Leonard Bernstein’s Jewish Roots: A Musical Journey with the Haberman Institute January 15, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Whenever Leonard Bernstein visited his parents' home in Boston, he always knew a special place awaited him at the bimah of Congregation Mishkan Tefila, their beloved synagogue. This was far more than a mere tradition; it was a testament to the deep-rooted importance of Jewish faith and culture in Bernstein's life. The rich musical heritage he absorbed never left him, shaping his extraordinary career and artistry. In this music-filled presentation, Saul Lilienstein, a student of Bernstein's, will bring to life the vibrant music infused with Yiddishkeit that Bernstein composed. Join us to experience excerpts from his works, including Symphony No. 1 (subtitled Jeremiah), Symphony No. 3 (Kaddish), and the enchanting Chichester Psalms, among others. Lilienstein will weave in a tapestry of personal anecdotes exploring Bernstein's deep connection to Jewish values... a unique opportunity to delve into the heart and soul of a musical legend!
Unpacking Future Trends in American Judaism with the Haberman Institute January 27, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Delve into the transformative landscape of Jewish identity and community in the twenty-first century. As we navigate this era, it is crucial to recognize the five pivotal factors reshaping the American Jewish experience: technology, demography, generational behavior, religious culture, and the concept of the sovereign self. Dr. Windmueller will share insight into how these elements influence both personal and collective identities within the Jewish community. For instance, the advancement of technology has not only altered the way we communicate and connect but has also redefined the avenues through which Jewish learning and practice occur. Similarly, demographic shifts are bringing forth a more diverse array of voices and experiences that enrich the tapestry of Jewish life. Join us to discover a deeper understanding of these extraordinary and challenging features of the Ònew' American Jewish experience, as well as projections for the future of Judaism in an ever-changing world.
Sacred Spaces and Conflicting Claims: Holiness in Israel w/ Haberman Institute February 3, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Join us to delve into the profound theological and political dimensions of holiness, as we examine historical and contemporary issues surrounding sacred sites in Israel. We will begin by analyzing the evolving perceptions of Jerusalem's sanctity from early Christian views to Protestant reinterpretations, and explore the Talmudic discussions on the Temple Mount's holiness post-destruction. We will also address the complexities of Christian sacred spaces with a particular look at recent controversies under the Netanyahu administration. The second session will continue to investigate Jewish perspectives on sacred space, including traditional prohibitions on accessing the Temple Mount and the influence of messianic and nationalist movements on these views. We will then shift focus to Muslim sacred spaces, especially the Haram al-Sharif, and delve into Islamic legal and theological perspectives and the role of these sites in current political mobilization. Professor Breger will
Night 1 of Intro to Judaism: Modern Life + Ancient Wisdom w/ Haberman Institute February 5, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Caroline Warren FOR ANYONE JEWISH, JEW-ISH OR JEW-CURIOUS! Join us for a 15-week course that provides fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and clarifying insights into Jewish culture. No matter your age or background, everyone is welcome to join Intro to Judaism and learn about the Torah and Judaism's many rituals, values, and holidays. Whether you want to learn more about your culture, are considering converting, or are eager to incorporate more Judaism into your life, the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program is for you. Throughout this course, students of all ages and backgrounds meet to explore significant topics. From rituals and holidays to Torah and values, every cohort is guided by a multi-denominational team of rabbis who bring the past, present, and future together. Cost Range: 150 - 180 $180
Sacred Spaces and Conflicting Claims: Holiness in Israel w/ Haberman Institute February 10, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Join us to delve into the profound theological and political dimensions of holiness, as we examine historical and contemporary issues surrounding sacred sites in Israel. We will begin by analyzing the evolving perceptions of Jerusalem's sanctity from early Christian views to Protestant reinterpretations, and explore the Talmudic discussions on the Temple Mount's holiness post-destruction. We will also address the complexities of Christian sacred spaces with a particular look at recent controversies under the Netanyahu administration. The second session will continue to investigate Jewish perspectives on sacred space, including traditional prohibitions on accessing the Temple Mount and the influence of messianic and nationalist movements on these views. We will then shift focus to Muslim sacred spaces, especially the Haram al-Sharif, and delve into Islamic legal and theological perspectives and the role of these sites in current political mobilization. Professor Breger will
