Mostly Virtual But Creative Variety of Events are Happening in May
May has something for everybody, although most events are still virtual. Enjoy speakers, demos and even a live shopping event this month. Happy Shavuot to our readers!
Jewish Collaborative Play
Sunday, May 2
4 PM
The Jewish Collaborative presents 14 – A PLAY BY JOSÉ CASAS. The play was inspired by the 2001 event in which a smuggler abandoned 30 Mexicans crossing the desert near Yuma, Arizona, resulting in 14 deaths due to dehydration. Join the Jewish Collaborative for a conversation with the creators of this production. Select a performance of 14 to watch between April 29 and May 9. Click https://jewishcollaborativeoc.shulcloud.com/fourteen to learn more and register to view a performance and join the Talkback facilitated by Lauren Simon.
CSP Podcast Event
Sunday May 2
4 PM PDT
CSP will present “UNORTHODOX LIVE” with hosts Stephanie Butnick, Liel Leibovitz and Mark Oppenheimer and special guest, actress/playwright Tovah Feldshuh. This event is co-sponsored by the Merage Jewish Community Center and is fully funded by a grant from the Albert and Rhoda Weissman Arts Endowment Fund, a joint program of Jewish Community Foundation Orange County and Jewish Federation Orange County. Since its debut in 2015, Tablet Magazine’s “Unorthodox”, a smart, fresh, fun weekly take on Jewish news and culture, has become the most popular and beloved Jewish podcast in the world. Podcast creator and co-host, Mark Oppenheimer, pitched the idea of a Jewish podcast to Tablet Magazine six years ago when he began noticing that “podcast listening was exploding.” Contact CSP on the web at www.occsp.org and by phone at (949) 682-4040.
Reconstructionist Study Group from University Synagogue
May 3
7:30 PM
“Jewish Studies in Academia and the Jewish Community” will be the topic of the Reconstructionist Study Group Zoom meeting. Guest speaker, UCI Professor of Political Science Jeffrey Kopstein, will discuss the state of Jewish Studies and its current relationship to the wider Jewish Community. RSVP to Ella Serebryannik at ella.sereb@gmail.com.
JLI Classes
Beginning May 4
7:30 PM
Chabad of Tustin, 13112 Newport Ave Suite H, Tustin, will present the next round of JLI classes, “This Can Happen: A Credible Case for Feeling Good about the Future.” For thousands of years, the prophecies of a “messianic age” stretched the imaginations of even the most fervent believers. Not anymore. Instant media, mass social movements and a global pandemic have shown us how suddenly and radically the world can be rewired by the actions of a few. Why not for the good? Join the classes to demystify the Jewish idea of a perfect world and discover a practical path for reaching it in our lifetime. The program runs for six Tuesdays and costs $ 79.00. For more information, visit us at www.myjli.com or call (714) 508-2150.
HaNefesh: Riding for Freedom
May 5
7 PM
Join Achim HaNefesh, Miriam’s Circle and HaNefesh for “The Freedom Rider Rabbi.” Rabbi Allen Secher, along with 15 other rabbis, worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on integration efforts in the south. Join Rabbi Secher for this firsthand retelling of his experiences in being a Freedom Rider in St. Augustine, Florida and Albany, Georgia in the early 1960. These are powerful stories of which we are fortunate to have a firsthand account. The program is free. Contact HaNefesh at https://hanefeshoc.org/.
BJI Virtual Gala
May 6
7:45 PM
Congregation Beth Jacob of Irvine will hold a virtual gala event. Participants will have the honor of listening to guest speaker Bahraini Jewish Ambassador Houda Nonoo — the first, and to this day the only, Jewish ambassador from an Arab Country. She has played an active role in advocating for a new Middle East, one based on peace and prosperity for all. The gala is also a wonderful occasion to come together and raise a glass in tribute to honor or remember people. For more information, contact Beth Jacob at (949) 786-5230.
CSP’s A Rabbi in the Vatican Online Tour
May 9
12 PM PDT
Learn about Jewish influences on the Sistine Chapel with Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum, live from the U.K. The Vatican in Rome is the center of Catholicism, and the Sistine Chapel is its crowning glory. The chapel’s world-famous ceiling was painted by the great Michelangelo Buonarroti five centuries ago. Less well known is that the chapel was modeled on the holy heart of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem built by King Solomon, that its biblical frescoes reflect Jewish influences on Michelangelo’s education and that the ornate flooring has kabbalistic overtones. This virtual tour is a unique opportunity to be guided through the stunning chapel by Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, dean of LSJS. Weaving together Torah and Talmud, Midrash and Mysticism, Rabbi Zarum will share fascinating hidden messages left by the great Renaissance painters. Reach CSP on the web at www.occsp.org and by phone at (949) 682-4040.
Shavuot Eats with the JCC
May 13
4 PM
Chef Liron will show viewers how easy it is to make blintzes with homemade crepes with spring’s best berries sauce. Learn how to make delicious dairy meals for Shavuot. Register here: https://www.jccoc.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&refno=35874.
Shavuot Design with the JCC
May 16
11 AM
In “Beyond the Vase: A Floral Workshop with Bexbloomz,” professional designer Becky Bridger, CEO of Bexbloomz, will get viewers started on a floral journey of rejuvenation and tranquility – one bloom at a time. Create a beautiful centerpiece for the Shavuot table, or design an arrangement to spruce up the living room. Learn useful pro tips and have a floral creation that will make you smile. Register here: https://www.jccoc.org/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&refno=35871.
TBS: Israel’s Biggest Challenges from Iran to Politics
May 16
11 AM
Temple Beth Sholom Brotherhood presents a speaker series Zoom event from Jerusalem, featuring Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post. Well-connected to Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Hoffman has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum, has been interviewed by top media on six continents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other news outlets. Called “the most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intrigue and humor in the Israeli political arena. The program is free. Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIofu6opz4tG9Z7OsesfM5ysRC-wvWmZtS3.
Virtual Women’s VOICES
May 23
10 AM
This year, Virtual Women’s VOICES will be broadcasting LIVE through the REMO interactive virtual platform. That means that despite our ongoing need to social distance, we will be able to engage, interact and see one another at virtual tables, visit sponsor booths and chat with everyone in a virtual ballroom. As always, you will be inspired by our special guests and the women leaders who shape our community. Register before Friday, May 7, to receive a pre-event gift box. The $54 fee includes an event gift box delivered to participant’s homes. Suggested minimum donation is $180 to the JFOC Annual Campaign. Upon registration, guests will choose one of nine seating “Zones,” or groupings of tables. Once inside the virtual event, guests will find a seat at a table within their specified “Zone.” “Zones” will be color-coded for easy identification. Speakers are journalist Bari Weiss and Professor Erica Brown. To register, visit https://jffs.ticketspice.com/womens-phil-virtual-voices-2021.
TBE Gift Shop Sale
May 23
1 PM
The Women’s League of Temple Beth Emet will hold a gift shop sale on Sunday, May 23, from 1 to 4 PM. Enjoy wine and cheese while shopping. Arco and Stater Brothers scrip will be available. Masks are required, and payment must be by cash or check. For more information, call (714) 772-4710.