Isabella Freedman Center Offers a Variety of Options for Exploring Jewish Ideas

by Daniel E. Levenson

May 11, 2009

There are few places in the northeastern United States with the diversity and depth of programming that the Isabella Freedman Center has to offer.  Located in Falls Village, Connecticut, the center has evolved over the last century into a place where people can come to explore nearly every aspect of Jewish identity, from Torah study sessions with some of today’s leading thinkers, to developing a practice in Jewish meditation, to exploring the intersection of Jewish value and environmentalism. This last issue is one in which the Center has emerged as a leader, with the founding of the Teva Learning Center in 1994, which for the past 15 years has engaged with students from day schools, as well as congregations and community groups, to, according to the program website, immerse “… participants in the natural world and providing structured activities which sensitize them to nature's rhythms, we help them develop a more meaningful relationship with nature and their own Jewish practices.”

Jewish Vocational Services Holds Annual Spring Gala 

The 5th Annual JVS Spring Gala: Creating Pathways to Success was held on April 28, 2009 at the InterContinental Hotel, Boston.

Richard Chacon, Exec Director of MA Office for Refugees & Immigrants, Jerry Rubin ( JVS President & CEO), Jacques Kitembo (JVS All-Star client), City Council President Mike Ross

Jewish National Fund Hosted Former United States Ambassador to Israel

On Thursday, November 6th the Jewish National Fund hosted former United States ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk, at an event honoring leadership efforts by members of the JNF's Sapphire Society.

Risa & Lee Aronson, Judi Elovitz Greenberg and Elaine Elovitz

11th Annual Unity Shabbaton Draws a Diverse Crowd

August 21, 2008

by Daniel E. Levenson

The Massachusetts Synagogue Council held its 11th Annual Unity Shabbaton at the Holiday Inn in Peabody on the weekend of July 26, which drew Jews from a wide range of congregations in the Bay State to participate in a weekend of prayer, learning and community. The Shabbaton featured small group discussions, text study opportunities, insightful group learning with the Shabbaton faculty and a chance to experience different prayer services from Reconstructionist to Orthodox.

An Interview with ADL New England Board Member Lori Gans

June 17, 2088

National and New England regional Anti Defamation League board member Lori Gans recently took some time to answer a few questions for the New Vilna Review by email. Ms. Gans has been an active leader in the Boston Jewish community in both a professional and volunteer capacity for a number of years.

Jewish Community Relations Council honors Deputy Director Alan S. Ronkin at Annual Meeting

June 12, 2008

by Daniel E. Levenson

On Wednesday, June 11th the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston held its annual meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Boston. The theme of the gathering was "The Power of One," which was supposed to connect with the main address by Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg, who was unfortunately unable to attend because his flight was delayed due to bad weather. The event went on, however, with many local dignitaries and leaders of the Boston Jewish community in attendance to celebrate the work of the JCRC and honor this year's recipient of the Warren B. Kohn Award,  JCRC Deputy Director Alan S. Ronkin.

Jewish Vocational Services Continues to Help Those Who Seek a Better Life

June 6, 2008

by Daniel E. Levenson      

Not far from downtown Boston and the Park Street “T” station there is a non-profit organization which is quietly helping new immigrants and refugees from around the world take their first steps in navigating the American workplace. Founded in the middle of the 20th century with the aim of helping Jewish immigrants from Europe, Jewish Vocational Services now works with people fleeing oppression from other parts of the globe, many of them African Muslims escaping conflicts at home. The clientele may have changed, but the mission remains the same: to help people on the margins of society improve their lives through job training and education.

High-Tech in Israel

April 2, 2008

by Daniel E. Levenson

While Israel is perhaps most often in the news these days for less-than-happy reasons, there was one event this past weekend at Temple Beth-Elohim in Wellesley, Massachusetts, that drew a large crowd of people focusing on positive news coming out of Israel.

Making the World a Better (and Cleaner) Place

April 9, 2008

by Daniel E. Levenson

Many different people have tried to approach the Arab-Israeli conflict from a variety of angles over the years – theologically, spiritually, artistically, and of course, politically.

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