Poems for Our Days with the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies February 25, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Presented by Dr. Rachel Korazim, Israeli Scholar and Educator The calamity of October 7 and the war that followed had left Israel and the Jewish world in shock and despair. The unimaginable became our reality. As more details of the horror unfold, as we are facing the painful daily losses in battle and the plight of the hostages and their families. Not less troubling, are the terrible losses and devastation in Gaza. We find ourselves less and less able to talk about it. The expression most commonly used is ein milim -- No Words! Yet - some struggle and do find words to express pain and anger, despair and abandonment. In our session, we will read and discuss poetry written these very days. The poems are often raw and painful, while at the same time full of love and even hope. Some are in the form of prayers such as a new ÒKadish', and many reference biblical motifs, such as the Akeida or Joseph. Others address the new Òcorrect' language since one cannot say any more simple thin
Part 1: Southern Jewish Stories with the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience March 11, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Two-part series... Visit The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience with the Haberman Institute! Virtual Tour #1 (Tuesday, March 11) Join us as we explore the stories held in the galleries of the newly opened Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE). Spanning thirteen states and three hundred years, the MSJE's core exhibition explores the diverse relationships, experiences, and environments encountered by Jewish communities in the American South. We will discuss artifacts and stories from early Jewish immigrants as they navigated southern spaces to find and build communities. Learn how southern Jews maintained their identity and became part of the fabric of southern society. The MSJE team will walk us through the galleries and have a conversation about this unique yet universal story.
Part 2: Southern Jewish Stories with the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience March 18, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Virtual Tour #2 (Tuesday, March 18) Participation in the first tour is not a prerequisite. Open to all! We've explored the galleries of the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, but there are many more stories to be told. Dive back into the MSJE's core exhibition to explore expanded conversations of the experiences of Jewish communities in the American South. Learn more about lesser-known stories of southern Jewish experiences during pivotal aspects of American history.
From Bondage to Healing: Freedom to Grieve and Rebuild w/ the Haberman Institute April 3, 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States The Haberman Institute is honored to welcome the volunteers behind the Shiloni Project, back to our community. This grassroots organization was formed immediately after October 7, 2023, by volunteers initially committed to supporting soldiers and evacuees. We invite you to learn how the Project has evolved to focus on the needs of hostage families–parents, siblings, children, and spouses–some of whom have returned, while others remain in captivity. Today, the Shiloni Project has developed a thoughtful, grassroots effort to support these families who have faced an unimaginable reality. These families have devoted themselves entirely to fighting for their loved ones, postponing their own healing after experiencing profound loss. While some continue the fight, others are just beginning their long journey of recovery. Register to learn about the Shiloni Project's key initiative: therapeutic retreats on the peaceful island of Pilion, Greece, gifting hostage families a chance to esca
An Extraordinary Kind of Funny: Richard Kind Speaks with the Haberman Institute May 12, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Join us for this rare opportunity to spend an evening with one of Hollywood's most beloved stage, screen, and television starsÉ An unforgettable night with Drama Desk Award winner and Tony nominee Richard Kind! Most recently seen in Emmy-winning Only Murders in the Building, Richard's career spans nearly 300 screen credits over four decades - including unforgettable characters on screen and stage, including Curb Your Enthusiasm, Inside Out, Mad About You and A Serious ManÉ to name just a few! With his signature charm, quick wit, and infectious energy, the one-of-a-kind Richard Kind will take us on a fun-filled journey through his life and career, sharing how his Jewish upbringing shaped him as an artist. Along the way, he'll dive into the rich tradition of Jewish comedy that has kept audiences laughing for generations. From personal anecdotes to behind-the-scenes Hollywood moments, Richard will reveal the magic of Jewish humor–its history, its lasting impact, and why it c
