Israel Festival

MIKE KELLY
Israel is a unique combination of old and new, holy and secular, history and technology, and arts & culture.
Experience this fascinating blend first hand with the Greater Hartford community’s first
Israel Festival
April 19-28, 2015
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Yom Hashoah Community
Holocaust Commemoration of
the Martyred Six Million
El Al and Beyond Brunch & Learn
Afternoon at the
Museum of Jewish Civilization
7pm, Beth El Temple
Come together as a community and pay your
respects to the Martyred Six Million. May their
memories be for a blessing.
Free and open to the community
MONDAY, APRIL 20
An Evening with Anita Diamant
7pm, Beth El Temple
Beth El’s Women’s Network is hosting
Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent and
The Boston Girl, followed by a festive Israeli
dessert reception. Everyone welcome.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $54 patron
860-233-9696
www.bethelwesthartford.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony
7:30pm, Mandell JCC
Day of Remembrance for the soldiers and
citizens of Israel who have perished by acts
of war and terrorism.
Free and open to the community
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
12-1:15pm, Mandell JCC
Hear from a diverse crew of El Al Airlines flight
ambassadors about their unique experiences
on and off duty. Get a behind the scenes look
at what it’s like working for the national airline
of Israel. Everyone welcome.
$6/$5 JCC members
Price includes a bagel lunch
Reservations required by April 20:
Sharon Holtzberg, 860-231-6333,
sholtzberg@mandelljcc.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Israel – Off the
Page & On the Screen
7:30pm, Emanuel Synagogue
Featuring Ron Leshem, best-selling Israeli
author and screenwriter for his novel Beaufort.
The novel, which became a major motion
picture, received critical acclaim, including a
nomination for an Academy Award for Best
Foreign Language Film. Leshem, who codirected the film, has also produced Prisoners
of War, the Israeli series that SHOWTIMES’s
Homeland is based on. Leshem will share
his views on Israel exporting TV shows to
Hollywood, the ingenuity in Israeli culture, and
what is required for a TV show to succeed in
the US.
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
12-2pm, University of Hartford
A rare opportunity to engage in a myriad
of opportunities at the Museum of Jewish
Civilization, including listening to a lecture by
Dr. Richard A. Freund on Archaeology and the
Holy Land, to digging up artifacts from the
museum’s sandbox, and more!
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to 860-768-5018,
mgcjs@hartford.edu
Israel – In the Air and On Your Plate
5:30-7pm, Mandell JCC
Before enjoying the eclectic musical stylings
of CAPA’IM, join Moishe House Hartford and
the Young Adult Division of Jewish Federation
of Greater Hartford for an exclusive preconcert dinner with ambassadors from El Al
Airlines. Indulge in Israeli cuisine while hearing
stories of diversity from the people who see
first-hand the broad spectrum of Israel’s
citizens, tourists, and immigrants.
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to Derek Holodak,
203-640-1276, mohoweha@gmail.com
For more information on all Israel Festival Programs contact, Raz Newman, 860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
CAPA’IM –
An Israeli Music Experience
Israeli DJ Dance Party
Body and Soul –
The State of the Jewish Nation
7:30pm, Mandell JCC
Celebrate and sing your way through Yom
Ha’atzmaut with CAPA’IM – an Israeli band that
brings the greatest hits from the homeland.
CAPA’IM is an authentic and refreshing
musical experience with a variety of the
biggest hits of Israeli and Jewish culture. They
feature beloved songs by Israeli artists such
Kaveret, Arik Einstein, Mosh Ben Ari, Eyal
Golan, Yehudit Ravitz, Ariel Zilber, Shlomo
Artzi and others, alongside popular Jewish
songs such as Hava Nagila, Yerushalayim
Shel Zahav, Haleluya, Oseh Shalom and many
more. Following the concert, enjoy a free Hora
Dance Party hosted by Israeli dance instructor
Marla Cohen.
