Limmud Miami 2020: Full Schedule

11:00am EST

Classic Jewish Pastries --- A Tutorial

In this session participants will learn how to make two classic Jewish pastries: babka & rugelach. What fun and yumminess!

Speakers

Romina Naparstek

Baking & Pastry Teacher, La Romi Bakery

Romi Naparstek is passionate about helping others discover the joy of homemade pastries. As the founder of La Romi Bakery, a baking school in Miami, she brings decades of experience as an educator to create cooking classes to help her students foster creativity, independence and confidence... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Arts

Company Yes

11:00am EST

Purim: Dimensions of Leadership. Standing Up and Speaking Out

The Book of Esther plays a major role in our tradition related to standing up against anti-Semitism. The main characters represent archetypes of various types of leadership styles that impact the unfolding of the story. As we prepare to enter into Purim next month, let's get beyond the carnival and the shpiels. Let's explore the narrative together in terms of its power and politics relevant today.

Speakers

Cheryl Weiner

Rabbi

Rabbi Cheryl Weiner is an award winning Jewish educator who connects ancient texts with modern relevance. She is a Staff Chaplain with Mishkan Miami/ Greater Miami Jewish Federation, where she is Director of the Refuat HaNefesh Program/training volunteers to visit those in need and... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Beit Midrash

11:00am EST

Wisdom from Reb Zalman : Embracing the Jewish Spirit

Prepare to be inspired and challenged as "Reb Goldie" shares provocative vignettes from her newest book Wisdom from Reb Zalman. Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (1924-2014) was both a sage and renaissance person who modeled how to bridge science and spirituality during the pre-war European to early 21st century Judaism. Topic areas explore tensions presented by patriarchy and feminism, tradition and innovation, Judaism and other world religions. Reb Zalman's influence is widely evident in Jewish life today and there's much to draw on for inspiration in your own life and work!

Speakers

Goldie Milgram

Educator, Author, Storyteller, Artist, Reclaiming Judaism

Known for her sense of humor, scholarship, and as an innovator in the fields of Jewish experiential and spiritual education, Rabbi Dr. Goldie Milgram has been honored by the Covenant Foundation, National Jewish Book Council, and featured by the Jewish Futures Conference. Her recent... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Beit Midrash

Company Yes

11:00am EST

Jewish Tai Chi --- Ahava Raba

By means of gentle, easy movements and breathing exercises derived from Tai Chi & Chi Gung, we will learn concrete, repeatable tools that uncover the meaning of Ahava Raba or Big Love in Jewish practice. This session includes brief text study that corresponds to the theme. Exercises are done standing or sitting on chairs.

Speakers

Andrew Hahn

Rabbi, Musician, Jewish Studies Professor, Martial Artist, Kirtan Rabbi

Andrew Hahn is known as both the Kirtan Rabbi and â€” depending upon which phone booth he exits also as the Tai Chi Rabbi. He has pioneered Kirtan in the Jewish world, criss-crossing the world to offer communal "call and response" chant concerts and meditation seminars. Hahn... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 114 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

11:00am EST

Nuremberg to Jerusalem

The notion that all of the dreams and nightmares of the Jewish people were realized in the 20th century is not an exaggeration. Half of us were killed by the Nazis, and the other half bore witness to trials of perpetrators who sought to eliminate us. We were, and are, thankful to our liberators. For those paying close attention to the trials, however, an accident of oversight occurred in the courtrooms at Nuremberg. The intention was to remove the gold crucifixes, brilliantly displayed above the judges’ benches, yet several remained throughout the trials. There, the mood was one of retribution and justice, but carried out for the Jews, not by the Jews. Soon after Nuremberg, the state of Israel was resurrected after two-thousand years. With a fresh start, and the Holocaust in the rear-view mirror, the question has been raised, “was the Eichmann Trial necessary?” It focused resources away from statecraft, and many wondered if the trial justified the expense of scarce political capital. Still, it was the first time in two thousand years that enemies of the Jewish people were tried in a Jewish court. In order to manifest this trial, a small country demonstrated that its reach was large. We will discuss these events in seminar format, in the presence of original historical artifacts from the trials.

Speakers

Andrew Gottlieb

Professor, MDC-North School for Advanced Studies

Beyond his administrative role at the School for Advanced Studies-Miami Dade College, Gottlieb is a board member of the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, and curator for the Hollander Collection, a non-profit collection of Judaica from the Old and New World. He has traveled extensively... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

Company Yes

11:00am EST

What a Balagan! The Current State of Israeli Politics

With three elections in less than a year, Israel's political system seems more confusing than ever. Join this session to learn about the Israeli political system and how it differs from the system in the U.S., discuss what happened in the elections, and delve into what the future might hold for Israel and the relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

Speakers

Jacob Markey

Jewish Community Relations Council Associate, Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Jacob is a native of Milwaukee, Wis., received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He devotes himself to Jewish communal work and served as a fellow with Otzma. Markey served as the Coordinator for Israel Engagement at Brandeis Hillel... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

11:00am EST

"Being Jewish Is Doing Jewish!" -- A New Global Jewish Network for 24-48 Year Olds

248 Community Action Network was born three years ago at the Partnership2gether of the Jewish Agency for Israel. The idea was to create a network for young adults based on the P2G platform and allow for organizations to join and offer a "next" thing for their alumni. Thus began the creation of language and a forum to connect 24-48 year olds from Israel and the Jewish world. The clear rationale is that "Being Jewish is Doing Jewish." Come hear more from one of its leaders about what makes today's Jewish young adults connect, engage, and create a new kind of Jewish world.

