CAI - ShulCloud · Fall 2017 CAI CTKST MHUDQRHS 20182019 • 5779 No Grades. No Midterms. No inals....

CAIAdult university2018-2019•5779

No Grades. No Midterms. No Finals. No Prerequisites.

JUST COME AND ENJOY!

W e have now had several years in our new building, enjoying and making good use of our Lipsey Family Adult Wing and learning spaces: the Toby Shapiro Library, Learning, and Conference Center, and the Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash and the Frank Nathanson Adult

Lounge. This year we offer an equally stimulating and wide range of adult courses and programs designed to appeal to anyone with a curious and open mind, from Jewish thinkers of the 20th Century to an exciting author series; from introductory Judaism and prayer to parenting support; from spiritual discovery to interfaith exploration; poetry, film groups, book clubs, and much more…

Our excellent congregational staff, other recognized experts, and fellow congregants with specialized knowledge and experience teach all of the classes. We wish to thank Dr. Arnold Brenner, Michael and Barbara Erlichman, Derek Fields, Phil Kruger, Dara Horn, Max Kleinman, Debby Miller, Marilyn Rose, and others for volunteering their time and teaching talents to our program. Please note that the time frames for classes vary; some are ongoing, some are a full academic year, some are limited sessions, and some are just one semester — either fall or spring.

We need a minimum of four people to provide a class. No CAI member will be denied participation in CAI classes due to financial concerns. Please speak to Rabbi Silverstein about financial aid opportunities.

We invite you to choose something from this brochure and join us for an exciting and involved year as we continue to take full advantage of our Adult Learning Center. We seek to make new friends and expand our individual and group understanding of relevant issues and topics. If there is something else you would like to see included, please let us know.

We look forward to a great year!

Shana Tova,

Rabbi Alan Silverstein, Rabbi Ari Lucas, Susan Werk, Education Director

ADULT ED 2018-2019Congregation Agudath Israel

20 Academy Road Caldwell, NJ 07006

973-226-3600 www.agudath.org

Adult Ed 2018/2019 3Register at agudath.org/events

4 WEEKLY/MONTHLY ADULT ED MORNING

AND AFTERNOON CLASSES

Mondays with Rabbi Michael Jay

Tuesdays with Nancy Caplan

Tuesday Matinees at CAI: Jewish Film Series

Wednesdays with Rabbi Silverstein

Thursdays with Rabbi Silverstein and Susan Werk

Thursdays with JBS

Fridays with Rabbi Richard Hammerman

Fridays with Rabbi Ari Lucas

Fridays with Max Kleinman

Spring Classes with Professor James Flynn

Shabbat Morning Torah Study Class with Susan Werk

Shabbat Text Study after Kiddush with Phil Kruger

Shabbat Mincha and Sunday Morning Talmud Classes with Dr. Arnold Brenner

8 EVENING COURSES AND EVENTS

The Descent of the Wicked Angels and the Persistence of Evil with Phil Kruger

Making Visual Midrash with Debby Miller and Marilyn Rose

Leaving Jubilees Out of the Bible, with Phil Kruger

Reflecting and Affecting Memory: Cinema as Haggadah for the Holocaust with Dr. Eric Goldman

10 KVELLING WITH CONGREGANT

AUTHORS AND FILM PRODUCERS AND OTHERS

Book Events and Movie Picks

Second Generation Speaks Out: The Story of the Bitten Locket

Shabbat Meditation with Karen Frank

Roch Chodesh Women’s Group with Susan Werk

12 MOVIES, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND TRIPS

The Michael and Barbara Erlichman Film Series

Adult Scholarly Committee presents Professor Sidnie White Crawford

The Jewish Museum: Private Tour of The Russian Avant-Garde

CAI Interfaith Committee presents Pastor/Author Victor Styrsky of CUFI

Extending Hands of Friendship from Caldwell, NJ to Germany

16 SHABBAT SPEAKERS

CAI Environmental Committee sponsors Guest Speaker Talia Tzour Avner: Environmentalism in Israel via JNF

Israel Walkathon Weekend: Rabbi Yerech Meyersdorf and Rabbi Elisha Wolfin

Rabbi Seth Farber

Special Guest Rabbi David Golinkin

17 CLUBS

Create for a Cause: Knit and crochet goods for organizations in need

Memoir Writing Club, led by Barbara Erlichman

Yiddish Club

UPCOMING EVENTS

A conversation with Avner Avraham

Cantorial Concert with Cantor Arianna Brown

Community Thanksgiving Service

Comedian Judy Gold: Third Annual Comedy Night

Rick Recht Family Chanukah Concert

Erev Yom Ha”atzmaut Concert featuring Six13 Jewish A Cappella Group

SAVE THE DATE!

