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Day of Discovery to focus on ‘Wisdom for Troubled Times’

December 23rd, 2009

Scholarly pursuits can sometimes have the air of impracticality, lacking somehow in common sense or real-life application. This year’s Day of Discovery seeks to use learning to deal with practical challenges.

Though the 11th annual day of learning has not had a theme in several years, its organizers felt compelled to set a focus for this year’s event, “Wisdom for Troubled Times.”

“This year has been so difficult for so many people and yet there are opportunities to learn and to grow,” said Judy Baruch, event co-chair with David A. Blumberg.

Consequently, the Jan. 17 event, which is free and open to the community, will include at least nine workshops on the theme, including topics that focus on health, social justice and “what our sages have told us about living in difficult times,” Baruch said.

They will look at “personal issues, issues within the Jewish community and issues in the larger community,” she said.

The theme carries through to the day’s closing plenary, a theatrical event based on readings, music and Jewish learning.

A new component to the day, Baruch added, is an action component called the Jewish Community Initiative, which includes a call for attendees to bring food for donation to the Jewish Community Pantry plus the compilation of a booklet of volunteer opportunities already available in the community.

“There’s a lot of strength in our community and we’d like to highlight that strength,” she said.

 

“Behind the Scenes” with the Dead Sea Scrolls

The day will also feature a special presentation about the Milwaukee Public Museum’s exhibit, “Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible,” which will open on Jan. 22, just five days after the Day of Discovery.

Exhibit curator Carter Lupton will share his insights in “The Behind the Scenes True Story of the Dead Sea Scrolls.”

Taking place at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, the day is presented by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Coalition for Jewish Learning in collaboration with the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and the Wisconsin Council of Rabbis. Co-sponsors include many local organizations and synagogues.

It will feature local clergy, educators and professionals in more than 30 presentations and workshops. The wide range of topics include “Jewish American Comedy,” “Israeli Pop Music: What’s Religion Got to Do with It?” “Bringing Torah to Life,” “Don’t Separate Yourself from the Community,” “The Journey of Journaling,” “What Jews Do or Should Believe,” and “Judaism and Addiction.”

The Day of Discovery will also include a Teacher Recognition Event to honor Jody Margolis, of Keshet, as Educator of the Year. Other awards to be given include:

• The Gill Incentive for Teachers (GIFT) Award, to be presented to Roger Carp of Congregation Shalom, with second place going to Laura Greene, also of Shalom.

• The Rabbi Emanuel and Deborah Lifshutz Mitzvah Award, to be presented to Brian King of Milwaukee Jewish Day School.

• The Chai Awards, for 18 years of teaching in the Jewish community, to be presented to Leah Robbins, of Jewish Beginnings Lubavitch Preschool and Milwaukee Community Cheder, and to Susie Rosengarten of Milwaukee Jewish Day School.

Teachers will be able to follow a special track, for which they will receive CSI credit.

Though the day is free and open to the community, enrollment is limited and pre-registration is encouraged. Lunches can be pre-ordered for a fee. For more information, visit www.cjlmilwaukee.org/events/events.htm or call the CJL office, 414-963-2710.