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I. L. Peretz
Community Jewish School

--The Secular Alternative--
in Central New Jersey

 

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2012-2013 Calendar

School starts promptly at 9:30 AM.
All programs are open to both school and community members.

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September

9

Sunday

 

Open House, 11:00 AM 12:30 PM, Rutgers Prep (Call 732-545-9691 for directions and further information.)

16

Sunday

(Class 1)

Opening Ceremony/Parent Orientation – 9:30 AM Rutgers Prep

17

Monday

Rosh Hashana Ceremony - 11:00 AM - Rutgers Prep.

23

Sunday

(Class 2)

Adult Program:  Brainstorming to gather ideas for the year's Sunday morning programs.  Everyone is welcome.  10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

26

Wednesday

Yom Kippur Ceremony - 11:00 AM - Rutgers Prep.

30

Thursday

(Class 3)

Adult Program: “Parent Brunch: I.L. Peretz Curriculum and the Philosophy of Your Child’s Jewish Education.”  10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

 

School parents please join us in welcoming the New Year and the start of school.

At this interactive program you will:

 

1. Learn about the stories, history and culture your child will be/is exposed to at the school.

2. Read and discuss an excerpt from one of the novels used in the curriculum.

3. Discuss the philosophy of IL Peretz Jewish education and your wants and dreams for your child’s Jewish education.

4. Get to know each other better and deepen your relationships with other parents.

 

This program will be facilitated by Ruth Goldsmith, Co-VP of Academic Administration and Level 1 teacher.

 

Everyone is welcome to learn more about our school.

October

7

Sunday

(Class 4)

Sukkot Celebration - 11:00 AM - Rutgers Prep.

14

Sunday

(Class 5)

Adult Program: "An American Tale: Yiddish Short Stories in English Translation"

 

A presentation by Bennett Muraskin.  Bennett has written three books: Humanist Readings In Jewish Folklore, Let Justice Well Up Like Water and the Association of Jewish Libraries Guide to Yiddish Short Stories . He also co-authored Celebrating Jewish Holidays: A Guide for Secular Jewish Families and Their Communities, as well as having written Sabbath and holiday programs for secular Jews. He is employed as a union staff representative for college professors and other higher education professionals in New Jersey.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

19

Friday evening

Adult Program: “Jew and the Titanic.  A presentation by Dr. Dana Liebmann

 

Did you know that it was just over one hundred years ago that the Titanic went down in the Atlantic Ocean?

Did you know the Titanic had a kosher kitchen and a "Hebrew chef"?

Did you know that among the Titanic's passengers were many Jewish families, both well-known and not-so-well-known, whose stories are all an important and fascinating piece of history?

 

Dr. Dana Liebmann has researched and lectured extensively on those Jews who chose to sail on the Titanic, some seeking a better future for their families, and others just returning from their European vacations. All of them represent Jewish life one hundred years ago, and, whether they perished or were saved, their adventures contribute significantly to Jewish heritage and culture. By chance alone, any one of us could have had a relative aboard the Titanic, and many of us did.

 

Dr. Liebmann completed her training in psychology at Sarah Lawrence College and Temple University, and received her doctorate in education from The University of Pennsylvania. Her lectures on "Jews and the Titanic" have been received with great curiosity and enthusiasm, with audience members often initially admitting that they had no idea there had been Jews on the Titanic. By the end of Dr. Liebmann's presentation, her audience leaves with knowledge of Jewish families whose stories must continue to be told.

 

8 PM at The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue

21

Sunday

(Class 6)

Adult Program: "Tonight Is The Night That We Sanctify Storytelling – Jewish Children's And Young Adult Literature"

 

The practice of telling stories - including fanciful tales, morality tales, and tales meant to convey history, customs, and values - is a tradition that Judaism shares with children's literature.  Peretz teacher and community  member Jill Ratzan (MLIS, coursework toward Ph.D) will present examples of  books for children and young adults that convey the variety and scope of the Jewish experience while also meeting the highest standards of literary and artistic excellence. We'll look at Jewish-themed fiction, nonfiction, folktales, holiday guides, and graphic novels aimed at children, teenagers, and families. We'll also talk about how to find and evaluate Jewish books for young readers . . . or readers who're young at heart. Join us for a morning of goblins and golems, time-travelers and troll-fighters, and heroines and Hasidim.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