Holiday Enhancement Workshops and Cooking

A Series of Torah Classes during Tikkun Lel Shavuot

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Adult Ed participants enjoy a day trip to Williamsburg, Brooklyn in Fall 2017


No Grades. No Midterms. No Finals. No Prerequisites.

JUST COME AND ENJOY!

Congregation Agudath Israel, 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, NJ 07006 | 973-226-3600 | agudath.org

Dates, times, and locations in this catalogue are subject to change. Check agudath.org/events for up-to-date information.

4 Adult Ed 2018/2019 Register at agudath.org/events

TUESDAYS WITH NANCY CAPLAN Sponsored in honor of Sheila and Les Lustbader for their milestone anniversary

9:15 -10:15 am: Conversational Hebrew Advance Beginner to Intermediate level

10:30 -11:40 am: Text and Coffee: Torah Text through many lenses. Together let’s explore Torah text with an eye toward how it can be interpreted by different, sometimes conflicting approaches: from ancient to modern from Jewish to other religions. We will begin with the book of Leviticus.

12:30 –1:30 pm: Where and When: Jewish Laws and Customs — Why do we do what we do?Instructor: Nancy Caplan

FIRST SEMESTER: Dates: Tuesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 6,13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18

SECOND SEMESTER: Dates: Tuesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2

(snow day make-up 9, 16)Location: Conference Room in the Toby Shapiro Library, Learning and Conference CenterCost: $240 non-member for each of the above classesRegister at agudath.org/events.

MONDAYS WITH RABBI MICHAEL JAY Sponsored in honor of Sheila and Les Lustbader for their milestone anniversary

“Israel’s Milestones and Their Meanings: The Legacy of the Past and the Challenge of the Future.”A course covering great moments of the State of Israel from the Balfour Declaration to the Six-Day War and beyond, and how these moments have impacted Israel, the Jewish people, and the world.

Instructor: Rabbi Michael Jay

Dates: Mondays, October 22, 29; November 5, 19, 26; December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 1410 am – noon Location: Frank Nathanson Adult LoungeCost: $240 non-memberRegister at agudath.org/events.

WEEKLY/MONTHLY ADULT ED MORNING AND AFTERNOON CLASSES



Goodbye Columbus Based on the Philip Roth book; Goodbye Columbus charts the conflict between two Jewish generations and two socio–economic classes, revealing the failings of all concerned.

Tuesday, October 16

Daniel Based on the book by E.L. Doctorow, The Book of Daniel, Daniel the movie reflects on the story of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and the legacy of pain that occurs after their execution as atomic spies during the 1950 cold war.

Tuesday, November 13

Shine A masterfully rendered portrait of a tortured Jewish genius, Shine traces the tragic trajectory of a promising pianist who spent years in mental institutions before returning to the concert stage.

Tuesday, November 27

Madame Rosa (French; English subtitles)

Winner of the Academy Award for best foreign film of 1977, Madame Rosa is the poignant tale of an ailing, aging, Auschwitz survivor and retired Jewish prostitute.

Tuesday, December 11

A Majority of One Bertha Jacoby, a Jewish widow living in Brooklyn, gets a chance at late-life romance when she meets a wealthy widower. A Jewish and non-Jewish couple’s love story with a twist.

Tuesday, January 8

Au Revoir, Les Enfants (French; English subtitles)

A heartfelt story of a friendship complicated by the precarious position of a Jew in hiding.

Tuesday, January 22

The Last Angry Man The stirring and still effective social drama directly links its main character’s morality to his Jewish heritage, presenting audiences with the sympathetic but unsentimental image of a devoted Jewish healer.

Tuesday, February 5

The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick “Where there’s oxygen, there are Jews,” Maximilian Glick informs us at the beginning of this captivating Canadian film, explaining the unlikely presence of a small outpost of hardy Jews breathing the frosty air in a small town outside Winnipeg.

Tuesday, March 5

The Big Fix Richard Dreyfuss plays a private eye who succeeds despite — or perhaps even because of — his Jewish qualities.

Tuesday, March 19

The Young Lions The Young Lions vividly evokes the prejudice that ironically greeted Jews who joined the country’s fight against Hitler.

Tuesday, April 2

The Great Dictator Charlie Chaplin 1940 film confronting rise of fascism in Europe and anti-Semitic politics.

Tuesday, April 30

Body and Soul: The State of the Jewish NationDelivered with a wealth of scholarly information, this documentary chronicles historical connections between the Jewish people and the land of Israel from ancient times to the present day.

Tuesday, May 14

Marjorie MorningstarA Hollywood feature film starring Natalie Wood about a woman who wants to become an actress, based on a 1955 novel by Herman Wouk.

