Coming events for January, 2016 | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Coming events for January, 2016

To submit an event for consideration send a press release to Chronicle@MilwaukeeJewish.org by Jan. 15 for the issue arriving in homes on or about Feb. 1. Include date, time, location, a description, contact information and whether the event is free or what is charged.

Sunday, Jan. 3

Conversation: Eichmann in Jerusalem

“Eichmann in Jerusalem, before and after conversation between Yannay Spitzer and Shay Pilnik.” The capture of Adolf Eichmann, one of the key players in the implementation of the “final solution,” and his trial in Israel, are considered watershed events in the history of Holocaust awareness,  commemoration, scholarship, and the quest for postwar justice. Join Shay Pilnik, executive director of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and Dr. Yannay Spitzer, assistant professor at the Department of Economics at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and grandson of Moshe Landau, the chief judge at the trial, for a conversation about the impact of this key event. The talk will be followed by the screening of a short documentary on the Nazi colonies established in Argentina and Paraguay in the wake of World War II.

Sponsored by the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center and Jewish Museum Milwaukee, both programs of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Free. 4 p.m. at Jewish Museum Milwaukee, 1360 N. Prospect Ave.

 

Thursday, Jan. 7

"Behind Enemy Lines" author

"Behind Enemy Lines" author Marthe Cohn will speak at Chabad of the East Side. Cohn was born in Metz, France in 1920. She was a devoutly religious Jewish woman living just across the German border in France when Hitler rose to power. As the Nazi occupation escalated, Her sister was sent to Auschwitz while her family fled to the south of France. Cohn, though, chose to fight back and joined the intelligence service of the First French Army. Utilizing her perfect German accent and Aryan appearance, Cohn posed as a German nurse desperately trying to obtain word of a fictional fiancé. She traveled the countryside and approached troops sympathetic to her "plight" thereby obtaining critical information for the Allied commanders.

When at age 80 Cohn was awarded France’s highest military honor, the Medaille Miliataire, not even her children knew to what extent this modest woman faced death daily to defeat the Nazi Empire. At its heart, this remarkable story is the tale of an ordinary woman who, under extraordinary circumstances, became the hero her country needed her to be.

In 2002, Cohn penned her memoir “Behind Enemy Lines: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany”. She lives with her husband in Palos Verdes, California and travels internationally sharing her story.

Doors open 7 p.m. Lecture 7:30 p.m. Book signing to follow at Chabad of the East Side, 3030 East Kenwood Boulevard. Co-sponsored by the Nathan and Esther Peltz Holocaust Educational Research Center, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation. $10 advance; $15 at the door; $5 students; $180 sponsor.

 

Sunday, Jan. 10

“Anita” film, talk

Film screening of “Anita.” This touching Argentinian drama focuses on Anita, a young Jewish woman with Down syndrome, separated from her mother in Buenos Aires in 1993, when a Jewish site is bombed. Anita touches all with whom she comes into contact as she wanders through the city. Pnina Goldfarb and Marina Maller are the discussion leaders following the film, which is in Spanish with English subtitles. Shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., White%uFB01sh Bay. 3 p.m. Free to all.

Monday, Jan. 11

Anita Hill film

Film screening of “Anita: Speaking Truth to Power” (2014). This film reveals the story of a woman who empowered millions to stand up for equality and justice.  Anita Hill’s graphic testimony was a turning point for gender equality in the United States.  Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Mock, the film celebrates Anita Hill’s legacy and provides a rare glimpse into her private life and career. Shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., White%uFB01sh Bay. 7 p.m. Free to all.

Sunday, Jan. 17

Poland presentation

Come hear all thirteen participants in the recent Milwaukee Jewish educators’ trip to Poland. They will share experiences, present a slideshow and answer questions. Andrzej Folwarczny, the founder and president of the Polish organization Forum for Dialogue and host of the Milwaukee educators’ mission, will also speak at the program. Dessert will be served (dietary laws observed). Sponsored by the Coalition for Jewish Learning of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Held at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., White%uFB01sh Bay 7-8:30 p.m. Free to all. RSVP to TziporahA@MilwaukeeJewish.org.