$20 per person, reserved seats
Mandell JCC Box Office, 860-231-6316,
www.mandelljcc.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Shabbat with an
Israeli Twist
6:30-8:15pm,
Congregation Beth Israel
Welcome in Shabbat with candle lighting,
songs, an Egalitarian Service in the sanctuary
and a Traditional Service in the chapel,
followed by an authentic, family-friendly Israeli
dinner. After dinner, children will be treated to
a special Blue & White make your own sundae
bar, and a PJ Library activity by the Young
Israeli Emissaries. Adults will hear “Building
Bridges For Hope in Israel,” from Rabbi Edgar
Noff, a visiting Rabbi from Israel. This event
is co-sponsored with Beth David Synagogue,
Congregation Beth Israel, and Congregation
Beth Ahm. Everyone welcome.
$12/Child, $15/Adult in advance
$15/Child, $20/Adult at the door
RSVP requested by April 21
Mandell JCC Box Office, 860-231-6316,
www.mandelljcc.org
CAPA’IM
9pm-Midnight, Tavern Downtown
Featuring an Israeli DJ at the Tavern
Downtown in Hartford. Enjoy an open bar
from 9pm-10:30pm, and an appetizer buffet.
Co-sponsored by the Young Adult Division,
Moishe House Hartford and the Mandell JCC.
21+ only. $20 in advance, $25 at the door
RSVP requested to Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Stand With Us – A Teen Event
10:30am-12pm, Emaunel Synagogue
JTConnect and Stand With Us,
an international organization dedicated
to informing the public about Israel and
combating anti-Semitism, come together for
this special event. A speaker from Stand With
Us will work to train, empower, and inspire
teens to become more educated about Israel
and Arab-Israeli conflicts.
Free and open to teens grades 8-12
Information: Heather Fiedler,
860-727-6110, heather@jtconnect.org
Mike Kelly: The Bus on Jaffa Road
7pm, Mandell JCC
Mike Kelly is an awardwinning columnist for
The (Bergen) Record of
New Jersey, and critically
acclaimed author of
The Bus on Jaffa Road.
His book chronicles a
single act of terrorism
that rocked a family, this
community, and the world.
Jaffa tells the story of the
1996 terrorist attack that
took the lives of West Hartford native, Beth
El Temple member, and rabbinical student
Mathew Eisenfeld (z”l) and his fiancée Sara
Duker (z”l), as well as the incredible legacy
they have left behind.
Free and open to the community
Information: Jill Ziplow, 860-231-6339,
jziplow@mandelljcc.org
7:15pm. Doors open at 7pm, Mandell JCC
A free screening of the powerful film Body
and Soul – The State of the Jewish Nation, a
comprehensive examination of the broad and
deep connections between the Jewish People
and the Land of Israel. World-renowned
historians, archaeologists, political scientists,
religious leaders and media experts trace the
evocative evolution of the relationship between
the Jewish People and their homeland.
Following the screening there will be a
discussion with the film’s producer/director,
Gloria Z. Greenfield.
Free and open to the community
Information: Jo LaRocco, 860-727-6139,
jlarocco@jewishhartford.org
GALLERY EXHIBITS
Will You Find Me?
Paintings by Gili Levy
Now-May 7, 2015
Mandell JCC, Chase Family Gallery
Israeli artist Gili Levy’s paintings tell a personal
story depicting people, places, or abstract
relationships. They all share a similar vision
through a consistent sense of color and a
unique way of juxtaposing elements in space.
Free and open to the community
The Hartford-Israel Connection:
A Century of Commitment
Opens April 19
Mandell JCC,
Herbert Gilman Theater Lobby
The Jewish Historical Society of Greater
Hartford has compiled an exhibit documenting
the long-standing relationship between Israel
and the Hartford Jewish community. The
exhibit presents a timeline of Zionist history
both internationally and locally. All photos and
documents are from the Historical Society’s
archives.
Free and open to the community
Information: Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
Event Location Key:
Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT
Congregation Beth Israel
701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT
Emanuel Synagogue
160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford, CT
Mandell JCC
Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave.,
West Hartford, CT
Tavern Downtown in Hartford,
201 Ann Uccello St., Hartford, CT
Mortensen Library, Harry Jack
Gray Center, University of Hartford,
200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT
MIKE KELLY
Israel is a unique combination of old and new, holy and secular, history and technology, and arts & culture.
