January 2021
YAD Torah on Tap
YAD Torah on Tap: Making Friends & Building Your Jewish Community Led by Dana Baruch, Master Educator & Distinguished Life Coach and Rachel Stern, Shalom Austin Chief Learning & Engagement Officer Join us for an interactive discussion and break out sessions with other young adults for an opportunity to make friends, explore what the Jewish community means to you, discuss how to build the Jewish community you want for yourself, talk about barriers that exist for creating community, and more.…
Find out more »February 2021
Adult Jewish Learning | Module 5
MORE Subversive Sisters: Getting to Know MORE of the Women of Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) Led by Dana Baruch 50 years ago, almost all teachings about the women found in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) came to us through the lenses of men--rabbis, teachers and scholars. It wasn't until about 50 years ago that this began to shift. In 1972 the first female rabbi was ordained in the U.S., and around this same time, Jewish academic feminism was beginning to come into…
Find out more »Cooking in Community: Exploring Jewish Food and Culture
When it comes to Jewish cuisine, Ashkenazi classics like brisket and matzo ball soup only tell a fraction of the story. Jews have lived and cooked all over the world, and their cuisine tells the tale of delicious diversity. In this interactive Zoom event, cookbook author Leah Koenig (The Jewish Cookbook, Modern Jewish Cooking) will discuss the Jewish cuisines of India, Ethiopia, and Rome, and will demonstrate how to make pizza ebraica, a sweet, fruit and nut studded bar cookie…
Find out more »All About with Alachua: Purim
Join us for our next "All About with Alachua" discussion where we'll learn about Purim! Come learn more about the story, traditions, and how you can make your family's celebration extra special. This is an interactive chat. Come share your memories, recipes and traditions! Register here.
Find out more »Schusterman Center: “A Home for the Homeless? The Jewish Poorhouse of Eastern Europe”
Dr. Natan Meir from Portland State University will explore the hekdesh (poorhouse), one of the grimmest institutions in East European Jewish society. This ubiquitous establishment, which often doubled as a sick house for the destitute ill, was home to a motley crew of itinerant and local beggars, vagrants, madwomen and madmen, chronically ill people, and poor orphans. We will examine the development of the hekdesh from its origins in the Middle Ages to its modern transformation in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Find out more »ADL: Online Hate Uncovered Webinar
From Real Life Stories to Real World Solutions The global pandemic has forced society into virtual spaces more than ever and laws protecting our ability to work, learn, play, organize and worship online haven?t kept up. Take a deep dive into the impact of online hate and the legal protections currently available (and unavailable) to targets. The webinar will break down the way online hate has real world effects and provide a better understanding of the impact it can have…
Find out more »Dell’s Social Crooners: Yiddish Theater in America
Join Dell's Social Crooners on Zoom for a fascinating look into Yiddish Theater in America. On Thursday, February 11 at 1:00pm, visit https://zoom.us/j/98596905296 For questions, contact Rachel Wimberley at rachel.wimberley@shalomaustin.org.
Find out more »YAD & Moishe House Trivia Night
Join YAD & Moishe House to test your knowledge of pop culture, history, naming that tune and more at Trivia Night, led by YAD member Ian Spechler! This month's theme is "Love is in the Air"...so prepare for some extra mushy questions (and a little bit of groundhog)! Then get your game face on and come ready to play -- bragging rights are at stake! Register here.
