EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
Season of Arts, Culture and Education
2015/2016
Experience the Season as a Patron of the Arts! See page 12
erjcchouston.org
Presenting Arts, Culture and Education for the Jewish Community and Beyond
On the cover: Sam Houston Dance Photo by: Lynn Lane Inside: Baladino 2 erjcchouston.org/patrons
Dear Friends and Supporters, Welcome to another dazzling Arts, Culture and Education season at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. The Arts, Culture and Education program is highly regarded for providing a platform of emerging and mid-sized dance companies, performing and visual artists, filmmakers, and emerging and established authors. This season we continue to strive to present a diverse and stimulating array of programs that excite the mind and elevate the soul. As always, we extend our extreme gratitude to our Patrons of the Arts supporters—those individuals and families who help ensure that we can offer you the dynamic experience you’ve come to appreciate. Patron support ensures that we can produce an Arts, Culture and Education season that continues to place Houston amongst the greatest arts cities in the United States. We invite you to take part in one of the most active, vibrant, year-round arts, culture and education programs in the country. Enjoy a performance. See a film. View an exhibit. Hear a scholar. Meet an author. We look forward to seeing you throughout our 2015-2016 season.
Debbie Kaplan Joel Dinkin President Executive Vice President
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David Gregory
Photo by: Marissa Rauch Photography
The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair November 1-15, 2015 Inspiring and entertaining, the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair annually delivers a variety of opportunities for the community to learn and experience Jewish literary, culture and performing arts. The Book Fair is one of the largest events of its kind in the U.S., attracting established and emerging writers from around the world, representing a myriad of themes. Not just for book lovers, Book Fair also includes films, theatre, concerts and Oliver Lapin Family Day, featuring authors, interactive performances and activities for children ages 2-11. Al Roker
Photo by: Eric Ray Davidson | Courtesy of NBC
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Joshua Cohen Book of Numbers: A Novel Tuesday, November 3 | 7:30 PM David Gregory How’s Your Faith: An Unlikely Spiritual Journey Wednesday, November 4 | 7:30 PM Al Roker The Storm of the Century: Tragedy, Heroism, Survival, and the Epic True Story of America’s Deadliest Natural Disaster: The Great Gulf Hurricane of 1900 Saturday, November 7 | 8:00 PM Michael Bar-Zohar No Mission is Impossible: The Death-Defying Missions of the Israeli Special Forces Monday, November 9 | 7:30 PM
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Theatre Aaron Davidman in Wrestling Jerusalem
Wrestling Jerusalem: A Play Thursday, November 5, 2015 | 7:30 PM Saturday, November 7, 2015 | 5:00 PM Written and performed by Aaron Davidman, Wrestling Jerusalem follows one man’s journey to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring the complexities of the Middle East through his portrayal of 17 different characters. From the right to the left, Israeli and Palestinian, religious and secular, American and other... the play is more about listening than answering, and in the end, hopeful that peace, indeed, can happen.
Drinks, Desserts, and Duets December 3–20, 2015 Cabaret Theatre at the J is back with an unplugged evening of great music, drinks and desserts. Created in collaboration with the Vital Arts Collaborative, this performance featuring great duets explores musical genres through the decades, spanning from jazz, rock, pop, to musical theatre favorites. This evening of song will leave you singing!
Wiesenthal Written by and starring Tom Dugan By Special Arrangement with Daryl Roth Presented with Holocaust Museum Houston March 29–April 3, 2016 Filled with hope, humanity and humor, Wiesenthal is the riveting true story of Simon Wiesenthal, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things, devoting his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero. His dedication and tenacity over decades is honored in this play, which gives equal weight to his wisdom and wit during his long, purposeful life.
Stars of David: Story to Song By Special Arrangement with Daryl Roth May 11–22, 2016 You don’t have to be Jewish to relate to this funny and captivating song-cycle featuring original music by Broadway's finest composers and lyricists. Based on the best-selling book by Abigail Pogrebin, this new musical adaptation celebrates the Jewish identity of America’s most notable public figures and will feature some of Houston’s top musical theatre talent. 5
Film
Above and Beyond
Houston Jewish Film Festival March 5-20, 2016
New promising, entertaining and exceptional award-winning films are featured in this annual festival, which brings Jewish lives and stories to the big screen. The films of HJFF have won Oscars, Ophirs (Israel), Ariels (Mexico) and other prestigious awards from around the world. With venues across town, the Festival shines the spotlight on Jewish and Israeli culture, art and history.
