Fest Programme
Thursday
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 Eden, for the next few days. You could help decorate the site, build the maze, walk the Eruv, make a Havdalah kit or get the games out. Be an angel and you’ll get your wings…
Thursday - Evening
After a busy day setting up the site and earning your angel wings, gather round the Bonfire (8pm back of College) for a singsong and let the sparks fly up into the night; or relax and chill out with DJ Raymond playing 100% schmaltz in the Bar (Heaven & Earth tent)
Friday
09:00 - 10:30
Pilates
Pilates focuses on core stability exercises, stretches and relaxation. This class is for all who don't require a doctor's consent to exercise.
Meditation on the breath
A relaxation exercise using the breath as a focus for our meditation.
The Story of the Garden of Eden
Study the text and the layers of meaning behind our creation story.
10:45 - 12:15
Simcha Dancing – Take the Oy Out of Dancing for Joy
Ladies – learn the fancy wedding dance steps. Gentleman - learn more than dancing round in circles.
Encountering the Other: Opening Doors to Understanding Across Lines of Difference and Conflict
In conflict, how can we listen with resilience and generosity? Where is God in the encounter? Using movement and Jewish text we will offer tools to relate to conflict with courage and care.
The Song of Creation
If every creature, plant and rock could speak, what would they say? The 1000-year old Perek Shira gives Creation a voice. Come for a walk and study living selections.
Can we do Pluralism?
Pluralism is a growing aspect of Jewish education in the UK and elsewhere. Led by a practising pluralist, we will explore the complexities and issues of this kind of education.
Challah Baking 1
Shabbat preparation is baking challah. Kneading and forming dough, we'll discuss the history of challah, favourite shapes and recipes.
Crochet a Kippah
Learn how to crochet kippot, design the edgings and change colours. Beginners welcome, materials will be supplied.
12:30 - 14:00
While my Shofar Gently Weeps (1 of 2)
Preparation for Rosh Hashanah: the shofar's magic ability to awaken the forgotten, penetrate the mists of sleep, to connect the past, present and future, to remember.
All Comers Sing!
Sing yourself into Fest - and Shabbat. Come ready to fill your lungs and make a joyful noise. Everyone welcome.
Word Power
The first day of creation, the third commandment, the Tower of Babel: we'll reflect on the power of words, multi-culturalism, and create an installation.
How Was It For You
Zahavit Shalev, Jeremiah Lockwood, Vanessa Hidary, Josephine Burton, Nathan Abrams
Our panel will discuss their cultural highlights of the previous year. What was good, inspiring and surprising… and what wasn’t.
'What’s in a Name?’ workshop
Designed for women and girls, explore your Hebrew name and reflect on your name's story and the link to your soul.
14:15 - 15:45
Looking for Eden in the Garden
Throughout the ages, gardeners have sought to recreate Paradise on Earth. What do we look for in nature, and in our gardens, today?
Symbolism in Jewish Art
Explore the images in Jewish ritual art, ketubot, amulets and more. The seven species is not just a bunch of fruit!
Drama workshop – Recreating the Garden
Using drama techniques we will explore the Garden and Paradise. Please wear comfortable unrestricting clothing, designed to manage your modesty.
When a Fence is Too High: Adam, Eve and the Forbidden Fruit
God said not to eat from the tree of knowledge but Adam told Eve not even to touch it. We will learn about normative transparency in halacha (law) from this story.
Garments of Skin in and beyond the Garden of Eden
God creates magical garments of skin for Adam and Eve. They are handed down to Noah, Esau, Jacob and Joseph. My all-time favourite, we'll study these creative and moving texts.
Bring Me Sunshine
Let your hair down, dance, shake, strut your stuff and boogie to some classic tunes that lift the spirits.
Challah Baking 2
Now the dough has risen we will form our challot, learning all the tricks of the trade to shape the traditional loaves.
