Sources to Educate, Elevate and Entertain

Feb.13 ClimateWhile Tu B’Shevat is behind us, we should always be aware of our natural surroundings, their blessings and their challenges. Dayenu: a Jewish call to climate action is a “movement of American Jews confronting the climate crisis with spiritual audacity and bold political action. We care deeply about equity and justice in our world and about the future we create for our children and future generations. We believe that together, drawing from our Jewish tradition, experience, and faith, we have the power to create real and lasting change.”

The organization recently held an online forum addressing climate issues. Selected sessions are now available for general viewing. Click here to view

With Purim only a couple of weeks away, can Passover be far behind? For a bit of Pre-Passover nostalgia and inspiration, watch this short film about family tradition:  https://www.thegefiltefilm.com/

hungry to learnIf you didn’t get a chance to see the documentary Hungry to Learn about food insecurity on the college campus, you have until February 14 to view it. You can’t but be shocked and touched by what you’ll learn. Click here to view the film.

Feb. 13 OsnatSo who was  the first female Rabbi? It’s not Sally Preisand; it’s not Regina Jonas. It’s Osnat Barzani, a 16th century wife, mother, widow and…head of the local  Mosul yeshiva. Osnat and Her Dove, a new picture book biography by Sigal Samuel celebrates Osnat’s accomplishments.  Here’s another woman who is no longer written out of history. She wrote about her upbringing:

“I never left the entrance to my house or went outside;
I was like a princess of Israel…
I grew up on the laps of scholars, anchored to my father of blessed memory.
I was never taught any work but sacred study, to uphold”

Click here to read more about Osnat and Her Dove.

Feb 13 KnishYou’re probably ready for a hearty snack about now. Join The Forward in investigating why your favorite Jewish snack may be hard to find. Kaddish for Knishes?— The Uncertain Future of the Jewish Deli”.  February 17 @ 2 p.m.  Click here to register. 

If you can’t buy them, you can  make them. Join in a hamantaschen cooking class. February 15 @ 7:30. Click here to register

Take a music break with the Cantors’ Assembly’s Best of Jewish Broadway. Two sessions remain in the series: February 18 @ 8 p.m.( An Evening with Stephen Sondheim) and March 18 @ 8p.m.(Secret Broadway Gems, Who Knew They Were Jewish?). Click here to register.

Feb 13 Beit-Hatsufot-Attend the opening of the redesigned and reimagined Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. Also known as Beit Hatfutsot, the museum features high tech, interactive exhibits tracing Jewish history and heritage.

February 21 @ 2 p.m. https://www.beit-hatfutsot.com/

The book award season is here. Read about the best Jewish interest books for children and adults.  Then check the library catalog or contact the library by email to either reserve your book or come in and browse.

Feb 13 WelcomingFeb, 13 Lost shtetlFeb 13 Apeirogon

Sydney Taylor Books Awards are given by The Association of Jewish Libraries.

This link will list all the winners  and notable books for young readers including young adult: https://jewishlibraries.starchapter.com/images/downloads/Sydney_Taylor_Book_Award/2021_stba_press_release.pdf

The AJL Fiction Awards are described here https://jewishlibraries.org/blog/catId/16

The Sophie Brody Award is given by the American Library Association to a book of Jewish adult interest. It may be fiction or nonfiction. http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2021/02/yishai-sarid-named-winner-2021-sophie-brody-medal

The Jewish Book Council also issued its long list of awards covering multiple categories. https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/2020-national-jewish-book-award-winners

There are innumerable opportunities to educate, elevate, and activate yourself via the Internet. Take advantage of them and also donate to those organizations that give you something worthwhile.

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