Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

Since 2009, Michael Rosenkrantz has championed the development of wheelchair basketball and other adaptive-sports programs in locations around the world, including India, Nepal, North Carolina and Arizona. Shortly after his arrival in our desert community in 2019, he linked up with the Desert Ability Center and began working with local adaptive athletes.

A year later, he helped launch a new adaptive sports initiative called Palms to Pines Parasports. In the year and a half since, the name has been changed to SoCal Parasports, and the organizationwith Rosenkrantz as its executive directorhas expanded its sports offerings in partnership with the Desert Recreation District.

Just recently, Rosenkrantz revealed that he is adding yet another prestigious title to his rsum: Hes been named head coach of the 2022 Maccabi USA wheelchair basketball team. He and his eight-member co-ed team will head to Israel to compete in the 21st Maccabiah Games on July 5.

Culturally, I was brought up Jewish, Rosenkrantz said in a recent interview with the Independent. I had a bar mitzvah and all that kind of good stuff. Ive never been to Israel, although all of my other family members have.

Rosenkrantz said he became head coach of the team kind of by default, as one of the few Jewish wheelchair basketball coaches in the country.

For a while, they were trying to get someone else. I said all along that Id do it, but they said, Look, its your first year, and were not so sure, Rosenkrantz said. But, in the end, I am the head coach. Ill have an Israeli as an assistant coach, so it will be pretty cool.

Stu Greenberg is the paralympic basketball commissioner of Maccabi USA Parasports, and a member of the Maccabi USA teams that have participated over the past decade in the international and quadrennial Maccabiah Games.

The United States teams try to incorporate the cultural aspect and history of Israel, Greenberg said. This will be the first visit (to Israel) for many of these athletes, and they may never get back there, so we try to go over the history with them. This year, well have a Holocaust program that my friend is sponsoring. Were going to bring Holocaust survivorsand there are not many leftto a dinner on the Sabbath. Theyll speak about the Holocaust, and their life stories.

The other countries only get (to Israel) a day or two before hand. They dont have the means, or raise the money. Were the only country, Id say, that emphasizes the cultural aspect as well as the competitive aspect. I mean, this is not the Special Olympics. We are trying to winmaybe not at all costs, but were trying to win. We dont guarantee playing time. If you make the team, thats an honor in itself.

Maccabi USA is currently working on fundraising, with goals of $8,500 per athlete and $3,000 per coach as the minimum required to get each individual to the games. (If you are interested in making a donation, you can go to maccabiusa.com/21st-maccabiah-athlete-donate.)

To emphasize how big of a deal the Maccabiah Games are, Greenberg pointed out that among the open class of athletes (not living with a disability), the U.S. is sending mens basketball and soccer teams largely made up of Division I college athletes.

Michael Phelps swam on a relay team for our Maccabi team, he said. So we get elite Jewish athletes to go to Israel.

The cultural experiences are the focus during the Maccabi USAs first week in Israel.

The U.S. team leaves July 5, and arrives on July 6 for a thing called the Israel Connect program, which is a week of touring and a day of giving during that week, Greenberg said. So we will give back to a charitylike, well visit a childrens hospital or a nursing home or school or orphanage. Well bring small gifts like baseball caps or T-shirts from a sports team. There are over 1,200 athletes and coaches combined in the U.S. delegation so the wheelchair basketball athletes will intermingle. Theyll have breakfast every day and make friends with the mens and womens open teams in basketball and other sports staying at the hotel with them. Theyll go on trips. For example, in both 2013 and 2017, we went to (visit) the Dead Sea and Masada. We went to the holocaust museum Yad Vashem and the cemetery there in Jerusalem, so that will definitely be happening again this time.

Of course, that initial week will involve a good deal of athletic preparation as well. The wheelchair team is scheduled to hold practice sessions on five of those first seven days. Rosenkrantz believes that the skill and big-game experience of several of his players will be a critical benefit as they work to become a cohesive unit in such a short time.

The star of the team is Peter Berry, a member of a three-time National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship winning team, who currently he plays with the University of Alabama wheelchair basketball team. His brother, Aaronwho shared in those championship experiences and now plays at Alabama as wellis an accomplished player. Rosenkrantz also mentioned the one female member of this years team, Freya Levy, who currently resides in England.

The fact that Aaron and his brother, Peter, both play in college is really good, said Rosenkrantz, who served one season as the assistant coach of the University of Arizonas womens wheelchair basketball team. And Freya plays regularly, and shes really good. They know what theyre doing, and well kind of meld the other people into that. Were going to play a really basic offense, and a basic defense, so well make it happen and have fun doing it. Hopefully, well bring back the gold, right?

As the second week of the teams journey arrives, the 21st Maccabiah Games will begin in earnest, with opening ceremonies on either July 13 or 14.

The amount of games we play depends on the amount of teams, Greenberg said. For instance, if there are five teams, then well play four games, (but regardless), the top four teams will play in the bracket round. These are elimination games, so No. 1 meets No. 4, and No. 2 meets No. 3.

What personal and professional goals does Rosenkrantz hope to attain?

Personally, I think the spiritual theme, like going to the Wailing Wall, (will be important), Rosenkrantz said. I think that were going to go to Masada, the Dead Sea, and were just going to take it all in. You know, I lived overseas for seven years, and I havent really been able to travel lately due to COVID.

Professionally, it gets me back on the court coaching wheelchair basketball again. Ive missed that a bit. We dont have many athletes who use a wheelchair attending the adaptive sports we do six days per week. Over time, I really want to do wheelchair basketball again. Im hoping we can form a team, either in the Coachella Valley, or in Riverside County (overall), so maybe this will be a launching pad for doing that.

