(Editor’s note: To make Around Town more user friendly, items for adult education, services and regular weekly and monthly events are being grouped under separate headings. Also, more photos and color will be used to make the entire section easier on the eyes.)
Rabbi Daniel Freelander
WUPJ leader here
Temple Shalom and The Temple are bringing Rabbi Daniel Freelander, president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) to Louisville in April for a weekend series of events designed to shed light on Jewish life around the globe.
Established in 1926, The WUPJ is the international umbrella organization for the Reform, Liberal, Progressive and Reconstructionist movements. It serves over 1.8 million Jews from 1,200 congregations in more than 50 countries.
The Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence is sponsoring Freelander’s visit, which will include programs at both synagogues.
Freelander will speak Friday, April 5, at Temple Shalom, on the topic “Jews Move: Why New Reform Communities are Developing in Asia and Spain.” Services will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Rabbis Beth Jacowitz Chottiner and David Ariel-Joel leading and Louie Bailey, Jennifer Diamond and Sam Thal providing the music. Transportation to Temple Shalom will be provided for members of The Temple for those who RSVP by March 28. There will be a short service at The Temple at 7 p.m. for those who cannot make it to Temple Shalom.
On Saturday, April 6, Freelander will speak at Temple Shalom during a lunch and learn at noon, following 10:30 a.m. services. Freelander’s topic will be, “Will the Real Reform Judaism Please Stand Up”: Understanding Progressive Judaism in North America, UK, Germany, Brazil and Israel.”
Freelander will then speak at The Temple at 11 a.m., Sunday, April 7, on the topic, “Training Rabbis for Global Judaism: Stories from London, Berlin, Moscow, and Buenos Aires.” The Brotherhood and Sisterhood are co-sponsors.
Freelander will interact with rabbinic students from Moscow and Buenos Aires via Skype during the brunch.
Pasta Supper, Silent Auction
AJ Preschool’s Annual Pasta Supper & Silent Auction fundraiser will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3. A chef-prepared pasta supper, children’s activities, entertainment, and a silent auction are planned All proceeds directly benefit the AJ Preschool. Reservations are accepted online; visit visiting ajpreschool.com/pastasupper or contact Shannon Benovitz at shannonbenovitz@gmail.com for details.
Knit & Qvell Circle
The Anshei Sfard Knit & Qvell Circle will next meet at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 7, at Shalom Towers. Knitted items are donated to the Jefferson County Public Schools Clothes Closet. Call Toby Horvitz 502-458-7108 for details.
Homeless outreach
Keneseth Israel will make sandwiches and care packages for the homeless starting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 7. Bring your own supplies (bread, peanut butter and jelly, blankets, underwear, socks, flashlights, etc.) Around 6:30 p.m., participants will caravan downtown to give out food and supplies to the homeless.
Torah Yoga
Cantor Sharon Hordes and Lisa Flannery host a yoga class that combines the flexibility and strength of yoga with teachings of the Torah. The next classes will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14 and 21, at Keneseth Israel. The class, which is co-sponsored by Temple Shalom and Hadassah, is free.
AJ Music Festival
Adath Jeshurun will host its annual music festival, themed “In the Key of Play: Rock & Reparte,” at 7 p.m., Sunday, March 17. The concert will feature pianist, singer and songwriter Cantor Randy Herman along with Cantor David Lipp. Musical guests include Cantor Sharon Hordes, Jennifer Diamond, Mike Jarvis, The Jewish Community Choir, and Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams. RSVP to adathjeshurun.com/musicfestival.
Sunday Night at the Movies
The Temple’s next Sunday Night at the Movies will be held Sunday, March 24. The next part of GI Jews will be screened. The pizza dinner starts at 6:30 p.m.; the movie and discussion, 7 p.m. RSVP to thetemplelouky.org or 502-423-1818.
Newstadt named Minyanaire
Dr. Mark Newstadt
Dr. Mark Newstadt, Adath Jeshurun’s 2018 Minyanaire of the Year, will be honored on Friday, March 29. The Kabbalat Shabbat service will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a Shabbat dinner and awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Visit adathjeshurun.com/minyandinner by March 22 for reservations. Contact Molly Evancho at 502-458-5359 or mevancho@adathjeshurun.com for details. Minyanaires will participate and have special honors in the Shabbat service at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 30. A Kiddush lunch will follow.
