EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
Season of Arts & Culture 2016/2017
Ariel Rivka Dance Photo by David Gonsier
erjcchouston.org
The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair October 29–November 13, 2016
Michael Wex Photo by: Zoe Gemelli
Meir Shalev Photo by: Dan Porges
Peggy Orenstein
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, cultural 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.
HIGHLIGHTS: Michael Wex Rhapsody in Schmaltz: Yiddish Food and Why We Can't Stop Eating it Meir Shalev Two She-Bears: A Novel
Peggy Orenstein Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape
Presented in partnership with the Gray/Wawro Lectures in Gender, Health, and Well-being from the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Rice University
Oliver Lapin Family Day Featuring Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins
“Let my name be recalled with laughter!” An Afternoon with Sholem Aleichem Commemorating his Yahrzeit Co-presented with Yiddish Vinkel Houston
Sunday, May 7, 2017 | 2:00 PM Houston joins hundreds of communities around the world who annually gather to read works in Yiddish and English to commemorate his life. 2 erjcchouston.org/patron
Theatre ENCORE PRESENTATION!
Stars of David: Story to Song
Based on the Best-Selling Book by Abigail Pogrebin By Special Arrangement with Daryl Roth Directed by Luke Wrobel In Cooperation with Vital Arts Collaborative
Sunday, August 21, 2016 | 4:30 PM Uncle Philip’s Coat
Written by and starring Matty Selman
Saturday, October 22, 2016 | 8:00 PM Sunday, October 23, 2016 | 3:00 PM A poignant work laced with affectionate humor, Uncle Philip’s Coat was named Best Production at the 2015 United Solo Theatre Festival. Author Matty Selman performs this soaring, one-man piece exploring family and the immigrant experience. "One of the most riveting images I've ever seen in theatre." – Michael Feingold, Village Voice
Broken Glass
By Arthur Miller | A Staged Reading
Thursday, November 10, 2016 | 7:30 PM In November 1938, with the horror of Kristallnacht in the news, an American Jewish woman is stricken with sudden paralysis. Seeking help, her husband unleashes a series of events that probe the couple’s relationship and the psyche of fear and anti-Semitism—both from outsiders as well as from Jews themselves.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins Written by Steve Garfinkel Adapted from the book by Eric Kimmel
November 6 & December 25–29, 2016 Follow the adventures of legendary Jewish prankster, Hershel of Ostropol, as he outsmarts a host of Hanukkahhating Goblins, saving the holiday, the synagogue and becoming a hero to the town’s inhabitants. Traditional Hanukkah tunes accompany Hershel’s exploits in this new family-friendly play.
The Chosen
By Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok Co-presented by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC and Theater LaB Houston
May 11-21, 2017 You loved Potok’s 1967 blockbuster novel - now experience the stage adaptation. Relive the story of two boys, two fathers and two very different Jewish communities “five blocks and a world apart.” While growing to manhood, the boys learn important lessons about themselves on the path to understanding and reconciliation.
Jewish Community Center Stage Performing Arts School (JCCS)
Featuring talented young performers grades 3-6 from our community Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat December 1–11, 2016 Follow the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.
The Lion King Experience April 27–May 7, 2017 A coming-of-age tale set in the African savannah. 3
Film
Remember
Film at the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair October 29-November 13, 2016 HIGHLIGHTS:
Remember
Audience Choice Winner Houston Jewish Film Festival 2016
Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You A look at the life, work, and political activism of trailblazing writer and producer Norman Lear.
In Search of Israeli Cuisine
Houston Jewish Film Festival March 5-19, 2017
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, now in its 13th year, shines the spotlight on Jewish and Israeli culture, art and history.
Michael Solomonov, the chef behind Zahav, attempts to answer the question, “Is there truly such a thing as Israeli cuisine?�
The Age of Love Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 7:00 PM Steven Loring, 2014, USA, 78 minutes
An unprecedented speed-dating event for 70- to 90-year-olds serves as the backdrop for this funny and poignant cinematic look at love among the senior set. 4 erjcchouston.org/patron Above and Beyond
Dance
And Still You Must Swing Photo by Marc Millman Photography
Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre January 12–February 12, 2017 Ariel Rivka Dance Concert Sunday, January 22, 2017 | 3:00 PM Jewish Federation of Greater Houston event for PJ Libary families Sunday, January 22, 2017 | 10:00 AM Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) is a critically acclaimed contemporary dance company led by a married choreographer/composer team, Ariel Grossman and David Homan. Based in New York/ New Jersey, this all-female company brings a particular perspective and interpretation to their works that incorporate various styles of dance and music. In addition to their public performance, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston will present a separate interactive program by ARD for PJ Library children ages 3-5 that explores the Book of Esther.
