This edition of the CJP Events Newsletter covers the time period from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, August 31. The newsletter is grouped into two sections: EVENTS through August 31 and COURSES AND SERIES taking place in August and September. We hope to see you soon at these events.

Send High Holiday events our way!
If you or your organization are planning High Holiday activities for the public – including seats for services – we want to know about them. Please send us your High Holiday announcements, including a brief description, along with day of the week, date, time, event address, cost (or if it’s free), registration deadline and contact information. Please mark “High Holidays” in the subject line. ONLY ACTIVITIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE LISTED. For more information, contact Alan at alank@cjp.org or Elyse at elyseh@cjp.org.

Got books? Temple Beth Abraham wants them
New and used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and audio books can be dropped off in the temple’s donation bin. Donated books will be repurposed, while also raising money for the temple. Most usable books are welcome. However, encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers and catalogs cannot be accepted. The donation container is located outside the temple, 1301 Washington Street, Canton. Donations can be made at any time. For more information, call 781-828-5250 or visit www.templebethabraham.org.

Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts (JCAM) seeks old home movies from Mystic River area
If you have home movies of life in the early Jewish communities of East Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere, Somerville or Winthrop, JCAM would like to see them for possible inclusion in its Mystic River Jewish Communities Project. For more information, visit http://www.jcam.org/Pages/Videos/0806_MRJCVIdeoAppeal.htm.

Kids With Cameras: Beyond the Wall art exhibit
Through Thursday, July 31
Rabb Lobby, Boston Public Library
This free exhibit includes photos of Jerusalem, taken by Jewish and Palestinian children. It is sponsored by Zionist House/Israel Cultural Center and the Consulate General of Israel to New England. For more information, call 617-535-0217.

Tremont Street Shul 20s and 30s group to attend performance of “As You Like It”
Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.
Boston Common
Bring your own picnic basket, or kosher snacks to share. For more information, e-mail Erica@tremontstreetshul.org. 

Quincy Hebrew Cemetery re-dedication
Sunday, August 3, 11:00 a.m.
Baker Street Memorial Park, West Roxbury
The cemetery, established in 1939, has recently undergone an extensive restoration. Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger will officiate the service. For more information, contact Lisa at 617-244-6509 or lisaberenson@jcam.org.

Keshet’s 20s/30s Pajama Brunch
Sunday, August 3, 11:00 a.m.
Private home in Jamaica Plain
Join Keshet for food, friends and mimosas. Cost is $10 per person. RSVP is required by Wednesday, July 30. Keshet works for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews in Jewish life. For more information or to RSVP, contact Orly at orly@keshetonline.org or 617-524-9227.

Middle East expert Jonathan Schanzer to speak
Tuesday,  August 12, 7:30 p.m.
Ahavath Torah Congregation, 1179 Central Street, Stoughton
Jonathan Schanzer works with the Jewish Policy Center, analyzing Middle East affairs and terrorism. He has appeared frequently on Fox News and CNN. The presentation is free. For more information, call 781-344-8733 or e-mail office@atorah.org. 

Temple Emunah summer celebration
Friday, August 15, 5:00 p.m.
Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington
Join temple members for a unique experience and see all that we have to offer. RSVP is requested by August 6. For more information or to RSVP, call 781-861-0300, or e-mail Elise at ere366@comcast.net.

CJP’s Young Leadership Division Stand with Sderot event
Thursday, August 21, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saint, 90 Exeter Street, Boston
Join YLD to provide much-needed humanitarian relief to the people of Sderot, Israel. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Donations raised for the CJP Sderot Neighborhood Project will be earmarked for Kasdor, a poor, mostly immigrant Sderot neighborhood that CJP is "adopting." Partnering with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), CJP is launching the Project quickly to create a safer, healthier living environment and to support local residents. For more information or to register, contact Shira at ShiraR@cjp.org or 617-457-8565.

Keshet Color War
Sunday, August 24, 1:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location to be determined
This afternoon of field games includes fashion design relay races, gay Jewish trivia and a "Name That Folk Song" challenge. RSVP is requested by August 20. For more information or to RSVP, contact Orly at orly@keshetonline.org or 617-524-9227.

Temple Beth Abraham Open House Bar-B-Q
Thursday, August 28, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Abraham, 1301 Washington Street, Canton
There will be a free kosher dinner plus children’s entertainment. Meet Rabbi David Paskin and Community Educator Melissa Rudman, as well as officers and members of this Conservative congregation. RSVP is required by August 21. For more information or to RSVP, call 781-828-5250 or e-mail theoffice@templebethabraham.org. 

All Star Swim Camp for children ages six and older
Week of Monday, August 18
Striar Jewish Community Center, 445 Central Street, Stoughton
Participants will receive individualized instruction, focusing on strengthening performance, improving skills, refining strokes, race strategies, fitness goals and sports psychology.  The Full Day Program is for children ages 11 and older and runs from 9:00 a.m.  – 4:00 p.m. daily. Cost is $325 for JCC members and $375 for non-members.  The Half Day Program is for children ages 6 – 10 and runs from 9:00 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m. daily. Cost is $225 for JCC members and $275 for non-members. A swimsuit, towel, cap, goggles and dry clothes are needed daily. For more information or to register, contact Jason at 781-341-2016, ext. 103, or jwheatley@jccgb.org.  