Film at the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair
Summer Israeli Film Series June–August 2016
Above and Beyond Audience Choice Winner Houston Jewish Film Festival 2015 Sunday, November 1, 2015 | 2:00 PM
This three-part series offers film-goers an opportunity to enjoy exceptional feature films from the flourishing Israeli film industry.
Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 1:00 PM 6 erjcchouston.org/patrons Above and Beyond
Dance Tapestry Dance Company
Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre January 14-February 14, 2016 Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre, one of the most anticipated dance events in Houston, will present concerts, master classes and Tirkedu Houston!, the annual Israeli Workshop weekend. Come feast upon the diversity of dance styles with Triple Focus featuring Houston Ballet Level 8, Houston Repertoire Ballet Company and Vitacca Dance Project; Four in the Mix highlighting dance companies from Houston Community College, Rice University, Sam Houston State University and University of Houston; and “Tap Jammin’” featuring recognized hoofers in the world of rhythm in a syncopated trip through jazz and sound. New this season, we are proud to be a sponsor of California-based Bodytraffic, presented at the Cullen Theater, Wortham Center by Society for Performing Arts during Dance Month.
Bodytraffic Saturday, January 23 | 8:00 PM Triple Focus Saturday, January 30 | 8:00 PM Sunday, January 31 | 3:00 PM Four in the Mix Saturday, February 6 | 8:00 PM Tap Jammin’ Saturday, February 13 | 8:00 PM
Houston Ballet Level 8 Photo by Amitava Sarkar
NobleMotion Dance Saturday, April 9, 2016 | 8:00 PM Sunday, April 10, 2016 | 3:00 PM NobleMotion Dance comes together with the J to present L’Dor Vador: Poetry and Dance from three generations of a Jewish family. L’Dor Vador will explore this artistic bloodline and tell the story of a Jewish family’s journey from World War II Europe to the theaters of East Texas. NobleMotion Dance exploded onto the Houston dance scene in 2009 and has since received critical acclaim for their “extraordinary athleticism” and “cutting edge” programming. NMD seeks to make work that is emotionally daring and honest; inspires discourse and understanding among diverse communities; and integrates dance, theatre and technology in unique ways. 7
Music David Krohn in Concert: The (Jewish) American Songbook Sunday, August 23, 2015 | 4:00 PM
Baladino Maurice Amado Foundation Music Residency Saturday, November 14, 2015 | 8:00 PM
From the moment Jews arrived in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, their composers began contributing to the fabric of America through their music. The music borne out of Yiddish and Jewish traditions quickly became known as “The American Songbook.” Join David Krohn in a musical journey through the countless contributions Jewish composers made to create the American voice.
Israel’s music scene pushes musicians to be highly flexible, leaping from jazz to rock to folk, while keeping a profound commitment to both technique and heritage. Baladino sprang from this world, bringing Ladino tradition back into full, fresh dialogue with its trans-Mediterranean past, using extended technique, subtle electronics and improvisation to dust off the predominantly heavy-handed approach to Ladino music.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
Eli Degibri Jazz Quartet Saturday, January 9, 2016 8:00 PM
Jeffrey Siegel returns for a second year with Keyboard Conversations,® which are concerts with commentary. In these charming programs, Mr. Siegel speaks briefly and informally before performing each work in its entirety, making the music more accessible and the listening experience more meaningful.
The Miracle of Mozart Sunday, October 4, 2015 | 4:00 PM Classics Go Pop! Sunday, February 21, 2016 | 4:00 PM
Eli Degibri Jazz Quartet
Marc Garvin and Guillermo Serpas
Jewish Roots, Latin Groove II Sunday, October 11, 2015 | 4:00 PM Written by Richard Lavenda for classical guitarist Marc Garvin and Latin guitarist Guillermo Serpas, Ladino/Latino weaves together traditional melodies and rhythms from both cultures into a modern concert piece that is the centerpiece for a concert featuring Garvin, Serpas, and an ensemble of outstanding Latin musicians.
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The internationally recognized saxophonist-composerbandleader, Eli Degibri, possesses many gifts as a musician. Known for his charismatic performances, he boasts a seemingly bottomless fount of artistry as a composer and a band leader and is a recipient of the honorary Israeli “Prime Minister Award for Jazz Composition,” recognizing his great talent as a melodic composer, and the “Landau Award for Jazz Performance,” recognizing his achievement as a remarkable band leader.
Palestina Monday, February 29, 2016 | 7:30 PM In 1990, Paula Eisenstein Baker was lucky enough to find a trunk of music manuscripts by the Russian-Jewish composer, Leo Zeitlin (1884-1930), a leading figure in 20th century Jewish Art Music. Palestina is an overture Zeitlin composed in 1929 for New York’s Capital Theatre. Under the baton of Houston conductor, Robert Linder, Palestina will have its modern premiere in a concert that includes additional Zeitlin treasures.
