Dear Friends,  

Although we hope that all of you are enjoying a restful summer, the multiple heat waves have not slowed the pace of activity here at Gratz. The summer season began with commencement exercises on behalf of our distinguished graduates from the college and the Jewish Community High School.

Now, we are in the throes of our Summer Institute program. The Summer Institute brings people to campus for six days of intensive study - either for credit or for personal enrichment - on diverse topics. If you are interested in improving your Hebrew, exploring the American Jewish experience in film, learning how to teach the Holocaust or analyzing a weekly Torah portion, contact us; there are still spots available in these classes for the second session of the Summer Institute (July 22nd to July 27th).

In the meantime, enjoy the remaining articles in this Insider, which include background on the upcoming holiday of Tisha B'Av, profiles on dynamic Gratz alumnae Danielle Selber and Rabbi Lynnda Targan and insight into the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Franklin Institute.

Best wishes for the rest of your summer,

Detail: Arch of Titus, depicting the plundering of the Seond Temple

Summer Holiday Without a Summer Feel

For many Jews, the lazy months of July and August feel noticeably devoid of Jewish holidays. In fact, the summer seems almost like a respite before preparations begin for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. However, Tisha B'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av, falls during the summer and is observed by many traditional Jews as a day of fasting and mourning. To learn about the holiday of Tisha B'Av and its significance and rituals,  read more. 

Traveling This Summer?  Try Ancient Israel - Without Ever Leaving Philly

From Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell, that's history Philly-style, focusing on the birth of our nation.  But for the next couple of months, our city is offering a much longer view of history, one that goes back three thousand years to the time of ancient Israel.  Through October 14^th, the Franklin Institute is hosting the exhibit "Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times."  To learn what this exhibit has to offer and why it reminds a Gratz professor of a story about Abraham Lincoln, read more.

Danielle Selber: Building Community through Gratz Roots

Danielle Selber, who received both her bachelor's degree and master's in Jewish Studies from Gratz, is using her education to strengthen Philadelphia's Jewish community. Through her nonprofit work, Selber is fostering connections among local Jews in their 20's and 30's. She is also working to help Jewish young people effectuate their innovative ideas for social change within the community. However, her Gratz roots have not only served her well professionally; they have also followed her all the way to the chuppah. Read more