Happening

Study in Israel

Dialogue and understanding between religious and secular Jews in Israel is the challenge being met by Elul, a unique learning center in Jerusalem devoted to Talmud Torah (Jewish studies). This is the only setting in Israel bridging the wide chasm between believers and secularists. In its core program —the Beit Midrash—40 women and men study 20 hours per week, in hevruta (traditionally two or three people studying texts together). They participate in weekly public forums, and serve as coordinators of outreach programs to immigrants, army officers, discharged soldiers, and elementary and high school students. Information from Elul, P.O.Box 8158, Jerusalem, Israel; (972-2)619436; fax (972-2) 619425. Contributions to P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds, 41 E. 42nd St.. #607, NY, NY 10017.

The first Conservative yeshiva in Jerusalem will be an open coeducational environment with a critical approach to the study of texts. Students will learn Talmud, Hebrew Scriptures, and rabbinic literature at least seven hours a day from teachers and with hevruta (study buddies). This program is intended for high school graduates seeking a year of intensive Jewish study in Israel before college; college graduates considering a career in Jewish education: and others who simply wish to study. Contact United Synagogue Yeshiva Program. 155 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010; fax (212)353- 9439: or Center for Conservative Judaism in Jerusalem, 2 Agron St., P.O. Box 7456. Jerusalem 94265 Israel; fax (972-2)234127; or Rabbi Ed Romm, registrar, e-mail: msromm@pluto.mscc.huji.ac.il.

On Campus

New Voices, The Independent National Jewish Student News Magazine, published by the Jewish Student Press Service, needs writers, artists, copy editors, proofreaders, photographers, graphic illustrators, and people to let them know what’s happening with Jewish folks on campus and off. Interested in working to develop an alternative student press? Contact Ilana Polyak, (212)643-1890; e-mail: jsps@panix.com

Jewish Studies Courses at American and Canadian Universities: A Catalog lists 410 institutions, with the titles of courses they offer, and includes a list of 103 endowed Jewish Studies positions in non- Jewish colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. This updated version (of the original 1979 catalog of the Association for Jewish Studies) was prepared by Elizabeth Vernon and edited by Charles Berlin. Paperback $14.95. Ktav Publishing. 900 Jefferson St., Hoboken, NJ 07030: fax (201)963-0102.

Role Models

Women Members of the Rabbinical Assembly is a directory listing names, addresses, lecture topics, publications and accomplishments of 71 rabbis who are available as scholars-in-residence, speakers, teachers and consultants. Published in honor of the 10th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Conservative movement. Request the booklet from Rabbi Lori Forman, 165 E. 56th St., New York, NY 10022; fax (212)751-4018.

Ritual, Liturgy & Remembering Holidays

Original Seder plates are sought for a competition recognizing exemplary work in Jewish ceremonial art. The winning artist will receive $10,000, and finalists will become part of a special exhibition at the Spertus Museum and elsewhere. Entrance deadline January 15, 1996. Application and information from Philip and Sylvia Spertus Judaica Prize, Spertus Museum, 618 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IE 60605; (312)322-1747; fax (312)922-3934.

The Birthday of the World, Part 1, is a compact disk of High Holiday music sung by a cappella ensemble The Western Wind, with guest cantors Alberto Mizrahi, Faith Steinsnyder Gurney, Jacob Mendelson and Charles Osborne. Comprising the major prayers of Rosh Hashanah, the  music is drawn from ancient through modern Jewish traditions, including Sephardic hymns and contemporary Israeli and American works. A commentary by Rabbi Gerald Skolnik is spoken by actor Leonard Nimoy. Part 2, Yom Kippur, arrives in 1996. In your record store, or call 800-788-2187.

The Jewish Way through Clay offers a combination of ceramic experiences: a feminist workshop for women reclaiming a Jewish spiritual path, “Vessel as Self-Portrait;” a hands-on workshop teaching adults or children to create personalized Judaica objects; and a slide lecture on the history of Jewish ceremonial arts and their relationship to the indigenous arts of their countries of origin. Contact the artist Lia Lynn Rosen, Yetzirah Pottery, 1703 Anderson Place. SE, Albuquerque NM 87108; (505)262-4801.

Saluting Jerusalem on its 3000th Anniversary, a 1995- 96 memo and date book lists traditional holidays celebrated by America’s ethnically and religiously varied population. Photos of Jerusalem show it, too, as a center of multicultural and religious diversity. $4.95 each; quantity discounts available. Anti-Defamation League, #MD96,’823 U. N. Plaza, New York, NY 10017.

Special Events

Di Froyen: Women and Yiddish is a conference devoted to celebrating women’s contributions to the Yiddish culture of Eastern Europe and the immigrant communities of North America, and women’s current role in passing on the Yiddish cultural legacy. An impressive list of about 50 women—too many to sample here—will share their scholarship, art, and theatrical performance. Saturday evening and Sunday, October 28-29 in New York City. (See this magazine’s inside cover ad.) Information from Jewish Women’s Resource Center, National Council of Jewish Women, New York Section, 9 E. 69th St., New York. NY 10021; (212)535-5900; fax (212)535-5909.