28

Sunday

(Class 7)

Adult Program: "Homosexuality and the Bible"  A presentation by Peretz School Principal Jeremy Freedman

 

Matthew Vines is a young college student struggling with how to reconcile his homosexuality with his strong religious beliefs.  He decided to look at the bible with a logical, academic eye, and putting it through the lens of the historical times in which it was written.  He developed a lecture that was recorded and he has been in great demand ever since.  Although he is Christian, his intellectual arguments are brilliant.  Parts of his lecture will be shown followed by a discussion on the Jewish perspective on homosexuality.  It might surprise some that even Orthodox Jews are evolving on this issue.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

 

November

4

Sunday

(Class 8)

Postponed: 

Adult Program: "Bar and Bat Mitzvah in a Secular-Humanistic Community" - a presentation by Ira Mintz, I. L Peretz President.

 

This annual program will address the many options one has in celebrating this rite of passage into young adulthood. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah can be a very special opportunity to explore how to make our Jewishness relevant to ourselves and our children.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

 

11

Sunday

(Class 9)

Adult Program: "Peretz School Service Activities"

 

A presentation / discussion with Peretz member, Robyn Shumer.  Robyn will describe the upcoming planned service activities, and facilitate a group discussion about what activities they would like to do.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

 

 

Adult Program: Movie and Dinner at the Rutgers New Jersey Jewish Film Festival - "My Australia” at 4:45 PM at the Regal Theater in North Brunswick.

 

In 1960s Łód´z, Poland, ten-year-old Tadek and his older brother belong to a gang with a strong anti-Semitic bent. When they are arrested, their mother reveals that though raised as Catholics, they are in fact Jewish. The family boards a ship for Israel, and the boys are sent to live on a kibbutz, where Polish street culture clashes with the open-door policy of the kibbutz. This tender and humorous drama is based on the filmmaker's own experiences.

 

The show will likely sell out, so get your tickets in advance here. After the film, you are invited to travel just north on Route 1 to the Omega Diner to have dinner together and discuss the film.

18

Sunday

(Class 10)

Classroom Visitation

25

Sunday

No School – Thanksgiving break

 

December

2

Sunday

Class 11)

Adult Program: "Childhood Memories From a Hidden Child of the Holocaust"

 

A Presentation by Eva Vita.

 

Eva Vita was born in Budapest Hungary during the early 1940's. She is a child survivor during one of the most dreadful times history. Hidden with false papers at the age of 4, she was told by her mother to lie about her name and religion to the "bad men" in the brown shirts. Even at the of 4 she instinctively knew that she must never make a mistake.  Her story and that of her family is one of survival and the ability to think quick on one's feet in times of duress. It is a lesson to all those who doubt the power within themselves to do what is needed to survive when extreme situations arise! Eva will discuss her fascinating personal stories and those of her family members

during this time period.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

9

Sunday

(Class 12)

Latke Making (coat drive)

14

Friday evening

13th Annual Chanukah Party for the adult members of the entire Peretz Community – Call or email for info

16

Sunday

(Class 13)

Chanukah Celebration

23

Sunday

No School – Winter break

30

Sunday

No School - Winter break

 

 

 

 

January

6

Sunday

(Class 14)

Adult Program: Spook Handy comes to Peretz to Sing Songs of Social Justice: For Adults and Kids Alike

 

Local musician Spook Handy will play and speak about songs that tell of changing the world for the better.

 

Spook Handy, is a local New Jersey singer-songwriter of contemporary folk music.  He has performed dozens of times with Pete Seeger and has shared the stage with the likes of Peter Yarrow and Donovan.