16:00 - 17:30
The (Un)Natural Jew
The Western Jew is unnatural, urban, urbane and metropolitan, nature is the park. What happens when the Jew is removed from the city and returned to nature?
Michelene Wandor in Conversation
Maureen Kendler, Michelene Wandor
Feminist playwright and poet Michelene talks to Maureen Kendler about her inspirations, and how she creatively weaves Jewish themes in her work.
The Stamford Hill Jukebox
The Stamford Hill Jukebox plays Chassidic/Yiddishe party favourites including Cantor David Werdyger, The Toronto Boys Choir, Avraham Fried and Topol.
Jews Rock!
From the High Priest's breastplate to Hatton Gardens, Jews have had a relationship with gemstones. Explore the breastplate and meditate with crystals.
Eruv Walk
While walking and checking the eruv for this Shabbat, hear some crazy stories of how the Eruv was won.
Airfix Model Building @ Fest
Nostalgic for building those aeroplanes and tanks? Come and build them again! (You will be able to finish it during the rest of Fest).
Bring Jospel to Jewish services
Raise the energy of the congregation to ecstasy. Learn techniques and tricks of gospel singing. Drums invited.
Jewish Folklore and the Creative Arts
A discussion of Jewish folkways and traditions, and how our memories of these can play an integral part of our creative lives.
Meet Funk'n'stein the Band
With eight members, and varied musical influences and outlooks, Funk'n'stein shares their band experiences, writing, recording and touring.
16:30 - 17:30
Kabbalat Shabbat for the Young and the Young at Heart
A musical, imaginative and warm-hearted welcoming of the Sabbath Queen. Dance with the angels, hear stories and start Shabbat in sweet song.
18:30-18:45
Candle lighting
Come together to welcome Shabbat at Fest.
19.00-20.00
Kabbalat Shabbat Services
Limmud provides space and time for services which are arranged independently. Services will include: Traditional mechitza minyan, separate seating, Singer’s Siddur; Traditional egalitarian, led by men and women, Singer's Siddur; Musical Egalitarian, mixed seating, musical instruments. Details on the noticeboard, inlcuding any other services which are taking place.
22:00 - 00:00
Tales of the Great Jewish Mystics
Explore tales of mystical union, visions, dreams, soul travel, encounters with angels and demons, possession by spirits, miracles and experiences out of body and out of time.
Shabbat Night Exploration
Walk through Creation and attune yourself to the magical night, in the dark together, using our senses and listening to stories.
Acapella Concert
Compered by Vanessa Hidary with performances from Jeremiah Lockwood, Shulamit Ottolenghi, Miriam Margles, Judith Silver, Sharon Alexander and others.
Saturday
09.00-11.00
Shabbat Morning Services
09:30 - 11:00
Shabbat Morning Family Service
Prayers in the child's language educate and inspire a deeper understanding of Shabbat. We dance, sing, and have fun.
Naked Shabbat
Stripping back the traditional service we celebrate social justice that fuses meditation with learning, poetry with singing.
Utopian Visions - Middle-East Visions
Wars, worsening Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the Iranian nuke. Yet visions of peace, democracy, and regional unity have, ironically, never been so widely pursued. Is there hope?
Shabbat Meditation
Using the Shabbat morning service structure and incorporating physical stretching, group chanting and silent meditation, we will journey through the prayers.
12:30 - 14:00
From Ego to Eco - Jewish Spiritual Ecology
Michael Kagan
What if we are an ancient messenger people chosen to carry a particular message through time and space? What is the message and how relevant is it for today?
The Garden of Redemption: Ezekiel and the End of Days
The notoriously difficult end of the book of Ezekiel gives us his vision of God’s plan for the End of Days. We’ll study and explore the text.
Exalted Utopia: Establishing Israel 1945-1948
Learn how Stalin and the Soviet Union supported a 2 state solution in 1947, and how the religious Zionists of the day voted for partition and gave up cities of Biblical significance.
