Posted on September 29th, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Community News.
Film, discussion and workshop help to educate
During October, the community observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants might be seen wearing purple ribbons as a show of their fight against domestic violence and others may choose to observe it in other ways. Purple ribbons are available for those who wish to wear one at Shalom Park, 5007 Providence Rd., and show that you are a warrior in the fight against domestic abuse!
And, as part of that reflection, seven organizations — Shalom Bayit of North Carolina, Jewish Family Services, Levine-Sklut Judaic Library, Charlotte Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, LoveSpeaksOut and Mecklenburg Ministries — are teaming up to help bring enlightening programs to help educate the public on this often ignored issue.
Abuse is happening in the Jewish community more often than most think. We see it, but rarely believe it. Usually, we call it something else: bad temper; poor judgment; rough day at work; he didn’t mean it; she’s a real klutz; he drinks too much; they just don’t get along. It might be your mother, your best friend, your teenage son or a sister. Some are beaten with fists, but more often they are traumatized by words and actions that humiliate and demean, for the goal of the abuser is total power and control over this one person.
On Oct. 6, 5 p.m., a film and interfaith panel discussion will be held at the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts, Shalom Park. Attendees will be able to screen “I Believe You: Faiths’ Response to Intimate Partner Violence.” This nationally-acclaimed documentary explores stories of survivors of abuse and how clergy and faith groups have advocated for and helped those harmed by abuse.
The film was produced by David and Debra Vinick, with the support of The New York Board of Rabbis, United Methodist Women, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Women, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and a consortium of Muslim organizations.
Admission is free and open to the public.
On Oct. 27, 1:30 p.m., a “Help Your Tween/Teen Feel Safe” parent workshop will be held at the Sam Lerner Center.
It is presented by LovesSpeaksOut’s Ann Kreidler-Siegel, LCSW, SEP (psychotherapist in private practice) and Melissa Siegel (National Youth Advisory Board chair at Love Is Respect).
Did you know that one in three teens will experience abuse in a dating relationship, yet 80 percent of parents are unaware of what their child is experiencing? It’s never too early to talk to your child about healthy relationships.
Parents will learn: What age group is at greatest risk of sexual assault? When is texting abusive and how many teens experience it? Where is dating violence most likely to occur? To whom do teens go when it happens? Learn about prevention and become familiar with the world of cyberabuse/textual harassment, the signs and symptoms of an abused or abusive person, and what you can do to help. The program is a must for any parent.
Admission is free and open to the public. However, an RSVP is requested by Oct. 14.
Call 704-364-6594 or email info@jfscharlotte.org to sign up for the workshop or for more information.
Marsha Stickler, director of Shalom Bayit of North Carolina, said that they are looking for volunteers to help serve as greeters, etc., or who might enjoy baking for the parent event. Email info@shalombayit-nc.org to join in.
info: shalombayit-nc.org. jewishcharlotte.org. jfscharlotte.org.
Posted on September 1st, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Community News.
The N.C. Museum of Art’s Friends of the Judaic Art Gallery is celebrating the High Holiday season with a tour of its Judaic art collection, which features beautifully crafted ceremonial art such as the Standing Hanukkah Lamp by Ze’ev Raban (see right) of Jerusalem’s Bezalel Workshop.
Go online for more details on the Museum and Judaic collection. The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and admission is free (aside from special ticketed exhibitions). Hours are: Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information, visit ncartmuseum.org.
Posted on June 5th, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Community News.
“There is no place for domestic abuse in our Jewish community.”
Shalom Bayit-NC and Jewish Family Services are hosting a mini-retreat on domestic violence in the Jewish community on June 25, 6-7 p.m., Shalom Park, foundation board room, 5007 Providence Rd.
Although over the past six years progress has been made in the community in the form of ensuring that everyone should be safe in their relationships and in their homes. Monthly publicity, brochures and posters, workshops and sermons, discreet information in restrooms, clergy and lay training, teen education, support groups and one-on-one volunteer friends have been made possible with the support and cooperation of many volunteers and Charlotte Jewish agencies.
“Yet, the number of people who have come forward for help has been small, despite statistics that prove one in four are suffering in an abusive relationship. That includes our teens,” Shalom Bayit-NC Chair Marsha Stickler said.
It is obvious that is a need for fresh ideas to develop novel and more successful approaches this coming year. Organizers are hoping that 15-20 creative, energetic, knowledgeable volunteers will join in a one-hour mini-retreat to look at past and present efforts and offer ideas for better ways of reaching, helping, and raising awareness in the Jewish community in the future.
Refreshments and some projects and concepts to begin the discussion will be provided. This will be informal discussion with no strings attached.