Arts in the Afternoon | 2016/2017 The Arts in the Afternoon program provides the unique experience for our community to enjoy film, music and dance. All programs are offered on a weekday at 1:00 PM. Friday, September 30, 2016 Houston Grand Opera–Opera to Go! Thursday, October 6, 2016 Impande Ye Africa Dance Troupe
Houston Choreographers X6 Saturday, January 28, 2017 | 8:00 PM Houston Choreographers X6 presents a memorable evening of dance featuring six dynamic independent local choreographers: Jacquelyne Boe, Roberta Cortes, Rebecca French, Dorrell Martin, Lindsey McGill, Stacy Skolnik and Kathy Wood. Each artist has been commissioned to premiere a piece for the concert.
And Still You Must Swing Saturday, February 11, 2017 | 8:00 PM Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derick K. Grant and Jason Samuels Smith are three of the world's most influential ambassadors of tap. Along with Tony Merriwether, they come together in And Still You Must Swing, a show that captures the heart and legacy of tap dance and honors the influence of jazz roots on this art form in a rhythmic feast including live music, dynamic choreography and stunning improvisation.
Friday, December 16, 2016 FILM | Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Gray Friday, January 13, 2017 DANCE | Towards the Gypsy Road Thursday, February 16, 2017 WindSync Wind Quintet Monday, February 20, 2017 FILM | His Wife’s Lover (Zayn Vaybs Lubovnik) Friday, April 21, 2017 Houston Grand Opera–Opera to Go! 5
Music Soul to Soul: Yiddish and African-American Music Meet in a Celebration of Two Cultures Presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene Starring Lisa Fishman, Magda Fishman, Elmore James and Tony Perry Conceived and Directed by Zalmen Mlotek
Saturday, February 18, 2017 | 8:00 PM
Zion80 Photo by Ben Weitz
Zion80 Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 8:30 PM Led by Jon Madof, Zion80 explores Jewish music from Shlomo Carlebach to John Zorn and everything in between through the lens of the Afrobeat funk master Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Zion80 is blazing hot and tight as a drum; spiritual, grooving and endlessly exciting. This is essential Jewish music for the 21st century. “A truly soulful experience” – NY Times
Soul to Soul brings together the African American and the Yiddish American experience in a deeply stirring musical presentation that celebrates a common journey of two cultures. Internationally recognized authority on Yiddish folk and theater music and a leading figure in Soul to Soul the Jewish theatre and concert worlds, Zalman Mlotek performs with African American Broadway veterans, Tony Perry and Elmore James, Magda Fishman and Lisa Fishman along with a wonderful Klezmer ensemble.
Gadi Lehavi Trio Saturday, April 1, 2017 | 8:00 PM Born in 1996, Gadi Lehavi shares his birthday with the great Duke Ellington. Lehavi was drawn to jazz, playing by ear from an early age and experimenting with improvisation. He has already played with many of the greatest musicians of our time, including Eli Degibri, with whom he performed at the J in 2016.
Get Cultured
Get Cultured offers arts, culture and education events and get-togethers exclusively for young adults in their 20s and 30s. The Get Cultured season consists of film screenings, author talks, culinary programs, comedy nights and other events.
YidLife Crisis Thursday, February 23, 2017
An evening with Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman, the stars of the widely popular foodie-centric short series done entirely in their grandparents’ Yiddish.
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Deutser Art Gallery J Teen Art Scene Art exhibition by local teens January 20–February 10, 2017 Opening Reception | Sunday, January 29, 2017 Don’t Give Me the Eye Art with Photography by Anat Ronen and Talya Arbisser February 16–April 17, 2017 Dybbuks, golems and evil eyes have appeared throughout Jewish literature, art and film for hundreds of years. Artist Anat Ronen and photographer Talya Arbisser team up to offer a contemporary look at these age-old symbols.
Birds of Longing: Exile and Memory Works by Laurie Wohl April 21–June 2, 2017
Kabbalat Shabbat: The Grand Unification Lekha Dodi by Debra Band
In Birds of Longing, fiber artist Laurie Wohl interweaves Muslim, Jewish and Christian poetry and spiritual texts from the period of the Convivencia in Spain (8th-15th centuries) and from contemporary Middle Eastern poets, particularly Palestinian and Israeli.