Rosenkrantz shared a vision that goes well beyond establishing a single team in our county.

I know a number of high school (wheelchair-basketball-playing) kids who graduated from San Diego and other places in California, and theyve gone to Arizona, because California has not offered anything yetso, Im looking to change that, he said. Im looking to build a whole continuum from very young to collegiate and beyond. Having people be able to participate in adaptive sports is the bigger picture, and why I do this.

Read the rest here:

The Jewish Olympics: Local Adaptive Sports Advocate Michael Rosenkrantz Is Heading to Israel to Coach in the 21st Maccabiah Games - Coachella Valley...

Category: Jewish | Comments Off on The Jewish Olympics: Local Adaptive Sports Advocate Michael Rosenkrantz Is Heading to Israel to Coach in the 21st Maccabiah Games – Coachella Valley…
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

Poway Unified School District is home to three winners in the 2022 Administrators of the Year for San Diego and Imperial counties, awarded by the Association of California School Administrators.

Valley Elementary School Principal Ricardo Cecea has been named Elementary Principal of the Year. Poway Unified Superintendent Marian Kim Phelps and others surprised Cecea recently to tell him that he had won the award.

It was a pleasant surprise, he said. Its truly an honor to be recognized. Im truly honored and humbled.

Also awarded were Lana Nguyen, director of educational technology, for Technology Administrator of the Year and Rancho Bernardo High Assistant Principal Yael Bozzay for Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year.

Recipients of the awards are chosen based on their demonstration of exceptional leadership, commitment to educational quality, professional growth and student achievement, as well as displaying creativity and innovation in overcoming issues facing public education, according to the Association of California School Administrators. All three honorees will be celebrated at the associations Honoring Our Own Gala on May 7.

Cecea has led Valley Elementary in Poway since 2015. Previous to this role, he was a Poway Unified elementary school teacher and administrator for more than 15 years. He said the award reflects the school as a whole and his team.

Every staff member here at Valley is making a huge difference for our students and their families, Cecea said.

He said he is committed to opening access to high quality educational experiences for all students regardless of income, family background or language ability. Valley Elementary is a Title I school and PUSDs only Spanish immersion campus.

During the pandemic, Cecea developed the Valley Tiger Student Wellness Task Force with a goal to remove any barriers to learning, such as internet access, technology tools, food insecurity or parent education. He brought innovative, research-based programs that promote rigorous learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) subjects to his traditionally underserved, underrepresented students, the association said.

It was under his leadership that Valley became the first elementary school in the district to be recognized as a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School, a program that provides students with access to high quality, relevant STEM curriculum.

Lana Nguyen, PUSD director of educational technology, won a regional award for the Technology Administrator of the Year.

(courtesy photo )

Nguyen has served as the director of educational technology for Poway Unified since 2017. Over the past four and a half years, Nguyen has transformed student learning and staff professional development in PUSD, the association said. She helped launch the award-winning PUSD Voyager Program, a research-based coaching model that provides teachers professional development in the area of blending technology with in-person learning.

Nguyen promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing and sustaining the use of new educational technology, the association said. This includes coordinating districtwide professional learning, training and support in and out of classrooms.

(courtesy photo )

Bozzay has been assistant principal at Rancho Bernardo High School since 2014. For nearly eight years she has shown a passion for empowering success for all students, specifically those struggling academically or socially on her campus, the association said. Through her efforts to increase access and equity, she has helped improve support for English learners, add interventions for disadvantaged youth, increase the number of collaboration and learning-supported classes, and reduce stand-alone special education classes, as part of the schools inclusive practices model.

Bozzays leadership has also resulted in the expansion of social and emotional wellness programs for students addressing timely and difficult topics, including suicide prevention and drug use, the association said. She served on the Anti-Defamation Leagues Education Committee and recently completed her doctorate, focusing her dissertation on the teachers role to reduce the achievement gap for Black students.

See the original post here:
Poway Unified principal, vice principal and technology director are Administrators of the Year - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Category: Anti-Defamation League | Comments Off on Poway Unified principal, vice principal and technology director are Administrators of the Year – The San Diego Union-Tribune
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai set off Monday for Poland, where he was set to view Europes largest refugee crisis since World War II from the border with Ukraine.

Shais trip is the first public visit by an Israeli minister to Eastern Europe since war broke out last month with Russias invasion of Ukraine. The Russian offensive has triggered a massive outflow of refugees; according to the UN, over 1.5 million people have fled the country since fighting began on February 24.

Israel has taken in thousands of Jewish refugees and opened its doors to more, but Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked has also sought to limit the number of Ukrainians it accepts who are ineligible for immigration due to a lack of Jewish heritage.

Shai will meet with Israeli, Polish, and Ukrainian ambassadors and officials as well as Jewish and Israeli organizations operating in Ukraine, the Diaspora Ministry said in a statement.

The minister said his trip is to send an unequivocal message of unity for the Jews of Ukraine.

Get The Times of Israel's Daily Editionby email and never miss our top stories

We are with you, he said. From far and even from near, here on the ground, at any time of need. The Jewish people and Israel is supporting you and we are full of hope that this terrible war will swiftly come to an end.

The Diaspora Ministry said that Israel is providing some NIS 20 million ($6.1 million) worth of aid for the Jewish community in Ukraine, thought to number around 200,000 before the war.

