College Celebrates Jewish Heritage Month

SUNY Rockland Community College Celebrates Jewish Heritage Month:
"Mind, Body & Soul: Jewish Style"

March 9-April 9

Suffern, NY - The Center for Jewish Life at SUNY Rockland Community College invites the public to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month from March 9-April 9, from the holiday of Purim until Passover. All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise indicated. All refreshments are kosher.

Tuesday, March 10, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Student Union 3114

"Go Green" Purim Party

Info: 845-574-4422.

Monday, March 16, 1:00-2:00 p.m., Student Union 3214

"Interactive Drum Circle & Creative Improvisation."

Use drums and percussion to access your inner rhythm, create connections and relieve stress while having fun! Presented by Nechama Tarlow, licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board Certified Music Therapist and classically trained flutist. She trained with Arthur Hull, renowned Drum Circle Facilitator, and uses percussion instruments as a key part of her music therapy practice. Nutritious refreshments.  Co-sponsored by Women’s History Month. Info: 845-574-4422.

Tuesday, March 17, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Technology Center, Ellipse (Rm. 8180)

Lecture: "The Jews of Shanghai: A Survival Story"

Presented by Deborah Vinecour, Chair, Paralegal Studies, SUNY Rockland who visited China three times, most recently in January 2009, where she taught the study abroad course, "Modern China: Politics and Culture." "Schindler’s List" publicized the story of businessman Oskar Schindler, who protected thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Less known is Dr. Feng-Shan Ho, Chinese Consul General to Vienna, who also saved thousands of Jews by issuing visas that enabled them to find safe haven in Shanghai during WW II. This workshop will examine this often missed important historical event. Kosher Chinese lunch. Info: 845-574-4422.

March 19, 12:30-2:00 p.m., Technology Center, Ellipse (Rm. 8180)

Film: "Blessed is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh."

Documentary about courageous young World War II-era poet, Hannah Senesh, who became a paratrooper and resistance fighter. Followed by discussion with Holocaust survivor Susan Beer, who was imprisoned with Hannah Senesh. Co-sponsored by JCC Jewish Film Festival.  $12 general; $8 students/seniors. Info: 845-362-4400.

March 23 (Monday), 1 - 4 p.m., Student Union

Jewish Genetic Disease Screening. Info: (845) 574-4422

March 24, 7:30 p.m., Student Union 3214

"Cool Jew" Night

Lisa Alcalay Klug, award-winning journalist and author of "Cool Jew: The Ultimate Book for Every Member of the Tribe," will present a multi-media look at Judaism’s hippest forms of cultural and creative expression. Klug, who has written for New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times and more, is the daughter of an Ashkenazi Holocaust survivor and descendant of a Sephardic rabbinic family.  Presentation followed by "Cool Jew" contest, book signing and "Cool Desserts" reception.  Info: 845-574-4422.

Monday, March 30, 7:30 p.m., Cultural Arts Theater

Film: "The Case for Israel, Democracy’s Outpost" (77-min.)

Documentary based on the book by noted attorney and Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz, who said, "The time has come for a proactive defense of Israel to be offered in the court of public opinion." Introduction and discussion with the producer, Gloria Greenfield. Film followed by reception and raffle in the Atrium. Co-sponsored by JCC Jewish Film Festival. $12 general; $8 students/seniors. Info: 845-362-4400.

Thursday, April 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Faculty/Staff Dining Room, Cultural Arts Center

Passover Culinary Workshop with Jamie Geller, author of the best-selling cookbook, "Quick and Kosher Recipes from the Bride Who Knew Nothing." Geller, dubbed "The Kosher Rachael Ray" by the Miami Herald, is an award-winning television producer, an internationally syndicated food and lifestyle columnist and host of two internet cooking shows. Her book provides quick and easy recipes that require no more than 15 minutes to prepare for scrumptious, eye-catching dishes with step-by-step instructions. Food workshop, tasting, book signing. In addition to demonstrating Passover recipes, Geller will discuss her own transition from life as a producer for HBO and CNN to marriage, motherhood, keeping a kosher home and eventually writing a best-selling cookbook. 845-574-4422.

Stay informed: sign up for RCC’s free monthly e-newsletter of events by visiting www.sunyrockland.edu and clicking into the "Sign up for events newsletter" button on the lower right. Suffern campus map: http://www.sunyrockland.edu/about/campus-guide/map

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