In Search of Ourselves: The Power of Jewish Women is a symposium featuring a keynote address by Francine Klagsbrun, and 24 workshops led by activists, scholars, rabbis and other experts on subjects such as bodies, children, divorce, domestic violence, ethics, feminism, glass ceilings, Israeli women, lesbians, meditation, men, milestones, money, and mothers. Sunday, November 12 at Barnard College. $36 fee ($18 for students) includes breakfast and lunch. Contact the cosponsors; New York Chapter of Hadassah, 575 Lexington Ave, 5th Fl, New York, NY 10022; (212)765-7050; or the Barnard Center for Research on Women, (212)854-2067.

Voices of Hope: Echoes of Women’s Spirituality is a conference that will explore women’s ways of discovering and articulating their spiritual journeys, and the contributions that women make to their communities within and outside traditional religions. Speakers will include women from these traditions: Aboriginal, Wiccan, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Roman Catholic, Hindu, Baha’i, and Spiritual Feminists. May 15-19, 1996, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. Information from Conference Management, Division of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria, Box 3030, MS 8451, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N6; (604)721- 8470; fax (604)721-8774; e-mail; pmcguire@postoffice.unic.ca

The 75th Anniversary of a Woman’s Right to Vote (in the United States) is being celebrated all year in special programs in Susan B. Anthony’s hometown, Rochester, NY. For a calendar of events, contact Woman’s Suffrage 75th Anniversary Office, Dewey Hall, #411, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627; (716)275-8799; fax (716)242-5810.

For a book of biographies of Jewish women activists, community leaders, artists, and organizers which will be marketed for high school girls, send names of women you’d like to see included, why they are significant, and, if possible, biographical sources. Mail your suggestions to Hemshekh, Feminist Institute for Jewish Cultured Continuity. P.O.Box 879, Veneta, OR 97487; e-mail; Hemshekh@aol.com

With Children

The December Dilemma: Living Chanukah in a Christmas World is a family gathering at the Jewish Museum in New York City for parents and children ages 3-8, sponsored by the Jewish Early Childhood Association. Storytelling, arts and crafts, continental breakfast and a concluding songfest are all part of a program designed to enrich the Jewish living of families of varying backgrounds and constellations, with discussion groups geared to single-parent, two-Jewish-parent, and interfaith families. Sunday morning November 5. $36 per family. Contact Early Childhood Dept., Board of Jewish Education, (212)245-8200×322.

Jewish Parenting Today: A Guide to Family Living in New York is a monthly news magazine appealing to a broad spectrum of Jewish families and focusing on issues such as education, rituals and holidays, health, travel and popular culture. Published by Sharon Goldman Edry and Sandy Edry, it includes local news, book reviews and calendar listings. Available free at schools, synagogues, community centers and stores or by subscription at $28/ year. JPT, 2472 Broadway, Box 293, New York. NY 10025; (212)961-9520; fax (212)663- 1964; e-mail JPToday@aol.com

The Goddess Comes in Living Color, a coloring book for all ages, includes the characters Lilith and Eve. $10plus$3 postage. Available from the artist. Jay Goldspinner. 56 Orchard St., Greenfield. MA 01301; (413)773-8033.

Health

How alcohol and drugs affect women is the subject of a revised and updated booklet, “Healthy Women/Healthy Lifestyles.” Publication #PHD69I, free from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O.Box 2345. Rockville. MD 20847; 800-729-6686; e-mail info@prevline.health.org

Do you have a critical and creative perspective on panic, phobia and anxiety? Submit yours for a collection of writings by women. Any work which challenges and explores current thinking—academic and political papers, fiction, nonfiction and poetry—will be considered. Send along a paragraph about yourself with your submission, or request more information. Deadline December 1. Write to Sidney Matrix and Noel Morgan. Editors, c/o 111 Dun lop St. E.. #2028, Barrie, Ontario. L4M 6J5, Canada; email; reynolds@bosshog.arts.uwo.ca or matrixs@yorku.ca

Women with advanced stage breast cancer are sought for clinical trials of the anti-cancer drug, Taxotere (docetaxel), comparing its effectiveness with another anti-cancer drug, Taxol (paclitaxel). To be directed to the most convenient trial site, patients or health care professionals may call 800-798-7425.

Testimony

Witnesses to Nazi atrocities in or near the villages or towns of Kislovodsk, Galtchik, Mineraluye Vodi, Skalat and Ternopol in the F.S.U. during World War II. for Case25); survivors from the Ukraine who lived in or near the village of Vorms (Worms), Berezovka Rayon, Odessa Oblast from 1941 to 1944 (for Cases 47 and 58); and individuals who were in the Kaiserwald or Bikernieki Forest area of Latvia between July 1941 and December 1942 (for Case 65): If you are willing to be interviewed for investigations in cooperation with the War Crimes and Special Investigation Section of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, contact Eliot Welles, Director. A.D.L Task Force on Nazi War Criminals, 823 U.N. Plaza, New York, NY 10017; (212)885-77.69; or call the Royal Canadian Mounted Police collect at (613)990- 8484.