
Explore the relationship between prophecy and madness in sacred and secular texts. Session 1: Tanakh/Ezekiel
Grab a hot choc and hang out with some seasoned Festniks or first timers wanting to make new friends.
Holy Language: what is leshon hakodesh? Is Hebrew the language of the Prophets? Comparison with Islam and Christianity.
Israel post September and the Arab spring
Analysis of the future of Israel after the declaration of a Palestinian state.
14:15 - 15:45
A documentary film chronicling the comedy tours that Avi has been proganising to raise money for charity in Israel since 2003.
Prophecy in the Tanach, an Overview
We know the "big names" but not much more.Who is considered a prophet, why and by whom?
Last year there was no wind. So, another chance to make simple kites and fly them. Plus bring your own!!
Writing Jazz Poetry with Klezmer Interludes
New York poet/performer Jake Marmer teaches a workshop on writing poetry, inspired by jazz and klezmer.
The sedra is a veggy’s nightmare. Meat is democratised. I have nothing to offer but blood, text, soil and tears.
Be prepared: become a scoutnik. Learn to keep kosher in the Arctic, make Shabbos without matches, navigate without a smartphone.
Be part of the 'Prophet's Path' Art Project 1 - Chavruta
The Prophet's Path Art Project
Study the text that triggered the artists' responses. This session is followed by a workshop for those that are inspired.
Political processes in Israel and the Middle East
A round-up of Middle Eastern politics followed by a Q and A.
Urban Kibbutzim in Israel 2: Innovative Ways to Create Social Change
The urban kibbutzim are blending into Israel's marginalised societies to create social change. How do we do it?
16:00 - 17:30
Chanting followed by a deeply relaxing healing sound bath with voice, harp and drum. Find your extra soul this Shabbat.
The How and Why of Interfaith Weddings
Paul shares his experience of officiating at many interfaith weddings and is open for discussion.
Jews as Global Citizens: Our Responsibility in the World
Speaking of her own experiences, Ruth will propose how Jews can do their part to alleviate poverty, hunger and oppression.
A Multi Media Eco-Music Resource
This exciting resource will be hitting classrooms everywhere in 2012. Come and see how fun learning about sustainability can be!
Get into the Shabbat atmosphere with your Under 5's. Join us for arts and crafts, songs and pre-Shabbat fun!
Be part of the 'Prophet's Path' Art Project 2 - Workshop
The Prophet's Path Art Project
Following the chavruta trigger, join us to create a digital art response.
Awakening the Prophet Within 1
Connect with your natural intuition and spontaneity using the creative arts. Come with a willingness to play and experiment!
We will study famous passages about Jerusalem and learn niggunim (spiritual songs) that stir the soul.
19:00 - 20:00
Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Details will be notified at Fest
22:00 - 00:00
Stories, Songs and Shabbos: Friday Night Tisch
Eden Pearlstein, Peninnah Schram
Come join us as we sing and sway and tell stories to woo the Sabbath Bride- L'Chaim!
Samuel Lebens, Clive Lawton, Raphael Zarum
Which prophet trumps which as the most modern? Decide for yourself after a debate citing quotes from mystery prophets.
Saturday
09:00 - 11:00
Shabbat Morning Services
Details will be notified at Fest
09:30 - 11:00
We will discuss how to meditate and then do a simple mediitation focusing on the breath. All welcome.
Undo your knots with stretches and *gentle* exercises. All levels of fitness and ages welcome.
12:30 - 14:00
Is Sustainability Really Jewish?
Does Jewish tradition support contemporary ideas of sustainability? A conversation exploring what Judaism says about important questions of sustainable living.
Explore the relationship between prophecy and madness in sacred and secular texts.Session 2: Hasidism/Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Come explore the meta-history of prophecy in the Jewish tradition. This class will be overtly mystical and psuedo-academic.
Ghosts and Shadows: the Women Who Haunt the Talmud
Without names, but with opinions these women subvert and challenge the Rabbis. Uninterested in black and white certainities, they live between the lines.
Running the Prophet's Path: Marathon Training and the Jewish Way.
Training for marathons and analogies with Jewish life. A different angle on the reasons and aims of prescription in Judaism.
14:15 - 15:45
Developing a Daily Spiritual Practice
The prophets set time aside to commune with God. Come and explore some of the ways you can do this.
Female Figures in the Tanach 1: Acknowledged, Overlooked or Misinterpreted, and Why.
Many more women appear in the Tanach than we think -we should get to know them. Bring your imagination/Tanach.