Speakers

Lionel Mitelpunkt

248 Content Director, 248CAN

Lionel enables people to use their gifts of creative confidence and positive communication for the purpose of their passion and creation. He works with individuals and organizations on adapting to change and telling their story in authentic ways using innovative tools. Lionel is also... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 11:50am EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

Company Yes

11:00am EST

The Musical Maggid

Join the Musical Maggid as he gets us to stretch our imaginations and get our bodies moving. You won't be able to resist dancing and singing along to Jimmy's variety of songs, which include old favorites, popular tunes and original music.

Speakers

Jimmy Costello

The Musical Maggid, a Folk Musician Troubadour, The Musical Maggid

Ya'akov Yisrael (Jimmy) Costello is the Musical Maggid, a fold musician troubadour specializing in ancient and contemporary Jewish Fold music. In the traditions of Woody Guthrie, Debbie Friedman and Shlomo Carlebach, Jimmy connects with people of all ages and backgrounds, crating... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids

11:00am EST

Drum Circle

You don't want to miss this drum circle, geared for children to help build self confidence, social abilities, develop motor skills, boost creativity and most of all- let it all out!

Speakers

Yariv & Danit Ovadia

Music Box Productions

Danit and Yariv Ovaida have been running drumming programming in schools across South Florida with much love and passion, brining rhythm and Judaism all together. Available for events, school programming, birthday parties, bart/bat mitzvahs, women's circles and more! Contact Danit... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

11:00am EST

Birkot Ha Ne’enim: Blessing Walk, Noticing the World

Participants will join together outside and embody the Jewish formula for a blessing by doing a blessing dance. We will then take a walk looking at the earth, sea and sky around us, while focused on some birkot ha ne’enim or blessing of the senses. Activities along the trail will help us look for colors, seeds, and other things. This a double session. Deborah Newbrun’s participation in Limmud Miami is made possible with generous support from The Covenant Foundation.

Speakers

Deborah Newbrun

Jewish Educator, Covenant Grant Winner, Get Set Go Community Adventures

Deborah Newbrun is the co-author of "Spirit In Nature/Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail." She has worked as a naturalist and Jewish educator for the past 35 years and served 26 of those years as Director of Camp Tawonga, a Jewish overnight camp near Yosemite. Deborah received... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 11:00am - 12:50pm EST
Room 126 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

Building Your Personal Jewish Story ... And Making Sure It's Heard

Stories have been around as long as Abraham, and there are many ways to tell them. This innovative and interactive workshop will explore the secrets behind powerful storytelling, combining both the classic styles and newer paradigms. Learn and practice how to build community and trust around your story, gain confidence in how to tell it, and leave with transferable skills that will benefit you in both your personal and professional life. No prior experience or knowledge necessary!

Speakers

Joey Leskin

Director of Abroad Experiences, KAHAL Abroad

Joey is a Yemeni Jew from London, England. He gained a Masters Degree in International Relations and since then has spent a lot of his time abroad. Joey has visited over 50 countries including two years in Turkey as the Senior Fieldworker for the American Jewish Joint Distribution... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Arts

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

A Biblical and Talmudic Understanding of Anti-Semitism Before the Word Was Invented

Imagine a life where every decision could be made so simply, that it's either "yes" or "no." Learn how the Jewish Mussar or ethics Movement and its focus on Middot or character trait Development has a strong relationship to the entrepreneurial world. Embodying Values-Based Decision-Making, Mussar is a practice that can be applied to everyone's life, regardless of background.

Speakers

Edwin Farber

Rabbi Emeritus, Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus

Ed Farber is the Rabbi Emeritus of Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus where he served as Rabbi for 23 years. Prior to that Rabbi Farber was the founding Rabbi of Temple Samuel-El in Kendall where he served for 16 years. He is the Chairperson for the Rabbinical Assembly's conversion program... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Beit Midrash

12:00pm EST

All of the Above: Esther's Mordecai as Pious Jew, Assimilated Jew, Smooth Operative and Saintly Hero

Mordecai is a complex and polemical figure in the Bible. He brought redemption and salvation to a community on the verge of extermination. He is also far away from the traditional Biblical model of a hero or a pious leader. More than any other Biblical character, Mordecai embodies the dilemmas and the complexities of the modern Jew. He is of his time, a product of a foreign culture and an assimilated Jew to some extent. And, at the same time, he is someone who saved his people from tragic genocide.

Speakers

Guido Cohen

Rabbi, Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center

Guido Cohen is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary affiliated Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano and is also a graduate of the University of Buenos Aires Law School. He worked many years at Colegio Tarbut, one of the largest... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Beit Midrash

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

Identity Versus Status: Judaism and Patrilineal Descent

Why does one’s identification as Kohen, Levi or Yisrael go through the father whereas one’s identity goes through the mother? Why do some branches of Judaism embrace patrilineal descent (those born to a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother) and others do not? In this course we will examine the texts surrounding Judaism and patrilineal descent. We will look at responsa from the Conservative and Reform movements on this topic as well. There will be room for discussion but our focus will be studying the history and texts connected to Judaism and patrilineal descent.