Experience this fascinating blend first hand with the Greater Hartford community’s first
Israel Festival
April 19-28, 2015
SUNDAY, APRIL 19
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Yom Hashoah Community
Holocaust Commemoration of
the Martyred Six Million
El Al and Beyond Brunch & Learn
Afternoon at the
Museum of Jewish Civilization
7pm, Beth El Temple
Come together as a community and pay your
respects to the Martyred Six Million. May their
memories be for a blessing.
Free and open to the community
MONDAY, APRIL 20
An Evening with Anita Diamant
7pm, Beth El Temple
Beth El’s Women’s Network is hosting
Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent and
The Boston Girl, followed by a festive Israeli
dessert reception. Everyone welcome.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $54 patron
860-233-9696
www.bethelwesthartford.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony
7:30pm, Mandell JCC
Day of Remembrance for the soldiers and
citizens of Israel who have perished by acts
of war and terrorism.
Free and open to the community
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
12-1:15pm, Mandell JCC
Hear from a diverse crew of El Al Airlines flight
ambassadors about their unique experiences
on and off duty. Get a behind the scenes look
at what it’s like working for the national airline
of Israel. Everyone welcome.
$6/$5 JCC members
Price includes a bagel lunch
Reservations required by April 20:
Sharon Holtzberg, 860-231-6333,
sholtzberg@mandelljcc.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Israel – Off the
Page & On the Screen
7:30pm, Emanuel Synagogue
Featuring Ron Leshem, best-selling Israeli
author and screenwriter for his novel Beaufort.
The novel, which became a major motion
picture, received critical acclaim, including a
nomination for an Academy Award for Best
Foreign Language Film. Leshem, who codirected the film, has also produced Prisoners
of War, the Israeli series that SHOWTIMES’s
Homeland is based on. Leshem will share
his views on Israel exporting TV shows to
Hollywood, the ingenuity in Israeli culture, and
what is required for a TV show to succeed in
the US.
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
12-2pm, University of Hartford
A rare opportunity to engage in a myriad
of opportunities at the Museum of Jewish
Civilization, including listening to a lecture by
Dr. Richard A. Freund on Archaeology and the
Holy Land, to digging up artifacts from the
museum’s sandbox, and more!
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to 860-768-5018,
mgcjs@hartford.edu
Israel – In the Air and On Your Plate
5:30-7pm, Mandell JCC
Before enjoying the eclectic musical stylings
of CAPA’IM, join Moishe House Hartford and
the Young Adult Division of Jewish Federation
of Greater Hartford for an exclusive preconcert dinner with ambassadors from El Al
Airlines. Indulge in Israeli cuisine while hearing
stories of diversity from the people who see
first-hand the broad spectrum of Israel’s
citizens, tourists, and immigrants.
Free and open to the community
RSVP requested to Derek Holodak,
203-640-1276, mohoweha@gmail.com
For more information on all Israel Festival Programs contact, Raz Newman, 860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
CAPA’IM –
An Israeli Music Experience
Israeli DJ Dance Party
Body and Soul –
The State of the Jewish Nation
7:30pm, Mandell JCC
Celebrate and sing your way through Yom
Ha’atzmaut with CAPA’IM – an Israeli band that
brings the greatest hits from the homeland.
CAPA’IM is an authentic and refreshing
musical experience with a variety of the
biggest hits of Israeli and Jewish culture. They
feature beloved songs by Israeli artists such
Kaveret, Arik Einstein, Mosh Ben Ari, Eyal
Golan, Yehudit Ravitz, Ariel Zilber, Shlomo
Artzi and others, alongside popular Jewish
songs such as Hava Nagila, Yerushalayim
Shel Zahav, Haleluya, Oseh Shalom and many
more. Following the concert, enjoy a free Hora
Dance Party hosted by Israeli dance instructor
Marla Cohen.