Metaphysics and Meditation 2: a Walking Meditation
“Meditating in fields and forests: with each step…he can taste Paradise whilst on Earth.” (Rabbi Nachman of Breslov 1772-1810)
Other blokes (and women) had the Prophet Motive. We shall examine how they reacted to hearing God...
The End of Days – A Pulp Fiction Prophecy That Needs Interpreting
Ezekiel 38-39 describes Gog & Magog’s final conflict. We will uncover the role of us little Jews (with shovels).
Meet the Musicians: Q & A with Alma Zohar & Assaf Ayalon
Alma Zohar and her musical producer Assaf Ayalon speak about musical influences, the Israeli music industry and their lives on stage.
A short, relaxed walk exploring the fields and ancient woodland around Sparsholt College. This walk will go beyond the eruv.
Integrating Jewish texts into the quest for meaningful parenting.
Interfaith work: What are We Doing and Why Are We Doing It?
Whether you occasionally talk to others about Judaism or are a local interfaith activist, a chance to share ideas and reflect on whether there is really any point to it.
16:00 - 17:30
What is the Talmud? What religious significance does it hold for us? How can we crack it open to analysis?
From Madoff to Strauss-Kahn: Why People Sin?
Too much bad behavior lately. Jewish sources: why we sin, how to prevent. No background (in text or sin) necessary.
We will discuss paths we have found to peace and happiness. I will talk about 'A Course in Miracles'.
Why Religious Education should be part of the National Curriculum
The case for a basic common RE syllabus in the National Curriculum.
The Book of Daniel: an Insurrectionary Text
Who really didn’t see the writing on the wall? And why should this book be required reading on Chanukah?
This class will focus on the contemporary Jewish creative process. We will use Eprhyme's poetry and lyrics as source texts.
'Ban Circumcision!' 'Boycott Israel' - Are Some Issues Too Controversial To Debate Publicly?
Adam Wagner, Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, Raymond Simonson
Does our community encourage or stifle debate and free speech about contentious issues? What can we learn about this from our Jewish tradition?
17:45 - 19:15
Does God know the future? If not, how does prophecy make sense? If he does, can we have free will?
Unetaneh Tokef, the high point of High Holiday liturgy, a startlingly radical text about God and life. No background necessary.
The 7 Female Prophets Designated in the Talmud Megilla 14a-15a
What can we learn from the above and related texts as to the Rabbinic attitude towards women and the Tanach?
Ruth will discuss how women living in the developing world frequently serve as the catalysts for positive social change.
Pitching a five-parter about the Jewish prophets to BBC radio, Clive made his five choices. Be prepared to argue!
To what extent did the Prophets play on words? How useful is Hebrew Grammar?
Elijah: Jihadist or Lamed-Vav-nik?
We will read the Biblical story of Elijah’s search for God and its message for today.
Shabbat Mincha Services
Details will be notified at Fest
19:30 - 21:00
Sweeter than Honey: God's Word in the Prophet's Mouth
What would Torah taste like? How do prophets receive communications from God? And why does He mess with their mouths?
Whose Prophecy is it Anyway? Storytelling Improvisation
Come and help us create fantastical stories and visions of the future. No previous experience required! 18+ only.
Corruption is Not the Problem: We Are.
Billions are still living in extreme poverty. Our paternalistic approaches to aid don’t work. We all need to grow up.
Jack or Jane - Finding a Path: Sex Change in Jewish Law
How does Judaism view and deal with gender changes? This session will explore and discuss relevant texts.
New York poet/performer Jake Marmer reads his Jazz Talmud poems: Talmudic structures meet contemporary Jewish experience, dreams, jazz, loneliness...
Join us for relaxed and traditional food for the soul and spirit, an eclectic mix of stories and song. Buffet dinner will be provided.
21:00 - 21:30
Havdalah
Come together for Havdalah outdoors under the stars.
21:45 - 23:00
Alma Zohar in Concert
A unique musical blend of rock, pop, soul and country to get you hopping and bopping to a spiritually-uplifting beat
Come and join us for the annual Fest pub quiz - and as ever, points mean prizes!
22:30 - 00:30
Schtum Cinema
The cult cinematic event at Fest: a classic film brought to life - but which? Look out for clues here - live experience 22:30, film 22.50. Keep schtum!
23:00 - 00:15
Night Fest Party with DJ Raymond
60s soul + 70s funk sprinkled with reggae + old skool hip-hop. Jewfros and flares optional; getting down mandatory.
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going.
00:15 - 02:00
It’s back - get your wireless headphones and party into the night with cool DJing and monster tunes
Sunday
09:00 - 10:30
Talmud and Contemporary Philosophy
How do the ancient debates of the Talmud shed any light upon the contemporary debates of philosophers?
