At 7:00 p.m. on May 31, 2012, we
have Rabbi Federow speaking on the topic of "Ancient Aliens as the Source
of Religion." You may ask yourself, “What in the world is that
about?” Well, I will tell you:
What is the source
of religions on Planet Earth? Did space ships land on the earth with vastly
superior technology and appear to we lowly human beings as gods? Was the
thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai an alien version of Steven Spielberg/Cecil B.
Demille special effects? How do we understand such descriptions found in our
Bible?
Please come to the
class and join in the discussion!
Crypto-Jewish Seminar: August 19, 2012
Mari & David
Barkhausen, Rabbi Federow and I are hard at work organizing Congregation Shaar
Hashalom’s 3rd Annual Crypto- Jewish seminar. Thus far we have confirmed the following speakers/presenters:
- Marie-Theresa Hernández: Associate Professor of World Cultures and Literatures Department of Modern and Classical Languages at the University of Houston. She is also the Jewish Studies Initiative Committee chair. For more information on Dr. Hernández: check out the following links: http://www.class.uh.edu/mcl/wcl/hernandez.html Additionally, an article in the Jewish Herald-Voice: http://jhvonline.com/jewish-studies-program-set-to-begin-at-uh-p12039-96.htm
- Mr. Bennett Greenspan: President and CEO of Family Tree DNA An entrepreneur and life-long genealogy enthusiast, Mr. Greenspan founded Family Tree DNA in 1999, turning - dare we say - a hobby into a full-time vocation. Together with Max Blankfeld, they founded in 1997 GoCollege.com a website for college-bound students which survived the .COM implosion.
- Gabriela Bohm: Independent filmmaker/founder of Bohm Productions, whose productions explore cultural identity through inspirational stories from the present and past. She will be presenting a workshop on her movie- The Longing: The Forgotten Jews of South America. Gabriela is an award-winning documentary film director and offers workshops on identity and empathy based on her documentary. The Longing: The Forgotten Jews of South America, set in Ecuador, chronicles the story of five people attempting to regain their Jewish heritage against the local Jewish community’s fierce opposition. The Longing to Belong workshop focuses on marginalized crypto Jews and existing Jewish communities who reject them. Participants will explore the complexities of Jewish identity in today’s world through a screening of the film, discussion and experiential exercises. Bohm creates a nurturing, intellectual environment in which attendees can explore their personal, political and spiritual perspectives. Together, they will reach new perspectives and compassion. You can visit Ms. Bohm’s website for more information on the film and workshop: http://www.bohmproductions.com/
- Dr. Ofelia Averack: Will be sharing her own personal story about her return to Judaism with participants. Dr. Averack graduated Valedictorian of her Medical School with an M.D. License in Mexico. She served as an instructor of Microbiology and Human Physiology Department at her University. Life Member and Founder of Hadassah she served at her local Hadassah Chapter at all capacities and positions. She received the Hadassah National Leadership Award and was part of the Young Women Young Leaders in the Mission to Israel in 2001.
- Rabbi Peter Tarlow: Rabbi Tarlow is trying to change his schedule to make himself available for the seminar. Peter Tarlow has been the rabbi at Texas A&M Hillel since 1983. In that capacity he has worked with Jewish students and faculty, taught courses on Jewish ethics and has served as a chaplain for College Station PD. He holds degrees in history, in Spanish and Hebrew literatures and in psychotherapy. This will be Rabbi Tarlow’s third year with our seminar. And, just a “shout out” to Rabbi Tarlow, last year we had a speaker cancel last minute and he was amazing enough to be able to fill their spot and speak for the entire time period. We certainly appreciate all of his efforts!
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Elaine Laird
Adult Education Trustee
Email: Lori.lawyer@hotmail.com
Facebook:
Lori.Lawyer2