Speakers

Benjamin Herman

Rabbi, Bet Shira Congregation

Ben Herman is rabbi at Bet Shira Congregation in Pinecrest. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and previously served congregations in Tucson and Long Island. In his spare time he likes to hike, work out at the Alper JCC and read. Herman is married to Karina... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 114 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

12:00pm EST

What is Exile ? Are American Jews in Exile?

Jewish memory has traditionally framed Jewish history as a story from homelessness to home. Yet most American Jews do not consider themselves homeless or in exile. So what are we saying when we pronounce "Next year in Jerusalem!?” Is it a mitzvah today to move to Israel? After the State of Israel has been established, what is, if any meaning to exile/diaspora? All opinions welcome!

Speakers

Fred Klein

Rabbi, Rabbincal Assoc. of Greater Miami, Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Frederick ‘Fred’ Klein received an MA in Bible from Yeshiva University. Klein pursued a doctorate in Jewish history at Columbia University. Currently Rabbi Klein serves as Director of Mishkan Miami: The Jewish Connection for Spiritual Support, a program of the Greater Miami... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

Tarnish on a "Golden Land:" Anti-Semitism in America, Past and Present

This session will examine the manifestation of anti-Semitism in the U.S.A., from the early days of the American republic to the present day. Although the US has historically been far more open to Jews than other countries, anti-Jewish sentiment has been a tarnish on the history of the "golden land" since the first Jews arrived on the shores of pre-colonial America. During the 19th and 20th centuries, various forms of anti-Semitism---religious, economic, racial and political---accompanied other manifestations of racism and xenophobia. How is the current recrudescence --a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity-- of anti-Semitism similar to previous manifestations, and how is it different? What should we be worried about and why?

Speakers

Marsha B. Cohen

Lecturer and Adult Educator, Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education

Dr. Marsha B. Cohen is an independent scholar, educator and writer who lectures and teaches about the role of religion in world affairs, particularly the historical background of contemporary issues and problems. Marsha received her BA in Political Philosophy from the Hebrew University... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

Never Again! The Mitzvah of Civil Disobedience.

In Deuteronomy, Torah instructs us: "Justice, justice, shall you pursue.” In tractate Nedarim, the Talmud states that we are to, “Obey the law of the land." What is a Jew then to do if the law of the land is unjust? Both sacred text and Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" make it clear that non-violent resistance is not only permissible, but also demanded, if we really believe the mantra of "Never Again!" This presentation involves storytelling, imagery, music, philosophy and vigorous discussion.

Speakers

Barry Bub

MD-Retired

Barry Bub, a native of South Africa, has an extraordinary and eclectic career as a family physician, gestalt psychotherapist, volunteer chaplain, writer, storyteller and educator. Author of numerous journal articles and a ground-breaking book "Communication Skills that Heal," he has... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 12:50pm EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

Company Yes

12:00pm EST

The Gift of Challah

Enjoy a fun, hands-on experience as we mix, kneed, shape and learn all about challah and it's Jewish significance.

Speakers

Romina Naparstek

Baking & Pastry Teacher, La Romi Bakery

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids

12:00pm EST

Rose: A Judge in Kindsville

Author and life coach, Leah Field, will share her new book, Rose: A judge in Kindsville, introducing us to our inner judge and teaching about the importance of judging others kindly.

Speakers

Leah Field

Life Coach and Author

Leah Field is a Life Coach trained by Refuah Institute and RMT Center (Tony Robbins & Cloe Madanes). She is also an author, having just published her first children's book teaching about the importance of judging others kindly. To learn more about her work or buy her book, you... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

1:00pm EST

The Art of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and be aware of the present moment, but this isn't always easy to do! Join Mindfulness Educator, Eda Birol, as she teaches us how to be more mindful and present in our lives.

Speakers

Eda Birol

Mindfulness Instructor

After years of training and various certifications in Life coaching, yoga, Kabbalah, Feng Shui (kosher style), Eda decided to anchor in Mindfulness. She has completed the practicum training of Mindfulness and blends all her knowledge and experience into her teachings and coaching... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

1:00pm EST

"The Song of the Ashkenazic Jews" --- Simple Chant to Grand Opera

Together, we will trace the development of the musical liturgy of the Ashkenazic world, contrasting eastern and western musical traditions as well as the traditions of the Sephardic world.

Speakers

Abraham Benyunes

Jewish Music Aficionado

Abraham grew up at New York's Spanish and Portuguese synagogue where the liturgy is both solemn expressively beautiful, especially with the professional choir every Shabbat. My experiences in the Ashkenazic synagogue was limited, but once I branched out as an adult, was fascinated... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 126 Koven Center - FIU

Arts

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

The Transition from Temple to Synagogue

Within a few generations, Judaism made the transition from sacrificial offerings in the Temple to prayer in the synagogue, from the authority of the priests to the authority of the rabbis, from reliance upon the written Torah to the guidance of the oral Torah. How did that happen? We'll explore some of the texts and processes that facilitated that transition. And we'll ask how this relates to current times.