We will discuss how to meditate and then do a simple mediitation focussing on the breath. All welcome.
Female Figures in the Tanach 2: Acknowledged, Overlooked or Misinterpreted and Why.
Many more women appear in the Tanach than we think - we should get to know them.Bring your imagination/Tanach.
Who Will Stand Up for Me? The Jewish Responsibility to End Genocide
An update on current conflicts and a discussion of what we can all do, as Jews, to eliminate genocide.
Pilates focuses on breathing, core stability exercises, stretches and relaxation.
Explore the relationship between prophecy and madness in sacred and secular texts. Session 3: modern and postmodern literature.
09:00 - 12:00
A medium length walk (about 2-4 hours) including chalk downland, river valleys and ancient hill forts. Wear sensible clothing.
10:45 - 12:15
How We Regard Mental Health Today
Interactive self-learning through dialogue and an introductory powerpoint about trauma.
If it's fine, we'll draw outdoors. If not, indoors, with a Jewish theme. No experience needed and all materials provided.
Jews and Sport - Myth or Reality?
Jews do lots of things well but are no good at sports: Simon examines this premise and comes up with some suprises!
What does the history of Moshe's leadership tell us about the relationship between leadership and prophecy?
Hopeless Dry Bones – An Ancient Zionist Prophecy
Ezekiel 37 Valley of Dry Bones. Whose bones were they? The State of Israel will help us flesh this out...
Urban Kibbutzim in Israel 3: A Socialist Movement?
The urban kibbutzim are setting economic codes that minimize gaps in Israel contrary to Israel's neoliberal policy. Can it work?
Learn about Deborah the prophetess in the Bible and Midrashic texts.
12:30 - 14:00
A healing meditation with gentle movement, soft drumming and voice inspired by With my heart, I will build a Mishcan.
Work on spontaneity, confidence and creativity in this improv workshop. If you can have an unscripted conversation you’re halfway there!
Be prepared: learn how to control your Jewfro in the wilderness, make Jewish penicillin and how to survive a Jew-do...
No Health without Mental Health: How to Look After Yours
How to look after your own mental health and how to recognise the signs of poor mental health in others
Understanding the State of African Political Refugees in Israel
As the 'Voice of African Refugees' in Israel, Alma shares her experiences and passion for social justice for this community in words and song.
Come and meet the members of Boom Pam. Find out about their background and hear some of their songs.
Find out more about Yachad, the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement and how to get involved.
Scriptural Reasoning: The Interfaith Chavruta
Miriam Lorie, Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz, Usama Hasan, Hilary Marlow
Come join a Jewish teacher,a Muslim Imam and a Christian theologian to study about prophets' journeys in Tanakh, Quran and Bible.
14:15 - 15:45
Comedy in Iraq and Afghanistan
What it is like performing for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Want to know more about meditation? This practical session will help you make a start.
Discover who Ezekiel was and what he had to say to his times and ours - fiery chariots and all.
How would You Summarise the Prophets in Just 5 Lines?
Come and be entertained by a reading of Jewish-themed comic verse. Together we'll attempt to compose a good Biblical limerick.
Are you a seasoned song-writer, or perhaps you are in the (song-writers) closet? Come share or listen and be inspired.
Start the journey to saving a life join the bone marrow register. Jewish man seeks support to find a match.
A chance to ‘study’ 613 mitzvot with just four pieces of string, making our own rainbow tzitzit to take home.
Tackling Antisemitism in Football
Ivor Baddiel will be showing his film 'The Y Word' and discussing the issues it raised.
Prophetic Inspiration and Perspiration for Today
Steve Miller, Hannah Weisfeld, Ruth Messinger, Naomi Efrat
What inspires panel members to be active for social change … and how they hope to inspire and motivate others.
16:00 - 17:30
The Prophet and the Prostitute
Through text-study and drama exercises, we'll try to get to grips with the imagery of the book of Hosea.
Using Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', this session will explore how movies are midrash to be explored midrashically.
Wandering Jews - Volunteering in Ghana and India
Building relationships between Jewish volunteers and partners overseas – how we experienced firsthand the power of local people effecting change.
How People with Learning Disabilities are Changing the Jewish Community
Shoshana Bloom, Naomi Mushin, Rachelle Adler
Naomi and Rachelle are proud, active, passionate Jews with learning disabilities. Hear how they are changing the Jewish community.
Learn the basics, no dance experience required. Just be ready to work up a sweat and have some fun!
Limmud's famed intergenerational disco where age is no excuse! An eclectic mix of funk, disco, Wombles, Goodies and many surprises.
