Berkeley symposium looks at tourism to Eastern Europe
The Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union will present a symposium titled “Destination Ashkenaz: Tourism in Eastern Europe.” The event takes place 2 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at GTU’s Hewlett Library, 2400 Ridge Road, Berkeley.
Panelists include anthropologist Erica Lehrer of Concordia University, GTU visiting professor Shana Penn and Karen Underhill, a University of Chicago professor of Polish literature and Jewish studies. They will discuss the history of Eastern European Jewry and the boundaries of Jewish tourism to the region today.
Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call (510) 649-2482.
LGBT legal expert to visit Sha’ar Zahav for weekend of talks
Professor Chai Feldblum, one of the nation’s foremost legal scholars in LGBT law, sexuality and morality, will serve as a scholar-in-residence at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav March 6-7.
Feldblum teaches law at Georgetown University Law Center and is the founder of the Moral Values Project, which seeks to convey positive moral and religious values about LGBT people and their relationships.
Feldblum will discuss moral responsibilities, make the case for LGBT rights and gender equality in moral terms, and explain how to utilize a moral debate in politics.
She’ll talk about the week’s Torah portion during Shabbat services at 8:15 p.m. March 6 and will speak during a luncheon after services at noon Saturday, March 7. Later that day, at 7 p.m., she also will present during Havdallah.
Oshman JCC honors Carol and Harry Saal
The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center will honor Carol and Harry Saal for their community leadership and philanthropy at the 2009 Rambam’s Ladder Award Dinner and Auction. The JCC’s annual fundraiser will take place on March 15 at the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club.
Carol Saal has been one of the principal fundraisers for the Oshman Family JCC and the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life, holding leadership positions on both boards. She has also raised millions for the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation and many other causes over 35 years. Harry Saal has served on numerous philanthropic and professional boards and has received many awards for his service.
For more information about Rambam’s Ladder and to buy tickets, visit www.paloaltojcc.org/rambam.
Purim Palooza on tap in Marin
Costumes, storytelling and hamantaschen will all be part of Purim Palooza, an all-encompassing holiday event slated for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 8 at the Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael.
The entertainment lineup includes Jewish singer Dan Nichols, Israeli belly dancing and the Brandeis Hillel Day School jazz band. There also will be bounce houses, carnival games and a Purim character hunt. In keeping with the Purim tradition of giving to those in need, attendees can also help prepare gift baskets.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public. For more information, visit www.marinjcc.org or call (415) 444-8000.
Women’s Torah center gears up for Purim
Merkavah Torah Institute, an independent, nonprofit Torah learning center for women, is hosting a workshop to prepare for Purim.
The Gantse Megile and the Bisele Talmud (the whole Megillah and a bit of Talmud) will be Sunday, March 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Congregation Netivot Shalom, 1316 University Ave., Berkeley.
The workshop will be led by Merkavah instructor Dalia Davis and the students of the Merkavah Talmud program.
The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Child care is available for an additional $5.
The program is open to women and men. For information or to register, call (510) 292-0175 or e-mail [email protected].
Reboot S.F. seeks intern event planner
The San Francisco chapter of Reboot, a national nonprofit based in New York, is now accepting applications for an intern.
The intern will work with Reboot’s San Francisco coordinator and primarily will assist with planning and executing Reboot events, such as “Dawn,” an all-night cultural arts festival that happens on Simchat Torah.
The internship is unpaid and would require about eight hours of work per week for six months. There is only one position available, open until filled.
Please send a resume and cover letter to Chris Cohen at [email protected] or call (917) 434-1451.