Speakers

Mitchell Chefitz

Jewish Educator

Mitch is the author of "The Seventh Telling: The Kabbalah of Moshe Katan," and the widely translated story collection "The Curse of Blessings." He has participated in several international symposiums on spirituality and has been scholar-in-residence in communities throughout the... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Beit Midrash

1:00pm EST

Outlandish Talmud Stories & Savory Life Lessons

The Talmud is a book of law and life-lessons. Ancient Talmudic Rabbis understood the pedagogic power of a story, and their most bizarre and unbelievable stories convey some of life’s deepest lessons.

Speakers

Eliezer Wolf

Rabbi, Beit David, Highland Lakes Shul

Originating from Australia, Rabbi Eliezer Wolf is a teacher, life-coach and spiritual mentor. He serves as the Rabbi and executive director of Beit David Highland Lakes Shul, and is the founder of the educational center Kavanah. He and his wife Chanie live with their 5 children in... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

1:00pm EST

To Be or Not: Just Jew It!

A Kabbalistic perspective on living in the now and the different levels of being. This session will include presentation and meditation.

Speakers

Sandra Ratner Sadon

Certified Kabbalah Coach & Energy Healer, Listen to Your Voice

Inspired at a young age by traditional sources of Judaism, Sandra started his spiritual career 35 years ago, under the mentorship of Shalom Lipskar, director of The Shul Jewish Community Center of Chabad Lubavitch internationally recognized as one of the most influential minds in... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 114 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

Jewish Childbirth

Join this fun workshop where we will present elements of childbirth and focus on inspiring text referred to in Jewish sources. Reverence for giving birth always conjures substantial views. Be uplifted and entertained whether you are pregnant, had a baby or was once born!

Speakers

Deena Hadar

School Director/Rebbetzin/Doula, Temple Moses

Deena Hadar is the founder and director of the Moses Montessori School housed at Temple Moses. As rebbetzin and educator at the Sephardic outreach synagogue on Miami Beach, Hadar is a sought after teacher on subjects relating to applicable Judaism, motherhood and birth. Deena is also... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

Let's talk about "it:" Sex Education for Parents In the Modern Age

If we don't talk about "it," who will? Beyond the birds and the bees, we're talking about sex. Technique and information is key in the "how" to discuss difficult topics with our children and family. Examples including consent, agency, or principles underlying "stranger danger" concerns leading us to prepare our children and family with concrete skills. How do empower our children and give them the vocabulary is key. How we prepare them to interpret warnings so that are not victimized is essential. Difficult subject matter will be discussed, but sometimes we need to talk about the tough topics.

Speakers

Victoria Lazareva

MD & Therapist

Victoria Lazareva earned a doctorate in medicine with specialization in pediatrics from Irkutsk State University, Russia in 2003. She is completing a doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. Victoria has been working with medical doctors providing... Read More →

Amy Miller

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Argyle Therapeutic Services

For the last ten years Dr. Miller has focused her clinical work on all aspects of sex and sexuality. Working with individuals, couples, and families, she has provided a therapeutic environment where clients can find useful ways to discuss struggles related to their own sex and sexuality... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Life

1:00pm EST

Living and Leaving Your Legacy --- The Gift of an Ethical Will

Presenter will discuss the value of legacy work. By introducing hands-on and practical ideas, we will begin to create an important tool that honors your life lessons, values and beliefs, and hopes and dreams. This tool will take the form of a legacy letter or an ethical will and will be a gift to yourself and to those whom you love.

Speakers

Merle R. Saferstein

Legacy Educator, Author, Speaker

Merle R. Saferstein was the director of educational outreach at a Holocaust Center in South Florida for 26 years. Since retirement in 2011, she developed and currently teaches a class entitled "Living and Leaving Your Legacy®." She lectures on the subject of legacy nationally and... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

Jewish Women as Jewish Leaders: The Power of Female Networks for Jewish Spaces

Libby's experiences working with and for Jewish organizations provides the awareness to delve deeply into the power of female networks in Jewish spaces. Join her for a discussion on the topic and share your own experiences.

Speakers

Libby Parker

Executive Director, Jewfolk Inc.

Libby Goldstein Parker is the Executive Director of Jewfolk, Inc. Libby grew up in warmer climes (think southern California and Las Vegas) but has made Minneapolis her home since 2007. That home offers advantages including but not limited to fantastic schools, an excellent quality... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

Being Jewish and Pro-Israel in the Age of BDS and Open Anti-Semitism

Being Jewish and pro-Israel in the age of BDS or "Boycott, Divest and Sanction," with greater tolerance for open anti-Semitism is open for discussion. Join us for an informative and challenging discussion of issues and concerns.

The evolution of social media, open Internet and free speech has radicalized and evangelized fringe, minority voices. Learn about how Jewish National Fund-USA is positioned to be YOUR voice in Israel for the next generation through community building initiatives in Israel, young leadership development post-college, and advocacy programs in K-12 and on U.S. college campuses. Hear from Mike Teichberg Miami-Dade JNF-USA Director, Jeffrey Greenberg from JNFuture, Maia Aron, JNF Miami President, and Andrea Schleider from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel.