To RSVP, call Stickler at 704-756-9209 or email nfo@shalombayit-nc.org.
For more information on the work that Shalom Bayit NC does, visit shalombayit-nc.org.
Posted on April 29th, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Community News.
The 66th Annual Wildacres B’nai B’rith Institute of Judaism will be August 12-15, 2013, in North Carolina’s Little Switzerland, aptly named for its spectacular beauty. A $10 per person discount applies to payments received by June 15. Full kosher meals, two-bedded rooms with private bath, live Blue Ridge Mountain music, hiking, card table games and three outstanding speakers are included in the cost: $360/per person, double occupancy or add $140 for single occupancy.
Three outstanding speakers will cover a variety of Jewish topics.
Eli Groner, Israel’s Minister to the U.S. for Economic Affairs, Washington D.C., was born in the U.S. He emigrated to Israel with his family as a teenager. He holds a BA in Political Science from Bar-Ilan University and an MBA from New York University. His topics include:
• Israel Confidential
• Israel at the UN: the Challenges Facing Israel Today
• The Secret Sauce for a Start-Up Nation
Joel Hoffman has lectured on translation, Hebrew, and Torah at Brandeis and at Hebrew Union College. He writes a bi-weekly column for the Jerusalem Post. Joel is a National Jewish Book Award winner, and the author of “And God Said: How Bad Translations Conceal the Bible’s Original Meaning.” His topics include:
• On the Bible’s Cutting Room Floor
• The Bible Doesn’t Say That
• 3,000 Years of Jewish Continuity through 3,000 Years of Hebrew
Jeffrey Morton, professor of Political Science at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla., is a designated Master Teacher, the 2004 University Researcher of the Year, and the 2012 College Distinguished Teacher of the Year. He teaches international law, diplomacy and American foreign policy. His topics include:
• Iranian Nuclear Threat
• The Role of International Law in American Foreign Policy
• Confronting Terrorism
Checks for $360/person, double occupancy (add $140 for single occupancy) should be made payable to B’nai B’rith Institute for Judaism and mailed to Sandra Apple, 4200 Stratton Village Ln., Wilmington, NC 28409. Remember to deduct $10 per person when payment is received by June 15.
For information about needs based scholarships, contact Karen Shectman, 919.533.8032.
For more information contact Bill Carr at bcarr@ipass.net or 919.781.4207.
For more information or to register online, visit www.wildacres.org.
Posted on March 10th, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Havurah News.
Member Marty Settle will showcase his works on April 5, 6-10 p.m., at Hart Witzen, 136 E. 36th St., as part of a free NoDa gallery crawl.
Settle’s sculpture and installation will feature 25 assemblages and seven electronic music/sound compositions by musician, Don Chamberlain.
His Decarates’ Dream is shown to the right and will be on display.
The interactive exhibit can be accessed online through smart phones, iPads, iPods, ear buds, etc. Listening stations will be provided as well.
Beverages, appetizers and snacks will be available.
Posted on February 8th, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Havurah News.
Deborah Winegar will bring her artistic talent to the Queen City on March 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Centered Wellness, 1410 W. Morehead St., Suite 200.
Entitled “Extracts From My Soul,” her showcase is an exhibit of monoprints and gouache landscapes made with collage elements, and the gouache landscapes are painted “plein air” in North Carolina and Maine.
The artist says: “This body of work is created by me to discover where I am with the inside and outside world. My process involves trusting my unconscious to speak to me through humble materials.” She’ll share her insights into the creation of her work during the evening’s event.
Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, visit yogaforlifecharlotte.com.
Posted on January 21st, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Havurah News.
Long-time member Deborah Bosley is retiring from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in May after 24 years.
She will devote much of her new time to her company, The Plain Language Group. The company works closely with businesses to meet regulatory requirements and to gain and retain customers by giving them written information in language they understand and appreciate. To learn more, visit theplainlanguagegroup.com.
Bosley also plans to spend time relaxing and enjoying retirement from the academic environs.
Posted on January 21st, 2013 by siteadmin. Categorized: Reconstructionist News.
The Jewish Reconstructionist Movement has announced its 2013 PEARL sessions.
PEARL (Providing Education and Resources for Leadership) is a distance-learning program designed to provide meaningful information and strategies for congregational leaders, members, clergy, educators and staff. Expert speakers partner with movement professional staff and lay leaders to help strengthen congregations and havurot, grow leadership, deepen Jewish spiritual life and continue critical tikkun olam/social justice work.
These one-off educational opportunities cover a broad range of topics, from Israel to budgets to curbing gun violence, and more.
Visit the site to learn more about the sessions and register at jewishrecon.org/pearl-sessions-2013.