 

Audiences can’t help but participate in Spook’s concerts. They laugh at his stories, sing along with his songs and can’t wait to chat with him after the show. In concert halls and people’s living rooms, Spook shares the pearls of everyday life and extraordinary experiences through songs that come from both the giants of folk music and his own ample supply of original compositions. He has been described as

 

"a troubadour in the style of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs, and a messenger of peace, hope and understanding.”…. Jim Beckerman – The Bergen Record

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

13

Sunday

(Class 15)

Adult Program: "Bar and Bat Mitzvah in a Secular-Humanistic Community" - a presentation by Ira Mintz, I. L Peretz President. (rescheduled from November 4)

 

This annual program will address the many options one has in celebrating this rite of passage into young adulthood. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah can be a very special opportunity to explore how to make our Jewishness relevant to ourselves and our children.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

20

Sunday

(Class 16)

MLK Observance

27

Sunday

(Class 17)

Tu B’Shevat Celebration

 

February

3

Sunday

(Class 18)

Adult Program: "Esther vs. The Maccabee Warrior Queen"

 

A presentation by author Judy Petsonk

 

Queen Esther, the heroine of Purim, can’t hold a candle to the heroine of Hanukkah:  Queen  Salome Alexandra, also known as Shalom-Zion.  Queen Esther was the fictional winner of a beauty contest. Queen Shalom-Zion, who was married to a grandson of the Maccabees, actually governed her nation for 37 of the 77 years of Judean independence. She negotiated treaties, commanded troops, and influenced Jewish divorce laws to give women greater rights. She also built mikvah pools throughout Judea. Talmudic rabbis said that while she ruled, it rained every Shabbat (but only on Shabbat) and lentils grew as large as gold coins.  The two queens had one thing in common: drunken kings for husbands. Esther saved the Jews of Persia from the anti-Semite Haman.  Shalom-Zion, by championing the rabbis, helped Judaism to survive for the two thousand years after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. 

 

Judy Petsonk, author of the historical novel "Queen of the Jews," speaks at libraries, book groups and synagogues about Shalom-Zion, the real, but forgotten, Jewish queen.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

10

Sunday

(Class 19)

 

17

Sunday

(Class 20)

Adult Program: "300 Ways to Ask the Four Questions and Enhance Your Seder"

 

Dr. Murray Spiegel and Rickey Stein present the fascinating and humorous account of a 30+ year project to obtain translations of the Seder's Four Questions from hundreds of people around the globe.  It is a fascinating, humorous and educational multimedia presentation, with contributions for the Seder from hundreds of people around the globe: Jews from Uganda to Uzbekistan, Eskimo bishops, as well as world experts of ancient languages and sign languages.  One gem is the actual Egyptian language from the time of the Exodus.  Have a blast with Valley Girl, Rap, Reggae, Hebrew Semaphore and Na'vi.  The authors will feature the amazing Gilbert & Sullivan contribution from IL Peretz's very own Karen Cantor.

 

The program includes historical facts about the Seder, Jews around the world, as well as demonstrating how to enliven your family seders. 

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

22

Friday evening

Adult Program: “Jews of Khazaria: A Jewish Kingdom 1000 Years before Modern Israel

 

A presentation by Bruce Tucker

 

8 PM at The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue

24

Sunday

(Class 21)

Purim Carnival – Highland Park Food Pantry Food Drive

 

 

 

 

March

1

Friday evening

Adult Program: “American Atheists”

 

A presentation by David Silverman, President of American Atheists, an organization that since 1963 has been advocating for the civil liberties of atheists and the total, absolute separation of government and religion.

 

8 PM at The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue

3

Sunday

(Class 22)

Adult Program: "Jewish Perspectives on Death and Dying"

 

Liz Cohen, a clinical social worker with Princeton Hospice, will share traditions and wisdom from our Jewish heritage on how we cope with end of life  -- the decisions we might need to make, the comfort we need and/or provide, and the traditions of mourning. This will be an interactive session, with plenty of time for discussion and questions.

 

Liz has been a social worker for 30 years, the past 11 in hospice.

She is an active member of Temple Beth-El in Hillsborough, and notes she found the practice of attending shiva minyans for people she did not know helped to lead her to hospice work.  She lives in Princeton with her husband David, and intermittently with their 3 grown children.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

10

Sunday

(Class 23)

Adult Program: "The Modern School of Stelton: Free School, Anarchist Colony, and Secular Jewish Community."

 

A presentation by Fernanda Perrone.