Speakers

Mike Teichberg

Director, Miami-Dade, Jewish National Fund

The evolution of social media, open Internet and free speech has radicalized and evangelized fringe, minority voices. Learn about how Jewish National Fund-USA is positioned to be YOUR voice in Israel for the next generation through community building initiatives in Israel... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 1:50pm EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

Company Yes

1:00pm EST

Drum Circle

You don't want to miss this drum circle, geared for children to help build self confidence, social abilities, develop motor skills, boost creativity and most of all- let it all out!

Speakers

Yariv & Danit Ovadia

Music Box Productions

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids

1:30pm EST

Sacred Art

In this hands-on art class with silk painter Esther Meisels, students will explore the ancient dyes and techniques used during biblical times and create a dyed take home project using modern day equivalents.

Speakers

Esther Meisels

Artist, Lecturer & Attorney

Esther Meisels is an attorney, artist and lecturer with a deep commitment to and passion for Jewish continuity and education. She received a BA in Art and AA in Jewish Studies from Yeshiva University. Meisels earned a JD from University of Miami School of Law. She has been involved... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 1:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

2:00pm EST

Hidden Jewish Imagery in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel Artwork

Based on research by Benjamin Blech, this session presents evidence revealing the amazing Jewish based imagery and hidden messages of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, which we will review and discuss.

Speakers

Eliot Pearlson

Rabbi, Temple Menorah

Elliot Pearlson is the Senior Rabbi of Temple Menorah on Miami Beach, where he just celebrated his 30th year of leadership. He presents diverse subject matter ranging from "Biochemistry, Cloning and Jewish Law" to "The History of Jewish Pirates." Pearlson instituted a popular program... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Arts

Company Yes

2:00pm EST

What Queen Esther Might Have Known about the Holocaust

This is a text study, looking into the history of Amalek, the development of anti-Semitism and some clues in the Scroll of Esther that may hint at future events.

Speakers

Jeremy Barras

Rabbi, Temple Beth Am

Jeremy Barras is a native of Wilkes-Barre, P.A. where he grew up in a strong Jewish community, attending an Orthodox day school until seventh grade. He descends from a long line of distinguished rabbis who have passed on the traditions of Jewish scholarship throughout the generations... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Beit Midrash

Company Yes

2:00pm EST

Essential Oils In the Tanach/Jewish Bible

Join Raisy who will present textual references in the Tanach/Jewish Bible to essential oils. Together, we will sample and talk about the essential oil that is described.

Speakers

Raisy Gittler

Therapeutic Massage & Wellness for Women, A Lighter Touch

Raisy is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Healing Touch practitioner and facilitator of pre- and post- surgery healing techniques. Essential oils are a supportive, calming addition to all the components of my practice. My goal is to help women relieve stress, ease pain and... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 126 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

2:00pm EST

Making Spiritual Sense of Life-Changing Loss

What are the spiritual issues we confront when we lose a loved one? How can we answer questions such as, Why did this happen? How could it have happened? And, Really now, where is God in all of this? The discussion will also examine the main themes of Rabbi Agler's book, The Tragedy Test.

Speakers

Richard Agler

Rabbi, Congregation B'nai Israel

Richard Agler was ordained in 1978. He is the founding rabbi, now Rabbi Emeritus, of Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, FL. He has taught accredited graduate courses in mysticism. His gift for bringing complex ideas to life makes him a speaker in demand. He has published articles... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

2:00pm EST

Making Your Home Holy

We find many instances of organization in our Torah: Hashem organized the Creation of everything in just 6 days. Noah organized the building of the Ark and the placement of all its inhabitants. The building of the Mishkan took enormous planning. Moshe created a very useful hierarchy and organizational chart of elected representatives to handle minor issues, while traversing the desert. In this session, you will learn how and why better time management and decision-making skills are important tools for more effective de-cluttering, downsizing and organizing. You will leave with tips to start your project tomorrow.

Speakers

Rona Trachtenberg

Rona Trachtenberg is The Compassionate Organizer. She is a member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals) in South Florida. Rona is passionate about helping her clients take control of their chaos in order to live healthier, happier lives. Rona is... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Life

2:00pm EST

First, Second, and Maybe Third Temples

We will explore the history and etymology of the singular institution of Jewish life for 1400 years. This session will expound on the conceptual framework of the earliest Temple in the wilderness, the first capital of Israel, Shilo. Our conversation moves toward factors surrounding the "how" and "when" the Mishkan or Temple was moved to Jerusalem. We will analyze the first destruction and reconstruction, and the second destruction and impact on Judaism for 2,000 years since.

Speakers

Leon Weissberg

Jewish Educator, LTW Educational Consultants, LLC

Leon Weissberg has been a foremost leader in Holocaust education having taught courses at Lynn University and Broward College in Holocaust & Genocidal studies. He is currently on staff at Broward College teaching American History. Among his accomplishments, he has served as Executive... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

Company Yes

2:00pm EST

Spanish Inquisition to the Present: A Search for Jewish Roots

Presenter will speak about her personal journey from being Catholic to observant Jewish and her decades-long journey in search of the origins of her Cuban family. She will follow this with the impact of returns like hers around the globe, and how we can identify the descendants of the Crypto-Jews. Finally, she will examine what is being done to advance this research around the globe.

