The Temple Sunday Night at the Movies
The next episode in Rabbi Joe R. Rapport’s Sunday Night Movie Series from the National Geographic, “Genius,” which tells of the life and legacy of Albert Einstein, is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 28. The series focuses on Einstein’s Jewish background and Judaism’s influence on the way he saw and interacted with the world around him. The movie series is free and pizza will be provided, but RSVPs are required. Call 502-423-1818 by Friday, January 26.
The Temple Tu B’Shevat Seder
The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ Sisterhood) will host The Temple Tu B’Shevat Seder at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 31. The “special mystical seder” is intended to appreciate our incredible world and the source of Life. Cost is $5 per person. RSVP by calling 502-423-1818 by Friday, January 26.
Tu B’Shevat Family Festival at The J
The J will hold a Tu B’Shevat family seder from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 28, to celebrate the new year for trees. There will be stories, parsley planting, crafts and food traditionally eaten on the holiday (nuts and fruit). Participants will talk about conservation and doing a project to reduce plastic bag waste. Visit https://jewishlouisville.org/event/tu-bshevat-family-festival/ to sign up.
Tu B’Shevat seder at The J
The J Tu B’Shevat Seder will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 30 in the Patio Gallery. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for the community A freshly prepared four-course vegetarian dinner, wine, holiday programming will be served and a panel of speakers will discuss sustainability and environmental activism in Louisville. Visit https://jewishlouisville.org/event/tu-bshevat-seder-2/.
Knit & Qvell Circle at Anshei Sfard
Anshei Sfard’s Knit & Qvell Circle will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 1, in the synagogue library. All knitted items are donated to the Jefferson County Public Schools Clothes Closet. Contact Toby Horvitz at 502-458-7108 for details.
GUCI song leader at Temple Shalom
Sam Thal, song leader at URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) and at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis, will be the song leader for Temple Shalom services on Friday night and Saturday morning, February 2 and 3. Friday services begin at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday services start at 10:30 p.m.
Thal also will continue her series of song-leading classes Saturday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Guitar skills are encouraged, but not required. Participants should bring instruments if they have them. RSVP to Temple Shalom, 502-458-4739. The classes are being made available through a grant from JFHE.
AJ Celebration Shabbat
All who are celebrating a birthday or anniversary in the month of February may participate in a group aliyah at Adath Jeshurun during Shabbat morning worship services, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3.
AJ Short and Sweet Family Service
Students in grades K through 7, and their parents and grandparents, will participate in the Short & Sweet Family Service at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 3, at Adath Jeshurun. Led by Deborah Slosberg, the service will be followed by a mac & cheese family kiddush lunch.
AJ pragmatic Spirituality group
Dr. Courtney Snyder and Marty Snyder facilitate a pragmatic spirituality discussion group at Adath Jeshurun, Sundays at 10 a.m., discussing universal themes inspired by spiritual thinkers. This small group discussion is open to the community. The topic of the February 4 meeting is “The Hero in Our Own Myth: The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Ourselves.” The February 18 discussion is “Neurobiology of Spiritual Growth.” Contact Snyder at cbsnyder12@gmail.com for details.
Temple Shalom Tu B’Shevat Arboretum
To celebrate Tu B’Shevat – the New Year for trees – and to address the serious shrinkage of Louisville’s urban forest, members and friends of Temple Shalom will gather Sunday, February 4, at 1 p.m. to plant an arboretum of 41 trees on the grounds of the synagogue. A celebration planned by the Men’s Club, featuring the traditional foods of the Tu B’Shevat seder and music by two members of Lost Tribe will follow. The holes will be pre-dug, but volunteers are needed to plant and mulch the trees. Parents are encouraged to bring their children. Please bring a shovel if you have one. RSVP to Temple Shalom at 502-458-4739 or information@templeshalomky.org.
The Temple Interfaith Coffee
WRJ/Sisterhood will host its Annual Interfaith Coffee from 9 to 11:30 a. Monday, February 5. This year’s topic is “Major Jewish Holidays.” Baked goods will be available. RSVP by February 2 to 502-423-1818.
Torah Lunch Bunch at Temple Shalom
The Torah study group of Temple Shalom will meet at noon on Tuesdays, February 6 and 20, at Temple Shalom. Participants may bring their own lunch. No prior knowledge of the discussion material is required to attend.
KI Shabbat Unplugged
Kenseth Israel holds its Shabbat Unplugged program every second Friday of the month. A catered dinner by Izzy’s, immediately follows services, which begin at 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person ($20 maximum per family.) The next date February 9.
