EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
Celebrating Women! Join us in March 2017 at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC for many fantastic events and activities celebrating women. Underwritten by:
LEVY FUNERAL DIRECTORS
erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen
Perl: Jewish Indie Rock Band* Wednesday, March 1 | 7:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Kaplan Theatre $20
Perl is an indie rock band created by Bulletproof Stockings lead singer and songwriter Perl Wolfe, featuring cellist Elisheva Maister, violinist Dana Pestun and drummer Gloribel Castro. Formed in the spring of 2016, Perl’s sound has been compared to Fiona Apple, Florence and the Machine and The White Stripes, and is inspired by Torah and Chassidus. Perl performs for audiences of women only, looking to create a space where all women can rock out in unison. Band members describe themselves as a “Hasidic alt-rock girl band” straight out of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. For women of all ages. This is an evening you won’t want to miss! There will be a dessert reception catered by Laykie’s Gourmet immediately following the show. *This program is included in the series pass. 2 | To register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
Women’s Torah Commentary
Wednesdays, March 1-29 | 10:00 AM–11:00 AM $28 Member | $42 Public The weekly parsha taught by women through the lens of women. These classes will go beyond our typical understanding of the biblical stories in the book of Exodus to seek out the feminist perspective and its implications for women in Jewish life today. March 1 | Torah Portion–Terumah with Rabbi Annie Belford, Temple Sinai March 8 | Torah Portion–Tetzaveh with Rabbi Jill Levy, Director, Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living and Learning March 15 | Torah Portion–Ki Tisa with Laykie Donin, owner of Laykie’s Gourmet, Café at the J March 22 | Torah Portion–Vayakhel-Pekeudei with Dina Hurwitz, motivational speaker, world renowned personality who writes and speaks on the subject of harnessing strength and spirit in the face of coping with challenges March 29 | Torah Portion–Vayikra with Rabbi Samantha Safran, Assistant Director, Bobbi and Vic Samuels Center for Jewish Living and Learning
Mother and Daughter Challah Bake Thursday, March 2 5:00 PM | For girls age 7-12 7:00 PM | For girls age 13-18 $8 Member | $12 Public
Share fun with your daughter as you partake in this special women’s Mitzvah. Laykie Donin with Laykie’s Gourmet will teach you the ins and outs of challah baking and braiding. You will take the challah home with you to bake for Shabbos. This program is for girls and their mother, aunt, grandmother or special women in their life. A Shabbat art project will be completed with Tobi Arsham. Tobi has been teaching Art at Johnston Middle school for 10 years, and has been the Art Camp Director at the J Camps for the past 8 years.
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Shabbat Lunch for Adults 60 + Fridays, March 3–31 | Noon
Leave the cooking up to us and enjoy a hasslefree Shabbat meal. Reserve a table for you and your friends each Friday as we celebrate Shabbat. A female clergy from the community will join us each Friday. A traditional chicken Shabbat meal will be served along with wine, challah and a delicious dessert. The lunch is prepared by Laykie’s Gourmet.
The Israeliot
with Herut Gez, our community Shlicha Wednesday, March 8 | 7:00 PM $15 Member | $22 Public In Israel, we use different words to describe males and females. Israeliot is the Hebrew word meaning Israeli women. In the first half of the lecture we’ll learn about significant and influential Israeli women such as Ada Yonath, Lucy Aharish, Alice Miller and more. In the second half we’ll have an art workshop and explore the art work style of the Israeli artist, Hanoch Piven. Come and learn about Israel through an Israeli’s eye!
Ada Yonath Dana International, by Hanoch Piven
Facilitator: Herut Gez, whose name means freedom, grew up in Haifa. After the army, she led a variety of educational programs for youth and young adults in Israel. Herut is a recent graduate of the Hebrew University, with a major in political science and education.
Get member pricing to Women’s Month events plus programs throughout the year! Membership starts as low as $216/year! For more detailed information on membership categories and rates, visit us online at erjcchouston.org/join or call 713.729.3200. 4 | To register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
FILM | The Women’s Balcony
Monday, March 13 | 7:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Kaplan Theatre $9 Member | $14 Public
Directed by Emil Ben Shimon | Israel, 2016, 96 min | Hebrew with English subtitles Houston Premiere | Drama
A warm, cohesive congregation of Sephardic Jews suffers an accident during a bar mitzvah: the women’s balcony collapses, the rebbetzin is injured, and the beloved rabbi can’t cope. Enter Rabbi David, a religious fundamentalist who offers to help the congregation. But there is a price tag for his help. The men are captivated; the women, however, are enraged and take matters into their own hands ultimately restoring congregational peace. A rousing, good-humored tale of women speaking truth to power, The Women’s Balcony is at once rebellious and respectful in spirit. This event is part of the Houston Jewish Film Festival.