Rethinking Eden
Was the fabled Garden of Eden an incubator of human misery or a waiting room for freedom? Why aren't we desperate to return?
Meeting God and the Body in Israeli poetry
Adam and Eve encountered God while naked. We'll read a few Israeli poems that reflect on God, revelation, and the body.
Jewish Utopia – The Individual and the Collective
Reconciling the role of the individual with the collective potential for utopia: is it possible and how can we do it?
14:15 - 15:45
The Painted Prayer
Artists have depicted Jewish prayer and praying through their work. What can they tell us about our own relationship with prayer?
Gyrokinesis
Incorporating key principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi principles we work the body through rhythmic and undulating exercises. Loose clothing and medium movement ability.
Let the Sound Resound
A workshop in sound, song and silence, voice and vibration which combines exercises that open your voice, attune your ears, deepen your breath and stir your joy.
Rabban Gamliel in the Bathhouse of Aphrodite
What was the leading rabbi of his generation doing disrobed in an idolatrous spa? A fascinating Talmudic text about imperialism, ascetics, legitimisation and the Jewish soul.
Giving to the Goyim (1 of 2)
Judaism talks a good talk: give tzedaka (charity), visit the sick, welcome guests. But for Jews only? Look at the sources and ask: Does Judaism really care about goyim (other nations)?
Vanessa Hidary in Conversation
Vanessa Hidary, Josephine Burton
New York hip-hop poet Vanessa will be discussing her work, inspiration and life with YaD Arts’ Josephine Burton.
Paradise in Islam and Judaism
Considering paradise in the Koran, the messiah in the Mishna, and why Judaism seems to lack a clear idea of the world to come.
16:00 - 17:30
"The Slave": Paradise Lost, Regained and Regretted
Isaac Bashevis Singer's great novel explores what it means to be in heaven on earth and on earth in heaven, and in hell on earth too.
Songs and Stories for a Lazy Shabbat Afternoon
Shabbat is a taste of paradise. Amen, let’s make it happen this afternoon. Celebrate a peaceful and delightful day of rest.
The Breath of Life - Defining Death, Heart Transplants and Euthanasia in Jewish Law
How does God breathing life into Adam's body shape modern Jewish law? Is brain-death death? Are heart transplants kosher? Can life-support be disconnected?
Family Philosophy
A family forum to think, based on the 'philosophy for children' approach, enabling all ages to start asking deep questions. Rabbis did, Greeks did, professors do it and so can your family.
Rounders
Meet in the sports field for the annual Fest rounders challenge!
The International Growth of Limmud
From Amsterdam to Los Angeles, from Berlin to Cape Town, from Jerusalem to Sydney come and find out how Limmud is spreading throughout the Jewish world.
Back to the Garden: Preparing for the High Holy Days
The very first question in the Bible is Ayeka, where are you? We will explore a range of poems and prayers.
17:45 - 19:15
The Dance of the Tree - Tai chi of the Kabbalah
Learn a series of simple meditative movements based on the Tree of Life to invigorate your mind, body and soul. Beginners welcome.
Elijah and the "Still, Small Voice"
Does it make a difference to read Torah in the place where the events occurred? Mike Comins brings his experience of walking the Sinai mountains to the interpretation of Elijah’s journey to Horeb.
The Retreat to Primitivism
Most cultures hark back or look forward to some idyllic golden age. Jews do both. But what is ‘idyllic’? Should we applaud mud-huts and bicycles?
Meditation (Elohai N'Tzor)
A musical meditation from the Amidah. With tuned, rhythmic, repetitive breath, we'll learn the piece, then allow the music and silence to guide us…
Dream a Little Dream
Like Joseph, our dreams can contain messages. We will discuss our dreams and learn tools to decode them.
What's Kosher About Fair Trade? (1 of 2)
What exactly does it mean to be a Jewish Ethical Consumer? A look into the world of pseudo-organic chickens, and non-kosher restaurants with a hechsher (seal).