AJ Book Club
The Adath Jeshurun Book Club is reading Walking Lions by Ayelet Gundar-Goshen and will be discuss the book at its next meeting at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 31, at AJ. Contact Deborah Slosberg at dslosberg@adathjeshurun.com or 502-458-5359.
Spring plantings, headstone cleanings
Begonias and/or boxwoods may be ordered for gravesites in the Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. Headstone-cleaning also is available. Visit adathjeshurun.com/cemeteryplantings for arrangements.
Chabad Community Seder
The Litvin family is sponsoring a community Passover seder on Friday, April 19. The Seder will be an interactive evening, drawing inspiration from Kabbalah and the mystical traditions of Judaism. Reservations must be made by April 4 by calling 502-459-1770. Space is limited.
Torah Yoga at The Temple
The Temple holds a Torah Yoga class with Lisa Klein, Sundays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Heideman Auditorium.
Klein uses a curriculum based on “Torah Yoga” by Diane Bloomfield. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, strap and block. Cost is $18 per person (50 percent of proceeds donated to the Temple Religious School Fund) Contact Klein at cardsmommy@gmail.com or The Temple at 502-423-1818 for details.
Yard Sale
Keneseth Israel will hold one of the biggest yard sales in Louisville from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 24 and 25. TV’s, furniture, artwork, appliances, antiques, clothes, Judaica, toys, books, and other items will be sold. Proceeds will benefit the synagogue.
Adult Education
TS Scholar-in-residence
Author and educator Jane Larkin will be Temple Shalom’s scholar-in-residence from Friday, March 8, to Saturday, March 9. The author of From Generation to Generation: A Story of Intermarriage and Jewish Continuity, Larkin will speak at Shabbat services Friday and Saturday, and head a lunch & learn session following the Saturday service. All the events are free. RSVP by March 1 to 502-458-4739 or information@templeshalomky.org.
Pragmatic Spirituality
Dr. Courtney Snyder and Marty Snyder meets at AJ to lead a discussion group on universal themes inspired by spiritual thinkers. Sessions begin Sundays at 10 a.m. The March 10 session addresses the topic “How to Listen to Your Body.” The March 24 topic is “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” (Mary Oliver quote.)
Kabbalah Month by Month
Cantor Sharon Hordes leads a monthly class on kabbalistic teachings and meditations related to each Hebrew month’s holidays, Torah portions, healing areas and astrological connections. The free class meets every second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The next session is Thursday, March 14.
Filson lecture
The Filson Historical Society will hold a lecture at the Temple at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 28. The cost is $10.
Visit filsonhistorical.org/events/ or call the Temple at 502-423-1818 for details.
Exodus class
Anshei Sfard Rabbi Simcha Snaid leads a class titled “Journey Through Exodus” Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Shalom Towers on the second floor. Call the office at 502-451-3122 for details.
‘Make a Prophet’
Anshei Sfard Rabbi Simcha Snaid leads a class titled “Make a Prophet,” Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at Shalom Towers on the second floor. The class explores the Book of Joshua. Call office 502-451-3122 for details.
New Louisville Melton Classes
New Melton classes will begin in March at Adath Jeshurun: Continuation of “Beyond Borders” Tuesdays, beginning March 12 from 6:30 to 7:40 p.m.; “Vayikra/Leviticus: A Call to Holiness,” Tuesdays, beginning March 12, from 7:50 to 9 p.m.; “Vayikra/Leviticus: A Call to Holiness,” Thursdays, beginning March 14 from 9:30 to 10:40 a.m.; “Modern Midrash,” Thursdays, beginning March 14, from 10:50 a.m. to noon. Contact Director Deborah Slosberg at dslosberg@adathjeshurun.com or 502-458-5359 to register.
The Temple classes
The Temple is offering the following adult education classes on Wednesday mornings:
“Building Character: Jewish Principles of How to be a Good Person,” 9:30-10:35 a.m. with Rabbi David Ariel-Joel.
“The Torah of our Lives,” 10:45-noon with Rabbi Joe Rooks Rapport.
The following Monday night classes are offered:
Advanced Hebrew: The Temple Torah Study Circle,” 6-7 p.m. with Rapport
“Text Study: Beliefs and Lessons from Our Bible,” with Ariel-Joel, 7-8 p.m.