Sunday, Jan. 24

Interfaith Tu B’Shevat Celebration

Celebration of the new year for the trees, including a seder, environmental crafts, a planting, and more. Sponsored by the Israel Center and Jewish Community Relations Council, both of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. All are welcome. No charge. 4-6 p.m. Congregation Sinai, 8223 N. Port Washington Road., Fox Point. RSVP to AMitz@MilwaukeeJewish.org

Monday, Jan. 25

Arab feminism film

Film screening of “Feminists Insha’allah!: The Story of Arab Feminism” (2014). Filmmaker and author Feriel Ben Mahmoud tracks the progress of Arab women in their long march to assert their full rights and achieve empowerment.  Filmed in Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia, we see how female emancipation has been shaped by the forces of nationalism and colonialism and hear from the Muslim women who are fighting for their liberation. Shown at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., White%uFB01sh Bay. 7 p.m. Free to all.

Wednesday, Jan. 27

Holocaust Book Club: “The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story”

Join University of Wisconsin Professor of History Neal Pease in a discussion of “The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story” by Diane Ackerman.  After their zoo was bombed, Polish zookeepers Jan and Antonia Zabinski managed to save over three hundred people from the Nazis by hiding refugees in the empty animal cages. 7 p.m. at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay. Co-sponsors: Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation and the JCC.

Saturday, Jan. 30

Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2016 with Patton Oswalt

Patton Oswalt will be the headline performer for Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2016, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center’s annual fundraising event celebrating community partnership.

Oswalt has been headlining comedy clubs across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom since 1996, as well as appearing in his own comedy specials on Comedy Central and HBO.  His acting career includes guest roles in television series such as “Veep,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Two and a Half Men,” and “King of Queens,” among others.  As a voice actor, Oswalt currently narrates ABC’s hit comedy “The Goldbergs,” in addition to his voicing characters on “The Simpsons” and “Bob’s Burgers.”  Oswalt provided the voice for Remy, the rat, in Pixar’s Oscar-winning animated film Ratatouille.  His other work on the big screen includes roles in films such as “Young Adult,” “Big Fan,” “Magnolia,” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

Oswalt will take the Riverside Theater stage at 8 p.m. with proceeds to support programs at the JCC and the Laugh It Up Milwaukee partner beneficiary, Special Olympics Wisconsin.  Tickets for the event range from $45 to $95 and may be purchased online at LaughItUpMilwaukee.org or PabstTheater.org.

Senior living events

Chai Point Begins 2016 with a diverse slate of programming

MILWAUKEE – Start off the new year at Chai Point with a book discussion, an art history class or a variety of musical performances.

On Wednesday, Jan. 6, at 2:30 p.m., Jessie Garcia, author and former WTMJ4 sportscaster, discusses her new book, “No Stone Unturned: A Brother and Sister’s Incredible Journey Through the Olympics and Cancer.” The book shares the story of Casey FitzRandolph, Olympic gold medalist, and his sister, Jessi, who was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, “No Stone Unturned” follows the family through this journey.

Musician and educator Rick Aaron presents "Music From Around the World" on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 1:30 p.m. Since the mid-1960s, Aaron has been a fixture on the Milwaukee area music scene, from performing jazz concerts and Broadway shows to subbing with the Milwaukee Symphony.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, at 1:30 p.m., Rachel Baum presents "Catskills 101." The lecture explores the rise and demise of the famous Kutscher’s Resort in the Catskill Mountains. Baum is the coordinator, Stahl Center for Jewish Studies and adjunct assistant professor at UW-Milwaukee

Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful classical music by world renowned performers and award-winning father and son duo Yuri (violinist) and Daniel (pianist) Beliavsky on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 1:30 p.m.  Their repertoire includes Jewish works by Ernest Bloch, Joseph Achron and others, plus general classical pieces. Yuri is a former Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra violinist and currently gives lectures on the "Art of Violin Playing." Daniel is a professional pianist and is on the faculty at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York.

Chai Point favorite James Slauson, professor of Art History and Humanities at MIAD, returns to present a lecture on Baroque art on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 1:30 p.m. Slauson has published articles on, and exhibited photographs displaying Baroque art.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 6:45 p.m., enjoy "A Special Night of Entertainment" with Milwaukee-based Nu Jazz duo Mrs. Fun joined by special guests John Schneider and Claire Morkin. Mrs. Fun, featuring vocalist Connie Graver and instrumentalist Kim Zick, brings their blend of off-center jazz, ultra-funk and neo-cabaret to each high-energy performance. Schneider is the leader and singer of the John Schneider Orchestra, performers of pop music songs of the 1920s – 1950s. Vocalist Morkin has performed with numerous jazz musicians throughout the Milwaukee area. 

