METROPOLITAN NEW YORK
Exhibit
Cloistered World: It might seem strange for a Jewish woman to spend significant amounts of time in the company of nuns, but in the context of Israeli-born photographer Lili Almog’s work, it’s completely logical. Almog, who is currently based in New York, has dedicated much of her artwork to capturing women’s private lives on film. Over the course of the past two years, she frequented three Carmelite monasteries — Mount Carmel, Haifa; Port Tobacco, Md., and Bethlehem, Pa. — documenting the daily lives of nuns and their spiritual connection to God. Some 18 color photographs are featured in Perfect Intimacy, the artist’s first New York solo exhibition. Andrea Meislin Gallery, 526 W. 26th St., Ste 214; through June 30; Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; free. (212-627-2552 or www.andreameislin.com)
Lectures and Discussions
Bookish: Rebecca Goldstein, author of the forthcoming book (due for publication at the end of the month) “Betraying Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity” (Schocken), is joined by Jonathan Rosen, author of “Joy Comes in the Morning” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004), in a discussion on the life of Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677). The 17th-century philosopher, who rejected his Jewish identity and demanded secularism, is considered the first man to voice the principle of separation of church and state. The talk, “Spinoza: The Renegade Jew Who Gave Us Modernity,” is presented by the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research and co-sponsored by Nextbook. Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St.; May 24, 7 p.m.; $15, $7 for students. (917-606-8200 or www.ticketweb.com)
In Six Days: Is the story of creation in the Book of Genesis meant to be taken literally? A group of representatives from different religious backgrounds examine the controversial relationship between religion and science at “Reading Genesis: A Multifaith Dialogue About Creation,” presented by the JCC in Manhattan. The panel, which is moderated by Peter Feinman, director of the Institute of History, Archaeology and Education, includes Bruce Chilton, professor of religion at Bard College; Rabbi Michael Paley, executive director of synagogue and community affairs at UJA-Federation, and the Rev. James Loughran, director of the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute. The event is co-sponsored by Auburn Theological Seminary’s Center for Multifaith Education. JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (at 76th St.); May 24, 7 p.m.; $10, $7 for members. (646-505-5708 or www.jccmanhattan.org)
Music
Chazzanut: Renowned cantors Benzion Miller and Moshe Schulhof perform at a gala cantorial concert presented by Congregation Anshe Sholom in New Rochelle. The cantors, who have performed at concerts and synagogues around the world, are joined by Cantor Daniel Gildar and the Shimmy Miller Choir. A dessert reception follows the performance. Congregation Anshe Sholom, 50 North Ave., New Rochelle; May 21, 7:30 p.m.; $25, $36 for pew seating, $180-$1,000 for sponsor-level tickets. (914-632-9220 or www.anshesholomnewrochelle.org)
Classical: The Motyl Chamber Ensemble, a group dedicated to preserving music written by composers who were victims of the Holocaust, performs in Schenectady at Congregation Gates of Heaven. The group is joined by mezzo-soprano Anna Tonna Brown. The show is presented as part of the Singer Family Concert Series. Families with children are welcome to attend. Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady; May 21, 3 p.m.; free; suggested donation: nonperishable food item for the food pantry. (518-374-8173)
Performance
Modern: Marriage, superstition, fear and anxiety are among the themes of two new works by acclaimed Israeli choreographer Zvi Gotheiner. Set to music by Stravinsky, “Les Noces” examines the meaning of marriage in the 21st century; “12A,” which interweaves music by Bach and contemporary composer Scott Killian, explores superstition surrounding the number 13 and the way this superstition is dealt with by building owners. Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. (between Seventh and Eighth Aves.); May 24-28; Wed.-Sat.7:30 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.; $25, $15 for students and seniors. (212-924-0077)
CALIFORNIA
Comic Relief: Comedians and comedy writers explore issues of identity and the gray areas that surround major life events, such as getting bar mitzvahed and getting divorced, in The Ish Factor, a show presented in conjunction with the Skirball Cultural Center’s The Jewish Identity Project. The performance features original comedy readings by Beth Lapides (National Public Radio), Kevin Rooney (“Politically Incorrect”), Cindy Chupack (“Sex and the City”), Rob Cohen (“The Simpsons”) and Stephen Glass (“The Fabulist”). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles; May 25, 8 p.m.; $15, $10 for members, $8 for students. (866-468-3399 or www.ticketweb.com)
Vino: You don’t have to be a sommelier to appreciate the finer things in life. Sample Israeli wines, learn about food pairings, and gain knowledge of the history and process of Israel’s winemaking at an event with Israeli wine expert Scott Widitor. The tasting is part of a series of salons presented in conjunction with The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s exhibit Art of Living: Contemporary Photography and Video From the Israel Museum. The event is co-presented by the Hub at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., San Francisco; May 31, 7:30 p.m.; $12, $10 for museum and JCCSF members; registration required. (415-292-1233 or www.jccsf.org/hub)
ILLINOIS
In the Hood: Both Golda Meir and Martin Luther King Jr. were residents, and at one time, nearly 40% of Chicago’s Jewish population called it home. Lawndale is now a thriving African American neighborhood, and from 1927 through the mid-1950s, Lawndale Community Academy, a Chicago public school, was the site of the Jewish People’s Institute, a major Jewish community center. The Spertus Museum and students at Lawndale Community Academy have teamed up to create Common Ground: Lawndale’s Shared History, an exhibition that examines experiences of Jews and African Americans in the neighborhood. The exhibit includes photographs, artifacts and interviews with former Lawndale denizens. Lawndale Community Academy, 3500 W. Douglas Blvd., Chicago; May 31-June 15; Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; free. (312-322-1793 or www.spertus.edu)
PENNSYLVANIA
Through the Lens: Photographers Rachel Zimmerman and Andrew Tomasulo capture images of the Philadelphia neighborhood Fishtown. A longtime family neighborhood located near the City of Brotherly Love’s Center City district, Fishtown is becoming home to an increasing number of artists. The exhibit, Traces: Fishtown in Flux, is presented by the Gershman Y Jewish Community Center. Gershman Y, The Open Lens Gallery, 401 S. Broad St. (at Pine St.), Philadelphia; through Aug. 13; Sun.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free. (215-446-3027 or www.gershmany.org)
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Generation to Generation: Marian Marzynski’s documentary, “Anya (In and Out of Focus)” (2004), offers a portrait of the life of his daughter, from her early childhood through years of teenage angst to the birth of her own child. Marzynski escaped the Warsaw Ghetto as a child and then came to the United States from Poland as a political refugee, along with his Christian wife. The film offers an intimate exploration of the relationship between first-generation Americans and their parents, as well as a look at interfaith marriage and the quest to develop personal identity. A question- and-answer session with the filmmaker follows the screening. Washington DCJCC’s Aaron and Cecile Goldman Theater, 1529 16th St. N.W.; May 30; 7:30 p.m.; advance tickets: $8.50; $7 for seniors, students and members; tickets at the door: $10; $9 for seniors, students and members. (800-494-TIXS or www.boxofficetickets.com)
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