
Holidays
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Holidays 〰️
A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF THE SHOAH
Rena Bernstein returns to Israel Congregation to share her story, open up to you for questions and to discuss her feeling about the rise of worldwide anti-semitism in the wake of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Refreshments will be offered following the presentation

Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Event
Please join us for this important event. We will begin with Introductory remarks by Rabbi David Edleson and Rabbi Aaron Philmus. Then we will explore museum exhibits provided by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel. There will be docents available to answer questions as you walk through the following exhibits:
Heroism and Resistance: Rescue by Jews during the Holocaust
Spots of Light: To be a Woman in the Holocaust
"They Say There is a Land" Longings for Eretz Israel During the Holocaust

Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Yom HaShoah Commemoration with speakers Ari Gradus, Ellie Roden & Tony Eprile

Connecting with our Hidden Light through the mystical teachings of Hanukkah
Exploring our Natural Creativity through Spiritual Teachings of Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat and Purim
We will be focusing on the teachings on Hanukkah and how they resonate with each person. We will explore selected texts from the Jewish tradition in Hevrutah (with a study partner) and then will follow a simple process to creatively express ourselves through making art. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Text study or artistic expression necessary! Materials provided. (The process we will use comes from the Jewish Studio Project that R. Tobie Weisman has been learning for the past year) Co-sponsored by Beth Jacob and JCVT.
Quotes from previous class:
“I found myself surprised and delighted with my opening up to the creative and spiritual experience and opportunities, which I didn’t know I could access.” Phylis
“The combination of text, color and the facilitation of a safe group gathering can be a powerful one for connecting with the light of the soul.” Kim
“Awesome! Ways to connect with the hidden light and bring more light into my life.” Sephira
“Being creative with a supportive non-judgmental group felt heart centered and essential for spiritual development.” Ellen
“a sense of connection to others in the workshop, inspiration about the meaning of lighting Chanukah candles, and my own creative expression on paper that I really resonate with” Julia
“Appreciation for creativity in all aspects of life. I feel more relaxed when I allow myself to be creative.” Ellen

Connecting with our Hidden Light through the mystical teachings of Hanukkah
Exploring our Natural Creativity through Spiritual Teachings of Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat and Purim
A three session series focusing on the teachings on Hanukkah, Tu B’Shvat & Purim and how they resonate with each person. We will explore selected texts from the Jewish tradition in Hevrutah (with a study partner) and then will follow a simple process to creatively express ourselves through making art. No previous knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Text study or artistic expression necessary! Materials provided. (The process we will use comes from the Jewish Studio Project that R. Tobie Weisman has been learning for the past year) Co-sponsored by Beth Jacob and JCVT

Tikkun Leil Shavuot – An evening of learning and cheesecake!
Join us Tuesday June 11th 6:30-9pm for brief Mincha (afternoon) and Festival Maariv (evening) services, followed by a workshop with Kulanu where we will study classic definitions of antisemitism. In chevrutah pairs and through group discussion we will explore the Torah’s perspective on this oldest form of hatred and consider how we might build alliances with non-Jews. After that we will take a break for some cheesecake and then conclude the evening with some chanting of niggunim (wordless melodies) and learning with Rabbi Aaron about the mystical origins of Shavuot rituals.

YOM HASHOAH
A Service of Remembrance
Sunday, May 5 at 5 pm
Join us in-person or via Zoom
As part of our service, the names of Jewish victims from Breclav, the Czech Republic, where our Holocaust Memorial Scroll is from will be read. If you’d like to add any names of family members who perished in the Holocaust, please send them to Chris at office@uvjc.org.
Please click HERE for more information from Rabbi Mark.