The Deutser Art Gallery is a non-profit exhibition and education space created to promote awareness, appreciation and interest in visual arts, reflecting the diversity of the Jewish people.
Deutser Art Gallery
NU? VOSS ZOGT A YID? A Personal Interpretation of Yiddish Proverbs and Expressions By Deborah Rolnik Raichman August 18–September 8, 2015 Opening Reception Sunday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM It Started in Sighet: Photography Exhibit By Louis Davidson September 10–October 28, 2015 Photography exhibit of synagogues from around the world in collaboration and presented with The Mollie & Louis Kaplan Museum of Judaica at Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Presentation by Louis Davidson Sunday, September 20 | 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM Israel in Light in Shadow: Photography Exhibit by Carole Glauber October 30–December 8, 2015 Opening Reception Sunday, November 1 | 6:00 PM
Casale Monferatto by Louis Davidson
Elysian Fields Paintings by Laurie Levin February 19–April 6, 2016
Mavens: Deli as a Family Tradition Photographs by Tara McCauley December 10, 2015–January 18, 2016
Rootedness by Moshe Kassirer and Ofer Nov April 7-May 23, 2016
J Teen Art Scene January 20–February 17, 2016
Featuring photographs and paintings capturing Israel’s olive trees
New Addition to the Season!
Tastings
Saturday, January 23 | 8:00 PM Experience a comprehensive sampling of the arts, culture and education season in one spectacular setting! Wine, dine and be entertained while sitting among artists and enjoying the company of friends. This intimate evening of fine food and fine art features a gourmet multi-course, Tu B’Shevat-themed meal wherein each course will be paired with a different performance—dance, music, spoken word, short film, and Jewish thought. Sure to delight the most discerning culinary and aesthetic palettes. 9
Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living & Learning 7th Annual Rice University Jewish Studies Program Lecture Series After War: Dynamics of Jewish Christian Relations
Brotherhood Week, Hanukkah and Christmas: Identity Politics and Interfaith Celebrations in Post-WWII America Presenter: Dr. Joshua Furman Sunday, October 18, 2015 | 4:00 PM Philosemitism in Europe and the United States After World War Two: A Moral Revolution? Presenter: Dr. Daniel Cohen Wednesday, October 21, 2015 | 7:30 PM The Man From Kutno: The Sad Case of Sholem Asch
Presenter: Dr. Melissa Weininger Sunday, October 25, 2015 | 4:00 PM This series is made possible by the Maurice Amado Foundation. All lectures take place at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC.
Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg
Film & Learns Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg 2009, Aviva Kempner Post-Film Discussion Facilitator: Rabbi Kenny Weiss Thursday, October 29, 2015 | 7:00 PM Gertrude Berg, creator, star and writer (12,000 scripts!) of the 1950s pioneering sitcom The Goldbergs, was a beloved trailblazer. Berg’s blend of comedy and social commentary— with Jewish characters at the center—endeared audiences and made her an American cultural icon. This film tells her funny, surprising, and inspiring story.
Shalom Y’all 2002, Brian Bain
Post-Film Discussion Facilitator: Dr. Bernice Heilbrunn-Potvin Thursday, February 25, 2016 | 7:00 PM In a vintage Cadillac, filmmaker Brian Bain, a third generation Jew from New Orleans, sets out on a 4,200mile road trip though the American South. Traveling through Delta flatlands, small towns in Mississippi, suburban subdivisions, Texas ranches and sprawling Sunbelt metropolises, what he uncovers is the unique and diverse history of Southern Jews.
26th Annual Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-in-Residence Program Dr. Yossi Chajes January 23-February 14, 2016 Opening Night | Monday, January 25, 2016 Dr. Yossi Chajes is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Haifa. During his residency he will offer lectures, mini courses and workshops on Jewish mysticism, magic, kabbalah and other hidden worlds of Jewish text and tradition. 10 erjcchouston.org/patrons
Josh and the Jamtones
Family
What a treat! Josh and the Jamtones return to Houston! Jam and Jump with us as we celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days while kicking off the 2015-16 season. The fun continues in November with The Funkey Monkeys who will perform at Oliver Lapin Family Day. Plus, don’t miss out on our first-ever Winter Break Carnival!
Get Cultured
The J’s Arts, Culture and Education events for people in their 20s & 30s Launched in 2011, Get Cultured offers Arts, Culture and Education events and get-togethers exclusively for young adults in their 20s and 30s. Film screenings, author talks, a culinary program, comedy night and other events are developed by a representative team working with J staff.