Tuesday, May 28

TUESDAY MATINEES AT CAI: JEWISH FILM SERIESTime: 1 pm viewing of film, followed by congregant-led discussionLocation: Frank Nathanson Adult LoungRegister at agudath.org/events.



WEDNESDAYS WITH RABBI SILVERSTEIN10 am: The Book of Ezra and Nehemiah 11 am: Selected Issues of the Holocaust FALL/WINTER SEMESTER Dates: Wednesdays, October 10, 17, 31; November 7, 14, 28;

December 5, 12, 19; January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30SPRING SEMESTER Dates: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27;

April 3, 10, 17; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29Instructor: Rabbi Alan Silverstein Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library. Learning and Conference Center Cost: $240 non-member. Register at agudath.org/events.

THURSDAYS WITH RABBI SILVERSTEIN AND SUSAN WERK9:30 am: Rabbi Silverstein presents: Contemporary Jewish Thinkers, Musicians, Artists: Periodic sessions with Cantor Caplan and CAI artists 10:30 am: Susan Werk presents: Elijah and Prophet and Evolution of Jewish StorytellingDates: Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8, 15, 29;

December 6, 13, 20; January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11; May 2, 9,16

Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library Learning and Conference Center Cost: $240 non-member for each class. Register at agudath.org/events.

THURSDAYS WITH JEWISH BROADCASTING SERVICE (JBS) This class will view and discuss current issue broadcasts from JBS Dates: to be determined. 1 pm Location: The Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

FRIDAYS WITH RABBI RICHARD HAMMERMAN

Sighing and Soaring in Psalms: Part 2

Instructor: Rabbi Richard HammermanDates: Fridays, October 12 - May 31, 2019; 7:45 am Location: Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash/ Toby Shapiro Library Register at agudath.org/events.

FRIDAYS WITH RABBI ARI LUCASShabbat Is Awesome!Delve into the meaning and joy of Shabbat through text study, discussion and practical tips for your Shabbat observance

Instructor: Rabbi Ari Lucas

Dates: Fridays, October 12, 19, 26; November 2, 16, 30; December 7, 14

10:30 -11:30 amLocation: Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash/ Toby Shapiro Library Cost: $240 non-member Register at agudath.org/events

FRIDAYS WITH MAX KLEINMANMonthly Current Event DiscussionInstructor: Max Kleinman Dates: Fridays, October 19; November 16,

December 21; January 18; February 15; March 29; April 19; May 17; June 21; 11:30 am

Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library Learning and Conference Center Register at agudath.org/events.




SPRING CLASSES WITH RETURNING PROFESSOR JAMES FLYNN Department Chair and Associate Professor Theology / Philosophy from Caldwell University

American Philosophers: Investigating philosophical and ethical philosophy of American Philosophers beginning with the Revolutionary period, then looking at New England Transcendentalism, and finishing up with the Pragmatic movement.

Instructor: Professor James Flynn Date: Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5,12 10:30-11:30 am Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library, Learning and Conference Center Register at agudath.org/events.

SHABBAT MORNING TORAH STUDY CLASSHow does the weekly Torah portion relate to our lives today? Study the meaning behind the weekly Torah reading with other adults. Lively conversation and meaningful insights occur each week.

Instructor: Susan Werk Dates: Saturdays at 9 am Location: Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash/ Toby Shapiro Library Register at agudath.org/events.

SHABBAT TEXT STUDY AFTER KIDDUSHJewish Second Temple Literature Discussion

Reading scripture and other sacred literature in Second Temple Times: Congregant Phil Kruger leads a discussion of the Books of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, the Gospels, and other Second Temple literature, and how these writings relate to the Jewish sacred canon. The class takes place each week, starting one half hour after the beginning of the Shabbat Kiddush. Open to all and no experience or familiarity with the material is required.

Instructor: Phil Kruger Dates: Every Saturday, 1/2 hour after services end/Kiddush begins Location: Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash/ Toby Shapiro Library Register at agudath.org/events.

SHABBAT MINCHA AND SUNDAY MORNING 8:15 AM TALMUD CLASSThis is a lively, interactive, and insightful discussion of the Talmud, in English. No prior knowledge needed to share and learn.

Instructor: Dr. Arnold Brenner Dates: Saturdays at Mincha, candle lighting time and Sundays at 8:15 am Location: Sidney Feinstein Beit Midrash/ Toby Shapiro Library Register at agudath.org/events.



THE DESCENT OF THE WICKED ANGELS AND THE PERSISTENCE OF EVILOnce upon a time, some biblical scholars maintain, when a scribe felt that there was an ambiguity or an omission in the Biblical text that required explanation, the scribe felt free or even obliged to amend or add to the text in order to clear up the confusion or fill in the gap. After all, there were no ancient Bible police to prevent him from doing so. But as the process of scriptural canonization evolved, there came a time when the possibility of amending the text was no

longer acceptable and the only way to explain ambiguities and omissions was through interpretation.