Though Shais visit was aimed at supporting the Jewish community, he has campaigned for Israel to take in all Ukrainian refugees seeking to escape the fighting.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Nachman Shai arrives at the Presidents Residence in Jerusalem, on June 14, 2021. (Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90)

On Sunday he tweeted that he asked Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to cancel the requirement that Ukrainian refugees deposit NIS 10,000 when they arrive in Israel.

Such a demand at this time is inhuman & immoral & prevents refugees fleeing the war & without family in Israel from seeking refuge here, he wrote.

The deposit is held as a guarantee that the Ukrainians will eventually leave Israel, as the country rarely grants refugee status to non-Jews, instead allowing them temporary entry as tourists.

The requirement has been criticized by Ukraines ambassador to Israel.

Nonetheless, on Monday, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked said she would propose a cap on the number of Ukrainians who are not eligible to immigrate under the Law of Return. According to Israels Law of Return, Jews and their children, grandchildren, and spouses are eligible for citizenship.

Israeli and Ukrainian refugees arriving from Ukraine on a rescue flight are welcomed at Ben Gurion international airport near Tel Aviv, on March 3, 2022. (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

Ukraine has about 43,300 people who self-identify as Jews and about 200,000 eligible to immigrate to Israel under its Law of Return for Jews and their relatives, according to a 2020 demographic study of European Jewry.

Immigration Minister Pnina Tamano-Shata has said she expected tens of thousands of people to immigrate to Israel in the coming months in light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Jewish Agency, which facilitates immigration to Israel, said it has already received thousands of immigration requests from Ukraine over the past week and a half, since the start of the Russian offensive, far more than it normally receives over the course of an entire year.

The Population and Immigration Authority said Monday morning that since the outbreak of the war, 2,792 Ukrainian nationals have arrived in Israel; 129 of them were denied entry for unspecified reasons.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has attempted to strike a measured approach to the conflict, decrying the humanitarian disaster while refusing to condemn Russia by name. Bennett has defended Israels neutrality as necessary for his attempts to mediate ceasefire talks.

Israel has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine in the form of package airlifted last week that included 17 tons of medical equipment and medicine, water purification systems intended to supply 200,000 people, emergency water supply kits to supply 100,000 people, winter tents to house 3,000, 15,000 blankets, 3,000 sleeping bags, and 2,700 winter coats.

It plans to also ship generators to a Lviv hospital and establish an Israeli-staffed field hospital somewhere in Ukraine.

Do you value The Times of Israel?

If so, we have a request.

Every day, our journalists aim to keep you abreast of the most important developments that merit your attention. Millions of people rely on ToI for fast, fair and free coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

We care about Israel - and we know you do too. So today, we have an ask: show your appreciation for our work by joining The Times of Israel Community, an exclusive group for readers like you who appreciate and financially support our work.

You're a dedicated reader

Were really pleased that youve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.

Thats why we started the Times of Israel ten years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.

So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we havent put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.

For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.

Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel

Original post:

Israeli minister heads to Poland as Ukraine refugees pour across border - The Times of Israel

Category: Jewish Heritage Month | Comments Off on Israeli minister heads to Poland as Ukraine refugees pour across border – The Times of Israel
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

Sara Burnett| Associated Press

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was one of the more high-profile targets of political violence when prosecutors say a group of men who were angry about restrictions imposed because of the pandemic plotted to kidnap the Democrat and hold a trial accusing her of what they called treason.

MORE: Whitmer plot underlines growing abuse of women officials

But the case didnt surprise many women lawmakers or people who track such attacks. They say online and in-person abuse is a daily occurrence for female public officials and candidates, and it happens to women especially women of color at a far greater rate than it does men. In recent years, it has seemed to intensify.

Heres a look at some of the incidents:

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu

Wu, who has Taiwanese heritage, has faced what the citys elected officials of color condemned as relentless threats of violence and hateful attacks since she took office in November. Protests have been held almost daily outside her home, some starting in the early morning hours, with drums and bullhorns, and what fellow lawmakers described as openly racist, anti-Asian and sexist rhetoric.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds

A man left a voicemail for Reynolds in early 2021 saying she should be hung for treason or face a firing squad for imposing pandemic restrictions, calling COVID-19 a scam. The man was later charged with harassment, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety announced a plan to erect a $400,000 wall around the GOP governors residence, citing widespread and alarming threats.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot

A man was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and stalking after police said he drove by or walked toward Lightfoots home 15 times in a matter of days. Lightfoot is Black and gay. The 37-year-old, who police say was angry about traffic tickets, had a gun with a round in the chamber when stopped by police during one incident last month. He later returned, and authorities say he fired the weapon in an alley near Lightfoots house.

Former Ohio Public Health DirectorDr. Amy Acton

Acton, who advised the GOP governor at the start of the pandemic, resigned in June 2020 after facing lawsuits and protesters outside her home, some carrying guns. Acton, who is Jewish, also was confronted with antisemitic messages at demonstrations, and a lawmaker referenced her with an antisemitic slur.

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and first lady Kathy Sisolak

The Sisolaks were accosted by two men last month who made racist threats, the Democratic governor said. Kathy Sisolak is of Chinese heritage and was born in Nevada. The governor said the men followed them out of a Las Vegas restaurant shouting profanities, taunts and anti-government statements.

