| Philly based students
Do you use public transportation? If you do how much do you currently spend a month on all your public transportation needs? Gratz student are eligible for monthly Septa passes at a 10%discount if we enroll in their special university program. We're currently trying to guage how many students would be interested in this service. If you might be, email Tamara to express your interest. Happy Trails!
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| Everything you ever wanted to know about Mishloach Manot
Mishloach Manot,
literally, "sending of portions"; also spelled mishloach manos and sometimes shortened to shalach manos, are gifts of food or drink that are sent to friends, relatives, neighbors, teachers, business associates, and any other acquaintances on Purim day. The mitzvah of giving mishloach manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to increase love and friendship among Jews as a counter to Haman's assertion that the Jewish people are characterized by strife and disunity. According to halakha, every Jew over the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah must send two different, ready-to-eat foods and/or drinks to one friend to fulfill the mitzvah of giving mishloach manot. Over time, the mitzvah of giving mishloach manot has become one of the most prominent features of the celebration of Purim.
While halakha only calls for the giving of two food gifts to one friend, a person who gives mishloach manot to more than one person is called praiseworthy. However, it is better to give more charity on Purim day than to spend more money on elaborate mishloach manot.
Text taken from wikipedia. Barclay, Rabbi Elozor and Jaeger, Rabbi Yitzchok (2001). Guidelines: Over two hundred and fifty of the most commonly asked questions about Purim.Southfield, MI: Targum Press. Taken from | |
Upcoming Community Events
The Dialogue Institute at Temple University presents an evening in conversation with
Dr. Ben Mollov of Bar-Ilan University
Sunday, February 21,6 pm. Dr. Mollov will speak on inter-religious approaches to conflict management from an intercultural perspective. Event wil
be held at the home of Gratz student, Pecki Witonsky, 502 Hillbrook Road Bryn Mawr, PA 19101.
Refreshments will be served. For directions call 610-649-8708. RSVP here.
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Greetings!
With a new semester well under way, things are heating up again for students at Gratz College (even as we are shovelling ourselves out of more snow). Whether you are on campus regularly, once in a while, or purely an online student, we look forward to being in touch with you and hope you will join us in person or virtually for our upcoming events.
Kol Tuv!
Tamara
Associate Dean of Students
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| Getting to Know...SAUL WACHS
 This column features an interview with a different member of the Gratz College facult/staff each month
TC: So, Dr. Wachs, you are of course an internationally recognized leader in the field of Jewish education. Was there a moment or a maybe a few different moments you remember when you feel you truly became a Jewish educator?
SW: Good question. I was one of the thousands who went to the former Soviet Union to visit refuseniks-those who were denied permission to make Aliyah. I made two trips, on in 1973 and one in 1979. During the second trip, I had a chance to teach refuseniks whose hunger to learn brought them to an apartment in the middle of the night. In teaching them about our tradition and watching the pride in their eyes, I felt that I was giving a gift, confident that at least some of them would share what they had learned with others like them. During that trip, I also had the chance to represent Gratz"s Board of License and to provide a license to Lev Furman a Hebrew teacher who was fighting a court case. In the USSR, one who did not have a job was considered a parasite and this was illegal. The government claimed that there was no such profession as a Hebrew teacher and so Lev could not claim Hebrew teaching as his profession. He used that license to win his case in court, later made Aliyah and now teaches in a local day school.
TC: Wow. Now, share with us one mistake you see Jewish educators making or you yourself have made in the classroom/or in other Jewish educational settings and how do you suggest "correcting it"?
SW: My wife says that teachers usually talk and social workers usually listen! I suspect that I am guilty of talking too much and listening too little.
TC: Tell us something about yourself that students might be surprised to learn but that is important to who you are.
SW: I was the United States Junior Chess Champion in 1951 and remain a lifetime Master of the United States Chess Federation.
TC: What's your favorite Jewish holiday or ritual and why?
SW: Simhat Torah-It's our festival for celebrating learning and teaching. I also get a lot out of blessing our fifteen grandchildren and their parents on Shabbat or Yom Tov.
TC: Tell us 3-5 books you recommend all Gratz College students read.
SW: Abraham Joshua Heschel's Quest for God, Mortimer Adler, How to Read a Book, Martin Buber's Tales of the Hassidim, J.F. Kennedy, Profiles in Courage, and Robert Emmons, The Psychology of Gratitude.
