Lunch and Learn
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All Hail The Return Of Lunch And Learn: Monday, Dec. 6. Zoom At Noon
First-Rate Programming On The First Monday Of Every Month
Lunch and Learn is returning with another lineup of first-rate programming, this time on the first Monday of every month. We’re starting with a fascinating program by a guest presenter, Brad Kolodny, whose book Seeking Sanctuary: 125 Years of Synagogues on Long Island, responds to our interest in the history of synagogue buildings, considering the rich history of our own building, which dates from 1901. Yet, we were not the first. The story behind the first synagogue building is quite a saga.
For an advance look at what Lunch and Learn will offer, you might want to visit the Suffolk County Historical Society Museum, 300 West Main Street in Riverhead, which has mounted a special exhibit in honor of the anniversary of the first synagogue to be built on Long Island. The images on display at the museum and planned for Lunch and Learn are architecturally significant, aesthetically interesting, and culturally important.
Brad Kolodny has photographed more than 600 synagogues in 13 countries over the last 30+ years, including images of synagogues here on Long Island. He is president of the Jewish Historical Society of Long Island in Setauket. His second book, The Jews of Long Island 1705-1918, published by SUNY Press, is due out in March 2022.
Once a month, Monday at noon
We know, we know, the popular Lunch and Learn program was an every-Monday Zoom event through the height of the pandemic, when all of us were captives in our own homes. But the situation is easing now, and people are venturing out. Lunch and Learn seeks to present programs of consequence without Zoom exhaustion.
Keep in mind that beginning in January, the Marshall S. Hurwitz Fund For Special Programs and Projects is sponsoring a Jewish Theological Seminary course, “Beyond Dispute: Debates That Shape Jewish Life,” to be offered every Sunday in person and also on Zoom. [See separate story below.] Lunch and Learn, a Zoom-only event, will revisit its schedule at the conclusion of the JTS course.
Lunch and Learn Extends Thanks To Participants Before Summer Hiatus
With the combination of Covid restrictions lifting and outdoor activities ramping up with the onset of summer weather, Lunch and Learn, is taking a summer break. The twice weekly Zoom program was initiated at the height of the Covid pandemic to help shul members maintain connections during the health crisis that closed our shul building. L&L will resume after the High Holidays in the fall. Enjoy the summer.
Lunch and Learn highlighted the many interests and talents of our shul members and invited guests, and we extend a mega-thank you to participants and loyal attendees. During the first year, beginning on April 20, 2020, with Ron Rothman talking about his grandfather’s friendship with Albert Einstein, L&L also welcomed Adrianne Greenberg, Marian Friedmann, Susan Rosenstreich, Deborah Pittorino, Melissa Berman, Ladan Shalom-Murray, Elizabeth Holtzman, Saul Rosenstreich, Dan and Nancy Torchio, Dr. Lewis Teperman, Ellen Jaffe, Francis DuBois, Roberta Garris, Dede Whitsit, Bill Packard, Michael and Cookie Slade, Miriam Gabriel, Sylvia Daly, Rachel Levin Murphy, Ellen Wiederlight, Jody Levin, Stephen Brumberg, Jack Weiskott, Kasa Bayisin, Josh Clauss, Rabbi Gadi, and Sara Bloom.
Starting in 2021, L&L welcomed Mike Slade, Meryl Kramer, Paul Connor, Carol lngall, Simeon Seigel, Susan Rosenstreich and the chairs of all the shul committees, Lili Rosenstreich, Sara Bloom, Loni Efron, Gail Kriegel, Jody Levin and Peggy Lauber, Deborah Pittorino, Dede Whitsit, Francis DuBois, Graham Diamond, Didi Goldenhar, Andrea Blaga, Judith Weiner, Andrea Strongwater, Rabbi Gadi, Rabbi Oded Peles, Ayelet Capela, Efrat Derry, Saura Weiner Naim, Matan Naim, and Bill Packard.
Lunch and Learn: Summer Vacation
Dear Lunch and Learners,
The good news is that Covid seems to be on the run. Vaccinations are up, the infection rate is diminishing, spring/summer weather is inviting us away from our electronic screens, and activities on the North Fork are abubble.
