Limmud Bay Area Festival 2018

Aside from the odd reference to Hanukkah, Judaism used to be nearly invisible on TV. But today's TV shows seem to be embracing Jewish cultural references at an unprecedented rate: from random 613s to kabbalah to a JAP Battle Rap and beyond, we'll explore some of the examples of how TV has "gone Jewy," and argue about whether it's good or bad for the Jews, because that's what we do.

Through a reading of an illustrated short story "The Cellar", an allegorical tale of self-inquiry and self-discovery unfolds as a dialogue between two characters.  The process begins when the heroine finds the door to “the cellar”, a unique space where an authentic experience takes place.  As she goes in, she learns about pain, fear, pleasure, fulfillment, compassion and her own limitations.  The story is a metaphor of human experience and the courage to venture into the unknown.  Presented by the Limmud Artist-in-Residence.

Social media has made the sharing of personal information easier, with a far wider scope than ever before.  What are the ethical guidelines when sharing this information, especially as it affects others?  What are the competing values at play, and can Jewish sources help us navigate them?  Together we will explore how traditional texts can help us deepen our conversations and decisions about how, and with whom, we share information about others.

Now Hannah was praying in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard. (1 Samuel 1:13) Women have continued to pray in distinctive ways throughout Jewish history. The taking of challah, lighting the Shabbat candles, the birth of a child, the death of a soldier-son, marriage, divorce, in prosperity and adversity, these are some of the moments in a woman’s life that call out for prayer. In this session, we will explore a sampling of prayers and devotions written by and for women from medieval times through today and what we know about the women and men who wrote them. Selections will include tkhines written in Yiddish, German poems by Fanny Neuda, prayers from the Italian Jewish and Ladino traditions as well as contemporary Hebrew and English works.

After 5,400 clients, I've learned a lot about what works and doesn't in improving one's life.  I'll share my best, regarding career, relationships, money and even the meaning of life.

I Clown You” is a documentary about the art of making human connections. It explores the liberating and healing powers of the art of folly through the stories of medical clowns.

In Israel “medical clowning” is an actual job. Red nose, huge shoes - the works, no white face though – think, “overdressed hipsters with red noses.” They don’t do shticks. Their work is a non-stop improvisation. Clowns roam the halls of hospitals and engage with whatever they encounter finding the right key for any situation. Hospital is a unique place in Israel. It’s a place of peace that brings people together. Everyone is equal, leveled by the fear and suffering. Medical clown’s ability to reach past the divides has an extra layer of meaning here.

The presentation by the "I Clown You" director, Sasha Kapustina, is based on five years of researching and observing the clowns' work. Sasha will screen selected scenes and talk about the clown as a transcendent figure capable of walking through the walls and connecting the opposites.

In this interactive session, we will explore, discuss and debate the concept of consumerism from a Jewish perspective.  What distinguishes wants from needs?  Is comparison shopping ethical?  Are lavish celebrations unethical?  Is Fair Trade Jewish?  Our sources will include ancient texts, modern scholarship, quotes, song lyrics and more from the Limmud Chavruta series on the theme of Money. Everyone is welcome, whether you have studied Jewish texts before or not.  Knowledge of Hebrew is not required.

This workshop will provide participants with guidelines and templates for finding their own voice and message for meaningful occasions and life transitions: children leaving home to attend college, marriage, birth of a child, purchase of a home, passing of a beloved relative, or any time or circumstance you choose.
Jeff Saperstein will explain legacy circles, process, and ways to communicate—live speech, written letter, audio and video recording, website.
Participants will interact and express to one another stories, insights, reflections, feelings, and principles each may wish to say to a loved one.  You should come away with more confidence that you can initiate a legacy communication and overcome your fears, so you can do what you so much want to do.