TC: Finally, If you could change one thing about the current state of the Jewish world, what would you do? SW: I would help people understand that they are constantly creating memories and that therefore, one has to be very careful to create the kinds of memories that nurture good values. |
Did You Know?
Gratz College student IDs are now available. On campus student can see Tamara or Sheila Stevens to get your photo taken. Online students can email a photo to Tamara and recieve their ID by mail. Who doesn't want to save a little money at the movies?
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Events on Campus
After a successful Spring Orientation on campus, SGB Board and the Office of Student Life have been planning a series of programs for the Spring, many of which will be available for online students to join as well - through Webex. Basically, online students will call in to our conference line and those with webcams will also be able to join the conversation through webex.
At the beginning of February, we had the first of our Let's Talk series which will be exploring contemporary Jewish Issues. We began by talking about Jews and food, looking at some texts and exploring issues of what to eat, how to eat, and what ethical, Kosher eating and food shopping look like these days. Throughout the semester we'll have fun tackling issues like Jews & Money, Jews & Poltics, Jews & Sex. The idea is to enjoy discussion in a pluralist setting about issues that effect our lives in ways large and small. Online students, watch for an email with the conference call in number or email Tamara to be signed up to participate vitually at by clicking here. On campus students are welcome to drop in before or after class.
Our first Lunch and Learn with Gratz College faculty will also be held this month, on Monday, February 22, at noon, featuring Professor Joseph Davis. Enjoy pizza and delve into about one of Dr. Davis' favorite poems by Yehuda Halevi. Online students welcome by webex! Please RSVP by emailing Tamara so we can plan accordingly.
Finally, in honor of Purim, will be organizing a make your own Mishloach Manot project so you can participate in this mitzvah of Purim (see sidebar) and also offer your friends and teachers some delicious goodies. Watch your inbox for details coming soon!
Other upcoming programs include a skills series on Looking for a Job, Resume Writing, and interviewing as well as a session on Budgeting Skills. If you have other ideas of what kind of programming you would like to see, drop us an email or find us on Facebook. |
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Writing Support Now Available for ALL Gratz College Students
Claire Satlof, long-time member of the Penn Writing Faculty, is now available to work with Gratz students on all writing assignments. Claire's academic field is Jewish-American fiction; she has taught in the English and Comp Lit departments at Penn as well as at Bryn Mawr College and Yeshiva University. Her writing work has focused both on one-on-one writing support through the Penn Writing Center (of which she was also Administrator) and on larger workshops in her positions as a member of the development committee for Writing Across the University and of the training programs for new Instructors (both at Penn).
Do you ever feel that you know JUST what you want to say but can't get it onto the paper? Does your written work not measure up to your ideas or oral discussions? Do you sometimes feel that you've left something out of your paper but you don't know what: if you add more, will you be repetitive? if you don't add more, do you get comments like, "Your argument needs more support"? Do you have trouble deciding on a topic? Maybe you have too many ideas or maybe you draw a total blank when you sit at the computer. Do you have a great point and can't figure out how to include it? Do you have problems moving from paragraph to paragraph? Remembering comma rules? Just plain sounding as smart as you are? These are all very common problems, even for writers who get good grades, and they are all problems that Claire can help you with. If you're interested in any writing help at all--in a workshop setting or one-on-one, even just an extra pair of eyes reading over your paper--contact Tamara who will be working with Claire Satloff to meet your writing needs. |
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Purim Flags? Why Some Congregations Are Adding Another Ritual To Purim
By Tamara Cohen
Megillat Esther has been understood as a fantasy of Jewish power written in a time of Jewish powerlessness. But the megillah actually tells two parallel stories. The primary story is about how Jews in the Diaspora became victims to the whims of power, and then, in the "happy" conclusion, the victors. The secondary story, a story about women and men, follows a similar course, beginning with a wife who is banished when she refuses to obey her husband and concluding with a wife who is listened to and given a significant amount of power. In both stories edicts are issued that threaten the rights of an entire group - Jews and women. Both edicts are eventually subverted through the cunning and courage of Esther and Mordecai. Yet, only one of these subversions is celebrated in our communal observance of Purim.
With the new ritual of waving Esther/Vashti Purim flags, communities are making a statement and deciding to celebrate and more deeply explore both of Purim's stories. Purim thus becomes both a celebration of and reflection on Jewish pride and perseverance and an opportunity to honor women's power in the face of those who fear it.