Scriptures in Pictures: The D'rash Design Project Revisited by Christina Mattison August 21–October 21, 2016 Opening Reception Sunday, August 21, 2016 | 3:30 PM–4:30 PM "D'rash" in Hebrew means commentary or exposition. In February 2012 Christina Mattison began creating a new piece of art each week inspired by that week's Torah portion, haftarah portion (Prophets) or concurrent Jewish holiday. This exhibit features works not seen in her 2014 exhibition at the J.
Kabbalat Shabbat: The Grand Unification New illuminated paintings by Debra Band October 29–December 30, 2016 Presentation by Debra Band Sunday, October 30, 2016 | 4:00 PM A wholly new and vibrant celebration of the Kabbalat Shabbat traditions, engaging both our modern minds and our eternal spirit with new poetry translations and literary commentaries by Raymond P. Scheindlin.
Tastings
Saturday, January 28, 2017 | 8:00 PM Experience a comprehensive sampling of the Arts, Culture and Education Season in one spectacular setting! Now in its second year, this evening of fine food and fine art pairs a different performing art piece with each course of a gourmet meal. 7
Patrons of the Arts are dedicated individuals and families who make Jewish arts, culture and education a priority in their philanthropic giving. Your support allows the J to continue to present a diverse and stimulating array of programs each year in arts, culture and education. As a highly regarded asset in the arts community in Houston, the J perpetually brings programs that have Jewish and Israeli ideas and themes that speak to a broad audience. Support from Patrons of the Arts is the main reason that the J contributes to the vibrancy of Houston as one of the greatest arts cities in the United States. Below you will find the benefits for the 2016–2017 Patron of the Arts season that match your generosity. Visit erjcchouston.org/patron to make your commitment. $3,600 | Emerald All benefits of Diamond Plus, plus…
$500 | Gold
• Series Pass for two to The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish
• Four tickets to Tastings
Book & Arts Fair
• Membership in the Continuity Society
• Series Pass for two to Houston Jewish Film Festival • Pass for two to Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre
$2,500 | Diamond Plus (New Donor Level!) All benefits of Diamond, plus…
• Two tickets to each of the Arts in the Afternoon performances • Reserved Seating for Opening & Closing Nights of
• Invitation to Exclusive Dinner with a Scholar
The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair
• Up to four family guests, under the age of 16, for Celebrate
• Patron of the Arts Kick-Off event
the New Year Family Concert and one performance of Hershel
• Easy Online Registration Code for tickets
& the Hanukkah Goblins
• Exclusive email newsletter
$1,800 | Diamond All benefits of Gold, plus…
• Theatre Season Pass for two • Music Season Pass for two
• Recognition on Patron of the Arts collateral
$180 | Next Generation (For those 35 and younger) • Series Pass to The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book &
• Series Pass for Rice University Jewish Studies Program
Arts Fair
Scholar Series and Spring Scholars Lecture Series
• Series Pass to Houston Jewish Film Festival
• Invitation to private Patron of the Arts Event
• Pass to Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre
• Reserved Parking for Houston Jewish Film Festival and
• Series Pass for Rice University Jewish Studies Program
The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair
Scholar Series and Spring Scholars Lecture Series
• Sponsorship of a particular author, film or performance
• Two tickets for one Theatre performance
• Concierge service for seat reservations
• Two tickets for one Music performance • Two tickets to select Get Cultured events
$1,000 | Platinum All benefits of Gold, plus…
• Reserved seating for Opening & Closing Nights of The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair
• Two tickets for one Theatre performance
• Patron of the Arts Kick-Off event
• Two tickets for one Music performance
• Easy Online Registration Code for tickets
• Series Pass for Rice University Jewish Studies Program
• Exclusive email newsletter
Scholar Series and Spring Scholars Lecture Series • Reserved Parking for Houston Jewish Film Festival and The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair
• Recognition on Patron of the Arts collateral Gold and Platinum level Patrons receive member pricing for all other arts, culture and education programs.Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Emerald level Patrons receive program memberships. Patron benefits are non-transferable.
We’d like to thank our partners for their generous support of the Arts, Culture and Education programs at the J. The Maurice Amado Foundation | Marriott Houston Westchase
The Eleanor and Frank Freed Foundation | Houston Endowment Houston Arts Alliance | Texas Commission on the Arts As of print date