Speakers

Genie Milgrom

Genealogist & Crypto-Jewish Researcher

Genie is a Genealogist and Global Speaker on DNA who developed a method to trace Jewish Lineages to the fifteenth century, common ear. She is the past president of the Society for Crypto Judaic Studies at Colorado State University; the Society of Jewish Genealogy of Greater Miami... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 2:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

Company Yes

2:00pm EST

Sing Sign Wiggle & Giggle

Come join Sing Sign Simcha--where we will Sing Sign Wiggle & Giggle while celebrating Judaism, yachad, together! There will be English & Hebrew songs, musical instruments, kinesthetic movement, puppets, bubbles, and a Jewish children’s story-time. Families (Mommies, Daddies, or care-givers all welcome) will learn about and grow their Jewish identity while having a fantastic time participating together, YACHAD, creating an atmosphere of community and friendship for both the munchkins & the grown-ups! Can't wait to Sing & Sign soon!!

Speakers

Laura Lenes

Edu-tainer, Sing Sign Simcha

Laura Lenes has a Double Masters degree MA from Columbia University in Elementary Education and Sign Language/Deaf Education, an undergraduate dual BA from University of Florida in Musical Theater and Education, and 14+ years of classroom experience—infants through college. Laura's... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids

2:00pm EST

GROW

Get a taste of the GROW series, where children learn emotional intelligence through a research based curriculum. Instead of lecturing about how to treat others, the GROW series encourages and teaches emotional awareness.

Speakers

Grow Staff

GROW

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

2:00pm EST

The Art of Hebrew Kirtan --- Opening Your Heart to Meditation through Music

Hebrew Kirtan — inspired by a form of devotional prayer developed in India — is call-and-response, participatory chant where short, sacred phrases from the Jewish tradition are treated as powerful, universal meditations. It is at once contemplative, ecstatic and plain old fun. Join the ‘Kirtan Rabbi,’ Andrew Hahn, for a deep immersion in this cutting-edge practice. We will chant a lot. And we'll discuss creating and leading chants, do easy meditation and voice exercises, and study related Jewish texts. You do not need to know any Hebrew or be a singer to enjoy this workshop. This is a double session.

Speakers

Andrew Hahn

Rabbi, Musician, Jewish Studies Professor, Martial Artist, Kirtan Rabbi

Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 114 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

ScentsAbility: More than just candles

ScentsAbility is an organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), by providing job training, employment and housing for young adults and custom made candles! Learn about this amazing organization "Lighting the Path to Independence One Candle at a Time!" and make your very own candle.

Speakers

Bonnie Schmidt

Scentsability

ScentsAbility is an organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our mission is to provide job training, employment and housing for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We teach them how to punch in/out for their... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids

3:00pm EST

The Play that Tried to Change History: Israel Zangwill's "The Melting Pot"

The play The Melting-Pot was first performed in 1908, in Washington, DC, in the midst of the great wave of Jewish immigration from the Russian empire to the United States. This large migration initiated a backlash, and Israel Zangwill, a well-known Anglo-Jewish writer, feared that the US would begin to impose restrictions, as the UK had already done. The Melting-Pot was an attempt by the playwright to show both the necessity of a land of refuge for Jewish immigrants and the value of Jews and other immigrants to the United States. The play became wildly popular, especially among Jewish audiences, and contributed a metaphor to studies of immigration and ethnicity. But ultimately The Melting-Pot did not succeed in its goals and in 1924 the US imposed devastating immigration restrictions. In this session we will discuss the play, its context and reception, the controversies it caused, and its relevance to immigration and Jewish life today.

Speakers

Meri-Jane Rochelson

Professor Emerita of English, Florida International University

Meri-Jane Rochelson is the author of A Jew in the Public Arena: The Career of Israel Zangwill, and has produced new editions of Zangwill's 1908 play The Melting-Pot and 1892 novel Children of the Ghetto. Her most recent book is Eli’s Story: A Twentieth-Century Jewish Life, a... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Arts

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

Mussar Practice: Closing the Gap Between How You Want to Behave and Actually Do!

The Hebrew term Mussar, means instruction toward ethical discipline, or conduct. The term was used by the Mussar Movement to refer to the disciplined efforts to further ethical and spiritual development. Join Deborah Newbrun for an experiential introduction to Mussar practice. We’ll take a look at what are called our soul-traits, and what we can do to polish up our act.

Deborah Newbrun’s participation in Limmud Miami is made possible with generous support from The Covenant Foundation.

Speakers

Deborah Newbrun

Jewish Educator, Covenant Grant Winner, Get Set Go Community Adventures

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Beit Midrash

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

The Kavana Course --- The Jewish Art of Mindfulness

As we were growing up, many of us were told to pray with Kavana, or to do a mitzvah with Kavana, but nobody has ever taught us HOW!

The techniques and principles of Kavana --- concentrating the mind --- are well known within Jewish literature. And, they can be used for many things other than prayer. They can help reduce stress, increase vitality, balance one’s energy and heighten mental clarity. They can be the foundation of a program of meditation and self-healing, totally from a Jewish framework.