Considering ordering a Purim flag? click here for more information. |
jobs..jobs..jobs
Director of Education at Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill, NJ
The Director of Education at Temple Emanuel is involved in all aspects of educational programming at the synagogue and has specific responsibility for directing our religious school of 500+ children from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Temple Emanuel provides a dynamic program of life-long learning, including a pre-school, family life education, an extensive youth program, adult education classes and a summer camp on the synagogue premises. The core of our educational program, though, is our excellent religious school. Our school is known for its strong curriculum, excellent teachers, flexible program that includes special needs classes, and nurturing, non-competitive environment. The Director of Education should be caring, personable, creative and energetic. He/she should exhibit a love of Judaism and a commitment to Jewish living and learning. Strong administrative, supervisory and communication skills are critical. The Director of Education works closely with our Clergy, VP/Education and Education Committees. He/she should be a team player who enjoys the collaborative process. Salary: Competitive and based on experience, plus a benefits package. Education and Experience: A Master's degree in a relevant field and/or significant experience as an education professional, preferably directing a religious education program. A strong knowledge of Judaism and a background with administering programming is essential. Send Cover Letter and Resume to Kenneth J. Huffman, President at [email protected]For more info contact Mayda Clarke at [email protected]
Director of Education Main Line Reform Temple
Main Line Reform Temple (MLRT) is a1100 family synagogue in the Philadelphia suburb of Wynnewood, PA. MLRT is hiring a new Director of Education to start on or about July 1, 2010. MLRT is seeking an Educator with a combination of strengths and abilities which will allow her/him to successfully connect with and provide leadership to our congregation and education team. Most critical qualities include: (a) being an innovative, visionary leader who can successfully implement our educational objectives; (b) being a collaborative team player with the ability to motivate and inspire the education team and parents and (c) commitment to lifelong learning, and possessing excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills. The Director of Education will serve as the Director of Education for the Congregation. This will involve oversight of the Religious School (K-12) and Adult Education. This role will also collaborate with the Early Childhood Education program as well as with Youth Group and 8 - 12 grade programming. The Director of Education will be responsible for: (a) critically evaluating MLRT's educational and innovatively developing programming to enhance and enrich MLRT's offerings to our congregants (b) creating an exciting and experiential learning environment (both formal and informal) that promotes individual and group connection to Judaism and to MLRT; and (c) inspiring and facilitating an effective continuum of lifelong learning from Early Childhood education, through Religious school to Adult Education. Expanding informal educational opportunities for all age groups is a high priority. The clergy, staff, lay leaders and congregants share a commitment to excellence and community. We are looking for an Educator who will share this and who is able to provide an outstanding standard of leadership and inspiration. Resumes may be sent to [email protected]. For further information, please contact Rabbi David Straus, 610-649-7800.
High Holiday Chazan
Friendly and flexible havurah in Coral Gables, Florida is seeking a cantorial student to co-lead High Holiday services in a traditional egalitarian service with a Reform Rabbi, using the Artscroll machzor. For more information contact Rabbi Lilienthal at 954-270-6637 or visit the Havurah Family Havurah online.
Development and Finance Associate, Moving Traditions
Moving Traditions seeks a detail- and systems-oriented Development and Finance Associate to track and acknowledge donations; provide logistical support for fundraising and communications activities; track and process accounts payable and receivable; and manage office. The position reports to the Director of Foundation and Annual Giving and the Associate Director. Moving Traditions helps women and men, boys and girls engage more deeply with Judaism.
