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Book Club: Finding Sparkle in the Jewish Calendar

At first glance, or time for a second take: How do I find sparkle in the Jewish calendar?

Facilitated by Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew

    For the curious and the seasoned seekers of meaning, and lovers of books

    Mondays, 12pm-1pm EST- October 30, November 13, November 27

    Abigal Pogrebin reading from podium
    Author and former 60 Minutes producer Abigail Pogrebin took a deep dive into the Jewish calendar for the first time— choosing to research, experience and write about every single festival and fast without missing a ritual or prayer. Her resulting book, which is both challenging and entertaining, is called My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew. She purposefully sought teachers and spiritual leaders from across denominations in the belief that there is meaning to be gleaned from every Jewish perspective. Abigail will discuss the unexpected power of this experience, the lessons that were most indelible and what’s missing when Jews skip these milestones. Together we’ll explore questions such as how do we make the High Holidays feel more powerful and urgent? Why are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur more clarifying and frightening than many people realize? Why should the modern Jew follow an ancient calendar? How can the holidays actually deepen our lives every day? Why is there no excuse for a boring seder? How do we help families who slog (or rush) through the haggadah, only to discover it’s actually the highlight of the holiday?

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    Learn about our first session.

    Second session: Hannukah and varieties of Jewish practice

    Third session: when it comes to Passover, there are more than four questions!
    Audio titled My Jewish Year: A Book Launch Event with Abigail Pogrebin + Rabbi Joy Levitt by JCC Manhattan