An archive of previous years’ sessions is also available online.
Sessions to date:
Having the Hard Conversations About Israel
Feb. 4
Noon
Managing Money and Mitzvot: Congregational Budgets, Dues and Fundraising 1 (smaller congregations)
Feb. 13
1 p.m.
Managing Money and Mitzvot: Congregational Budgets, Dues and Fundraising 1 (larger congregations)
Feb. 21
1 p.m.
Jewish Education Programs for the Future
Feb. 25
8 p.m.
Tikkun Olam Series: Citizen Action on Climate Change
April 3
1 p.m.
Tikkun Olam Series: Curbing Gun Violence
April 17
1 p.m.
Tikkun Olam Series: Poverty
April 23
3 p.m.
Posted on October 31st, 2012 by siteadmin. Categorized: Havurah News.
Havurat Tikvah’s Mizvah in Action (MIA!) teen group has been undergoing a lot of changes and expansion since its inception two years ago.
As a way to maintain a stronger teen participation within congregational life, as well as a Jewish identity, MIA! decided to merge with the teens of Kol Ami to provide a broader approach. There was strength in numbers with both groups working as one. Kol Ami did not have an organized group, and welcomed the opportunity.
Carol LeBaron serves as the group’s advisor and has assisted in its expansion recently. Leaders include: Meara Waxman, youth leader; Sydney Feinglass, treasurer; Lea LeBaron historian and blogger; and Kayla Kaplan, book club coordinator.
The first merged meeting was held on Oct. 14, where MIA! set out to develop a calendar of activities, meetings and community service projects and outings. Included in these activities is a book club, which has already seen a great deal of success on the Havurat Tikvah side. They also had a bit of fun baking challot from dough contributed by Great Harvest Bread Company owners and Havurat Tikvah members Janet and Jeff Ganoung.
On the horizon, they plan on collecting gloves, scarves, socks and backpacks for Urban Ministry’s Room at the Inn. Collection boxes will be set up at all congregational services and events to accept donations. Additionally, they are coordinating a Hanukkah party with Kol Ami’s Torah Tots, a pizza and bowling social event, Hamentschen baking, as well as a trip to the Charlotte Children’s Theatre.
They will collectively volunteer their time at the Purim carnival at the Jewish Community Center in February, serving as floaters to shore up areas that need support instead of staffing a single booth.
Membership is $20 per year and is open to teens within the Charlotte metropolitan area.
For more information, email miateens@havurattikvah.org or visit mitzvahinaction.info.
Posted on October 17th, 2012 by siteadmin. Categorized: Community News.
Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte will honor U.S. veterans with a charity Friends Run on Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. at Shalom Park, 5007 Providence Rd.
The chip-timed 5K and one-mile family walk/run will mark the second year that Jewish Family Services (JFS) has sponsored a run, formerly called The Falafel 5K. It serves as a fundraiser for JFS, with proceeds directly benefiting the non-profit agency that helps members of the community who struggle with issues related to aging, parenting, illness, job loss, disability and poverty. It services are available to people of all ages, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.
Registration and packet pick-up is from 6:30-7:30 a.m. Kick-off is at 7:45 a.m. with a salute to veterans, including a patriotic color guard presentation, poem reading and singing of the National Anthem by John Crane. Stacey Simms, host of NewsTalk 1110 WBT Charlotte’s “Morning News,” will emcee the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white and blue apparel. The family fun run begins at 8:30 a.m.
“We are encouraging families of all ages to join in the Friends Run together. Our annual 5K is a healthy, social way for Charlotte to become aware of what Jewish Family Services offers to our community,” said Jennifer Collman, 2012 Friends Run Event chair.
Participants are encouraged to enjoy the post-race party featuring refreshments, TCBY frozen yogurt, free day passes to the Levine Jewish Community Center, swimming under the pool bubble (first 200 participants), post race stretching and chair massages.
In an effort to allow greater participation, babysitting will be provided to race participants through the center for a nominal fee. Reservations are required through Nov. 4 by calling 704-366-5007.
Additional registration pick up will be held on Nov. 10, 12-5 p.m., at Charlotte Running Company, 5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Suite 300, in the Promenade
Fees for 5K runners are: through Oct. 28, $25; Oct. 29-Nov. 9, $30; and $35, race day. Fees for the mile run are: through Oct. 28, $10; Oct. 29-Nov. 9, $12; and $15, race day. All entry fees include Friends Runs T-shirt and goody bag.
Those who want to support JFS, but do not wish to run, may sign up as a “ghost runner” and receive a shirt and goody bag.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners overall.
To register or for more information, visit friendsrun.com.