All are welcome to join us on Tuesdays in Reisman Hall! Stay for exercise following our L’CHAIM programs at 2:10pm
You must RSVP for each program to Tracy Schneider at tracys120@yahoo.com
Feb 3, 10, 17 on Zoom – Jewish Women Portrayed in Film with Debra Block
6:30pm-7:30pm
We recommend watching the following films in advance of each presentation
SESSION 1: Hester Street (watch here) – Gitl (Carol Kane), a young Jewish orthodox woman, comes to America in the 1890’s only to discover that her husband Jake (Steven Keats) has given up the ways of the old country, and taken up with a new girlfriend, and a new life! Gitl faces the New World with strength and grace!
SESSION 2: Crossing Delancey (watch here)– Izzy Grossman faces two romantic choices reflecting two conflicting aspects of her life…uptown world where she works and the traditional world of her grandmother where Izzy lives on the Lower East Side. In Marjorie Morningstar & Goodbye Columbus, both women are using their romantic involvement with men to challenge the middle-class values of their parental homes.
SESSION 3: Today, the portrayal of Jewish women in film and television is undergoing a shift, moving away from one-dimensional caricatures toward more nuanced, self-defined, and diverse characters. While traditional, negative stereotypes persist, the rise of Jewish women in creative roles behind the camera is driving a “renaissance” in representation. We will give examples of these portrayals in films such as Unorthodox (watch here) and in several television programs.
About the facilitator, Debra Block, Artistic Director and Creator, DGB Productions
Debra Block is the Artistic Director and Creator of DGB Productions. She presents educational programs on film, theatre and culture to age 55+ senior communities. Debra possesses a strong Jewish identity, having lived and taught in Israel for two years, and has directed numerous musical theater productions focusing on Jewish themes. She has taught English and theater at Shaloh House, a Jewish Day School and has been contracted by various synagogues and Jewish community centers to develop meaningful theatrical experiences. She graduated BA cum laude in psychology with a performing arts minor. After graduating college, she continued her studies at the Master’s level in the performing arts and in Judaism.
Mar 3 – An Afternoon of Purim Festivities with Master of Ceremonies Rabbi Leslie Tannenwald and Musician Jonah Sidman performing Yiddish Purim songs
12:15pm lunch and goodies
12:30-1:10pm Purim Jeopardy with prizes
1:10-2pm musical performance by Jonah Sidman
Come prepared to have fun and be silly! Wear a Purim festive tie, scarf or hat. Leslie will explain the story of Purim. Mishloach Manot gift bags to be handed out supported by a generous donation from a TE family with love.
Lunch and goodies are generously sponsored by Esther and Alan Greif, Eva and Alan Radding, Marjorie and Barry Afergan, Esther and Barry Torem, and Dr Lloyd David, and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew.
Mar 10 – Piano Concert with Rick Scalise
12:15pm Luncheon anonymously and generously sponsored by a TE family donation and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1:00pm Program
Light Classical selections by Beethoven, Mozart, and Gershwin along with some Broadway favorites including Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Mar 17 – Tribute to George and Ira Gershwin, legendary American songwriting duo, with Lisa Yves
12:15pm Luncheon generously sponsored by a TE family donation
1:00pm Program
Lisa Yves is a highly accomplished musician, vocalist, songwriter and mentor with a diverse range of experiences in the music industry. As a singer and songwriter, Lisa has released over 10 albums of original music across various genres.
Mar 31 – The Genius of Steven Sondheim with Debra Block
12:15pm Luncheon generously sponsored by The Residence at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB senior living community and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
12:45pm-2:00pm Program
An American Composer and Lyricist, Stephen Joshua Sondheim, is regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th Century Musical Theatre. We will discuss his contribution to West Side Story, Gypsy, Company and Sunday in the Park with George.
Apr 21 – American Jewish Music The Golden Years with Hal Slifer of Chagigah
12:15pm luncheon generously sponsored by a TE family and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1pm program
Hal Slifer’s multimedia presentation explores the rich history of American Jewish music from the 1930s to today and illustrates the key moments, artists and musical styles that have become the musical soundtrack of our lives.
Apr 28 – Concert with Ruth Rappaport and Jonah Sidman
12:15pm luncheon generously sponsored by The Residence, at Boylston Place, Chestnut Hill, an LCB senior living community and supported by Gourmet Catering By Andrew
1pm program
Guitarist and pianist Ruth Rappaport and fiddler Jonah Sidman will perform an exciting show influenced by klezmer, Yiddish, Irish fiddle, and American musical traditions.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES are $18 per person. Please consider making a small donation of appreciation to the L’CHAIM Group. Please mail checks of any donation to Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459, ATTN: FINANCE. Please make checks payable to TEMPLE EMANUEL. In memo line please write L’CHAIM GROUP.