“Beginning Hebrew, Part 2” with Mark Goldstein, 7-8 p.m., (email Goldstein at mdgoldstein01@gmail.com to register).
“Basic Judaism: Jewish Concepts and Basic Beliefs,” 7-8 p.m. with Rapport and Ariel-Joel.
Weekly/Monthly Happenings
Torah study
Rabbi David Ariel-Joel of The Temple leads Torah study sessions Saturdays at 9 a.m. in the Fishman Library. Coffee, bagels and cream cheese will be served.
Bridge Club
The Keneseth Israel Bridge Club meets Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the small chapel. RSVP to gwishnia@gmail.com.
Purim
Queen Esther’s lessons
Join Duby Litvin will lead a class on the lessons of Queen Esther at 7 p.m., Monday, March 4. The class will be recorded on Facebook for those who can’t attend. RSVP to Litvin at Mrsduby@gmail.com.
Learn to Bake Hamentaschen
Adath Jeshurun’s annual Hamentaschen Bake will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10. Learn to make hamentaschen and take some home. Hamentaschen also will be given to residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. Cards to accompany the hamentaschen will be available to decorate. The fee is $5 per family. RSVP by March 4 at adathjeshurun.com/hamentaschen.
Hamataschen baking
Jewish Woman’s Circle will make Hamantaschen and discuss the Jewish woman’s role in the story of Purim at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 10, at The Jewish Learning Center. RSVP to Goldie Litvin at 502-494-3774 or chabad@chabadky.com.
Purim Party at The Temple
The Temple Purim Party will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, March 16. A short family service led by second and third graders will start at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the party sponsored by The Temple Brotherhood, including a Megillah reading, groggers, face painting, carnival games, costumes, balloons and a photobooth. Costumes are encouraged. Cost is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under. RSVP by March 13 at 502-423-1818 or thetemplelouky.org.
Chabad Purim Celebration
Chabad is offering an audio-visual accompaniment to that traditional reading of the Megillah for children and adults at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at 1654 Almara Circle. A Hamantaschen bar, including pastry decoration, will follow the reading. Call 502-459-1770.
Anshei Sfard Purim Celebration
Anshei Sfard’s family-friendly Purim party will be held Thursday, March 21, at the Standard Club. The evening includes a carnival, a hot buffet catered dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attractions include a juggler, obstacle course, carnival booths, photo booth, face painting, and much more! Date: Cost is $15 for ages 13 and and over with registration ($18 at the door). $10 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. There is a $50 maximum per family. Call Anshei Sfard at 502-451-3122. For Teens interested in running booths, hours can be signed off as community service). Contact mishymandel@gmail.com.
Purim in Ireland
Chabad of Kentucky will host its annual Purim Feast and Celebration at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21. Purim in Ireland will be the theme. Irish food and Liam’s Fancy, an Irish band from Lexington will perform. There also be Irish storytelling and a step dancing performed by the McClanahan School of Irish Dance. A visual presentation of the Megillah will begin the program. There will also be a Hamantaschen bar, a PJ Library Purim storytelling and Irish beer and games for adults. Dinner will begin at 6:30. Chabad will also highlight three communities in the world where Jews are being persecuted, inviting the community to connect to them through good deeds, encouragement and rapport. Cost is $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. All adult tickets paid by March 10 will be discounted by 10 percent. Contact Rabbi Avrohom Litvin, at 502-459-1770 or info@CHABADKY.COM/PURIM.
LBSY Purim celebration
The LBSY Purim Celebration and Dinner sponsored by Adath Jeshurun, Keneseth Israel, Temple Shalom and LBSY, will begin at 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, AJ. An Adult Megillah-Reading with Beatles Music will follow at 7 p.m. There is no charge for this dinner, but reservations are required. Contact Bev Weinberg at lbsy.bev@gmail.com by March 13 to RSVP.
TS Purim Carnival
Temple Shalom will hold its annual Purim carnival at 10 a.m., Sunday, March 24. Gift cards will be awarded for the best costumes. Men’s Club will make breakfast and WOTS will bake the Hamantaschen. There will be Purim parodies, a schpiel, Megillah reading, and finally carnival games with face painting, food and balloons. Cost is $5 per person ages 5 and up. RSVP to 502-458-4739 or information@templeshalomky.org. Attendance is limited to 150.
