Exciting events offered at JCMI

By Sue Baum, JCMI president

Please join us at the many interesting and entertaining events offered at JCMI as we begin the new year. Contact the JCMI offi ce for information on tickets and its COVID-19 policy for these events.

The Sidney R. Hoffman Memorial Jewish Film Festival

In its 21st year, the fi lm festival is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. The award-winning “Latter Day Jew” is a documentary feature fi lm following H. Alan Scott, a gay, former Mormonconverted Jew cancer survivorwriter-comedian, as he fi nds his spiritual path and prepares for his bar mitzvah. Before he can become a man in the eyes of Jewish law, he wants to fi gure out what it means to be the best Jew he can be. The 85-minute fi lm is being shown at the temple and will also be a livestreamed.

Saul I. Stern Cultural Series

In its 28th year, the cultural series features “Sinatra’s Great American Songbook,” presented by our own Charlie Blum on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. “His styling and vocals are so polished and persuasive.” ~ Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

“(The) polished singer engaged the audience with comedy, impersonations and storytelling, and they loved every minute of it.” ~ Scott Shook, Coastal Breeze,

Enjoy an evening of musical memories accompanied by visual portrayals of the singer.

Women’s Book Club

In its 11th year, the Women’s Book Club meets Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. in the Meer Center at JCMI to discuss “The Scarlett Letter,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Temple membership is not necessary, everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion.

The JCMI Concert Series

In its 4th year, the Concert Series bring you Motown Magic on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Consisting of four worldclass vocalists, Motown Magic takes you back to great memories and good times with hits from The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, the Four Tops, The Jacksons, the Commodores, Lionel Richie, and many more. Visit the JCMI webpage, www.marcojcmi.com, and go to the “Flyers and Information” page for a link to the ticketing website.

Rabbi Gross’s Life-Long Learning series

In his fourth Sunday Life-Long Learning series, Rabbi Gross presents, “Tell Me a Story (or Three)” on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 9:30 a.m. in the Meer Center at JCMI. Ours is an ancient people, with a rich tradition of both oral and literary narrative — from Biblical dramas to Talmudic anecdotes to medieval legends to the folk traditions of far-fl ung Jewish communities all over the globe. Engage with a sampling of this diverse storytelling legacy (and even though it’s not bedtime, feel free to bring a teddy bear to hug while listening!). Unaffi liated guests are always welcome to join us and are asked to make a $5 contribution.

For further information, contact the Synagogue offi ce at 239-642-0800.