That said, Lunch and Learn will take a break from our Monday and Thursday Zoom at noon routines to refresh, regroup, revitalize, reinvigorate, and report new and interesting programs to restart after the Jewish holidays in the fall.
We hope you have enjoyed getting to know the varied interests and talents of our members and our special guests, and that you will rejoin our merry band of Lunch and Learners when we are once again hemmed in by weather et al, yet eager to stay connected to our shul, our shul friends, and to wonders yet to come every Monday and Thursday.
Thank you presenters, thank you participants. Special thanks to Rabbi Gadi for his thought-provoking Thursday programs, and to shul president Judith Weiner for gracious introductions of our members and guests and as able moderator of our Q and A portions. To our office assistant, Andrea Blaga, thank you for distributing the publicity and quick reminders every week, and for posting the recorded sessions online for greater visibility of our programming.
Happy summer from Lunch and Learn. See you soon.
Lunch and Learn : Language Lesson
Monday, June 14
Susan Rosenstreich
and Bill Packard
Language Lesson
Bonjour! Hola! Ciao! How’s your French? Your Spanish? And your Italian? Live the dream and speak the language, practicing phrases and proverbs — on mute, if you’re timid, or viva voce if not. Suzy and Bill will take us on a fun Romance language romp around the Mediterranean. Zoom at noon through France, Italy and Spain and — Who knows? — emerge speaking like a native. No passports necessary.
[Last Monday Lunch and Learn session before the summer hiatus.]
Thursday, June 17
Rabbi Gadi
“History of the Jews”
Wrap-up of the era
Rabbi Gadi will bring his “History of the Jews” series to a stopping point before the Lunch and Learn summer hiatus. With so much at stake as the Jewish people wander without a homeland, Rabbi Gadi will draw the era to a close and provide a preview of what’s to come. Zoom at noon for a look to the future.
Lunch and Learn: Rabbi Gadi “Shabbat Across America”
Join Rabbi Gadi for two Lunch and Learn sessions next week — Monday and Thursday — for a spiritual journey across America. Spectacular photos and illustrative videos will display the beauty and majesty of our country with its inspirational message of awe.
In the words of Rabbi Gadi, “It has been an incredible journey around the holy lands of America, a real spiritual journey. We discovered holy people who do holy work, rediscovered old friendships, and led services online from a different city in the U.S. every Shabbat.
We blessed communities, prayed at historical sites, saw the wealth and beauty of this country, and followed the trails of those who fought for freedom.
We trailed the Rocky Mountains from the Grand Canyon in the south to Glacier Park in the north.
We challenged our bodies and spirits and, with the help of angels all along the way, we have returned home renewed, restored, recharged and revitalized.”
Zoom at noon on Monday and Thursday next week for an unforgettable excursion to awaken the soul.
USCJ Recognizes ‘Lunch and Learn’ With Visionary Award
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) has recognized our shul’s Lunch and Learn program with a 2021 Visionary Award. Synagogues across the nation submitted more than 50 applications in response to the call for entries detailing how synagogue programs could be transitioned from Covid-era ideas to hybrid ideas in preparation for the re-opening of synagogue buildings. Our submission indicated that once our building re-opens, we could invite speakers and a limited number of congregants and guests to attend in-person for the program and lunch. At the same time, Lunch and Learn would continue on Zoom so that those home-bound, traveling, or without transportation could continue to enjoy the weekly programs virtually.
The judges cited three ideas in each of three categories — Learning, Program, and Ritual. Lunch and Learn is one of the three award winners in the Learning category. The recognition earns Lunch a Learn a featured spot at an upcoming webinar dedicated to recognizing and sharing all of the award-winning ideas. The concepts may be shared throughout the USCJ network in articles, interviews, and social media venues.
The Lunch and Learn concept was suggested by Rabbi Gadi and Sara Bloom as a way to keep our members connected to the shul and to each other when Covid risks closed the shul building. The program was further developed and coordinated by shul president Judith K. Weiner with technical assistance from the shul’s office assistant Andrea Blaga. All were instrumental in developing the submission to the USCJ.
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