On Wednesday, October 3, congregant Phil Kruger will lead a two-hour class based upon Biblical scholar James Kugel’s essay, “The Descent of the Wicked Angels and the Persistence of Evil.” (The essay is included in The Call of Abraham: Essays on the Election of Israel in Honor of Jon D. Levenson, edited by Gary A. Anderson and Joel S. Kaminsky [University of Notre Dame Press 2013]). In that essay, Professor Kugel shows how a passage (Genesis 6:1-4), originally inserted in the Genesis text as an appendix to an ancient genealogy so as to explain the origin of ancient “heroes, warriors of renown,” was later utilized to offer an explanation for the wickedness of mankind that precipitated (pun intended) the flood. In this discussion, Phil Kruger will argue, as does Professor Kugel, that the process of scriptural interpretation seems to have developed and evolved to preserve the ancient malleability of the text that ancient textual rewriting once offered to earlier scribes. And, as the means of explaining problems with the text changed, so did conceptions of scriptural authorship.

Instructor: Phil Kruger Wednesday, October 3, 6:30 pm, break for minyan and then continue. Refreshments will be served. Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library, Learning and Conference Center Register at agudath.org/events.

MAKING VISUAL MIDRASH: Playing with Words, Shapes and Colors

In this class, participants (non-artists) wrestle with, interpret, and experience Torah through visual, tactile, and creative means. Using simple materials and letting go of the critical voices that we have acquired over the years, we can surprise ourselves with new understanding of text and of ourselves. No artistic ability or previous experience is required.

Instructors: Debby Miller, EdD, Jewish Educator, and Marilyn Rose, noted artist and art teacher Dates: Thursdays, October 11, 18, 25; November 1, 7:45-9:15 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

EVENING COURSES AND EVENTS


EVENING COURSES AND EVENTS

LEAVING JUBILEES OUT OF THE BIBLE An in-depth look at “the most interesting and important composition of late Second Temple Judaism”

In this course we will explore the Book of Jubilees, an ancient retelling of much of the book of Genesis and the first part of the book of Exodus. In the words of Professor James Kugel, “[t]he book of Jubilees is arguably the most important and influential of all books written by Jews in the Second Temple period. It is a treasure house of ancient interpretation, composed by an unknown author who thought deeply about the Torah and Judaism. Jubilees was prized by the Dead Sea Scrolls community: parts of some fifteen manuscripts of the book were hidden by them in the caves of Qumran. But its influence certainly went beyond this group. Although rabbinic Judaism rejected Jubilees, in part because of some of its doctrines, many of its interpretative traditions are paralleled in the Talmud and various midrashic collections, as well as in the early poetry of the synagogue, suggesting possible influence. It also played an important role in early Christian communities, and it is thanks to them that the book has been preserved in its entirety to this day.” (J. Kugel, A Walk Through Jubilees: An Exegetical Commentary, Introduction, p.1 (Brill 2012)). The classes require no prior knowledge.

Instructor: Phil Kruger Dates: Tuesdays, November 13, 20, 27; December 4, 11, 18; January 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-9 pm Location: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library. Learning and Conference Center Register at agudath.org/events.

REFLECTING AND AFFECTING MEMORY Cinema as Haggadah for the Holocaust

Incorporating film clips and analysis, Dr. Eric Goldman will explore how cinema reflects memories and experiences of the Holocaust as well as how it affects and shapes our understanding of the Shoah. Even before World War II came to an end, filmmakers in central and eastern Europe began the task of representing the Shoah on film. Western Europe was largely in denial and Hollywood avoided Holocaust subject matter for nearly fifteen years after the war. It was only in the early 1970s that French filmmakers began exploring the Shoah on

film and some of the initial reaction was caustic. In Israel, the first feature that dealt with survivors was only made in 1979. We will screen clips from a variety of films and explore how and why the Shoah was put on film and how the culture of Holocaust filmmaking has changed around the world. Particularly fascinating is the plethora of Holocaust films being made these last dozen years in Germany and Poland.

Instructor: Dr. Eric Goldman Dates: PART I: 1944-1990: Thursday, November 15, 7-9 pm

PART II: 1990 TO THE PRESENT: Thursday, November 29, 7-9 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

Dr. Eric Goldman is adjunct professor of cinema at Yeshiva University and the author of “The American Jewish Story through Cinema.” He was co-host with Robert Osborne on the Turner Classic Movies television network of the series, “The Projected Image: The Jewish Experience on Film.”



