Park Slope Jewish Center

July 14th- Shabbat Afternoon Book Group- The Cosmopolitans

farrah — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:04:05 +0000

On July 14, 2012 after kiddush we will discuss The Cosmopolitans by Nadia Kalman (whose boyfriend is the son of PSJC members Joel and Carol Levy). In David Cooper’s review of the book he describes how this “smart, funny, wise, and entertaining debut novel explores the relationships and dynamics of a contemporary Russian-Jewish immigrant family from the former Soviet Union, their acculturation in Stamford, CT, as well as the love lives and courtships of the three daughters.” It is a quick read, and a perfect beach book. BPL does not own a single copy of The Cosmopolitans. NYPL has one non-circulating copy, and Queens Public Library has one circulating copy. PSJCers who already own copies of the book may be willing to lend theirs, but discussion participants are encouraged to purchase their own copies of the book (thus supporting its author). Community Bookstore on Seventh Avenue will sell it at a 10% discount if you mention PSJC.

For those looking ahead it’s not yet clear whether or not we’ll be able to fit in an early September meeting before the High Holidays. For a November discussion we plan to read “The Invisible Bridge” by Julie Orringer, which is about a Jewish-Hungarian architecture student in Paris in the late 1930s, his forced repatriation on the eve of WWII, and how he survived service in Hungary’s Labor Brigades (Jews were not allowed to serve in the regular military). The book is 600 pp. page turner, and with half a year’s advance notice it is hoped that participants can acquire and read it in time for a November discussion. BPL has many print copies as well as an audio version. Those wishing to purchase a print copy can get the standard PSJC 10% discount at Community Books of Park Slope. Those wishing to purchase the audio version (great for long road trips) can find it at audible.com where it requires two credits.

May 19th- Get Acquainted Lunch

farrah — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:38:29 +0000

After Services and Kiddush on Saturday, May 19, head over to the home of Stewart Pravda and Cathy Monblatt for the May Get Acquainted Lunch. It’s a dairy/parve pot luck on Shabbat afternoon; it’s a way to get to know PSJC’ers in a relaxed setting; it’s a monthly chance to keep the Shabbat vibe going all afternoon. If you’re taking Judy’s class, stop by after it’s over.

May 20th- Celebrate Yom Yerushalayim with the Zamir Chorale

farrah — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:10:53 +0000

On Sunday, May 20^th, the Zamir Chorale will be presenting a concert in honor of Yom Yerushalayim, celebrating Jerusalem through song. Yehoram Gaon will be coming from Israel to be our special guest artist, and Alberto Mizrahi will also be on the program along with many members of HaZamir: The International Jewish High School Choir. It is sure to be a fun event! The concert is at 4 p.m. at Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center, at Columbus Circle. Tickets are available at $45, $60, $75, $100, and $180; contact CelebrateJerusalem at ZamirChoralFoundation.org. For more information about PSJC going as a group, contact Freddie Brooks.

June 17th- Here’s Looking at Jew: Jewish Influence and Content in Casablanca

farrah — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:04:03 +0000

The movie Casablanca opened to adoring crowds and critical acclaim 70 years ago. We all remember Humphrey Bogart as Rick telling Sam to play “As Time Goes By” and Ingrid Bergman as Ilse torn between the man she loves and the freedom fighter she’s married to. But how many of us think of it as a Jewish film? As it turns out, pretty much the only non-Jews involved were the big name actors. Danielle Lewis, who enlightened and amused us recently with her talk on crypto-Jews, will tell us all about the Jewish influence in the making of this classic movie. Sunday, June 17 at 3:00 p.m. Free to members/$10 non-members. Popcorn, movie clips, and soda included.

June 2nd- Jewish Meditation

farrah — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:59:55 +0000

Join us for this new class with Amy Loewenthal, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, class of 2012. Meditation existed in many ancient cultures, including Judaism. The Torah says that Isaac went out for a meditative walk into the fields before sunset. Jewish mystics practiced meditation six hundred years ago in Tzfat, Israel. In recent years, as Jewish meditation has become popular, many people are enjoying its benefits. We’ll learn about different types of meditation including focused meditation, awareness meditation, chanting meditation, and meditation with movement. We’ll try some short meditations and reflect on them together, and conclude by sharing ideas about developing a meditation (and perhaps journaling) practice. After Services and Kiddush, June 2. Free to members/$10 non-members.

May 5th- Teen Shabbat

farrah — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:48:43 +0000

Make sure to join us this week for Teen Shabbat. Services Saturday morning will be led by PSJC teens who will also read torah and give a dvar. We will also be taking this opportunity to thank our graduating seniors for making teen group such a cool place to be. So, if you’re a senior or you love a senior, come and cheer them on!

2012-2013 Hebrew School Registration.

farrah — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:42:04 +0000

Please find here the Hebrew School Registration Contract for 2012-2013 and the Tuition and Fees Invoice in PDF format. **Please note that ALL RETURNING FAMILIES must return completed registration forms by FRIDAY, JUNE 15th or a late fee of $100 will be applied to your tuition

June 3rd- Israeli Day Parade

farrah — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:29:55 +0000

Please save the date, June 3rd,to march with us as we join The Brooklyn Congregations Cluster in the Celebrate Israel Parade.
You will need to buy a T-shirt from PSJC for the parade (details on cost to come) as no one can march without a T-shirt. Children are very welcome in the parade but keep in mind that the day is long and no carriages allowed on the parade route. If you are interested in coming with us please contact the PSJC office.

May 5th- Learners Minyan

farrah — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 04:34:10 +0000

Would you like to be more comfortable with the Shabbat Morning Service? Learners’ Minyan helps that happen. Judy Greenberg, our Rabbinic Intern, teaches this class monthly. Each session, she’ll focus on a different part of the service, providing insight into the prayers, practice chanting them, and general information on the service. Join us for the last one until the fall, on May 5.

May 12th- Torah Study Group/Parashat Hashavuah

farrah — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:46:08 +0000

Come take part in a lively Torah study on Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. as we explore Parashat Hashavuah, the weekly Torah reading, with Rabbinic Fellow Aaron Weininger. Non-Hebrew readers and Hebrew readers alike are welcome to contribute their insights and take part in a stimulating discussion over a light breakfast. Come to learn and to thank Aaron for two years of exciting, thought-provoking, warmly provided service to PSJC.