House of Friendly Ghosts
We will discuss personal memories of Jewish superstitions and mystical practices, and analyse them seeking positive examples of Jewish spiritual culture in these anachronistic practices.
19:30 - 21:00
The Killing Fields
In the Bible when brothers go out "in the field" it means something sinister is going to happen, often murder. We will explore the "field" and the danger within and without.
Blemished Utopia: The Origins of Israel’s Radical Right
Many of Israel's right admired Mussolini in the 1920s. Abba Achimeir even wrote a weekly column, 'From the Notebook of a fascist': learn more about this extraordinary connection.
Comedy Improvisation Workshop
Learn the basics of comedy improvisation: complete novice or experienced actor, come open-minded (adults only).
Gardens of Eden Revisited
What would Eve ask Lilith? What would be Lilith’s response? Come and hear this gossipy, moving and humorous poetic conversation.
Seudah Shlishit
Join us for relaxed and traditional food for the soul and spirit, an eclectic mix of stories and song.
21:00-21:15
Havdalah
Come together for Havdalah, outdoors under the stars. (Kits available if you would like to do your own).
21:30 - 23:00
Jewish Tales of the Supernatural
Wandering spirits, marriage with demons, possession by dybbuks, & ghostly visitations. We trace the story of Lilith from inception to her elevation to the role of Queen of Demons.
Funk'n'stein in Concert
Funk'n'stein brings you: 'The Next Level', a fun-filled funk show - time to get down with the groove!
Mystery Movie 1
Hey baby, don’t get left in the corner. Come and have the time of your life (sing-along optional but advised).
23:00 - 00:00
Late Night Music & Poetry
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going (to sign up see David Hoffman or the compere).
Bonjour M. Shlomi & Tenth Man
A warm and witty family comedy, 16- year-old, Shlomi, is the peacekeeper in his chaotic family (dir Shemi Zarhin, 2003) plus Tenth Man (dir Sam Liefer).
Booba Schwartz’s Silent Disco
Get some wireless headphones and get dancing to Booba Schwartz, who’s gonna rock the house - who knew that being considerate neighbours could be such fun?
Sunday
09:00 - 10:30
While My Shofar Gently Weeps (2 of 2)
Master class for shofar blowers. Learn how to make your shofar cry, sing, weep, and laugh. Connect to your divine connection through the sacred sounds of the shofar. Bring one if you have.
Drawing Workshop
If there's fine weather, we'll draw the beautiful scenery outdoors. If not, we'll do a still life indoors. Materials and guidance provided.
Gyrokinesis
Incorporating key principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi principles we work the body through rhythmic and undulating exercises. Loose clothing and medium movement ability.
Jerusalem Tales
The re-building of Jerusalem is full of heroes and villains, events, plans; most of all an endless human endeavour for a modern Eden.
Shiatsu Workshop
Shiatsu is a complementary contact therapy. Come, relax and become more aware of each other and your surroundings.
Patchwork Quilting Bee
Recycling unloved fabric into a beautiful patchwork quilt. Start a mini-quilt, or help sew our communal Fest-quilt. Beginners welcome.
Do you have a GOOD body?
Jewish wisdom underpins social action.Study the texts that influence Jewish responsibility organisations like Project Chesed (United Synagogue) and Tzedek.
09:00 - 12:00
TorahTrek Walk
What is the organic, vital connection between Jewish spirituality and the natural world? Join a morning walk on a nearby trail for learning, discussion, song, prayer and easy, walking meditation.
Creation Tiyul (walk)
We will use our senses to experience the awe and wonder of Creation. How can we fix the world and help recreate the Gan Eden of Creation?
10:45 - 12:15
Planning a Children's Discovery Garden
How to drag kids away from computers to the great outdoors. Learn from the process of designing a children's garden at the Jerusalem Botanical Garden.