Speakers

Michael Andron

Educator, Kodesh Congregation

Michael Andron, Ph.D, is a true renaissance man. Michael is an ordained Mohel, a Tai Ch’i Master-7th Degree Black Belt in Tora Dojo, a Jewish Martial Arts system, a yoga adept and a researcher/practitioner in holistic medicine. He is director of Kodesh Center, a non-profit foundation... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Knowledge

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

Water, Earth & Fire : Elemental Personalities in Jewish Mysticism and Chinese Medicine

Cultures have long used natural elements such as water, earth and fire as metaphors. Long before modern psychology developed personality typing systems, both Chinese Medicine and Jewish Mysticism used elements from nature to understand and categorize the world and its people. This session will explore these unique cultures' intersecting approaches to "elemental personalities," using individuals from the bible and Jewish history to exemplify the powers and vulnerabilities of each elemental personality type.

Speakers

Esther Meisels

Artist, Lecturer & Attorney

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

Where in the World Are All the Jews?

Literally, where are we? This well-researched, interactive and entertaining session has been well received at Jewish events worldwide. Participants will gain up-to-date information about the current realities of diverse Jewish communities around the globe. Attendance may leave you eager to jet off to various destinations the moment Limmud ends. Inspiration, information and entertainment are guaranteed; flight tickets are not!

Speakers

Joey Leskin

Director of Abroad Experiences, KAHAL Abroad

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 126 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

Can Social Media Save the Jews?

Social Media has been around for over a decade. While it is constantly changing and evolving, it shows no sign of going anywhere! The organized Jewish world has been a bit slow to adapt these tools, much to its detriment. Learn how Social Media can - and just might - save the Jews. We will discuss the various platforms and how Jewish organizations and individuals use them. We will suggest how you can create additional opportunities in your community for connection using Social Media. Come and get all of your burning Social Media questions answered in this interactive session.

Speakers

Libby Parker

Executive Director, Jewfolk Inc.

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Now/Then

Company Yes

3:00pm EST

Trans Jews --- B’tzelem Elohim, In the Image of G!d

In Judaism, we are all created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of G!d. Our gender identities do not change this powerful statement. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to normalize the transgender conversation. So join us for a panel discussion and "Q & A" in which you will hear from two local TransJews, as they share their journeys and open their hearts, and from the loving mother of a young transgender woman. Our hope is that hearing these stories, sharing these stories together, and normalizing these conversations will help the Jewish community to better understand and accept all gender identities.

Speakers

Eli Sage Rosenberg

LGBTQ Mental Health Activist

Eli Sage Rosenberg is a Jewish and multi-racial person who identifies as trans masculine and uses he/they pronouns. Living by the motto "Be the person you needed when you were younger," Eli prides themself on being a local LGBTQ and mental health activist within their community.

Mason Duboff

Mason Duboff has been a Jewish educator and cantorial soloist in South Florida for 20 years. Miami Beach born and raised, Mason’s passion for all things Jewish truly shines. On the bima leading prayer, Mason’s spirituality is moving. When it comes to youth engagement, Mason is... Read More →

Nancy Zaretsky

Inclusion Specialist, Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Nancy Zaretsky is the recently hired Inclusion Specialist for the Greater Miami Jewish Federation or GMJF and former chair of the Constituency Board of the University Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities or CARD. She is the founding Chair of... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 3:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

3:00pm EST

Ready, Set, Go

It's game time!

Speakers

Yishai Cohen

Sunday February 23, 2020 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

4:00pm EST

The Sound of Our Identities: Sephardic, Ashkenazic, and Israeli Music

Susana Behar and Alejandra Czarny grew up in very different communities and were surrounded by very different cultures. Susana, born in Cuba and informed by Sephardic grandparents, grew up in Venezuela. Alejandra was born and raised in Argentina, and is Ashkenaz informed. Their musical careers took them on very different paths. Susana has dedicated most of her journey through the Sephardic repertoire and Alejandra through the Yiddish songbook. While growing up, however, they were both immersed in Israeli music and Latin American folk music. After years of sharing stages and their love of Jewish music here in Miami, today, through that which connects them, they will take us on a musical journey in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino.

Alejandra and Susana will be accompanied by Michel Gonzalez on guitar and Reza Filsoofi on percussions.

Speakers

Susana Behar

Vocalist

Inspired by her distinct heritage, vocalist Susana Behar shares her passion for Latin American popular song, coupled with the evocative music of her Sephardic ancestors. The recipient of the 2015 Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the Florida Department of State, Division of... Read More →

Alejandra Czarny

Singer

Alejandra Czarny has been singing and playing Yiddish songs since she was a teenager. Originally from Argentina, where she hosted her own Jewish music radio program, Alejandra has for the last 17 years lived in South Florida, where she has long served as the Music Director of the... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 114 Koven Center - FIU

Arts

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

The Sacrifice of the Beloved Child In Abrahamic Religions

Dive into the textual sources on this heated topic. Child sacrifice exists in the history of all Abrahamic (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) and other religions. What is the story behind this practice?

Speakers

Haskell Bernat

Rabbi and Educator, Melton Graduate Program and Gulliver Prep

Haskell Bernat comes to the world of Jewish Education with an early background in Orthodox Yeshivot . He did his Undergraduate Studies at Yeshiva University, Columbia University and The Jewish Theological Seminary and was ordained at HUC-JIR. He earned his Doctorate in Interreligious... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 115 Koven Center - 115

Beit Midrash

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

Avot HaChinuch and Shleimut: Biblical Paradigms and the Science of Human Flourishing

The session will introduce participants to the foundations of the emerging field of Positive Psychology and the science of human flourishing. Participants will then learn a pedagogical approach in which close textual readings about biblical heroes can inform this science.