Pink Triangle Legacies: History and LGBTQ+ Rights with the Haberman Institute July 9, 2025 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Edlavitch DC Jewish Commnity Center 1529 16th Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia, United States Presented by Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome, Founder and Director of the Pink Triangle Legacies Project Join us as historian Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome tells the dynamic and inspiring history of the LGBTQ+ community's original pride symbol by tracing the transformation of the pink triangle from a Nazi concentration camp badge into a widespread emblem of queer liberation, pride, and community. Drawing from unexplored archival sources and original interviews, Dr. Desai-Newsome showcases the voices of LGBTQ+ Holocaust victims and the many LGBTQ+ folks who found meaning in the pink triangle in a post-Holocaust world. The presentation will be followed by Q&A and a book signing for those joining us in person at the Capital Jewish Museum. Presented in Partnership with the Capital Jewish Museum $10
Reconceptualizing Anti-Jewish Bigotry with the Haberman Institute August 6, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Presented by Britt Tevis, J.D./Ph.D. American Jewish Historian; Phyllis Backer Assistant Professor in Jewish Studies, Department of History, Syracuse University Antisemitism in the United States, though a pressing subject in contemporary politics, is poorly understood. Scholars and public intellectuals often cast antisemitism simplistically, identifying it as a conspiracy theory or as an individual defect. Yet exploring incidents of anti-Jewish bigotry, violence, and discrimination in U.S. history reveals a far more complex reality. What binds anti-Jewish episodes and movements in the United States is the desire to undermine and even eliminate Jews' civil and political rights. Historically, Christian nationalism, racial science, and conspiratorial thinking constitute the three forces that have inspired that objective. Using archival sources spanning from 1654 through the present, Dr. Tevis will illuminate an array of forgotten examples of antisemitism in the United States to re
Ghosts of a Holy War: 1929 and Roots of the Arab/Israeli Conflict w/ith HIJS September 29, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States Presented by Yardena Schwartz Journalist/Producer Join us for a powerful discussion with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Yardena Schwartz as she shares insights from her new book, Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Sparked by the discovery of a box of century-old letters in a Memphis attic, Schwartz uncovers the story of a young American Jew killed in the 1929 Hebron massacre–a little-known but pivotal moment that she argues is ground zero of the conflict still raging today. Drawing from deeply personal archival material, wide-ranging interviews, and decades of context, Schwartz weaves a gripping and even-handed narrative that connects the past to the present, shedding new light on the events of October 7, 2023, and the enduring struggle for peace in the land both Israelis and Palestinians call home. Register Register to receive the Zoom link to join us online. Barring technical issues, this session
1st Meeting of Intro to Judaism with the Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies October 22, 2025 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Bender JCC Of Greater Washington 6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD, United States BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Whether you're considering conversion, rediscovering your roots, or supporting a Jewish loved one, this course is for you. The Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, developed by American Jewish University and taught by Metro DC-area rabbis from diverse denominations, offers a welcoming, multi-denominational journey into Jewish life, beliefs, and practices. From big ideas to everyday rituals, this program helps you explore Judaism in a meaningful, accessible way–wherever you are on your journey. Cost Range: 155 - 180 $155
Re-Emerge: Jewish Revival Across Latin America with the Haberman Institute November 6, 2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm RSVP for Woodley Park address. , United States RE-EMERGE ASKS WHAT IT MEANS TO ÒBELONG' AND INVITES US TO RETHINK WHO GETS TO BE PART OF THE JEWISH STORY. An intimate and eye-opening portrait of Latin America's emerging Jewish communities, meet the ordinary people taking extraordinary steps to reclaim a faith that was once stripped away. Directed by Jewish filmmaker and educator Dani Rotstein, and produced by Rotstein and Mexican filmmaker Patricio Serna, this short documentary series spotlights communities across Latin America rediscovering their Jewish identity, often after generations of silence. Join us online to screen the first episode together. Set in Puerto Rico, a small group of devoted individuals build a Jewish life independently from scratch: learning online, gathering in a repurposed synagogue, and reconnecting with a lost heritage despite resistance from both outside and within the Jewish world. Following the screening, join us for a live dialogue with the filmmakers and Puerto Rican participants featured in