From Stiff Necks to Open Hearts: A Workshop in Reconciliation and Forgiveness
How do you transform hurt, guilt and distance into forgiveness, softening and connection? Explore transformation in the New Year through movement and Jewish text learning.
Hands on Calligraphy
Have fun with letters, and enjoy beautiful lettering. Learn how to hold the calligraphy pen, master an alphabet and more.
Eden Law: The Role of Rational Morality in the Halacha
According to Talmud, Adam and Eve received six commandments in the Garden of Eden: what were they, why aren't they mentioned in Torah and how do they impact upon halacha?
Is There a Jewish Mythology?
How can there be a mythology where there is only one God? We will weigh the evidence for Judaism having its own extensive mythological tradition.
Giving to the Goyim (2 of 2)
Discover ways you can make a difference in your community and beyond. This interactive session is designed for budding campaigners, speakers and activists.
Creative Writing Workshop
Be inspired by the world around you, play with words, form your own poems and discover your creativity.
12:30 - 14:00
Jewtopia
Immigrant Jewish moguls created a utopia in Hollywood and then packaged and sold the American Dream on our screens.
Make this your Best Year Yet!
Make your goals and dreams a reality. Learn techniques to work with your ambitions.
Spin Your Own Tale
Join the wise women and sages! Learn a skill that was once universal. Make your own spindle, learn to spin fleece into yarn, find out about spinning in midrash and halacha.
Utopian Visions - Political Visions
What utopian visions have influenced political leaders and policy-makers? Do political philosophers study the likes of Machiavelli because his theories are still practiced?
Oh My God It's Hot! Can Religion Save the Planet?
Natan Levy, Sue Richardson, Hamayoon Sultan, Jeremy Gordon
A Jew, Muslim, and Christian discuss faith based environmental campaigning. Can religion really turn green? Can we work together?
Jewish Ethiopian Musical Tradition
Experience the Jewish Ethiopian tradition, with vocal and instrumental performance, historical insights, and importance of the community's music.
A Peace of Klezmer
Breaking the mould of traditional story telling, learn some klezmer and a new way of looking at stories and peace.
Tibet: Why Should We Care?
Tibet: its history and current situation. Is there anything we can do as Jews to help their current identity crisis?
14:15 - 15:45
Corporeal Mime
Using corporeal language, learn the art of communication without words. All abilities welcome, loose clothing and imagination are essential!
Making Prayer Real
Jewish prayer can be frustrating, as evidenced by the low rates of synagogue attendance. Mike Comins interviewed over forty Jewish leaders on why prayer is difficult, and what to do about it.
Young Eco-Investigators
Learn some basic practical field research outdoors, explore miniature natural worlds, and create our own mini-landscapes (primary school age and up).
Israeli Dancing
Come and try your hand (or should that be feet) at rikudei am (Israeli dancing). We'll learn some old and new dances. Beginners welcome.
Mosaic Challah Boards
Make a mosaic challah board to keep forever (session is for teenagers and adults).
What’s Kosher about Fair Trade? (2 of 2)
Taste Fairtrade chocolate at its best, a chocolate fountain! Following Saturday's Jewish ethical consumerism, here's practical ways to choose Fairtrade. Feel free to drop in.
Fran Landesman and Vanessa Hidary Slam
Vanessa Hidary, Fran Landesman
Fran, an original beat poet survivor and jazz lyricist, meets Vanessa, a hiphop poet - Jewish women never sounded so hip.
Fest Football
All welcome to the Fest football however-many-a-side-we-get match.
Meditation on the Breath
A relaxation exercise using the breath as a focus for our meditation.
Solidarity Complex: Film and discussion
Presenting perspectives from the pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrations in London during the recent Gaza crisis.
16:00 - 17:30
From Ego to Eco - Jewish Spiritual Ecology
How can we reduce our carbon footprint? Learn about the work of the Jewish Climate Initiative and the seven year ARC plan.