BOOK EVENT AND SIGNING WITH AUTHORS Congregants Harris Nydick and Greg Makowski

Common Financial Sense: Simple Strategies for Successful 401(k) and 403(b) Retirement Plan InvestingBooks will be sold – all proceeds donated to CAI

Tuesday, October 16, 8 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

SOL MOGLEN MOVIE PICK Al Jolson’s Documentary Al Jolson was known in the industry as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” for well over 40 years. After his death his influence continued unabated with such performers as Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Jackie Wilson and Jerry Lee Lewis all mentioning him as an inspiration. Jolson was born Asa Yoelson in Lithuania to Cantor Moishe Yoelson, who emigrated alone to Washington, DC, to establish himself. Come and learn more!

Wednesday, October, 17, 7:45 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

BOOK EVENT WITH JUDY TABS The Other Me: A Story of Two lives Changed ForeverThe Other Me is an unforgettable story about David Goldman, a child born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, whose time is running out and is in need of a healthy heart. His family anguishes watching him wait for a lifesaving heart transplant. Time has run out for 12-year-old Scott Paterson when he was struck and tragically killed by a falling tree in the midst of Hurricane Sandy. Will David get a second chance at life? Will Scott’s family see him live on through someone else by donating his organs? Find out in this page-

turning, heartfelt tale of two families whose lives are not just changed, but transformed. Books will be sold at event.

Wednesday, October 24, 7:45 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

BOOK EVENTThanks to the generation donation from the Toby Shapiro Book Fund and from Phil and Gina Vinick

Guest speaker Dr. David Dalin, author of Jewish Justices of the Supreme Court, from Brandeis to Kagan

Monday, November 5, 7:45-9 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

KVELLING WITH CONGREGANT AUTHORS AND FILM PRODUCERS AND OTHERS


KVELLING WITH CONGREGANT AUTHORS AND FILM PRODUCERS AND OTHERS

SECOND GENERATION SPEAKS OUT: The Story of the Bitten LocketEmma Glickman grew up in Livingston, New Jersey, and has been going to Agudath Israel since her Torah for Tots days. Emma will be sharing her personal narrative in uncovering how her grandmother and great-grandmother miraculously survived the Holocaust after being hidden by Righteous Gentiles. She weaves you through the twist and turns in discovering how her family managed to be among the 14 survivors of the 1,600 Jews that lived in their Polish town. Part of the presentation includes an 8-minute documentary trailer of Emma’s journey to Poland and finding the family that hid, fed, and saved her great-grandmother’s life. Emma went to Golda Och Academy ‘14 and recently graduated from Vassar College ‘18.

Thursday, January 3, 7:45 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at agudath.org/events.

SHABBAT MEDITATION: Begin Shabbat in StillnessShabbat is the time for quieting, stepping back from the hectic workday world, and entering a time of peacefulness and communion with nature and spirit. Begin your Shabbat with meditation on four Saturday mornings this year. You will feel a sense of peace, tranquility, and awareness that will enhance your Shabbat experience.

Instructor: Karen Frank, RN, Congregational NurseDates: Saturdays, October 13; November 3; December 1; January 5;

February 2; March 2; April 5; May 4; June 1, 9:30 amLocation: Conference Room in Toby Shapiro Library, Learning and Conference Center

ROSH CHODESH WOMEN’S GROUP Looking for a meaningful woman’s experience? Join our monthly Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group. Learn, share and grow in a safe, loving environment. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Torah needed; just the desire to learn and share with your fellow congregants.

Instructor: Susan Werk Time: 8 pm, unless otherwise specifiedDates: November 12 – Kislev; December 11 – Tevet; January 7 – Shevat; March 7 – Adar I/II;

April 9 – Nisan – Women’s Seder at CAI at 7:45 pm; May 6 – Iyar; June 4 - Sivan Location: Off-site at Congregants’ homes. Locations will be announced closer to the gatherings. Register at agudath.org/events.



The Third Half A deeply moving, life-affirming, and often humorous story of love during wartime and a country’s passion for soccer. In 1941 Macedonia, a young Eastern Orthodox man, Kosta, and a wealthy young Jewish woman, Rebecca, fall in love, despite her father’s efforts

to keep them apart. With the war raging around their borders, the Macedonians remain cocooned in their world of patriotic pleasures, primarily concerned with getting the beleaguered Macedonia Football Club on a winning streak. Their manager hires the legendary German-Jewish coach Rudolph Spitz to turn them into champions. But when the Nazis occupy the country and begin deporting Jews, Kosta and his teammates realize that the carefree days of their youth are over. As the Nazis try to sabotage the outcome of the championship game, and Spitz’s life is threatened, Kosta and his teammates rise to the challenge to protect their coach, with all of Macedonia cheering them on.