Kristina Lawson, president of Californias Medical Board

Lawson said in December that four men confronted her in a dark parking garage as she left her office. She told police that anti-vaccine activists also stalked her at her home and followed while she took her two kids to school earlier that day.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota

Omar, who was born in Somalia, says she frequently receives death threats, and is harassed for her Muslim faith. She has called out former President Donald Trump and other GOP lawmakers for Islamaphobic attacks. At a news conference late last year, she played a voicemail in which she is called a jihadist, b---- and a traitor, and is told: you will not live much longer.

Michigan Secretary Of State Jocelyn Benson

Benson, Michigans chief elections officer, said a crowd of people with guns and signs stating Stop the Steal showed up at her home one evening in December 2020 as she watched a movie with her 4-year-old. She said the protesters shouted obscenities into bullhorns, angry about what they incorrectly said was voter fraud leading to Trumps loss in the 2020 election.

States Attorney Kim Foxx, Cook County, Illinois

Foxx received multiple death threats after her office dropped charges against Jussie Smollett, who starred on the TV show Empire and was convicted last year of lying about being the victim of an anti-gay, racist attack. Several of the threats against Foxx, who is Black, included racially charged language, her office said.

Heidi Harmon, the former mayor Of San Luis Obispo, California

Harmon denounced the constant harassment she received in a 2020 Facebook post, calling out the rudeness, threats, sexism, stalking, body shaming, rude/threatening comments towards my children, etc. Hours later, a man tried to force his way into her office at City Hall. He knocked a city staffer to the ground before another staffer restrained him and he was arrested.

See the rest here:

Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of power - Detroit News

Category: Jewish Heritage Month | Comments Off on Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of power – Detroit News
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

All weekLast chance to see Your Ship Has Landed. Image: NOW Gallery

At time of writing, a large tube strike is planned for Tuesday and Thursday this week, with "major disruption" expected. Disruption could have a knock-on effect on Wednesday and Friday too, with all modes of public transport expected to be busier than usual just something to bear in mind when planning your week.

LOCKDOWN PHOTOGRAPHY: Portrait photographer Katrina Campbell put her skills to use during the Covid-19 lockdown, and the results can be seen at free exhibition When We All Stayed At Home. It combines images and interviews with individuals, families and couples, all taken on their own doorsteps. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), free entry, just turn up, 27 February-6 March

ARCHIVING LGBTQ+ HISTORY: 40 key LGBTQ+ moments from London's history are celebrated and explored in this free exhibition. Protest banners used in the campaign against Section 28; a truncheon seized at a demo by Mark Ashton, founder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners; a poster promoting the UK's first national conference of black gay men all feature. The Curve (Barbican), free, just turn up, 28 February-21 March

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: March is Women's History Month, when the often-overlooked achievements of women, and women who have fought for their right to be recognised, are celebrated. Keep an eye out for special events throughout the month, including those we've highlighted. 1-31 March

LAL: New play Lal debuts this week. It's set in the East End, and tells the story of the women who kept the capital ticking over while London's men were off fighting in the war. Lal herself struggles with domestic abuse, while the country at large faces the threat of war. Hen & Chickens Theatre (Islington), 12.50, book ahead, 1-5 March

JEWISH BOOK WEEK: The bulk of Jewish Book Week events take place this week, celebrating Jewish authors and stories in many forms. Highlights include an online event looking at the likelihood that American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton was Jewish, and a look back at the world 70 years ago, in 1952. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 6 March

PUB POD: The London Eye transforms one of its pods into an 'Irish pub' this week, allowing you to sip Jameson whiskey and craft beer while enjoying heady views of the city. 57.50 pp, including two drinks and fast track entry, book ahead, until 5 June

LAST CHANCE EXHIBITIONS: These exhibitions are all in their final week:

CORAL REEFS: Hear from marine ecology expert Professor Nick Graham about the problems faced by coral reefs as the planet warms. How are coral reefs changing, what influences it, and what has research in this area uncovered so far? Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm

CLASSIC JAZZ: Music from Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue, John Coltrane's Giant Steps and Ornette Coleman's The Shape Of Jazz To Come are on the bill at this live show, which remembers 1959, one of the finest years for jazz. Ronnie Scott's (Soho), 35-50, book ahead, 6pm

DRAG SYNDROME: Spend an evening with Drag Syndrome, the world's first drag act featuring drag queens and kings with Down's Syndrome. Hear the stories behind the group, before Justin Bond, Nikita Gold, Divina Starr, and Lady Mercury of Drag Syndrome put on a show. The Standard London (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6.30pm

MARVELLOUS MOTHS: Moths may not immediately spring to mind when you think about the Royal Parks, but the latest Winter Warmers event is a chance to learn about the species which inhabit the parks, and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

GEORGIAN LODGINGS: It's a scenario that's familiar to many modern-day Londoners. Historian Dr Gillian Williamson talks about how a newcomer to Georgian London found a room and what life was like in a crowded house shared with strangers who were there to subsidise the household budget. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm

PANCAKE DAY: March is off to a strong start, as today is Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. Have yourself a tossing good time at one of London's best pancake restaurants, or peruse our list of vegan and gluten-free pancakes in London.

ST DAVID'S DAY: Whether you're a Welsh person in London, or just an avid fan of all things from England's western neighbour, check out our guide to being Welsh in London, and find a little slice of Cymru just in time for St David's Day.