Dinner | 6:30 PM Make it dinner and a movie with your friends! Bring your dinner or buy from Laykie’s Gourmet Café at the J, and we’ll provide the Israeli wine. To reserve a table, RSVP by Thursday, March 9 to jross@erjcchouston.org or call 713.551.7215. Food can be purchased straight from the café or can be pre-ordered with Laykie: Salmon on garden salad with quinoa and roasted vegetables Grilled chicken on garden salad with quinoa and roasted vegetables Both options are $15 and should be ordered in advance with Laykie: laykiesgourmet@yahoo.com or by text at 713.283.4030
Ladies Night Out: Paint and Sip with a Jewish Twist Tuesday, March 21 | 7:00 PM–9:30 PM $35 Member | $53 Public Instructor: Tobi Arsham
Bring a drink and a snack and our instructor will walk you, step by step, through a fun painting process. Get creative, make friends, and unwind. BYOB optional. Go home with a ready-to-hang Judaic piece of art. 5
JCC Night at the Production of Turquoise at Next Iteration Theater Company Wednesday, March 22 | 8:00 PM
Next Iteration Theatre Company presents Turquouise, three plays in one, by Obie Award winning playwright, Deb Margolin. With themes of memory, love, symbiosis, and mortality, this award-winning playwright has woven together vignettes that reflect on the simultaneity of everything while capturing the hearts and minds of the audience with relatable simplicity and humorously quick-volleying dialogue. Tickets can be purchased at www.nextiterationtheater.com/turquoise or 713.521.4533. This price will be pay-what-you-can, with a suggested price of $25. Following the show there will be a talkback with Deb Margolin.
An Evening with Dina Hurwitz: A Story of Hope and Inspiration Wednesday, March 22 | 7:30 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Joe Frank Theatre FREE | RSVP required
Dina Hurwitz is a proud mother of seven children, whose life was turned upside down when, in 2013, her husband, Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, was diagnosed with ALS. Amidst the battle of her husband’s terrible illness and raising her family, Dina courageously inspires through sharing her honest reflections of faith and hope during the most trying of times. Dina’s message of devotion, faith, tenacity, motherhood and gratitude will impact you like never before. Her smile lights up the room, and she will make you laugh and cry all in one breath. This special evening is underwritten in honor of the Hurwitz family for the inspiration they provide to so many. Light bites and delectable desserts is being catered by Laykie’s Gourmet.
6 | To register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
AUTHOR TALK
Kate Siegel & Kim Friedman | Mother, Can You Not?* Thursday, March 23 | 7:30 PM $25 | Includes book
Alternate Location: Merfish Teen Center Ballroom | 9000 S. Rice Avenue Based on her wildly popular Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom, Kate Siegel’s essay collection Mother, Can You Not? illustrates life with the woman who redefined the term “helicopter mom” and pays tribute to the woman who invented the concept of drone parenting. The @CrazyJewishMom herself, Kim Friedman, will join her daughter in conversation about their relationship and the book, which lovingly lampoons the lengths to which our mothers will go to better our lives. Friedman is an Emmy-nominated director of primetime television and an Obie nominated and Los Angeles Drama Critic Award winning theater director. Wine reception and book signing follows program. Complimentary valet parking available. *This program is included in the series pass. Community Partner: Congregation Brith Shalom Sisterhood Host Committee: Sharon Kagan, Hilary Kamin, Arlene Lassin, Stacy Samet, Sharon Shapiro, Yael Trusch 7
AUTHOR TALK
Girl Walks Out of a Bar*
Presented in partnership with The Women Philanthropy and Young Adult Divisions of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston Sunday, March 26 | 7:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Kaplan Theatre $10 | Event only $15 | Includes book
Instead of a cup of coffee, Lisa F. Smith began her day with a bottle of wine and three lines of cocaine. Only then could she head off to work at the high-pressure, international firm where she practiced corporate law. How had it come to this? Smith was born into a middle-class Jewish family, was an excellent student in college and was recruited right out of school. Yet by the time she was 25 she was drinking every day. Girl Walks Out of a Bar is a witty, honest account of a smart woman who hid her alcohol and cocaine addiction from her co-workers and friends. Lisa will share her incredible journey through alcoholism and drug addiction. Sober for more than ten years, she is passionate about breaking the stigma of drug and alcohol addiction. *This program is included in the series pass. 8 | To register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
Community Programs for Women The Challah Club with The Bellaire Jewish Center Thursday, March 16 | 7:00 PM
Learn the art of braiding and take home a Challah for Shabbat. To RSVP visit bjchouston.org or contact Michal Jacknin at 845.538.6128.