Speakers

Avi Bossewitch

Dean of Academics and Innovation, Hebrew Academy (RASG)

Avi Bossewitch is a dynamic Jewish educational leader, teacher, and lecturer. Originally from the Upper West Side of Manhattan, he attended Yeshiva University where he received his BS in Computers, MS in Jewish Education and Administration, and Smicha. He is currently pursuing his... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 122 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

4:00pm EST

Middot-Based Decision-Making --- Are You Creating the Life You Desire?

Imagine a life where every decision can be made so simply, that it's either a yes or a no. Learn how the Jewish Mussar (ethics) movement and its focus on Middot ( character trait) development has a strong relationship to the worlds of Psychology and Entrepreneurship. Mussar practices or Values-Based Decision-Making, can be applied to everyone's life, no matter what their background.

Speakers

Jason Wasser

Therapist & Coach, The Family Wellness Associates

Host of the "Your Winning Life" podcast, Jason is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Alternative Medicine Practitioner, Certified Entrepreneur Coach and Speaker. He is the owner of The Family Room Wellness Associates, a mind-body integrative health focused practice in Hollywood... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 126 Koven Center - FIU

Knowledge

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

From Oy Vey to Oh Yeah!

Did you know that Jewish tradition challenges us to say 100 blessings every day? During this presentation, Vismaya will share the steps to go from grumpy to GRATEFUL and how to train your brain to actively look and find things for which to be GRATEFUL. She will show you how to create moments of GRATITUDE in order to reduce stress, deal with challenges and increase joy.

Speakers

Vismaya Rubin

Chief Inspirational Officer, Living in Gratitude Today

According to Vismaya Rubin, "Gratitude is like a muscle. The more we train that muscle to look for the good, the more good we find." Rubin is the founder of Living in GRATITUDE Today and is on a mission to encourage people to exercise their gratitude muscle in order to experience... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 120 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

Mindfulness: Where Are You Now?

Today it is known that being in the present moment has a healing effect in people’s lives. This ‘living in the now’ is nothing new as Mindfulness is one of the oldest and basic skills known to humans. Especially Judaism by nature encourages us to be mindful of what we do. In the session, we will re-member this basic skill, meditate and learn some tools to apply mindfulness to our lives.

Speakers

Eda Birol

Mindfulness Instructor

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 110 Koven Center - FIU

Life

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

Kids for Kosher Foodbank --- How Even Young Children Can Impact a Life Forever!

By educating our children to work together as a team, we are laying a solid foundation for this next generation. Please bring children age six and older to assemble breakfast packages for the Holocaust survivors served by the Jewish Community Services Kosher Foodbank and Meals on Wheels program. Our seniors love breakfast and enjoy it at all times of the day. The children will watch a video about the senior meals programs and make personalized cards for Holocaust survivors as well.

Speakers

Bonnie Schwartzbaum

Director JCS KFB, Jewish Community Services, Kosher Food Bank

Bonnie is committed to providing a hot breakfast for our Miami Holocaust Survivors. The Jewish Community Services Kosher Food Bank services 80 survivors. The Meals on Wheels program provides like services for another 75 people. The food bank's goal is to have every person who attend... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 130

Limmud Youth

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

Jews in Virtual Reality

Facebook's Oculus Company declared that now is the time for Virtual Reality or VR. What does that mean for the identity of the self and the community? How can we incorporate Virtual Reality into our practices and institutions? Should we?

Speakers

Lionel Mitelpunkt

248 Content Director, 248CAN

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 117 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

Company Yes

4:00pm EST

Standing Up In The Margins: Jewish Women and Social Change

Standing up for justice is a Jewish value as dictated by the earliest texts. Yet the position of women in Jewish spaces has long been that of marginalization. Nonetheless, modern women in the US have blazed trails in the name of justice. This is particularly true because of organizations like The National Council of Jewish Women, or NCJW, founded in 1893 in response to women wanting to lift up their community rather than lift and pour teapots for men. The radical work of the founders of NCJW addressed reproductive rights, immigrant justice, and labor issues. Founded in Miami 98 years ago, the Greater Miami Section built and helped establish organizations such as The Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Guardian Ad Litem, Switchboard of Miami and Casa Valentina. Discover what women have contributed in the past and how to follow in their footsteps now!

Speakers

Jenni Person

Educator, Arts Professional

Since the founding of the Daughters of Israel in Miami in 1918, NCJW Miami has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of women, children and families in our community, creating community service, advocacy and educational opportunities for progressive women of all ages and... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 4:50pm EST
Room 124 Koven Center - FIU

Society Today

4:00pm EST

Jewish Jamboree

Get your body moving and grooving with songs, instruments, props, puppets and irresistible fun!

Speakers

Batsheva Ganz

Batsheva Ganz is an expressive arts therapist who works with children, adolescents and adults. She has specialized training and experience in education, play therapy, creative movement, and the therapeutic use of yoga, dance, meditation, and trauma recovery. Batsheva is the co-founder... Read More →

Sunday February 23, 2020 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Room 128

Limmud Kids