PANCAKE RACE: City of London's annual pancake race is back at Leadenhall Market. Sign up now to take part in the 20m course across the market's cobbles, tossing a pancake as you go. Or, take the easy way out and head for the Lamb Tavern, where the first 100 people receive a free pancake. Leadenhall Market, free, register in advance, 12pm

GAY SEX DOCUMENTARY: To mark its 30th anniversary, Barbican Cinema hosts a rare screening of landmark gay sex ed documentary, The Gay Mans Guide to Safer Sex. It's followed by a discussion about its legacy, with producer Tony Carne, Terrence Higgins Trust Campaigns Director Richard Angell, and curator Selina Robertson. Barbican Cinema, 12, book ahead, 6.30pm

GHOSTS OF SENATE HOUSE: London Fortean Society is back, to discuss strange goings-on in the capital. This time, Sarah Sparkes covers her research into the ghosts of London landmark Senate House, Robert Stephenson (London Earth Mysteries) discusses the curious case of ley lines and London, and host Scott Wood shares a top five of 'fortean fings in south east London'. The Miller (Borough), 5, book ahead, 7.30pm

ELIZABETH'S RIVAL: Ever heard of Lettice Knollys? She was the Countess of Leicester, and one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era. Hear from historian and researcher Dr Nicola Tallis, who's just written a book about Knollys, about her tumultuous life inside and outside the royal court, via scandals of affairs, murder and treason. Online event, 3, book ahead, 6.30pm

MATRIARCHS: One of our picks for Women's History Month, Royal Museums Greenwich hosts an online screening of Matriarchs, a film about the meeting between Grace O'Malley known as Ireland's 'Pirate Queen' and Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace in 1593. Online event, 10, book ahead, 6.30pm

MOON WITCH, SPIDER KING: Fantasy author Marlon James has been praised as creating worlds "as well realised as anything Tolkien made" (by Neil Gaiman no less). Tonight, James is in conversation with Ekow Eshun about the second book in his Dark Star Trilogy, as well as the tradition of African mythology, fantasy and history. Southbank Centre (Waterloo), 15-25, book ahead, 7.30pm

NATIONAL TREASURES: Hear the story of how a group of heroic curators and eccentric custodians saved Britains national heritage during the second world war. Author and historian Dr Caroline Shenton talks about how stately homes, tube tunnels, slate mines, castles, prisons and quarries were among the locations used to stow priceless artworks in the summer of 1939. Online event, free, book ahead, 7.30pm

GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL: Making a brief foray down south, the first of three Glasgow Film Festival screenings in London takes place today. Watch The Outfit, about an English tailor who ends up working in Chicago, where his most loyal customers are a clan of gangsters. The screening is followed by a pre-recorded talk with Mark Rylance and director Graham Moore. Barbican Cinema, 12, book ahead, 8.30pm

POSTWAR MODERN: Barbican Art Gallery opens a new exhibition, Postwar Modern, looking at the art produced in Britain in the aftermath of the second world war. 200 works by 48 artists, spanning painting, sculpture, photography and more all feature. Barbican, 18, book ahead, 3 March-26 June

REVOLUTIONARY DECADE: 1649-1660 was Britain's only decade as a republic. Find out what life was like, and which big changes took place, during that time, as told by historian Dr Anna Keay. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 1pm

CLASSIC ALBUMS: Classic Album Sundays are not just for Sundays, apparently, as the event which tells the stories behind the albums that have shaped our culture and our lives has a Thursday airing. Host Colleen Murphy talks to Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, who together make up Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, and have been working together for over 40 years. British Library or online, 16, book ahead, 7.30pm

YAO BOBBY & SIMON GRAB: Togolese rapper/political activist Yao Bobby and self-professed 'Swiss noisemaker' Simon Grab have teamed up to create the album WUM. Hear them play tracks from their experimental hip-hop album, live. Cafe OTO (Dalston), 14, book ahead, 7.30pm

FOURPURE COMEDY: Tom Ward, Vittorio Angelone, Josh Jones, Charlie George, and Don Biswas all appear at tonight's Fourpure Nice N' Spiky comedy night. Fourpure pints are 4.50 all night, so get there in plenty of time to hit the bar before you take a seat. Paradise By Way of Kensal Green, from 12.50, book ahead, 8pm

MOUNTBATTEN FESTIVAL: The Massed Bands of Her Majestys Royal Marines, perform over two nights at the Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Festival of Music, offering the public a chance to see the versatility of some of the military's finest musicians. Royal Albert Hall, 20-63, book ahead, 4-5 March

BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: It's the 10th anniversary edition of Barnes Music Festival, a programme of choral, instrumental, orchestral, opera, jazz and film events at venues across SW13. Local talent and international performers are all celebrated, and it all begins tonight with a celebration of the bells of St Mary's Church, which have been ringing for 500 years. Various locations and prices, book ahead, 4-20 March

ROYAL PHOTOS: The British Royal Familys enduring relationship with the camera is explored in new exhibition, Life Through A Royal Lens. It reaches back to photography's infancy in the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, continuing right through until the present day. Kensington Palace, included in admission (20 adult), book ahead, 4 March-30 October

CITY OF WOMEN: Another of our picks for International Women's Day, hear from a team of researchers at UCL who have put together the City of Women map, an alternative tube map where stations are given the names of remarkable female or non-binary Londoners who have had an impact on the citys history. Online event, free, book ahead, 11am-12pm

LANTERN PARADE: Illuminate Rotherhithe and Bermondsey is a pair of lantern processions through the respective areas, which join up in Southwark Park, for a celebration with live music and free food. The theme this year is trees. Free to attend, processions depart from Mayflower Hall, Rotherhithe and St Jamess Church, Bermondsey at 5.30pm