All programs and performances are free unless otherwise noted. Free parking is also available under the building at 1414 N. Prospect Avenue.

Sarah Chudnow Community offers music, remembrance

MEQUON – Sarah Chudnow Community is kicking off 2016 with remembrance, music, and an encore by popular demand.

Rabbi Steve Adams continues his series, "Bible Women," on Monday, Jan. 4, and Monday, Jan. 18, at 3:00 p.m., with "Our Matriarchs: Leah & Rachel." These presentations will include some texts, some discussion, and music from a piece called Bible Women, written by Elizabeth Swados. "Bible Woman" runs twice monthly through June 2016; stay tuned for future dates and topics.

Pianist and vocalist Tom Stanfield performs the classics from George and Ira Gershwin & Cole Porter on Friday, Jan. 8, at 2:30 p.m.

World renowned performers Yuri (violinist)and Daniel (pianist) Beliavsky return for their annual performance on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. The repertoire will include Jewish works by Ernest Bloch, Joseph Achron and others, plus general classical pieces. Yuri is a former Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra violinist and currently gives lectures on the "Art of Violin Playing." Daniel is a professional pianist and faculty at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. The performance is free of charge.

Pianist David Alfvin returns for an afternoon of classical music on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. A former high school English instructor and corporate editor, Alfvin is also the author of the upcoming book “Left for Dead,” which chronicles the abduction and survival of Teri Jendusa-Nicolai, whose ex-husband abused her, left her for dead, and kidnapped their daughters.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m., singer /songwriter Jeanette Crosswait performs "Music for the Soul." Be uplifted by a variety of music styles including oldies and contemporary, as well as some original songs.

The String Academy of Wisconsin brings the melodious sound of strings to Sarah Chudnow Community on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.

On Monday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m, join author and speaker Reynold Kremer for part two of his presentation: "The Plain People: Hutterites, Mennonites and The Amish." Kremer will explore the interesting world of the Anabaptists (Amish, Old Order Mennonites, and Hutterites), with a special emphasis on the history, religion, and heritage of the Amish people. This second presentation was scheduled due to the enthusiastic response to November’s event. You do not need to have been at the first presentation to attend.

Folk duo Kathy Engel and Meg Kauselick make their SCC debut on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. The duo’s repertoire includes the music of Carole King as well as similar music from the 1960s and 1970s.

On Sunday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m., vocalist Anne Davis and pianist Matt Lawrenz promise an afternoon of unforgettable jazz standards and contemporary favorites including Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.

In observance of World Holocaust Remembrance Day, Sarah Chudnow Community hosts a Recipe Remembrance Dinner on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. The Seder-style meal, led by Rabbi Steven Adams, features recipes from Holocaust survivors, including recipes from the Holocaust Survivor Cookbook. Cost for the event is $20 with a choice of two entrees, Brisket or Chicken Paprikash. Seating is limited; RSVPs are required by calling 414-478-1500 no later than Jan. 18. The dinner is co-sponsored by the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, a program of Milwaukee Jewish Federation, and Hand in Hand, Partners in Caring.

On Friday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m., Rockin’ Randy brings his 50s & 60s dance party to Sarah Chudnow Community in celebration of January birthdays. Enjoy favorites such as "Sherry Baby" and "All Shook Up" with Randy’s unique twist.

Mark Boschstein and Olga Vologarskaya perform string and piano selections on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of classical music.

On Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10:30 a.m., Attorney Lori Kornblum, adjunct professor at Marquette University Law School and former assistant district attorney for Milwaukee County, discusses controversial topics from a legal perspective.

Lisa Gorelick, RN, BS, presents "Healthy Living" on Friday, Jan. 8, at 11:15 a.m., and Saturday, Jan. 23, at 2:30 p.m. Lisa brings insight into preventative health practices. Lisa’s programs are interactive. She provides a program at SCC the 2nd Friday and 4th Saturday of every month. If planning on attending, please refrain from wearing fragrances.

Sarah Chudnow Community is at 10995 N. Market St. Mequon. For more information call 262-478-1500. Questions? Email Info@SarahChudnow.org