Find out more »Adult 60+ Monthly Virtual Shabbat featuring Rabbi Cohen
Join us for our February Adult 60+ Virtual Shabbat hosted by Rabbi Amy B. Cohen, Shalom Austin Chief Social Services Officer / Jewish Family Service Executive Director. We look forward to coming together virtually on Zoom. Register in advance here. Future Months: Mar 12, 2021 12:00PM Apr 9, 2021 12:00PM May 14, 2021 12:00PM Jun 11, 2021 12:00PM Jul 9, 2021 12:00PM
Find out more »Lowell Milken Center: Klezmer Workshop and Concert Featuring Craig Judelman and Sasha Lurje
Whether an instrumentalist or vocalist, we are all part of the same musical mishpucha! In this fascinating workshop open to instrumentalists and vocalists of all levels, dive deep into the relationship between instrumental and vocal style. What gives Yiddish or klezmer music its unique flavor? How do you transfer Yiddish vocal style to an instrument? Learn all of that and more in this fun installment of the Klezmer workshop series featuring famed Klezmer fiddler, Craig Judelman and sonorous Yiddish singer,…
Find out more »Austin Jewish Business Network | What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Speaker: Karen L. Baker, Entertainer, Educator, Author, Coach What’s Love Got to Do With It? It’s 2021! Mazel tov, we have lived through 2020! Regarding work and livelihood: Some of us lost our jobs. Some of us made considered changes in our lives. Many of us are working from home, if we work at all. All of us spent more time isolated than we’re used to. A few of us may feel that this must the end. Yet numbers of…
Find out more »Adult Jewish Learning | Module 5
MORE Subversive Sisters: Getting to Know MORE of the Women of Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) Led by Dana Baruch 50 years ago, almost all teachings about the women found in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) came to us through the lenses of men--rabbis, teachers and scholars. It wasn't until about 50 years ago that this began to shift. In 1972 the first female rabbi was ordained in the U.S., and around this same time, Jewish academic feminism was beginning to come into…
Find out more »Parent Pop-In: Philosophy of Play
Calling all parents! Join us for Parent Pop-In each month for an interesting parenting chat! This is a special time for parents to connect with other parents, share and learn, and we hope you'll take a break at noon to pop-in with us. Join us in February to talk about the philosophy of play, led by Shereen Ben-Moshe, Shalom Austin ECP Director. Register here.
Find out more »Adult 60+ Virtual Purimshpiel
The 2021 Simcha Readers Zoom Purimshpiel Register in advance here. Esther, Queen of Persia cordially invites you to “Shushan’s Got Talent,” an exposé of the greatest talent Shushan has to offer. Our judges: Paulawasha Abdula, ex-Queen Vashti, and Prime Minister, Haman Cowell, will preside over the festivities. You won’t want to miss this amazing event!
Find out more »Temple Beth Shalom: The Rainbow and the Tent: Exploring LGBTQ+ in Jewish Life
Join Temple Beth Shalom Visiting Associate Rabbi Eleanor Steinman in a two-part session exploring the topic of LGBTQ+ experiences through a Jewish lens. Rabbi Steinman will create a safe space to ask questions related to connecting with the LGBTQ+ members of our family, community and beyond. Topics addressed will include: “How to be a good ally” and “why using preferred pronouns matter”. Whether you have personal connections within the LGBTQ+ community or not, these session provide the foundation to learn,…
Find out more »YAD Lonestar Purim
YAD Lonestar Purim Come spend Purim with Austin, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio YADs! Join us for mingling, a brief Megillah teaching, and breakout rooms to celebrate the holiday. Don’t forget to dress up! You’ll have a chance to vote for the best costume, and the winner will get a prize! 7:30 PM – Ice Breakers & Mingling 7:45 PM – Megillah Moment with Rabbi Josh Fixler (Congregation Emanu El, Houston) 8:00 PM – Breakout Rooms Register here.
Find out more »Schusterman Center: 1,000 Jewish Cookbooks: Gems from a Personal Collection
This is the Gale Family Foundation Spring 2021 Lecture. Drawing on her vast cookbook collection, more than 6000 volumes, including more than 1000 Jewish cookbooks, Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett will present gems from this treasure, which she has amassed over the course of more than 50 years. Speaking from her kitchen in New York’s Soho, she will talk about how she formed her collection and what Jewish cookbooks – and her favorites, Yiddish cookbooks – can reveal about Jewish life and the…
Find out more »March 2021
Adult Jewish Learning | Module 6
The Root of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Between World Wars Led by Rabbi Alan Freedman Much of what shapes the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can be traced to the time period between World Wars I and II. This Zoom seminar will explore not only the basic parameters of the conflict but also how little the arguments on both sides have changed. We will also examine how ghosts of the British Mandate still affect events and the ongoing clash between…
Find out more »Jewish Community Winter Storm Response: Post-Freeze Webinar
Jewish Community Winter Storm Response: Post-Freeze Webinar The national recovery nonprofit SBP will share tools and training to help impacted residents navigate complex recovery processes, avoid common obstacles, and maximize available resources for a faster recovery. Learn about the following: Navigating federal assistance (FEMA/SBA) Working with insurance Cleanup and mold remediation Working with contractors and avoiding fraud For more information and resources, visit sbpusa.org/start-here. Register for the webinar here.
