J1. Time with Tevye: The Short Stories of Sholom Aleichem
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45
- Instructor: Rabbi Daniel Pernick
- 4 sessions in person or online. Please specify preference when registering.
- Cost: $75
Fiddler on the Roof is, of course, based upon the short stories of the great Yiddish author Sholom Aleichem. Together, we will review and discuss many of the lesser-known short stories that went into the character development of Tevye, the most famous Jewish milkman.
Through Sholom Aleichem's portrayal of Tevye and his world, we will explore Jewish customs and themes, as well as more universal ones. While we will encounter scenes which are recognizable from the play and the film, most of our time with Tevye will focus on other moments and philosophy which were part of the life of this unforgettable character.
J2. Hollywood and Israel
Thursdays, 9:30-10:45
- Instructor: Rabbi Brian Leiken
- 4 sessions in person or online. Please specify preference when registering.
- Cost: $75
From Frank Sinatra’s early pro-Zionist rallying to Steven Spielberg’s present-day peacemaking, Hollywood has long enjoyed a “special relationship” with Israel. In this course, we will investigate and discuss the many ways in which Hollywood’s moguls, directors, and actors have supported or challenged Israel for more than seven decades.
The course will review the complex story of Israel’s relationship with American Jewry and illuminate how media and soft power have shaped the Arab-Israeli conflict. We will aim to come to terms with current American attitudes towards Israel and will look at the involvement of media figures – from actress Debra Messing to director Jonathan Glazer.
Instructor Bios
Rabbi Brian Leiken
Rabbi Brian Leiken has been the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom since June of 2012. He is passionate about social justice, Jewish history, and the study of modern American Judaism. As the religious leader of Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi Leiken has transitioned the temple into a relational synagogue, one that is built upon the inter and intra-relationships between the clergy and its members. He attended the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion where he was ordained in May of 2007.
Rabbi Daniel Pernick
Rabbi Daniel Pernick was ordained at the Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in 1982. He has served as Rabbi of Beth Am Temple in Pearl River since 1985. Rabbi Pernick has made adult education and community outreach central features of his rabbinate. He served as president of the Rockland Board of Rabbis, the Pearl River Interfaith Council (twice) and as campus minister and adjunct faculty member at St Thomas Aquinas College for twenty years.
Rabbi Pernick just renewed his contract with Beth Am Temple thru 2030 and looks forward to helping to build and support our community, both locally and in Israel, for many years to come.
Financial need scholarships and spouse discounts are available.
For more information, contact Barry Kanarek at bkanarek@jewishrockland.org or (845)362-4200 ext 170.