Wednesday, October 10

GI JewsGI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II is the profound and unique story of the 550,000 Jewish men and women who served in World War II. Through the eyes of the servicemen and women, the film brings to life the little-known story of Jews in World War II — as active

participants in the fight against Hitler, bigotry and intolerance.

These brave men and women fought for their nation and their people, for America and for Jews worldwide. Like all Americans, they fought against fascism, but they also waged a more personal fight — to save their brethren in Europe. After years of struggle, they emerged transformed, more powerfully American and more deeply Jewish, determined to continue the fight for equality and tolerance at home.

Wednesday, November 7

THE MICHAEL AND BARBARA ERLICHMAN FILM SERIESThanks to the generous donation of Dr. Michael and Barbara Erlichman, we now have an opportunity to celebrate our rich Jewish heritage through film. Screenings of dramas, comedies, and documentaries will be followed by discussions.

All movies begin at 7:45 pm. Register at agudath.org/events.

Bag of MarblesThis is the true story of two young Jewish brothers in German-occupied France who, with a mind-boggling mix of mischievousness, courage, and ingenuity, will be forced

to fend for themselves in order to survive the enemy invasion and try bring their family back together. The heartwarming adaptation of Joseph Joffo’s enduring memoir tells the story of the Nazi occupation through the eyes of the two young Jewish boys.

Paris, 1941: Joseph and Maurice are the sons of Roman, the local barber. At ages 10 and 12, the boys have so little understanding of the persecution of Jews that Joseph thinks nothing of swapping his yellow star for a bag of marbles. Despite their naiveté, Roman knows that their best chance to escape the Nazi roundup is to flee on their own to Vichy, France, where their older brothers Albert and Henri have found safe haven.

Always one false move from tragedy, these tenacious children survive on courage, ingenuity, and more than a bit of cunning as they make their precarious way through France hoping to reunite with their family. More than anything, it’s their brotherly bond that gets them through their ordeals. Patrick Bruel resonates as the Jewish family patriarch Roman, while newcomers Dorian Le Clech and Batyste Fleurial Palmieri register an almost agonizing vulnerability as hapless innocents trying to outrun the cruel machinery of war.

Wednesday, March 27

MOVIES, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND TRIPS



Heading HomeAfter years of defeat, Team Israel proves they are underdogs no longer, finally ranking among the world’s best teams in 2017 and eligible to play in the prestigious international tournament. With a lineup that

features Jewish American Major League ballplayers like ex-New York Mets first baseman, Ike Davis, ex-Houston Astro, Josh Zeid, and ex-Braves catcher, Ryan Lavarnway, no one expected Team Israel to make it as far as they did. Proving that they are much more than the has-beens their opponents expected, they take Israel and the world by storm. With their famous Mensch on a Bench mascot at their side, the teammates bond and together discover what it means to represent their homeland on the world stage.

Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel is a warm and inspirational documentary that celebrates the triumphs of a little team that could – and did – pave the way for future generations of Israeli ballplayers who aspire to win the World Baseball Classic for their homeland.

Wednesday, May 15

THE MICHAEL AND BARBARA ERLICHMAN FILM SERIES All movies begin at 7:45 pm. Register at agudath.org/events.

RGB: Ruth Bader GinsburgAt age 84, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg has created a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected intergenerational heroine and pop culture icon. But even many of her ardent admirers don’t know the unique personal

journey of this diminutive, quiet warrior’s rise to the nation’s highest court: as a young lawyer, Ginsburg was a legal architect of the modern women’s rights movement.

Directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen develop a multi-dimensional portrait of the Justice through intimate interviews with family, friends, colleagues, and critics, along with vérité scenes and archival news footage documenting her career, family photographs, and exclusive home movies. The filmmakers expertly weave Justice Ginsburg’s speeches and writings together with an extraordinary interview with the Justice herself, in which she discusses, in quietly profound terms, her upbringing, passions, and finding love with her husband, Marty, whom she credits with making her profession possible.

West’s and Cohen’s access to Ginsburg for the film even included her exercise workouts with a trainer, sharing coffee at home with her granddaughter, and rehearsing backstage for a speaking role with the Washington National Opera. What emerges is a fresh and fierce authenticity, a more complete, inspiring portrait of Ginsburg than ever seen before: a complex jurist, woman, scholar, grandmother, opera lover, wife, mother, daughter, warrior, and citizen.