Worship
Bring a Friend to Shabbat
Temple Shalom members will bring friends of all backgrounds to its Bring a Friend to Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22, to enhance its sacred community. The congregation’s newest members will be welcomed at that time. A light dinner will follow the service. RSVP to Temple Shalom by Feb. 20 at 502-458-4739 or information@templeshalomky.org.
WRJ/Sisterhood Shabbat
The WRJ/Sisterhood Shabbat Service, honoring the group for its dedication, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at The Temple.
Sisterhood Shabbat
Temple Shalom will hold its Sisterhood Shabbat 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2. A luncheon sponsored by the Women of Temple Shalom will follow services.
Celebration Shabbat
All who are celebrating a birthday or anniversary in the month of March may participate in a group aliyah during Shabbat morning worship services beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 2, at Adath Jeshurun.
Interactive prayer, deli luncheon
Chabad will celebrate Shabbat with an interactive prayer service followed by a deli luncheon at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 2. The program is free and sponsored in part by the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence. Call 502-459-1770 for details.
Family Shabbat Dinner
The Temple Religious School Grade 4 students will lead Shabbat services at 7 p.m., Friday, March 8. A family Shabbat dinner will start at 6 p.m., the Tot Shabbat at 6:45 p.m. with special Tot oneg at 7 p.m. in the library. The fourth grade family-sponsored oneg will follow the main service. Cost is $5, free for children 12 and under. Contact The Temple at 502-423-1818 or thetemplelouky.org by March 6 to RSVP.
Family Kabbalat Shabbat
Keneseth Israel will hold its Family Kabbalat Shabbat immediately following Friday night services, which begin at 6 p.m. Friday, March 8. RSVP to 502-459-2780 or rsvp@kenesethisrael.com. Cost is $10 per adult; $5 per child, $20 maximum per family. Pay online at kenesethisrael.com/payment.
No Shush Shabbat
Temple Shalom’s next No Sush Shabbat will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 8. Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner and song leader Benji Berlow will lead the interactive PowerPoint service for children.
Sing-along Friday service, dinner
Chabad will celebrate Shabbat at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, at the Chabad House, 1654 Almara Circle, with a sing-along Kabbalat Shabbat service. A three-course traditional Shabbat dinner will follow. The program is free and sponsored in part by the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence. Call 502-459-1770 for details.
Simcha Shabbat
Keneseth Israel will celebrate March birthdays and anniversaries with a Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by desserts and appetizers, at 6 p.m., Friday, March 15. RSVP to 502-459-2780 or rsvp@kenesethisrael.com.
Isaac Mayer Wise Shabbat
The Temple will celebrate American Reform Judaism founder Isaac Mayer Wise and the congregation’s classical Reform heritage at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15. The Shabbat will mark Wise’s 200th birthday.
Guided Meditation
Chabad will celebrate the conclusion of Shabbat with a Havdalah service and guided meditation at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Chabad House 1654 Almara Circle. The program is free and is sponsored in part by the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence. Call 502-459-1770 for details.
Short and Sweet Family Service
Students in grades K through 7, and their families may join the Short & Sweet Family Service at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 16, at Adath Jeshurun. The informal service includes a story. Students will join the main service afterwards to help lead the closing prayers.
Rabbis’ Shabbat Dinner
The Temple’s next Rabbi’s Shabbat Dinner will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, March 22 The theme will be Middle Eastern. Adults are $5, free for children 12 and under. RSVP by March 18 to thetemplelouky.org or 502-423-1818.
Brotherhood End of Exodus
The Infamous No-Rehearsal Brotherhood Choir will sing at the Torah Celebration during Shabbat services on March 23 at 10:30 am., at The Temple. Immediately following services, the Temple Brotherhood will sponsor the oneg, featuring Gravlax, matzah, and bourbon.
BLT (Bagels Lox, Tefillen)
Chabad will hold a 45-minute morning service and a 45-minute brunch at 8:30 Sunday, March 24. The free program will encourage people to both connect to G-d and to others within our community and to empower every participant with power and energy, both physical and spiritual. The Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence is a sponsor. Call 502-459-1770 for details.