ShirLaLa Concert
Outrageously hip Jewish kiddie rocker, ShirLaLa, combines teaching, storytelling, and performing to create a fulfilling and rich musical event.
Darwin and the Tree of Life
Divine Creation or Darwinian Evolution? Do we have to choose? An unapologetic and considered approach to this hot issue through Darwin's words and Jewish texts.
The Ten Commandments of Business Ethics
What has Gan Eden got to do with our workplace? We will explore how to bring spirituality and ethics into our business lives.
"Gospelize" service songs
Taking familiar songs from Jewish services and applying gospel techniques to energize them. Drums and instruments invited.
Anti-Fascist Films
Inspired by his grandfather, Yoav uses documentary and animation styles to make films that focus on Jewish anti-fascist actions of the 1930's.
Plastic Fantastic
Recycle your plastic bags into beautiful and useful things. Turning them into yarn, knit or crochet them into something wonderful!
The Israeli Music Scene
Funk'n'stein, Raymond Simonson
Funk'n'stein's insights into the Israeli music scene - both from touring internationally and playing at home.
17:45 - 19:15
Angel Walk
This spiritual space and healing tool is where we give and receive touch, relinquish fear and allow our ‘inner angels’ to communicate.
Gathering the Sparks: The True Meaning of Tikkun Olam
So much more than social action, tikkun olam is the last major myth universally accepted into Jewish tradition. How did Rabbi Isaac Luria create this myth?
Classic Feature: Kazablan
Jerusalem Cinematheque, Alan Freeman
Classic Israeli cinema, a musical about the discrimination faced by an immigrant Israeli army veteran, 1974 Golden Globe winner.
Visions of Utopia: The British Left and Zionism
Why is the British left antagonistic towards Israel? Is it because of settlements or a 'new antisemitism'? From the Russian Revolution on!
Family Philosophy
A family forum to think, based on the Philosophy for Children approach, enabling all ages to start asking deep questions. Rabbis did, Greeks did, professors do it and so can your family.
Italia Ebraica
Charlette Ottolenghi, Abate Berihun
A fascinating encounter between beautiful Jewish Italian classical melodies and the jazz sounds of sax player and vocalist Abate Berihun.
Ethical Consumerism, GM and the New Eco-Judaism
Does ethical and radical consumerism apply to the new campaign to Green British Jewry? In particular the debate on genetically modified organisms.
Writing and Publishing - Inspriation or Perspiration?
Why are we compelled to write our thoughts and ideas and then promote them? The business of book promotion traditionally and on the web.
Starts at 19:30
The Mystery of Eden’s Jewel: Pervasive Game
Adam and Eve had to leave Eden. But they didn’t go empty handed. Find out what they were given and what was passed down the generations. Players have to follow the trail and find the links (free drink if you hang onto your jewel).
20:00 - 21:15
The jOYs of sharing Yiddish songs
You're invited to share some Yiddish songs with Judith. No prior knowledge of Yiddish is required, nor is the ability to sing.
Treasures from the Israel Film Archive
Jerusalem Cinematheque, Alan Freeman
A selection of short films to introduce the extraordinary range of the Jerusalem Cinematheque's archive.
Jeremiah Lockwood In Concert
A unique brand of Jewish musical fusion. Lockwood's arrangements whip up a frenzy wherein all the world's music can do that which music does best: celebrate.
Vanessa Hidary: The Hebrew Mamita
Long lost daughter of Abraham and Sarah the sexy, oy-veying, chutzpa-having, always-questioning, all-people-loving, pride-filled Jewish girl!
From 21.30
Magnificent Creatures and Fantastical Beasts
Fest puts on its fancy dress - welcome to the party that never left paradise. Here you will find all the beautiful creations that didn’t leave Eden with Adam and Eve. Prizes for the most imaginative costume.