 

Inspired by the anarchist educator Francisco Ferrer, the Modern School of Stelton was founded in New York in 1911 and moved to Piscataway, New Jersey in 1915. The school was run democratically by students, teachers, and parents. Children were allowed to choose classes and activities freely each day. Parents and supporters of the school built houses on former farmland near the school buildings and attempted to live independently of the federal, state, and municipal government. While the majority of the settlers were anarchists and shared a common Eastern European Jewish background, they also included people of diverse political and ethnic origins, including Chinese, Japanese, and African Americans. The Modern School closed in 1953, due to financial pressures and demographic change. In the 1970s, the Friends of the Modern School, a group dedicated to preserving the legacy of the school, was founded, and the archives of the school and community were donated to Rutgers University Libraries.

 

Fernanda Perrone, curator at Special Collections and University Archives, Rutgers University Libraries, has served as archivist of the Modern School since 1995 and more recently as Trustee and Vice President of the Friends of the Modern School. She holds a B.A. from McGill University, a D.Phil. in history from Oxford University, and an M.L.S from Rutgers. Her research interests are the history and documentation of women's education and religion.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

17

Sunday

(Class 24)

Regular Classes AM, Community Passover Seder at 3 PM (Food Drive)

24

Sunday

(Class 25)

 

31

Sunday

No School – Spring break

 

 

 

 

April

7

Sunday

(Class 26)

Yom HaShoah Ceremony

12

Friday evening

Adult Program: The Book of Life: Selected Jewish Poems, 1979 – 2011

 

A presentation by Alicia Ostriker.

 

Alicia Ostriker is a major American poet and critic, and Professor Emerita of English, Rutgers University.  Twice nominated for a National Book Award, she authored thirteen volumes of poetry, most recently The Book of Seventy (2009), which won the Jewish Book Award for Poetry, and The Book of Life: Selected Jewish Poems, 1979-2011 (2012), which she will read from.  As a critic, Ostriker has written about women’s poetry and feminist interpretations of the Bible. 

 

8 PM at The Reformed Church of Highland Park, 19-21 South 2nd Avenue

14

Sunday

(Class 27)

Adult Program: "The Forgotten Refugees"

 

A presentation by Gabriel Rubin.

 

Gabriel Rubin is an Assistant Professor at Montclair State University. He is the author of Freedom and Order: How Democratic Governments Restrict Civil Liberties after Terrorist Attacks--and Why Sometimes they Don't. He resides in Bedminster, NJ with his wife Ariel and children Shai and Talya.

 

We will explore the rarely discussed Jewish exodus/expulsion from Arab lands. The documentary "The Forgotten Refugees" will be used as a touchstone for discussion on the history of Middle Eastern and North African Jews as well as the circumstances of their immigration to (mostly) Israel and their current state

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

21

Sunday

(Class 28)

Adult Program:  Membership Meeting

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

28

Sunday

(Class 29)

Adult Program: “The Story of Moses: A Secular Perspective

 

A presentation by Ron Herrmann

 

Ron will examine the story of Moses, the Hebrew slaves and the Pharaoh from a secular point of view.  Ron’s interpretation is very different from the religious interpretation and he argues that it is a story that “repeats itself over and over through the history of mankind.”  Ron promises many surprises.

 

Ron Herrmann is a Peretz parent.  He is an Israeli, teaches Hebrew at Peretz, and lives with his partner and son in Bedminster NJ.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep

 

 

 

 

May

5

Sunday

(Class 30)

Adult Program: “Do The Math: The Movie” - On April 21, 2013, there were over 1,000 screenings of this 42-minute mini-documentary about the rising movement to change the terrifying math of the climate crisis and challenge the fossil fuel industry.  We will watch the movie and then discuss this most Jewish of topics: what we can do locally to repair the world.

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

12

Sunday

(Class 31)

Board Elections - We need your votes!

 

Then a look back at the year at Peretz. 

 

10:30 AM at Rutgers Prep.

19

Sunday

(Class 32)

Closing Ceremony - Graduation

June

July

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about the I. L. Peretz Community Jewish School or the I. L. Peretz Secular Jewish Community, call us at 732-545-9691 or email to mailto:info@ilperetz.org

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Copyright © 2012 I. L. Peretz Community Jewish School

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