The Simon Family JCC’s Second Annual Celebrate Israel series, presented by Charles Barker Automotive, will deliver four powerful and inspiring events in April and May.
Last year, the JCC began the series, which joins several programs to highlight Israeli culture. “The Tidewater Jewish community has a history of supporting and celebrating Israel year-round,” says Scott Katz, JCC executive director. “We want to continually engage a greater and more diverse audience by packaging this together as a series each year.”
Gidi Grinstein
Gidi Grinstein, author of Flexigidity and director of Reut Institute, an Israeli think tank, was “snowed out” on Thursday, Feb 6, when he was originally scheduled to speak. This month, no snow is anticipated for the day he visits. His presentation is also a JCC Beyond the Book Festival event, and is presented with support from the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Grinstein will speak about his book, Flexigidity, as well as his involvement in the 21st Century Tikkun Olam project, a global engagement strategy for the State of Israel and the Jewish people spearheaded by the Reut Institute. The event is free and open to the public, with RSVP’s to Elevitt@simonfamilyjcc.org.
Jerusalem, Imax movie
Visit the Giant Screen Theater at the Virginia Aquarium for Jerusalem. The film immerses audiences into one of the world’s most beloved cities. This unique and stunning cinematic experience is presented by National Geographic and narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch. Jerusalem, presented in partnership with The Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by Alma* & Howard Laderberg with program support from the Community Relations Council of the UJFT, will include a reception at 7 pm with light refreshments, catered by The Village Caterers.
Tickets: $18 or $15 for JCC members. Available for purchase at The Simon Family JCC, 321-2338.
Israel Fest
The Simon Family JCC’s largest community party of the year features Israeli art, food, culture, crafts, rides and games for families and community members of all ages.
A broad range of dishes will be available at the festival, with every area temple having an opportunity to fundraise by preparing and serving authentic Israeli and Jewish dishes.
Bar Kochva Moshe will bring his Bar Kochva Israeli Art Expo featuring the works of 45 Israeli artists and more than 2,000 pieces of handcrafted fine art, Judaica, ceramics, sculpture, glass and jewelry.
David Broza
The grand finale of the Celebrate Israel series is Israeli singing star David Broza, who will perform live in concert at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
With more than 25 albums, many of which have become multi-platinum, Broza has been a star in Israel since he was 21. He is famous throughout Israel and the Jewish world for his annual sunrise concerts at Masada on the shores of the Dead Sea which take place at midnight on Tu B’Av, Israel’s Valentine’s Day. Broza’s multi-cultural, multi-lingual and award-winning flamenco and modern, finger-picking guitar style has won him global attention.
Tickets are $25, $40 and $55. To purchase, call 385-2787 or go to www.sandlercenter.org.
* of blessed memory
by Leslie Shroyer