'A Prophet's Path' Art Project - Private View
The Prophet's Path Art Project
Come to view the works and meet some of the artists.
Is the Jewish Prophecy a Fiction?
Should the Prophetic text be read 'as if' it were true or 'as if' it were fictional?
Making Tzedakah Boxes Using Decoupage
You probably have the Challah board and the Kiddush cup. Now's your chance to make a beautiful Tzedekah box to join the set.
17:45 - 19:00
The Curious Incidence of Neurodiversity in our Community
Exploring our diversity: Aspieness, Dyspraxia Dyslexia and undiagnosed. How do we communicate? All explorers welcome.
Tells extraordinary stories of Elijah the prophet, the most popular character in Jewish folklore; and explores the role of hope.
Discover one man's extraordinary journey to Judaism through the shame of coming to terms with the legacy of his fathers' generation.
Through creativity, meditation and movement, we will increase our capacity for chesed towards ourselves and others.
'A Prophet's Path' Art Project - Artists' Panel
The Prophet's Path Art Project
Come to hear the artists talk about their experience of Jewish learning and creating their response.
Unknown Artist: Live & Plugged
Alma Zohar, Assi Ayalon
Prepare to be entertained! Talented Israeli band influenced by American folk, rock classics and with a special Middle Eastern flavour
Growing Shoots: The First Steps and Future Directions of a UK Jewish Food Movement
Vincent Knowles, Michael Leventhal
A review of the food and environmental projects that have emerged and discussion on what this means for the community
Shirona Partem, Daniele Orner
How do you predict the businesses of the future? Is the future bright? Is it green? Come and discuss.
19:45 - 20:45
Avi Liberman's renowned standup routine.
If a prophet told you to jump of a bridge, would you? What is the relationship between prophecy and reason?.
Clive will explore ideas about poetry and we'll write poems about 'Jews and nature'. Is there anything to say?
Musicians Intensive Performance
A performance of the music created by the Fest musicians' intensive, inspired by 'The Prophet's Path'.
Awakening the Prophet Within 2
We will connect more deeply with ourselves by connecting with our inner prophets in a process using the creative arts.
21:00 - 22:15
Fast Work: Ezekiel and Teshuvah
Our ideas about teshuvah (repentance) go back to Ezekiel. Is what he has to say still relevant?
Tel Aviv based band Boom Pam was formed in 2003 and plays a mixture of Mediterranean, rock and surf music - Fest party central!
New York poet/performer Jake Marmer performs his Jazz Talmud poems with surprise guest musicians.
Urban Kibbutzim in Israel 4: Gentrification and Other Problems
Urban kibbutzim are doing their best to blend into the periphery, but can create a negative reaction. What can we do?
22:30 - 23:30
Scottish Jewish Weddings involve Ceilidhs. Learn the basics - a fun session, different dancing techniques and a good work out!
The Revelation will not be Televised: Eprhyme Live!
Eprhyme's rapid-fire poetics and world dance party beats combine to create an embodied experience that is out of this world!
Something fun, something thoughtful, something prophetic – details and timings will be posted on the noticeboard
23:30 - 00:30
Rabbi rousing! Shtetl shaking! The sounds of old-time Russia stirred up with fat and funky beats!
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going.
00:30 - 02:00
Party out the last night of Fest into the early hours with a medley of DJs - get your wireless headphones and your dancing trousers!
Monday
10:00 - 11:30
Avi discusses and answers questions about what it is like to be an observant Orthodox comic in Hollywood and on the road.
We will discuss how to meditate and then do a simple mediitation focussing on the breath. All welcome.
Watch mime pieces: 'Meditation' and 'Le Prophete' by Decroux, learn some basic mime and create a prophet's path.
Allen Ginsberg: Beatnik Prophecies
We'll read/discuss the work of Allen Ginsberg - beatnik-prophet-lunatic-poet-genius - and his attitude to prophecy, Jewishness, and more.
Find out what is new and exciting in the Israeli music scene with members of Boom Pam.
A Gentle Walk Around Sparsholt
A short walk exploring the fields and ancient woodland around the site - also taking in the College horticulture area – well known to listeners of Gardeners Question Time!
11:45 - 13:15
“Prophesy to the Dry Bones”: What I learnt from Christian Evangelicals
The session challenges assumptions about being Jewish and doing community. This is informed by research in a Christian evangelical church.
The place where your family, Jewish songs and eco songs meet - join Jess for some great singing fun.
Exploring the impact of global sourcing of food and the world trade system, comparing diets from Ghana, India and UK.
On the run, the birds kept this enigmatic prophet alive. What was his mission and why did he have to stop? (text learning & origami session)