WORLD BOOK DAY: Camden Market celebrates World Book Day with a weekend of family-friendly events, including authors Konnie Huq and Nicholas Allan reading from their books on board a barge. Restaurants across the area have created limited edition menu items inspired by children's books, and there are literary-inspired creative workshops too. Camden Market, some events free, others have a charge, book ahead, 5-6 March

CRAFTY FOX: This brilliant craft market returns to Mercato Metropolitano, offering handmade crafts including pottery, t shirts, jewellery and scented candles. Why not get your Mother's Day gifts early this year. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant and Castle), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm

STUMBLE: There are four sets from up-and-coming buskers, plus live doodling from a sketch artist, at Stumble a one-day event celebrating the local area's artistic talents, as well as it's great food and drink scene. The Hatch (Homerton), 5 online or 8 on the door, 12pm-6pm

CAMELLIA TALK: There's a lot more to the humble camellia than most people realise learn about its uses in art, medicine, religion, horticulture, trade and social behaviour at a special talk as part of the wider Camellia Festival. Chiswick House and Gardens, 10, book ahead, 3pm

RIOT GRRLS: Smashing gender stereotypes and showing everyone what it really looks like to 'fight like a girl', EVE - Riot Grrrls of Wrestling returns to Signature Brew's east London brewery. Among admirers of these raucous events are Kate Nash and Kathy Burke. Signature Brew (Walthamstow), 22.03-27.39, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm

LONDON SONGS: Barbican hosts an homage to London through song, co-curated by songwriter Chris Difford, and DJ and presenter Nihal Arthanayake, and performed by a myriad of musicians. From music halls to punk to rock and grime, hear how London has been immortalised in music, in a special event to mark Barbican's 40th birthday. Barbican Hall, 22.50-30, book ahead, 8pm

FROCK ME!: Refresh your wardrobe, at Frock Me! Vintage Fair's largest event for 2022. Browse clothes and accessories from over 60 traders, with items dating back to the 1920s. It's not uncommon for branded items such as Chanel and Biba to make an appearance, so keep your eyes peeled. Kensington Town Hall, from 5, book ahead, from 11am

GREEK MYTHS: Storytelling legends Crick Crack Club rock up at the British Museum for an afternoon of Greek mythology. Atalanta is the story of a remarkable virgin hunter and devotee of Artemis who doesnt want to have anything to do with men, told by storyteller Ben Haggarty. Age 16+. British Museum, 10, book ahead, 2.30pm

SUNDAY CONCERTS: Young musicians Callum Smart, Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley join forces to perform Conway Hall's Sunday Concert, a performance which culminates in Brahms trio for horn, violin and piano, written to commemorate the death of the his mother. Conway Hall (Holborn) or online, 10-14, book ahead, 6.30pm

DOCTOR JEKYLL: See historical performer Cara Hamilton bring the story of The Curious Case of Dr Jeyll and Mr Hyde to life in a talk and performance inside a former operating theatre. Expect an evening of nightmarish monsters, witches, devil worshipers, robbers, spiritualism and more. Standard Sunday night, then. The Old Operating Theatre (London Bridge), 20, book ahead, 7pm

DIRT ROAD BAND: Stripped down, back to basics blues is the name of the game with trio Dirt Road Band. They know their onions, too; between them they've played in The Specials, Badfinger and Dr. Feelgood. The Half Moon (Putney), 15, book ahead, 8pm

As Barnes Music Festival approaches (see Friday), we're reminded of the area's most famous and tragic musical connection. It was here, in 1977, that glam-rock pioneer Marc Bolan lost his life after the car in which he was a passenger hit a tree. A shrine dedicated to his memory soon sprung up on Queen's Ride, where the accident happened. It is well looked after by fans, and regularly decorated with flowers, garlands and other tributes.

One of London's many excellent environmental projects returns on Sunday 27 February, as Plastic Free Hackney seeks volunteers to help remove litter from the area. You're encouraged to prebook and wear waterproofs. If that's too short notice, then make a note that the scheme runs on every last Sunday of the month, and you can book ahead for March, April and beyond.

Original post:

Things To Do This Week In London: 28 February-6 March 2022 - Londonist

Category: Jewish Heritage Month | Comments Off on Things To Do This Week In London: 28 February-6 March 2022 – Londonist
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution rejecting and condemning any denial of the Holocaust,proposed by Israeli and German ambassadors.

The 193-member assembly agreed on the proposal without a vote with only Iran distancing itself from the text. The assembly also urged social media companies to "take active measures" to fight antisemitism online.

"The General Assembly is sending a strong and unambiguous message against the denial or the distortion of these historical facts," said German UNAmbassador Antje Leendertse. "Ignoring historical facts increases the risk that they will be repeated."

Susanne Wasum-Rainer, the German ambassador to Israel, and Jeremy Issacharaoff, the Israeli ambassador to Germany, published a joint appeal ahead of the meeting in New York.

"This resolution is meant to be a sign of hope and inspiration for all states and societies that stand up for diversity and tolerance, strive for reconciliation and understand that remembering the Holocaust is essential to prevent such crimes from happening again," the two diplomats wrote.

The German Tagesspiegel and the Israeli Maariv newspaperpublished their appeal.

The two ambassadors said Holocaust denial was an attack on victims and their descendants, Jewish people andon "the basic condition of peaceful societies and peaceful coexistence worldwide."

The resolution set out a definition of Holocaust denial that includes attempts to distort the historical facts:

The call was timed to coincide withthe 80th anniversary of the Wansee Conference, whenNazi leaders met at a villa on the shores of Berlin's Wannsee lake to discuss the systematic murder of up to 11 million Jews in Europe. Theminutes from the 1942 meeting have been preservedto this day, making it a symbol of the genocide that was already underway at the time.