Josh and the Jamtones Family Concert Sunday, August 23, 2015 | 10:00 AM Oliver Lapin Family Day Featuring The Funkey Monkeys in Concert Sunday, November 8, 2015 | 9:30 AM-12:00 PM Winter Break Carnival Friday, December 25, 2015 | 10:00 AM
2nd Not So Kosher Comedy Night In collaboration with the Jerome Robinson Young Adult Division of Greater Houston featuring Little Esther Povitsky and Matthew Broussard Thursday, August 20, 2015 Inside the Author’s Studio Bruce Eric Kaplan‒I Was a Child Thursday, November 12, 2015 Bruce Eric Kaplan, currently a writer and executive producer for HBO’s Girls, is one of the most celebrated and admired cartoonists in America. I Was a Child is the story of his childhood in words and drawings. 11
Adrianne and Victor Lavis with Musician Omer Avital
Janet and Elton Lipnick with Writer Alan Zweibel
Become a Patron Today! Ella Hamberger, Karen Freedman and Terry Cominsky
Kenn McLaughlin, Marilyn Hassid, Bad Jews Director Jordan Jaffe and Maida Asofsky
12 erjcchouston.org/patrons John Dreyfus, Filmmaker Dani Menkin and Helen Wils
Ann and Stephen Kaufman with Writer Alan Zweibel
PLATINUM $1,000
GOLD $500
BRONZE $400
Patron Season Pass Admits two to the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair, Houston Jewish Film Festival, Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre
Program member pricing for classes Dance, Israeli Film Series, Lifelong Learning, Melton, Mindy/Body, Symposium and Art
Patrons Season Kickoff Event Invitation for two
Reserved Seating Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair Opening and Closing Nights
Premium Reserved Seating Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair Opening and Closing Nights
Reserved Parking throughout the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair and Houston Jewish Film Festival
Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar -in-Residence Program and 7th Annual Rice University Jewish Studies Program Lecture Series Two tickets for each series
Exclusive Green Room gatherings complimentary refreshments throughout the year
Theatre Two tickets to each theatre production
Music Two tickets to each music performance
Sponsorship of a program, lecture or performance
Access for two to your choice of one theatre production and one music performance during the year
(Ages 35 or younger)
DIAMOND PLUS $1,800
NEXT GENERATION* $180
EMERALD $3,600
2015–2016 Season of Arts, Culture and Education Patrons of the Arts Benefits
PATRON LEVELS
Access for two to select 'Get Cultured' events including Inside the Author's Studio at the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair and a special screening at the Houston Jewish Film Festival
All Patrons benefits are non-transferable. Patrons may purchase individual tickets for all Arts, Culture and Education programs at the member rate. *Next Generation Patron level is exclusively for adults age 35 or younger.
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2015–2016 Arts, Culture and Education Leadership Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair Elli Samuels, Chair Eve Lapin, Co-Chair
Art Committee Lea Weingarten, Chair
Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living & Learning Joe Pryzant, Chair
Dance Committee Terry Cominsky, Chair Hilda Frank, Honorary Chair
Film Committee John Dreyfus, Chair Doreen Joffe & Sharon Kagan, Founding Chairs
Music Committee Adrianne Lavis, Chair
Theatre Committee Maida Asofsky, Chair
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Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Leadership Debbie Kaplan, President, Board of Directors Joel Dinkin, Executive Vice President Melanie Beltram, Executive Administrative Assistant Arts & Culture Marilyn Hassid, Assistant Executive Director Maxine Silberstein, Dance and Children’s Theatre Director Amy Rahmani, Program Coordinator Barbara Lindenberg, Manager, Book Fair Bookstore Jasmine Ross, Arts & Culture Assistant Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living & Learning Rabbi Jill Levy, Director Rabbi Samantha Safran, Assistant Director Nomi Barancik, Family Program Coordinator Development Anita Bormaster, Director of Annual Giving Melissa Gordon, Director of Special Events Judy Weil, Donor Services Coordinator
Central Dance Ensemble
Provided By HCC Central Fine Arts Photo By Sigifredo Cabello
We’d like to thank our partners for their generous support of the Arts, Culture and Education programs at the J. Marriott Houston Westchase The Maurice Amado Foundation The Eleanor and Frank Freed Foundation Houston Arts Alliance Houston Endowment As of print date
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Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Houston 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096-3907 713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org
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Season of Arts, Culture and Education 2015/2016
erjcchouston.org Plum Street Synagogue by Louis Davidson