Know Your Worth: Own Your Future Sunday, March 26 | 9:30 AM
Know Your Worth is a financial literacy program geared to women in transition (planning for retirement, divorce, new job/career, etc.) and Helps women gain an understanding of their finances and steps necessary to plan for a secure future in a safe and welcoming environment. Created in partnership with Hadassah and Jewish Women International. Contact: Charlotte Goldberg at csgoldberg@att.net or 713.781.4760.
Simple Truths Tuesday, March 28 | 7:00 PM
Simple Truths is a monthly course for women from The Shul of Bellaire’s Rosh Chodesh Society. The topic in March is Overcoming Limitation. Contact: Esty Zaklilofsky at esty@jewishbellaire.com
Intergenerational Women’s Seder Thursday, March 30 | 6:30 PM
Join the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Houston Section for an evening of music and readings celebrating women’s roll in the Passover story. Contact Beverly Sufian at bsufian@swbell.net
How to Survive an Active Shooter Monday, March 27 | 7:30 PM FREE | RSVP Required
Stephen Daniel, Senior Community Liaison of the Public Affairs Division of the Houston Police Department and an active shooter expert will present on the reality of an active shooter in our community. The seminar will cover the following topics: • Historic overview of active shooting in America • Active shooter profiles • Police response • Run, Hide, Fight • Priority of Life scale • Emergency response plans • Developing your own unique survivor mindset This evening is for women only. 9
Self-Defense for Women Wednesday, March 29 | 7:30 PM $30
Preparation and training can keep people safe, increase safety awareness, and reduce opportunity for injury. This one hour seminar is designed for women of all ages and experience levels. Learn from Abrielle Sarah Fuerst how to save your life. You will learn how to escape from wrist grabs and choke holds, how and where to strike to effectively disable an attacker and how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Abrielle holds a third degree black belt in Taekwondo and experience in krav maga, judo, karate and Brazilian jiu jitsu. There are limited spaces available.
Perl
Save on events and buy a Celebrating Women’s Month series pass. Series Pass | $50
The series pass gives you a ticket to the 3 most exciting events of the month• Perl: Jewish Indie Rock Band • Mother, Can you Not? with author Kate Siegel and her mother Kim Friedman • Girl Walks Out of a Bar with author Lisa Smith With the purchase of the series pass, you will receive a copy of Mother, Can You Not? and Girl Walks Out of a Bar.
Purchase your series pass online at erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen 10 | To register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
Houston Jewish Film Festival MARCH 5-19, 2017
Moos
The Houston Jewish Film Festival, now in its 13th year, is intended to expose the Houston community to current documentary, feature and short movies with meaningful Jewish or Israeli content as well as Israeli-made movies with contemporary themes. Join us for these films during Film Festival that feature female filmmakers or strong female characters.
Moos Monday, March 6 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Directed by Job Gosschalk An enjoyable and endearing comedy centered around Moos, an engaging, kind-hearted young woman, unselfconscious and natural who learns to follow her dreams.
AKA Nadia Tuesday, March 7 | 5:00 PM Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Directed by Tova Ascher For over 20 years, Maya Goldwasser has lived as a Jewish career woman, wife and mother, whereas in fact she was born as Nadia, daughter to a Muslim family.
Fanny’s Journey Sunday, March 12 | 1:00 PM Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Directed by Lola Doillon Inspired by the memoir of Fanny Ben-Ami, the film follows a group of children led by twelve year-old Fanny across Occupied France during WWII.
Celebrating Women! | March 2017 Perl: Jewish Indie Rock Band Wednesday, March 1 Women’s Torah Commentary Wednesdays, March 1-29
AUTHOR TALK Kate Siegel & Kim Friedman Mother, Can you Not? Thursday, March 23
Mother and Daughter Challah Bake Thursday, March 2
AUTHOR TALK Girl Walks Out of a Bar Sunday, March 26
Shabbat Lunch for Adults 60 + Fridays, March 3–31
How to Survive an Active Shooter Monday, March 27
The Israeliot Wednesday, March 8
Self-Defense for Women Wednesday, March 29
FILM | The Women’s Balcony Monday, March 13 Ladies Night Out: Paint and Sip with a Jewish Twist Tuesday, March 21 JCC Night at the Production of Turquoise at Next Iteration Theater Company Wednesday, March 22 An Evening with Dina Hurwitz: A Story of Hope and Inspiration Wednesday, March 22
For more information or to register for an event, visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen or contact Morgan Steinberg at 713.595.8170.
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096 713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org