Wednesday, May 29




CAI Adult Scholarly Committee presents

PROFESSOR SIDNIE WHITE CRAWFORD“Sacred Scripture in the Second Temple Period: Interpretation Inside and Outside of the Text”

Dr. Crawford will discuss the textual history of the Hebrew Bible and its interpretation in the Second Temple period, as revealed by the Dead Sea Scrolls. The scroll fragments discovered in caves along the Dead Sea in the 20th century taught us a great deal about the text of the Hebrew Bible before the fall of the Temple in 70 CE. Rather than the fixed text that we are used to, the text of the biblical

books was fluid, and in many cases interpretation was brought into the text. Also, biblical books could be rewritten to bring in new interpretations, sometimes resulting in an expanded text, but in other cases in a whole new composition. The lecture will discuss all these issues, with illustrations and examples.

Tuesday, November 6, 6:30-9 pm Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at Agudath.org/events.

Sidnie White Crawford is a Willa Cather Professor of the Hebrew Bible emerita at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is an internationally recognized scholar in the areas of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. Her most recent book, edited with Cecilia Wassen, is The Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran and the Concept of a Library, published by Brill (2016). Dr. Crawford currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the W. F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem and as a member of the Society of Biblical Literature Council. She is also a member of numerous editorial boards, including Hermeneia: A Commentary Series (Fortress Press) and The Hebrew Bible: A Critical Edition (SBL Press). She now lives in Stroudsburg, PA.

THE JEWISH MUSEUM1109 Fifth Ave at 92nd Street, New York, New York

Private Tour of new exhibit: Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich: The Russian Avant-Garde in Vitebsk,1918-1922,

This is a rare opportunity to explore a little-known chapter in the history of modernity and the Russian avant-garde. Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich: The Russian Avant-Garde in Vitebsk, 1918-1922 will focus on the People’s Art School (1918-1922), founded by Marc Chagall in his native city of Vitebsk (in present day Belarus). Through some 120 works and documents loaned by museums in Vitebsk and Minsk and major American and European collections, the exhibition will present the

artistic output of three iconic figures — Marc Chagall, El Lissitzky and Kazimir Malevich — as well as works by students and teachers of the Vitebsk school, such as Lazar Khidekel, Nikolai Suetin, Il’ia Chashnik, David Yakerson, Vera Ermolaeva, and Yehuda (Yury) Pen, among others. Chagall, Lissitzky, Malevich: The Russian Avant-Garde in Vitebsk, 1918-1922 is organized by the Centre Pompidou, Paris, in collaboration with the Jewish Museum. This is sure to be a wonderful experience!

Monday, November 12 Cost: $15 per person Meet at the Museum entrance at 11 am. Transportation to the museum is not provided. Register at Agudath.org/events.



CAI Interfaith Committee presents:

PASTOR/AUTHOR VICTOR STYRSKYNational Outreach Director Eastern Regional Coordinator Christians United For Israel (CUFI)“With over 4.3 million members CUFI is the largest pro-Israel organization in the nation and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world.” Hearing Pastor Styrsky’s presentation is like attending a prophetic mission debriefing. Spectacular!” —IDF Major, Elliot Chodoff

Thursday April 11, 7:45 pm, Location: Frank Nathanson Adult Lounge Register at Agudath.org/events.

EXTENDING HANDS OF FRIENDSHIPFrom Caldwell, NJ, to Germany

Building on last spring’s extraordinary experience, when, under the auspices of CAI’s Interfaith Committee, over a dozen Christian Germans (many of whom were clergy) visited Congregation Agudath Israel, prayed and studied with us, and stayed in our homes. With the cooperation of the World Jewry Committee, we are planning a visit to Germany in August 2019.

Not only will we renew friendships in this unlikely locale, along with native German Christians who daily perform teshuva, but we will also trace the deep Jewish roots that Germany represents. We will meet the contemporary Masorti progressive Jewish community and observe how Germany now represents the fastest growing Jewish community in Europe. Our trip will include Hanover, Germany where we will stay at the homes of our hosts; and Berlin, along with Rashi’s home and some smaller towns, plus optional trips to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Worms, and Cologne.

This is an unusual and unique opportunity for education, inspiration and spiritual renewal. Consider joining this select group of Agudath Israel members for a not-to-be-forgotten experience.

August 2019 (dates to be announced) Contact Interfaith Chair Glenn Sacks, [email protected]. Space is limited. Reserve now.



Sponsored by the CAI Environmental Committee

ENVIRONMENTALISM IN ISRAEL VIA JNFEnvironmental Shabbat and Lunch ‘n’ Learn with Guest Speaker Talia Tzour Avner

Talia Tzour Avner will speak on Jewish National Fund’s Environmental Work: Water Solutions, Cutting-Edge Development of the desert/Arava region, Forest & Green Innovations, and Community Building. With more than 25 years of dedicated service, she has played an instrumental role in implementing KKL-JNF’s vision for the land and people of Israel.