To Apply - Send Resume and Cover Letter to:
Robin Minkoff, Associate Director,[email protected]
Director of Early Childhood Education Temple Beth Shalom Children's Center, Needham, MA
Temple Beth Shalom is a dynamic Reform congregation just west of Boston, MA. Our Children's Center has a 35+ year tradition of excellence in child development and we are looking for an energetic,
experienced candidate who will embrace the opportunity to build upon this tradition. The Center serves a community of over 60 families and has a staff of 14. The Director of Early Childhood Education is
responsible for all aspects involved in the leadership, administration and operation of our Children's Center. In addition, the Director of ECE is responsible for visioning, designing, maintaining and
overseeing all programming for young children and their families at the Temple, including our Temple Tots, Tot Shabbat, and Summer Fun programs. The Director of ECE sits on the Temple's Senior Staff in full and sacred partnership with the senior clergy and executive team. Leadership, collaboration, and communication skills are a must. Passion for Jewish teaching and learning - and love of children - required! Qualified candidates must have Director I Certification; a Bachelors or Masters and experience in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) is preferred. If you are interested in or would like more information about this exciting opportunity, please email or send your resume and cover letter to: Meredith Fried - Chair, Director Search Committee, Temple Beth Shalom Children's Center
670 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494. [email protected]
The Progressive Jewish Alliance is currently seeking both a Bay Area Regional Development Director and a Southern California Regional Director. For more info see the Progressive Jewish Alliance |
Fellowships, Grants, Money Matters
The Anna E. Finger - Ruth F. Gordon Memorial Trust, a charitable fund that makes annual grants to individuals and institutions involved with the study of Judaism and Jewish culture, is presently
accepting grant applications through March 31, 2010. The Trust provides scholarship grants to individuals seeking to participate in programs involving subjects such as Hebrew language, Bible, Jewish literature, Jewish religious customs and ceremonies, and theology. Grant applications should be directed in writing prior to March 31, 2010, to: David L. Finger, Finger & Slanina, LLC, 1201 Orange Street, Suite 725, Wilmington, DE 19801-1155. For more information, contact Gregg Millman, Board Chairman, at 302-993-8078.
The Federation Executive Recruitment & Education Program (FEREP) is a graduate scholarship program funded through the Jewish Federations of North America that recruits, supports and develops future professional leaders for the North American Jewish federation system. The program awards up to $40,000 for specified areas of graduate study in return for a minimum two-year paid work commitment in a North American Jewish federation following graduate school. FEREP also provides supplemental professional and cohort development opportunities, and assists students with the placement process leading to their first federation position.The FEREP program is currently accepting applications for September 2010. Apply now!
Mandel Jerusalem Fellows: Applications close February 28th 2010
MJF is a year-long fellowship program at the Mandel Leadership Institute in Jerusalem for exceptional leaders in Jewish education and community innovation. MJF Fellows reflect on their professional practice, challenge and refine their conceptions of Jewish life and engagement, developing well-grounded visions for the next phase of their careers. MJF seeks talented mid-career Jewish educators and communal innovators with proven leadership abilities who are interested in effecting broad change. Eligible candidates include social entrepreneurs, directors of cutting-edge educational initiatives and leaders of major Jewish organizations. The fellowship provides a generous living stipend, including transportation costs to and from Israel and health insurance for the fellow and his/her family.
To apply or for more information, visit www.mli.org.il/mjf, or email Jo Mandel-Cohen at [email protected]. |
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Upcoming Conferences of Interest
The 2nd annual Limmud PhillyLearningfest is rapidly approaching. On Saturday evening and all-day Sunday, March 6-7, 2010 in center city Philadelphia, you can immerse yourself in all things Jewish and take another step in your own Jewish journey. Presenters from near and far will conduct sessions on arts & culture, contemporary Jewish life, text study, history and much more! Presentations will include music programs, film, workshops and lectures, all with an intent to enrich your life. Additional activities and kosher food are included in the program. Young Limmud offers dynamic Jewish learning experiences planned for children aged 3 to 10. Many adult sessions are appropriate for the teen population. Following a successful premier event in 2009, this should be a stellar event! Early bird pricing is now in effect through February 8. Take advantage of these discounts by registering now. There are also a few free slots still available for current students who are willing to help out briefly at the Gratz College table. For details, email Tamara.
The 2010 JOFA (Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance) Conference, scheduled for Saturday evening, March 13th and Sunday, March 14th at Columbia University, will be an international gathering of women and men seeking to engage in meaningful conversations about relevant and timely issues. We expect to have over 1,000 participants and hope you will be among them. The Saturday Evening Film Festival and Sunday Program will provide a wide variety of learning and community-building opportunities. We will feature a variety of film topics and lengths, all touching on issues relevant to JOFA. Attendees at Sunday's conference will have classes and sessions with world-renowned scholars, thinkers and leaders in the Orthodox community. We will also have tracks for middle school and high school students. Babysitting will be available, so make it a family event. Special discounts for students. To register or join the blog visit JOFA online . |
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