Rock climbing and adventure camps for children in grades 4 – 9
Week of August 11; Week of August 25
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton
Rock Climbing Day Camp for children in grades 5 – 9 takes place August 11 – 15.  Campers discover some of the best rock climbing areas in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A camp for children in grades 4 – 6 takes place August 25 – 29. Children will rock climb, hike, snorkel and go white water rafting. Rock climbing guide Brian McCormick leads all camps. Early morning and late day options are available. For more information, call Ellen at 617-558-6456 or e-mail egreenblatt@jccgb.org.

Flying Fantasy Circus Camp for children in grades 3 – 8
Week of August 18; Week of August 25 
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton
Campers will experience the thrill of swinging on a trapeze. They will also learn how to juggle, balance on a wire and be a clown. World-renowned circus performer and trapeze master Tito Gaona will conduct the two-week camp. Safety belts, lines and nets will be used. For more information or to register, contact Heidi at 617-558-6453 or hstapleton@jccgb.org.

Soccer camp for children in grades K – 7
Week of August 18
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton
Tri-Star Soccer Camp teaches teamwork, sportsmanship, self-confidence and self-esteem while helping young players develop fundamentals and game skills.  Full-day and half-day options are available, as are early drop off and extended pick up. For a downloadable registration form, visit www.lsjcc.org. For more information, call 617-558-6456 or e-mail egreenblatt@jccgb.org.

A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?
Wednesday, September 3 and Mondays, September 15 and 22, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Congregation Sha’aray Shalom, 1112 Main Street, Hingham
OR
Sunday, September 21, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, Boston
This class on Jewish spirituality, ethics and community is designed for beginners – Jewish or not. It is taught by Reform rabbis and educators. The Hingham classes will be led by Rabbi Shira Joseph.  Rabbi Lev Ba’esh will teach the Boston class. The class is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism’s Northeast Council and supported by CJP. This class is free, but pre-registration is requested. For registration and more information, contact Maria at 781-449-0404 or mbenet@urj.org or visit www.reformjudaismboston.org.

Yours, Mine & Ours classes for interfaith couples
Wednesdays, September 3 – 24, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location TBA
OR
Sundays, September 21 – October 19, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location TBA
Classes enable both partners in an interfaith relationship to explore their feelings about religion and strengthen communication around sensitive issues such as religious backgrounds, families, holidays and religious identity for children. Classes are sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism’s Northeast Council and supported by CJP. Cost is $180 per couple. Scholarships and payment options are available. For registration and more information, contact Joyce at 781-449-0404 or jschwartz@urj.org or visit www.reformjudaismboston.org.

Introduction to Judaism
12 sessions, beginning Sunday, September 21, 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road, Wayland
The class provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish history, traditions, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. Participants will gain comfort and familiarity with the symbols, liturgy, music, traditions and Hebrew blessings that accompany Jewish celebrations in the home and synagogue. The course, taught by Rabbis Neal Gold and Greg Litcofsky, is designed for individuals and couples wishing to explore Judaism, as well as for those individuals considering becoming Jewish.  Partners in interfaith relationships are encouraged to enroll together. The class is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism’s Northeast Council and supported by CJP. Cost is $275 per individual or $360 per couple. Scholarships and payment options are available. For registration and more information, contact Beth at 781-449-0404 or bkozinn@urj.org or visit www.reformjudaismboston.org.

Continuing education series
Five sessions, beginning Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Kerem Shalom, 659 Elm Street, Concord
These classes are designed for both the general public and for those who have completed Me'ah. The first session on September 24 features Rabbi Zachary Heller of Hebrew College, who will discuss Judaism and Islam. Future sessions include Biblical Studies with Dr. Lynne Heller of Me'ah and History of Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist Movements in the U.S. with Professor Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University. Cost for the series is $200. Checks can be made out to Kerem Shalom and sent to Rosalie Gerut, Kerem Shalom, P.O. Box 1646, Concord, MA, 01742. For more information, e-mail rosaliege@comcast.net.

Me’ah: One Hundred Hours of Adult Study
Beginning this fall, various times and locations 
Me’ah is an intensive, two-year adult Jewish learning program, taught by renowned professors and scholars. Me’ah gives participants the opportunity to grow as literate students of Jewish life and to join a growing community of adult learners. Me’ah is sponsored by Hebrew College and CJP’s Commission on Jewish Continuity & Education. For more information, visit www.hebrewcollege.edu/meah, e-mail adultlearning@cjp.org or call 617-457-8774.

Ikkarim: Jewish Values and the Journey for Parents of Young Jewish Children
Beginning in October, various times and locations
Join with other parents whose children are newborn to five years old for an exciting adult learning program. We will explore basic Jewish values and their modern significance by bringing our own contemporary concerns to our study of ancient Jewish texts. This discussion-based class meets for 19 sessions and is taught by prominent local rabbis and scholars. Morning sessions feature free childcare. Locations are: Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston, Congregation Kehillath Israel of Brookline, Temple Beth Avodah of Newton, Temple Beth Emunah of Brockton, Temple Emanuel of Newton, Temple Emunah of Lexington and Temple Isaiah of Lexington. Cost is $250. Through the generosity of CJP donors, more than 50 percent of the tuition is subsidized.  A limited number of scholarships are available. For more information or to register, visit www.cjp.org/ikkarim, or contact Brian at ikkarim@cjp.org or 617-457-8775.

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