As Jewish National Fund’s Chief Israel Emissary, Talia fosters a close connection between the American Jewish community, the Israeli people, and KKL and JNF operations. She oversees JNF Task Forces on water solutions and cutting-edge development of Israel’s Arava region. A Sabra born in Jerusalem, Ms. Tzour Avner continues the Zionist legacy of her family, who made Aliyah from all over the world to play their part in establishing the State of Israel.

Saturday, October 6, 11:15 am Register at Agudath.org/events.

SHABBAT SPEAKERS

SPECIAL GUEST RABBI DAVID GOLINKIN In loving memory of Jim Weintraub

Rabbi David Golinkin was born and raised in Arlington, Virginia. He made aliyah in 1972, earning a B.A. in Jewish History and two teaching certificates from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He received an M.A. in Rabbinics and a Ph.D. in Talmud from the Jewish Theological

Seminary of America where he was also ordained as Rabbi.

Prof. Golinkin is President of Schechter Institutes INC. and President Emeritus of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, where he also serves as a Professor of Jewish Law. For 20 years he served as Chair of the Va’ad Halakhah (Law Committee) of the Rabbinical Assembly which writes responsa and gives halakhic guidance to the Masorti (Conservative) Movement in Israel. He is the founder and Director of the Institute of Applied Halakhah at The Schechter Institute whose goal is to publish a library of halakhic literature for the Conservative and Masorti Movements. He is also the Director of the Center for Women in Jewish Law at the Schechter Institute whose goal is to publish responsa and books by and about women in Jewish law.

Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1 Register at Agudath.org/events.

RABBI YERECH MEYERSDORF AND RABBI ELISHA WOLFINRabbi Yerech Meyersdorf (far left), Nation-Wide Director of Israel’s NOAM Youth Movement, and Rabbi Elisha Wolfin.

Saturday, November 3, 11:15 am: Presentation by Rabbi Yerech Meyersdorf; 12:45 pm: Lunch 'n' Learn with Rabbi Rabbi Yerech Meyersdorf and Rabbi Elisha Wolfin; 6:30 pm Havdalah program and book signing with Rabbi Elisha Wolfin; Sunday, November 4, 10:30 am: Walkathon

Sponsored by The Honey Foundation

RABBI SETH FARBER Friday, November 9: Presentation TBD Saturday, November 10: 11:15 presentation by Rabbi Seth Farber 12:45 pm Lunch ‘n’ Learn Register at Agudath.org/events.

Israel Walkathon Weekend


CLUBS

CREATE FOR A CAUSEDo you love to knit, crochet, or just be creative? Join us

as we work together to create and donate our own handmade goods to organizations in need. We also accept donations of items you have already made. If you have any hooks, needles, or leftover yarn, please bring them along.

Dates: Sunday, October 14, 9:30 am-noon Conference room 3. Thursday, October 25, 10 am-noon, Library RSVP: Debbie Lurie [email protected].

Sunday, November 18, 4 pm CANTORIAL CONCERT Cantor Arianna Brown of Adas Israel from Washington, DC

Sunday, December 9, 10 amRICK RECHT FAMILY CHANUKAH CONCERT Thanks to the generosity of the Sol and Martha Rogoff Children’s Fund and Nat and Bea Taubenfeld

Wednesday, May 8, 7 pmEREV YOM HA’ATZMAUT CONCERT Featuring Six13 Jewish A Cappella Group

MEMOIR WRITING CLUB “We all have stories to tell” Led by Barbara Erlichman

Congregants in this club will share stories that they wish to tell to friends, children and grandchildren. In this interactive, non-judgmental and curious way the written word will be passed on to our loved ones.

Thursday, November 8, 7:45 pm Register at Agudath.org/events.

YIDDISH?

Interested in being part of a Yiddish Club? Contact Susan Werk, [email protected], for further details

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, November 20, 7:30 pmCOMMUNITY THANKSGIVING SERVICELocation TBD

Saturday, December 1, 8 pmCOMEDIAN JUDY GOLD Third Annual Comedy Night in Loving Memory of Abe Akselrad

HOLIDAY ENHANCEMENT WORKSHOPS AND COOKING (TBA)

A SERIES OF TORAH CLASSES DURING TIKKUN LEL SHAVUOTSaturday night, June 8

Look for more details in upcoming Adult Education News

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, October 13, 8 pm Co-sponsored by CAI Israel CommitteeA CONVERSATION WITH AVNER AVRAHAM Former Mossad Agent and Consultant on Major Motion Picture

"Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann" Cost: Members $5, Non-members $10


Congregation Agudath Israel | 20 Academy Road, Caldwell, NJ 07006 | 973-226-3600 | www.agudath.org


CAI - ShulCloud · Fall 2017 CAI CTKST MHUDQRHS 20182019 • 5779 No Grades. No Midterms. No inals....

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