Find out more »Women’s Philanthropy: Ladies Night (Out) In
Register Here Join Women’s Philanthropy for our annual Ladies Night (Out) In for an entertaining night of laughing virtually together and connecting with each other. Featuring Mashley Comedy with a special note from Haggai Eshed, MSW on Homelessness in Austin Event Co-Chairs: Amanda Marks, Stephanie Saur, & Lynne Stein Mashley Comedy is comprised of Ashley Ella Park (Actor, Comedian, Writer) and Mandy Smith (Actor, Comedian, Writer) With hundreds of thousands of views on their cross-platform content, this duo brings comedic…
Find out more »Connect & Restore
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) professional staff are offering a virtual space for our community to connect and pick up useful tools for conquering the ongoing uneasiness we face each day. Connect & Restore will cultivate togetherness in our otherwise distanced experience and offer dynamic approaches to boost your ability to thrive. Join us and fill up your mental health toolbox! Register here.
Find out more »Schusterman Center | Panel: “Antisemitism and the Far Right in America”
The events of January 6, 2021, at the United States Capitol highlighted the ongoing prevalence of antisemitic rhetoric and beliefs in various far-right movements in the United States. Similar expressions of antisemitism were on display during the August 2017 Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Far-Right extremists have also committed violent hate crimes against Jewish communities throughout the United States, including the murder of 11 congregants at the Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha synagogue in Pittsburgh on October 27, 2018, and the violent…
Find out more »Adult 60+ Virtual Shabbat
Monthly Virtual Shabbat featuring Rabbi Millner Join us for our March Virtual Shabbat hosted by Rabbi Dan Millner of Congregation Tiferet Israel. We look forward to coming together virtually on Zoom. Please register in advance here.
Find out more »Adult Jewish Learning | Module 6
The Root of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Between World Wars Led by Rabbi Alan Freedman Much of what shapes the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can be traced to the time period between World Wars I and II. This Zoom seminar will explore not only the basic parameters of the conflict but also how little the arguments on both sides have changed. We will also examine how ghosts of the British Mandate still affect events and the ongoing clash between…
Find out more »Parent Pop-In: Reigniting Romance
Calling all parents! Join us for Parent Pop-In each month for an interesting parenting chat! This is a special time for parents to connect with other parents, share and learn, and we hope you'll take a break at noon to pop-in with us. Join us in March to talk about reigniting romance with Rabbi Amy Cohen, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Executive Director and Emma Howitt, LPC-S, Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Clinical Director. Register here.
Find out more »YAD Torah on Tap: Stump the Rabbi
YAD Torah on Tap: Stump the Rabbi Bring any questions you've ever had about Judaism and try to stump Rabbi Neil Blumofe (Senior Rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim)! No question is too big, no question is too small, and nothing is off limits. This will be an entertaining and interactive program that you won’t want to miss! Remember, Torah on Tap presumes no knowledge of Judaism. All levels of Jewish knowledge and engagement are encouraged to attend. Register here.
Find out more »Blue Knot Speaker Series
The Texas Electricity System: A model for Sustainability Mark Kapner, Former Senior Strategy Engineer at Austin Energy 6:45 - 7 PM Mingling + Networking 7 - 8 PM Presentation + Q&A The electric industry in Texas has been transforming itself, replacing coal-fired power plants with wind and solar farms, at a faster pace than the rest of the country. This trend has been accomplished while keeping wholesale electric costs low and maintaining very high reliability. This session will cover: -…
Find out more »Austin Jewish Business Network | Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention
Speaker: Ashley LeMaistre, MPH, Program Coordinator | Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Austin Public Health Ashley LeMaistre has been with the City of Austin, Austin Public Health for over 10 years and is a Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Program Coordinator. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology, and from Texas A&M School of Public Health with a Masters in Public Health. Ashley has over 13 years of experience in tobacco prevention. She offers…
Find out more »Adult Jewish Learning | Module 6
The Root of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Between World Wars Led by Rabbi Alan Freedman Much of what shapes the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can be traced to the time period between World Wars I and II. This Zoom seminar will explore not only the basic parameters of the conflict but also how little the arguments on both sides have changed. We will also examine how ghosts of the British Mandate still affect events and the ongoing clash between…
Find out more »Prenatal Pop-In
Expecting a new addition? Pop in before they pop out to learn, share and hear about a variety of parenting topics over lunch! Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby: Preparing for Birth with Merav Greenberg, Birth & Postpartum Doula, ABM Practitioner, Mom and Happy Soul We’ll discuss packing for the hospital, birthing breathing techniques and more! Register here.