RSVP to 502-459-2780 or rsvp@kenesethisrael.com, paykenesethisrael.com, clicking “pay” at the top of the page.
No Shush Shabbat at Temple Shalom
Temple Shalom will hold its next No Shush Shabbat at 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 9. The evening will include a PowerPoint service, music, instruments and stories, making for an engaging time for children and families. Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner will lead and Benji Berlow will sing and play guitar. Call Temple Shalom at 502-458-4739 for details.
KI ‘Dinyan’
Keneseth Israel will hold a “Dinyan” – dinner and minyan – at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 15. A 25-minute musical Mincha/Maariv service will be followed by a family-style seated dinner catered by Izzy’s. Professional scribe Rabbi Moshe Druin will speak about the history of, and his assessment of, KI’s Torah scrolls. There’s no charge, but donations to the Dr. Julius Wolk Dinyan Fund may be made at kenesethisrael.com or sen a check to KI. RSVP to rsvp@kenesethisrael.com or 502-459-2780.
KI Family Kabbalat Shabbat
Keneseth Israel will hold a family Kabbalat Shabbat at 6 p.m. Friday, February 16. A kid-friendly dinner is included. Cost is $5 per person with a $20-per-family maximum. RSVP to rsvp@kenesethisrael.com or 502-459-2780. Pay online at kenesethisrael.com, clicking “pay” at the top of the page.
The Temple Interfaith Shabbat
The Reverend Doctor Johanna W.H. van Wijk-Bos. Will be the guest speaker at The Temple Interfaith Shabbat at 7 p.m. Friday, February 16. A professor of Hebrew Bible at the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LTPS), where she taught for more than 30 years, Bos is a pioneering woman in theological teaching and discourse. She was the first woman to receive academic tenure at LPTS and has taught in multi-racial and multi-cultural settings in France with students from across the French-speaking world, and in Salvador, Brazil, with black and native Brazilian women.
Temple Shalom Craft Fair seeks exhibitors
Temple Shalom is now accepting applications for booths at its Craft Fair, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 18. The fair is open to local crafters. There will be food items for sale and a raffle for craft items. For more information, call Temple Shalom at 502-458-4739 and ask to be contacted by Cari Hatch, or email fundraisingts@gmail.com.
Rosh Chodesh Girls Club
Girls in grades 4-8 join Cantor Sharon Hordes and Lisa Yussman every month to celebrate Rosh Chodesh, 12:30 p.m. after LBSY in room 113 of The J. The girls learn how to impact the world through the lens of Jewish tradition. They use art, drama, games and music. RSVP to Shordes@kenesethisrael.com or 502-459-2780. Cost is $54.00 per family.
AJ family mitzvah opportunity
Adath Jeshurun will host Mitzvah Together, a day featuring two events that serve the community, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, February 18. The events fulfill two of the four mitzvot of Purim. People can fulfill the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim (giving gifts to the poor) by participating in a Brown Bag Blessings Packing Party. They will pack PB&J sack lunches to be donated to a local charity. There is no charge, but donations of food items and supplies are welcomed. Visit adathjeshurun.com/brownbagblessings to sign up. To fulfill the Purim mitzvah of mishloach manot, (sending gifts of food), families can participate in AJ’s interactive Hamentaschen Bake. Participants will get to take home some hamentaschen; the rest will be delivered to residents of nursing and assisted-living facilities. Kids can decorate gift cards and lunch bags. The cost is $5 per family, which covers the cost of ingredients. Visit adathjeshurun.com/reservations to RSVP.
Hadassah Knitting Circle
The Hadassah Knitzvah Brigade meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, February 18 in The J Senior Lounge. Items for patients at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem will be made. Bring your own yarn and needles. Patterns will be available. Make sure yarn is soft, lightweight and not wool or other itchy material. RSVP to louisvillehadassahchapter@gmail.com.
Rabbi Ariel-Joel at Panera
Rabbi David Ariel-Joel is available on Friday, February 23, at Panera Bread, 1801 Rudy Lane. Feel free to stop and discuss any topic. No RSVP is needed and coffee is on the rabbi.
AJ Book Club
The Adath Jeshurun Book Club is reading He, She and It by Margie Piercy. The novel examines gender roles, human identity, artificial intelligence, environmentalism, love and storytelling through a suspenseful plot set in post-apocalyptic America. This book will be discussed at the next meeting, at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 25, at AJ. Contact Deborah Slosberg at dslosberg@adathjeshurun.com or 502-458-5359.