21:30 - 22:45
God's Face Appeared in Your Gazpacho
From mystics to psychics, from Englishness to Jewishness, a performance of humorous, satirical poetry about things Jewish and not so Jewish.
Mystery Movie 2
The movie tonight will funk your world. Santa is bad and Jews never swaggered so cool. Get ready for the ultimate Jewish weapon.
Watermarks & Sidney Turtlebaum
The champion women swimmers of the legendary Jewish sports club, Hakoah Vienna, and their flight from persecution (dir. Yaron Zilberman) plus short Sidney Turtlebaum (dir Tristram Shapeero).
Jewdyssee Live! - Put Your Dancing Shoes On
Yiddish traditionals meet club beats, celebrating Jewish life in a very different way. Guaranteed to make you dance till you drop.
22:45 - 23:00
Chill out with the Stamford Hill Jukebox
Chill out with the Stamford Hill Jukebox. Explore some of the best charedi orthodox music, browse the LPs and select your own tunes.
23:00 - 03:00
DJ Sefinad De La Cool (Silent Disco)
A funk and soul party that will burn the soles off your shoes and make you forget your blues and fall in love with every beat.
Late Night Music & Poetry
Bring your instrument, talent and chutzpah and keep the party going (to sign up see David Hoffman or the compere).
A Slim Peace & My Nose
A documentary about a Jerusalem women's weight loss group that crosses the political spectrum: Palestinian, Bedouin and Jewish. (Dir Yael Luttwak) plus short film My Nose (dir: Gayle Kirschenbaum).
Monday
10:00 - 11:30
Where's God?
Why do people pray upwards? Is the Biblical 'Ayn od Milvado' the same as the Sufi 'Wahdat al-Wujud' ? Challenge your concepts of space, time and Ha-Makom - the Present One.
Gyrokinesis
Incorporating key principles from yoga, dance, gymnastics and tai-chi principles we work the body through rhythmic and undulating exercises. Loose clothing and medium movement ability.
Young Eco-Investigators
"If you go down to the woods today" you'll discover a whole new world: the who, what, why and how of woodland plant life.
Replanting the Holy Seed: Ezra and Nehemiah and the Return to Zion
Replanting a ravaged garden is hard - as Ezra and Nehemiah found out returning from Babylonian exile. We'll explore their struggles, setbacks, and hopes, and compare them to modern times.
What's Antisemitism Got To Do With It?
We look at the impact of anti-Jewish oppression, examining the unconscious ways that Jewish identity continues to be conditioned by fear and defensiveness.
Perilous Knowledge: The Balance Between Science and Sanctity in a Genetic Age
Why was the Tree of Knowledge forbidden? Rabbinic answers to this impact on assisted reproduction, genetic medicine and human enhancement.
Atavisms - Chazzanus and The Sway Machinery
The musical legacy of Cantorial music as it was revealed to me through my grandfather, Jacob Konigsberg, and how the Chazzanus tradition has always informed my creative life.
Meditation on the breath
A relaxation exercise using the breath as a focus for our meditation.
11:45 - 13:15
How the Jews Lost Nature, and How to Get Her Back
Discuss the connection between revelation and wilderness that began at Sinai.
The Satan- Friend or Foe?
Who is Satan? Friend or foe? There is little in the Bible, but he leads a rich and busy life in Midrash. We ignore him at our peril.
Yom Kippur Musaph: Blood Guts and Gore
Don't sit in Shul on Yom Kippur feeling hungry and bored; make the bloody musaph your Yom Kippur highlight.
The Four Rabbis who Entered the Pardes
This Talmudic story is a mystical exploration - with dubious consequences. Looking at this Pardes we will also examine today's interest in Kabbalah.
Jewish Culture in Berlin – a Chat with Jewdyssee
Jewdyssee's Maya Saban and manager Elina Tilipman will discuss Jewish culture in Berlin and reviving Jewish art in the scene.