Find out more »Major Donor Campaign Kickoff
For questions, contact Amy Hyman at amy.hyman@shalomaustin.org.
Find out more »All About with Alachua! Passover
All About with Alachua! Passover Join us for our next “All About with Alachua” discussion where we’ll learn about Passover! Come learn more about the story, traditions, and how you can make your family’s celebration extra special. This is an interactive chat. Come share your memories, recipes and traditions! Register here.
Find out more »PJ Pop-In
Bring your little ones and enjoy a variety of short & sweet interactive activities! Join Rockin’ Rabbi Robbi Sherwin for music & merriment as we get ready for Passover! Register here.
Find out more »Adult 60+ Virtual Passover Seder
Virtual Passover Seder Service will be led on Zoom by Rabbi Neil Blumofe of Congregation Agudas Achim. The Passover program is graciously sponsored by Atria at the Arboretum. This event is supported by Women’s Philanthropy and made possible in part by Loewy Law Firm and your contributions to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign. Register here.
Find out more »Connect & Restore
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) professional staff are offering a virtual space for our community to connect and pick up useful tools for conquering the ongoing uneasiness we face each day. Connect & Restore will cultivate togetherness in our otherwise distanced experience and offer dynamic approaches to boost your ability to thrive. Join us and fill up your mental health toolbox! Register here.
Find out more »Songs of Freedom
Songs of Freedom: A Multi-Genre Musical Celebration of Passover Commemorate the Exodus from Egypt and celebrate the Jewish people being led to freedom! Journey with popular San Francisco Bay Area instructor James Sokol through diverse music – Broadway, pop, opera, country & more! – exploring the theme of freedom. Audio & video clips bring the beauty of music into our discussion! Our organization & the JCC Alliance are delighted to provide this event for free with advance registration! For details…
Find out more »YAD Passover Seder
YAD Passover Seder Feeling as stuck as the Israelites in Egypt? Looking for the perfect opportunity to recline while eating? Want to enjoy some songs, merriment, and good company? Join us for a virtual second night Passover seder, led by YAD members Ian Spechler and Dan Radin, and celebrate the holiday with your YAD community! We will be enjoying a meal together on-screen. To view Passover catering options, visit https://shalomaustin.org/passovermeals21/. Looking to participate in the Passover rituals and create your…
Find out more »Adult Jewish Learning | Module 6
The Root of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: Between World Wars Led by Rabbi Alan Freedman Much of what shapes the current conflict between Israelis and Palestinians can be traced to the time period between World Wars I and II. This Zoom seminar will explore not only the basic parameters of the conflict but also how little the arguments on both sides have changed. We will also examine how ghosts of the British Mandate still affect events and the ongoing clash between…
Find out more »April 2021
Adult Jewish Learning | Module 7
Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles Led by: Rabbi Rebecca Reice What is a miracle? To you? To the Torah? Does the meaning of miracles change through the Hebrew Bible and into Rabbinic Literature? This non-rational side of Jewish faith pushes our boundaries and expectations of the world and our lives as human beings. How do these stories challenge our rational attachments to Judaism? How do these stories challenge our rational attachments to science and secular, academic thought? Alternatively, what…
Find out more »Coffee & Conversation with Kim Schocket, PhD – Women’s Wellness: The Importance of Self-Care
Register Here! Join Women's Philanthropy and Kim Schocket, PhD, Behavioral Health Psychologist for an exploration of self-care. Wellness is a huge buzzword in our society today. But what is wellness and how can we improve our wellness specifically for women? We are experiencing higher levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty than any time before in our history. This presentation focuses on understanding stress, what it does to our bodies & minds, and ways to stop the cycle. We will talk…
Find out more »Connect & Restore
Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service (JFS) professional staff are offering a virtual space for our community to connect and pick up useful tools for conquering the ongoing uneasiness we face each day. Connect & Restore will cultivate togetherness in our otherwise distanced experience and offer dynamic approaches to boost your ability to thrive. Join us and fill up your mental health toolbox! Register here.