$20 per person, reserved seats
Mandell JCC Box Office, 860-231-6316,
www.mandelljcc.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Shabbat with an
Israeli Twist
6:30-8:15pm,
Congregation Beth Israel
Welcome in Shabbat with candle lighting,
songs, an Egalitarian Service in the sanctuary
and a Traditional Service in the chapel,
followed by an authentic, family-friendly Israeli
dinner. After dinner, children will be treated to
a special Blue & White make your own sundae
bar, and a PJ Library activity by the Young
Israeli Emissaries. Adults will hear “Building
Bridges For Hope in Israel,” from Rabbi Edgar
Noff, a visiting Rabbi from Israel. This event
is co-sponsored with Beth David Synagogue,
Congregation Beth Israel, and Congregation
Beth Ahm. Everyone welcome.
$12/Child, $15/Adult in advance
$15/Child, $20/Adult at the door
RSVP requested by April 21
Mandell JCC Box Office, 860-231-6316,
www.mandelljcc.org
CAPA’IM
9pm-Midnight, Tavern Downtown
Featuring an Israeli DJ at the Tavern
Downtown in Hartford. Enjoy an open bar
from 9pm-10:30pm, and an appetizer buffet.
Co-sponsored by the Young Adult Division,
Moishe House Hartford and the Mandell JCC.
21+ only. $20 in advance, $25 at the door
RSVP requested to Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Stand With Us – A Teen Event
10:30am-12pm, Emaunel Synagogue
JTConnect and Stand With Us,
an international organization dedicated
to informing the public about Israel and
combating anti-Semitism, come together for
this special event. A speaker from Stand With
Us will work to train, empower, and inspire
teens to become more educated about Israel
and Arab-Israeli conflicts.
Free and open to teens grades 8-12
Information: Heather Fiedler,
860-727-6110, heather@jtconnect.org
Mike Kelly: The Bus on Jaffa Road
7pm, Mandell JCC
Mike Kelly is an awardwinning columnist for
The (Bergen) Record of
New Jersey, and critically
acclaimed author of
The Bus on Jaffa Road.
His book chronicles a
single act of terrorism
that rocked a family, this
community, and the world.
Jaffa tells the story of the
1996 terrorist attack that
took the lives of West Hartford native, Beth
El Temple member, and rabbinical student
Mathew Eisenfeld (z”l) and his fiancée Sara
Duker (z”l), as well as the incredible legacy
they have left behind.
Free and open to the community
Information: Jill Ziplow, 860-231-6339,
jziplow@mandelljcc.org
7:15pm. Doors open at 7pm, Mandell JCC
A free screening of the powerful film Body
and Soul – The State of the Jewish Nation, a
comprehensive examination of the broad and
deep connections between the Jewish People
and the Land of Israel. World-renowned
historians, archaeologists, political scientists,
religious leaders and media experts trace the
evocative evolution of the relationship between
the Jewish People and their homeland.
Following the screening there will be a
discussion with the film’s producer/director,
Gloria Z. Greenfield.
Free and open to the community
Information: Jo LaRocco, 860-727-6139,
jlarocco@jewishhartford.org
GALLERY EXHIBITS
Will You Find Me?
Paintings by Gili Levy
Now-May 7, 2015
Mandell JCC, Chase Family Gallery
Israeli artist Gili Levy’s paintings tell a personal
story depicting people, places, or abstract
relationships. They all share a similar vision
through a consistent sense of color and a
unique way of juxtaposing elements in space.
Free and open to the community
The Hartford-Israel Connection:
A Century of Commitment
Opens April 19
Mandell JCC,
Herbert Gilman Theater Lobby
The Jewish Historical Society of Greater
Hartford has compiled an exhibit documenting
the long-standing relationship between Israel
and the Hartford Jewish community. The
exhibit presents a timeline of Zionist history
both internationally and locally. All photos and
documents are from the Historical Society’s
archives.
Free and open to the community
Information: Raz Newman,
860-231-6333, rnewman@mandelljcc.org
Event Location Key:
Beth El Temple
2626 Albany Ave., West Hartford, CT
Congregation Beth Israel
701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT
Emanuel Synagogue
160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford, CT
Mandell JCC
Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave.,
West Hartford, CT
Tavern Downtown in Hartford,
201 Ann Uccello St., Hartford, CT
Mortensen Library, Harry Jack
Gray Center, University of Hartford,
200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT