JUDAISM FROM SCROLLS TO BOOKS:
INSCRIBING TOMORROW 
The Jewish Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center would like to present a week-long celebration of Jewish culture to the University of Mary Washington community. Through a series of events we hope to demonstrate the progression of the Jewish culture from the ancient of days to current ways. By participating in dancing, readings, lectures, discussions, feasts, and more, students will be able to experience the culture and traditions that has been in existence for hundreds of years. We will journey together to explore the importance of the roles that tradition and history play in Judaism today. It is our hope that these events will provide students with special experiences and more knowledge of the Jewish culture which will inspire tolerance, inclusion, and acceptance.
Click Here for a downloadable version of the calendar
"TORAH-ific TIME!"
November 2, 2009
woodard campus center, Red Room
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Rabbi Devorah Lynn, from the local Beth Sholom Temple will be giving a presentation on the Ancient Jewish text known as the Torah. The Rabbi will display a copy of the ancient Torah and explain its creation, and role in history. The Torah contains the first five books of the Christian Bible, and has been used as the cultural road map for living a Jewish life for hundreds of years. She also will explain the importance and the role that the Torah played in ancient Jewish traditions and culture. Co-sponsored by Beth Sholom Temple.
"Israeli Folk Dancing"
November 3, 2009
Lee Hall, Room 411
6:30-8:00 p.m.
To celebrate Jewish culture, join the Jewish Student Association for a night of traditional dancing. There will be a mix of traditional and modern dances. These dances are easy to learn and there is no skill level needed. Feel free to show up and have lots of fun! Join us in this cultural tradition that spans the generations.
Lesléa Newman
Cultural Awareness Series
November 4, 2009
Lee Hall 411
8:00 p.m.
Lesléa Newman is the author of 57 books for adults and children, including the novel, The Reluctant Daughter, the short story collection, A Letter to Harvey Milk, the poetry collections Still Life with Buddy, Nobody’s Mother and Signs of Love, the children's novel, Hachiko Waits, and the picture book Heather Has Two Mommies. Her literary awards include creative writing fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation, a Parents' Choice Silver Medal, and the win Award for Cultural Achievement. Nine of her books have been Lambda Literary Award finalists, and she has received four Pushcart Prize nominations. Ms. Newman is the current Poet Laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts.
"The American Jew - Being Jewish in America Today"
November 5, 2009
woodard campus center, Red Room
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Mary Beth Mathews, Assistant Professor of Religion, from the University of Mary Washington’s Classics, Philosophy, and Religion Department for a lecture and discussion on today’s Jews in America. Learn how Jewish tradition and culture has transformed as it has spanned the course of generations and continents. Co-sponsored by the Classics, Philosophy, and Religion Department. Traditional Jewish snacks will be served.
"Shabbat Dinner: A Traditional Weekly Feast"
November 6,2009
\seacobeck hall, Faculty/Staff Dining
6:00-7:30pm.
Cost: Students: 1 Meal Plan + $4; Community: $10
The Sabbath is the day of rest for Hebrews that begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During this time Jews abstain from labor of any kind and spend the day with families and friends. Traditionally, Jewish families commence the Sabbath with Shabbat dinner on Friday night. Come and enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner and learn of this weekly tradition. .
For more information concerning these events please contact: thalpert@mail.umw.edu