Find out more »Hillel: The Upstander: An Evening with Max Glauben & Jori Epstein
To commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, join Texas Hillel & Northwestern Hillel for a conversation with Holocaust survivor Max Glauben and Jori Epstein. They will discuss the journey of writing Max’s new memoir, The Upstander, which released March 30. Max and Jori have collaborated for the last five years to further Max’s mission to outlast hate, preserve memory and compel the world to embrace tolerance. This event will be student-moderated with the opportunity for attendees to submit questions. Please register here…
Find out more »Yom HaShoah Educational Electives
On Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Jews commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and commit to creating a better world. We invite you to join us for our educational electives and Community Holocaust Remembrance Event to delve deeper into the meaning of the day and remember together as a community. Below are the Educational Elective options. You will choose one to attend upon registration. The Stories and Perspectives of the Families of Holocaust Survivors Descendants of Holocaust Survivors in Central…
Find out more »Shalom Austin Community Holocaust Remembrance Event 2021
Join us online for this special community Yom HaShoah event. The moving remembrance program, created and hosted by community member Phil Klein in collaboration with Shalom Austin, will include select video montages and conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony presented by Mike O’Krent. Rabbi Neil Blumofe will sing El Maleh Rachamim, accompanied by a rare visual montage of the Warsaw Ghetto. The event includes remarks from Rabbi Daniel Septimus, Abby Rapoport, Rabbi Alan Freedman, Rabbi Daniel Millner, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Nora…
Find out more »Adult 60+ Virtual Shabbat Featuring Dana Baruch
Click here to register in advance and receive the Zoom link. Join us on Friday, April 9 at 12PM for our Adult 60+ Monthly Virtual Shabbat hosted by Dana Baruch - Life Coach, Organizational Consultant, Educator & Community Leader. We look forward to coming together on Zoom! Future Dates: May 14, 2021 12:00PM Jun 11, 2021 12:00PM Jul 9, 2021 12:00PM
Find out more »PJ Pop-In
Bring your little ones and enjoy a variety of short & sweet interactive activities! Join Alachua and Shereen for stories & fun as we get ready for Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel's Independence Day! Register here.
Find out more »Adult Jewish Learning | Module 7
Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles Led by: Rabbi Rebecca Reice What is a miracle? To you? To the Torah? Does the meaning of miracles change through the Hebrew Bible and into Rabbinic Literature? This non-rational side of Jewish faith pushes our boundaries and expectations of the world and our lives as human beings. How do these stories challenge our rational attachments to Judaism? How do these stories challenge our rational attachments to science and secular, academic thought? Alternatively, what…
Find out more »Parent Pop-In: Setting Limits and Positive Reinforcement
Calling all parents! Join us for Parent Pop-In each month for an interesting parenting chat! This is a special time for parents to connect with other parents, share and learn, and we hope you'll take a break at noon to pop-in with us. Join us in April to talk about setting limits and positive reinforcement with Cheryl Hersh, Certified Parent Coach. Register here.
Find out more »Yom HaZikaron
We invite you to join us virtually for our educational electives to delve deeper into the meaning of Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day), and our community ceremony to commemorate those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel who were killed while in active duty in Israel's armed forces. 6-6:45 PM | Educational Electives 7 PM | Community Ceremony The educational electives are listed below. You will…
Find out more »Yom HaAtzmaut
Click here to join us via Zoom. We invite you to join us virtually for our educational electives to delve deeper into the meaning of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel's Independence Day), to celebrate with us at a KULANU concert, and to test your knowledge of Israeli trivia! 6-6:45 PM | Educational Electives 7-8 PM | KULANU: A Community Concert With opening remarks from Gilad Katz, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest In partnership with: Congregation Agudas Achim, Congregation Beth El,…
Find out more »