The UN resolution proposes a uniform definition of antisemitism and investment in education and awareness-raising.

It also urged social media companies to take active steps to combat Holocaust denial.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said even 80 years after the Wannsee Conference it was essential to remember how German diplomatsbecame complicit in Nazi crimes.

"Officials from the Foreign Office who put themselves at the service of crimes and genocide by the Nazi regime are also to blame for their suffering," she said.

She commemorated the victims of the Holocaust and vowed, "We will never forget what Germany did to them."

The General Assembly designated January27, the day the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated, as the annual international day of commemorationhonoring victims of the Holocaust, also known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

ab, lo/sms(AP, dpa, KNA, Reuters)

Read this article:

UN General Assembly adopts German-Israeli proposal against ...

Category: Holocaust Denial | Comments Off on UN General Assembly adopts German-Israeli proposal against …
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

The shared history of oppression of Jewish and Black Americans has bonded our communities for decades. During the march on Washington in 1963, Rabbi Joachim Prinz said, As Americans, we share the profound concern of millions of people about the shame and disgrace of inequality and injustice. Rabbi Micah Lapidus and vocalist Melvin Kindall Myles of Ebenezer Baptist Church created a new album in response to injustices. Better Angels was released in February and is now on Spotify. Rabbi Lapidus and Melvin Myles joined City Lights host Lois Reitzes via Zoom to talk about their album inspired by tragedy and created in friendship.

Better Angels is out now. (Courtesy of: Micah Lapidus)

Interview highlights:

When Rabbi Lapidus first heard Melvin Myles sing:

Its an origin story that goes back to an iconic moment in the life of the Atlanta faith community, which is the Friday night of Martin Luther King weekend, when the combined choirs of the Temple and Ebenezer Baptist Church come together to sing and to worship together in the beautiful sanctuary of the Temple, said Lapidus. One of my compositions entitled Praying with Our Feet is sung annually at that celebration. Well, a number of years ago, it came time to sing Praying with Our Feet, and the moment that I heard Melvin sing I said, This is the voice of my soul when Im dreaming. I need to meet this person.

The meaning of friendship between the Black and Jewish communities:

I think that part of what is resonating in our very personal and very specific relationship, the two of us, is that it reminds people of that broader context, and the Black-Jewish relationship in America, while not free of challenges and complexities, is fundamentally joyful; is fundamentally about standing arm-in-arm; is fundamentally about intersectionality, said Lapidus. Its about Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

He continued, Its about the single garment of destiny, all of the things that Dr. King and Rabbi Rothschild and Rabbi Heschel and hundreds of others, thousands of others spoke for, marched for, lived for, in some cases died for; and we feel the wind of all of that at our backs pretty much every time that were together.

Melvin Myles (left) and Micah Lapidus (right) created Better Angels together. (Courtesy of: Micah Lapidus)

On the poignant lyrics of Violence In the Silence:

I think that us raising our voices and sounding the alarm is such a call to everyone everyone whos afraid, who is fearing whats next or what could come of them speaking out and using their voices. Its a call to you, said Myles. Youre not alone. Were here together. Were going to stand with you as you use your voice.

On the title Better Angels, a reference to President Bidens acceptance speech:

The topic Better Angels resonated with me because, well the foundation of the album is love, and I consider God love, said Myles. Sometimes we have to reach out to our better angels, call upon our better angels to learn how to love each other better. And for this album to be titled that and for the foundation of the whole entire album to be love, its so special to me, and I hope that the lyrics and the words reach everyone the way that Im feeling it.

Songwriting can be lonely, said Lapidus. Sometimes, even though music is inherently communal and collaborative, a lot of the songwriting process takes place in isolation with ones own thoughts as a response to the world. At least, thats the case for me. But Better Angels illustrates to me so clearly something that Ive always known to be true, but feel is particularly true in the partnership that Melvin and I have which is just how stronger and better we are together.

The album Better Angels, a collaboration between Melvin Kindall Myles and Rabbi Micah Lapidus, can be heard now on Spotify and other major streaming platforms. More about the projects of these two community leaders and musicians can be found at https://www.lapidus-myles.com/.

Original post:

Rabbi and Ebenezer Baptist Church singer create album in response to injustices - WABE 90.1 FM

Category: Rabbi | Comments Off on Rabbi and Ebenezer Baptist Church singer create album in response to injustices – WABE 90.1 FM
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

A Maidenhead rabbi who is attempting to set up a Ukrainetransport for families fleeing the Russian invasion says he has been overwhelmed by offers of help in the UK.

Jonathan Romain, whose mother fled Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport during the second world war, has been contacted by more than 240 people offering rooms for refugees.

Explaining the initiative, he tweeted: I have always wondered how I could repay the debt I owe to the Kindertransport, who saved my then 11-year-old mother. Now is the time, which is why I am helping to coordinate Ukrainetransport.

Romain praised the amazing response from those who have got in touch from across the UK, offering rooms in their houses, mobile homes and even one who has a hotel.

He said an 84-year-old woman told him she wants to offer her spare room despite being due to have a cataract operation soon, while another whose husband receives kidney dialysis has offered to open up her home if there is a Ukrainian family who are also in need of dialysis, saying she can take them all to hospital at the same time.

Its been that sort of really warm response, really caring response thats been quite amazing, he said.