AJ Shabbat Remix dinner, speaker
Adath Jeshurun will hold a Kabbalat Shabbat Remix, a service with musical instruments, followed by a catered kiddush supper and a program on human rights and social justice, at 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 2. Rotem Malach, the guest speaker, will explore the Israeli Supreme Court’s role in defending human rights and reshaping Israel’s democratic and Jewish identity. Reservations are due by Friday, February 23. Cost is $12 for adults ages 13 and over. Children ages 12 and below are free. Visit adathjeshurun.com/remix.
AJ Music Festival with Voces Novae
Adath Jeshurun will host its annual Music Festival at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Conducted by Frank Heller III, Voces Novae will present “Silver Soul” a performance celebrating its 25th anniversary. Other performers include Cantors David Lipp and Sharon Hordes, Jennifer Diamond and the Jewish Community Choir. A dessert reception will follow. Advanced admission tickets cost $10 per person and may be purchased at adathjeshurun.com/musicfestival or by calling 502-458-5359.
AJ Kosher Community Passover Seder
Adath Jeshurun will host its annual Kosher Community Passover Seder at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 30. Rabbi Robert Slosberg will lead the seder with music by Cantor David Lipp. A Haggadah will be provided for each participant. Space is limited to the first 200 paid reservations received through Friday, March 23 or until room capacity is reached. There also will be a waiting list. Cost for AJ members is $30 per adult, $15 per child ages 6-12, and $5 for children 5 and under; for guests, $55 per adult, $25 per child ages 6-12, and $5 for children 5 and under. Contact Molly Evancho at mevancho@adathjeshurun.com or visit adathjeshurun.com/seder.
AJ Adult Education Hebrew
Adath Jeshurun offers beginning and intermediate Hebrew classes for adults on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The classes, which are free, are taught by Deborah Slosberg. Classes this month will take place on February 4, 11 and 25. Contact Slosberg at dslosberg@adathjeshurun.com or 502-458-5359.
KI Lunch and Learn
Rabbi Michael Wolk leads a lunch and learn class at noon on the first Thursday of every month at The Bristol on Main Street. RSVP to mwolk@kenesethisrael.com or 502-459-2780.
KI Torah Yoga
Cantor Sharon Hordes and Lisa Flannery lead a Torah yoga class which is co-sponsored by Temple Shalom and Hadassah at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at Keneseth Israel, but only on the 8th for February. RSVP to rsvp@kenesethisrael.com or 502-459-2780.
KI Mahjong Club
Keneseth Israel Mahjong Club meets every first and third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. in the small chapel.
Great Women of the Bible at The Temple
The Great Women of the Bible with Rabbi David Ariel-Joel is taught Mondays at 7 p.m.
Stories of seven women from the Bible – daughter of Lot, Tamar, Miriam, daughter of Pharoah, Ruth, Michal and Esther – will be examined.
Hebrew classes at The Temple
Hebrew language classes are taught Mondays at 7 and 8 p.m. Beginners Hebrew is at 7 p.m., taught by Mark Goldstein. Advanced Hebrew Study Circle with Rabbi Joe R. Rapport is 8 p.m. Basic Judaism with all rabbis Mondays is 8 p.m. Each class lasts an hour. Second semester Life Cycle Events, second session, is with Rabbi David Ariel-Joel.
The Temple Scholar Program
Rabbis Joe R. Rapport and David Ariel-Joel facilitate The Temple Scholars Program Wednesdays. Ariel-Joel teaches “1917, 1947, 1967: The Legacy of The Past, and The Future of Modern Israel” from 9:30-10:35.
Rapport teaches “A History of the Jewish People in 36 Objects” from 10:50 to noon.
Louisville’s Got Talent returns
Louisville’s Got Talent, CenterStage’s youth talent competition, is back. The first round of auditions will be on Sunday, February 11, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Young people, ages 6-18, from across Louisville will come together to compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to be seen by local talent agencies and directors.
Louisville’s Got Talent is a fundraiser for Acting Out, CenterStage’s professional touring children’s theatre.
The 20 finalists will compete in a live grand finale on Sunday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be on sale soon.
This year, the grand prize winner will take home $500. The winners of the 6-12 and 13-18 age groups will take $300 each and the people’s choice performer will win $150. All 20 finalists receive special recognition.
Tickets for Final Showcase: $12 for adults and $7 for children (10 or under).
Visit jewishlouisville.org/the-j/centerstage/louisvilles-got-talent/ to sign up.