His initiative came as the UNs high commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi, said more than 1.5 million people have already fled Ukraine for neighbouring countries.

The rabbi plans to contact the government on Monday with the offers he has received so far.

The government has been criticised for its sluggish response to helping refugees from Ukraine. After delays, it has extended a visa scheme to allow more people from Ukraine to join relatives in the UK, but plans for a humanitarian refugee scheme to help those without family ties in Britain have yet to be announced.

Romain, who is based in Maidenhead, Berkshire, said he hopes what happened with refugees coming to the UK from Afghanistan last year, being put up in hotels rather than hosted by British families, can be avoided.

He said those wanting to help are a mix of people whose ancestors had to flee during the second world war, and others who have no previous experience of refugees but are just appalled for humanitarian reasons.

Romain said: So many people have responded and I have been overwhelmed by the numbers, but also the comments because people are so appalled by whats going on and they feel so impotent and they want to help in some way, and yes of course we can send money and medical equipment, but people want to be much more involved.

Helping a Ukrainian family and making a real difference to them is what appeals to a lot of people whove got that capacity and therefore they said were only too delighted to help.

After fleeing the Nazis on the kindertransport, Romains mother was looked after by a family in Devon.

He said: When whats been happening in Ukraine erupted, I thought well, heres my chance to repay the debt. If it wasnt for what Britain offered in hospitality to my mother, I wouldnt be here and so this is perhaps the time for me and for my generation to step up.

He said: The warmth of human company is enormously important, and also for people who are trying to get to know the language. So its not just a matter of a roof over the head, its a matter of looking after people and getting them to integrate.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved can email Rabbi Romain at rabbi@maidshul.org.

Read the original:

Rabbi in UK wants a Ukrainetransport for families fleeing the Russian invasion - The Guardian

Category: Rabbi | Comments Off on Rabbi in UK wants a Ukrainetransport for families fleeing the Russian invasion – The Guardian
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

NEW YORK (VINnews) Decent people respect justice, and the ones who make the world a better place, because they protect and defend what is right and just. It used to be back in the day that when a child would complain about an adult being inappropriate, the viewpoint was not to believe a child, and that children live in their own make-believe world. How horrifying that must have been for children who were victimized.

Join our WhatsApp group

Not only that, but the old-fashioned mentality was that the educator is always right. It had gotten to the point where children knew that they might as well keep quiet about inappropriateness perpetrated against them. Oftentimes, these children went through life bearing the pain of their abuse.

In fact, there are adults today who say that when they were growing up how it was known in specific schools who the perpetrating educator was, and these children knew to watch out for that person.

Fast forward several years later when the people became savvier, and actually uttered the words, sexual abuse if their child was victimized. These parents would scream and try to bring the perpetrator to justice. But, for those who followed the renowned stories, we know that things did not go well for those families, and not only was justice never served, but the family was ostracized for daring to accuse a so-called respectable person of abusing their child.

Well, we have come a long way since then, because an educator of children said enough is enough, and risking his own self and family, he started going after perpetrators and calling them out.

Rabbi Yakov Horowitz who conducts child abuse prevention and parenting workshops eloquently explains the situation and how to combat this issue. He goes into detail about why a particular child might be targeted, and what to look out for to prevent such a tragedy from occurring. Rabbi Yakov Horowitz also talks about his new book, A Safety Book in Every Home that every parent must read.

Baila Sebrow is an acclaimed journalist, inspirational international speaker, and 5TJT columnist who hosted numerous radio and Cable TV shows, including Insight/Israel. Baila is also an educator, and active on many human rights and political causes. Baila is the Founder and President of Neshoma Advocates, Inc., servicing children and families at-risk. She is also a world renowned matchmaker and relationship coach, and president of Baila Sebrow Events, LLC. She has been been featured in various publications, including The New York Times.

Continued here:

WATCH: Protecting Children And Exposing The Truth: Interview With Rabbi Yakov Horowitz - VINnews

Category: Rabbi | Comments Off on WATCH: Protecting Children And Exposing The Truth: Interview With Rabbi Yakov Horowitz – VINnews
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 8, 2022

Jewish community holds peace for Ukraine vigil in Skokie

About 200 people were at the Holiday Inn in Skokie.

SKOKIE, Ill. - About 200 people were at the Holiday Inn Monday night in Skokie.

The crowd didnt make political statements about the war in Ukraine, but did use their religion to call for peace.

Spoken in Hebrew, seven prominent rabbis from Chicago prayed for the war to end, as millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee.

"Right now my parents are outside the boarder," said Mushka Gurevitz. This is the second war her family has experienced. "They rented a motel and are greeting refugees after their difficult journey of 30 hours, 50 hours, and sometimes more. Theres bombing and shelling. Roads are destroyed. You dont know where you are going, and you dont know whats coming."

Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois organized the prayer service.

Their extensive Jewish network goes beyond Chicago, with representatives in Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Germany.

DOWNLOAD THE FOX 32 CHICAGO APP FOR BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

Their goal is to help Ukrainians eat, have clothing and shelter.

"Our goal tonight is to end the war through prayer and good deeds," said Rabbi Yosef Posner of Lubavitch Chabad of Illinois.

If you want to help with food and shelter you can donate to chabadillinois.com/Ukraine

Read this article:

Chicago rabbis gather together, pray for peace as millions of Ukrainians flee their homes - FOX 32 Chicago

Category: Rabbi | Comments Off on Chicago rabbis gather together, pray for peace as millions of Ukrainians flee their homes – FOX 32 Chicago
Tags: