2015 Celebrating Women Brochure

Celebrating Women!

Join us in March 2015 at the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC for many fantastic events and activities celebrating women.

erjcchouston.org

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON

Sponsored by

Answer Your Phone, It’s Your Mother...The Jewish Daughter Diaries: True Stories of Being Loved Too Much by Our MomsPresented in cooperation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston

Sunday, March 1 | 7:00 PM$15 per person | Includes author discussion and dessert reception Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, Kaplan Theatre

Join comedian and author Abby Sher for a discussion about the ever-complicated yet loving relationship between Jewish mothers and daughters. Abby is a contributor to the new book The Jewish Daughter Diaries: True Stories of Being Loved Too Much By Our Moms. Rachel Ament, writer and editor of the book will join us by skype. This hilarious and heartfelt essay collection features writing by some of the most prominent Jewish voices today, including:

• The Big Bang Theory and Blossom star Mayim Bialik• The Daily Show producer Jenna Friedman• Last Comic Standing winner Iliza Shlesinger• Cosmopolitan sex and relationships editor Anna Breslaw• Loose Girl author Kerry Cohen

The Jewish Daughter Diaries explores the colorful, complex and, at times, claustrophobic relationship between mothers and daughters. In these 27 searingly funny tales, the collection offers a more multi-dimensional characterization of Jewish motherhood than the one-note Jewish moms we see and fear on TV.

Whether the essay features an overzealous mom impersonating her daughter on Jdate, a mom who makes half her daughter’s bed while her daughter is still sleeping in the other half, or a mom who takes her camp-hating daughter on a visit to a “summer camp consultant,” the book is sure to strike a familiar chord in anyone who has ever been over-loved, over-protected or over-mothered.

Register by February 25 at erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen

Hosted with love by: Barbara Maidenberg and daughter Hilary KaminToni Miller and daughter Allison Miller Leibman Julie Silverman and daughters Megan, Jackelyn and Lexie SilvermanLeslie Weiner and daughter Rebecca Weiner

This event is being catered by Laykie’s Gourmet.L a y k ie ’s G o u r m et

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Badass Women of the Bible Wednesdays, March 4-25 | 10:00 AM$15 Member | $21 Public

The phrase “behind every great man is an even greater woman” does not necessarily resonate in the biblical narrative. There are many stories of women, who on their own merits play a powerful role in Jewish history and tradition. Explore four impressive women of the Bible who live life on their own terms and earn the title “Badass Woman.”

• March 4 | Miriam presented by Rabbi Jill Levy, Director, Center for Jewish Living & Learning, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC

• March 11 | Devorah presented by Rabbi Samantha Safran, Assistant Director, Center for Jewish Living & Learning, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC• March 18 | Tamar presented by Rabbi Annie Belford, Temple Sinai• March 25 | Ruth presented by Rabbi Pamela B. Silk, Associate Rabbi, Congregation Emanu El

Contact Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186 to register for this class or visit erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen.

Book Club: Adults 60+ Skype with Miriam Karmel, author of Being Esther

Wednesday, March 4 | 12:45 PMFREE

Join the J Book Club for an exciting discussion with Miriam Karmel, the author of the novel, Being Esther. Miriam will be joining us via skype.

In spare, unsentimental prose, Miriam Karmel provides readers with one of literature’s finest portraits of the last months of a woman’s life. Sad and amusing, unpretentious and ambitious, Karmel’s prose brings understanding and tremendous empathy to the character of Esther Lustig, a woman who readers will recognize and embrace. Born to parents who fled the shtetl, Esther Lustig has led a seemingly conventional life — marriage, two children, a life in suburban Chicago. Now, at the age of 85, her husband is deceased, her children have families

of their own, and most of her friends are gone. Even in this diminished condition, life has its moments of richness, as well as its memorable characters. Being Esther reflects the need, as Esther puts it, for better roadmaps for growing old.

Shabbat CelebrationsExperience Shabbat at the J: Adults 60+Leave the cooking up to us and enjoy a hassle-free Shabbat meal. Reserve a table for you and your friends each Friday as we celebrate Shabbat. A female Rabbi from the community will join us each Friday.

Shabbat Lunch at Noon$4 Member | $10 Public

Friday, March 6 with Rabbi Marcy Greene, The L’Chaim Center

Friday, March 13 with Rabbi Diana R. Siegel, Akiba Institute Torah Teacher at Congregation Beth Yeshurun

Friday, March 27 with Rabbi Samantha O. Kahn, Assistant Rabbi, Congregation Emanu El

Shabbat Dinner at 6:00 PMFriday, March 20with Rabbi Samantha Safran, Assistant Director, Center for Jewish Living & Learning, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC $8 Member | $14 Public

Janet and Elton Lipnick, David Lipnick, and Amy and Myles Kelman underwrite Shabbat Dinners in memory of Paul Lipnick, an active senior participant, so that other active adults can enjoy the traditional meal and meaningful service to usher in Shabbat. Paul Lipnick enjoyed dining with friends, and his family has chosen this special way to honor his memory.

RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness PresentationFriday, March 6 | 10:00 AMFREEMarch is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and it kicks off on March 6 with the national “Dress in Blue Day.” Everyone is encouraged to dress in blue to promote colon cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer affecting men and women equally. Learn about lifestyle changes to reduce your risk, recommended screening guidelines to save lives and what you need to do if diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Speaker: Dr. Alexandria Phan, medical oncologist at Houston Methodist Cancer Center specializes in cancers in the gastrointestinal system. She joined Houston Methodist in 2013 after having been at MD Anderson for more than 10 years. Dr. Phan is an Associate Professor of Weill Cornell, Director of GI Medical Oncology and Medical Director of Clinical Trial Office

A Conversation with Houston Female ArtistsMonday, March 9 | 11:00 AMThe Margolis Gallery | 5600 North Braeswood BlvdFREE

Join Julie Brook Alexander and Sandi Seltzer Bryant at The Margolis Gallery at Congregation Beth Israel to hear about their artwork that is on display. You will learn about their art pieces and hear more about the ever-growing Houston art scene.

Julie has worked as a photographer and painter, often using multiple images of her photographs in a collage format. Currently, her work is framed as a diptych that she carefully selects from her vast array of photographs, focusing on the interplay of color, scale and texture. Sandi has also worked as a painter now employing collage as her preferred medium. She combines various colors and textures by layering multiple pieces of paper that she has collected from her travels throughout Europe and China. Both have careers spanning over thirty years. Julie being represented at Hooks-Epstein Gallery and Sandi at McMurtrey Gallery.

RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186.

Mother-Daughter Challah BakingThursday, March 12 | 5:00 PM

Share fun with your daughter as you partake in this special women’s Mitzvah. Laykie Donin with Laykie’s Gourmet will teach you the ins and outs of challah baking and braiding. You will take the challah home with you to bake for Shabbos. This program is for girls ages 7-12 and their mothers, aunts or grandmother.

RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186.

In Memory of Rashi Minkowicz of Blessed Memory

Ladies’ Night Out Shop the Night Away at Dimensions Thursday, March 12 | 7:00 PMDimensions | 6100 Westheimer Road

Here’s your chance to grab some girlfriends and head to Dimensions for a fun evening of shopping. Dimensions is opening up their store after hours and hosting Girl’s Night Out. Learn what every woman should have in their closet this spring and summer season.

Serving Houston for 30 years, Dimensions offers clothes and accessories for every style and occasion. Everything from the hottest trends to timeless classics, Dimensions is a unique combination of fashion and fun that is unmatched almost anywhere.

Don’t forget to bring this coupon with you!

Spring Fling Boutique at the JSunday, March 15 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Support small business owned by local women at this afternoon market. The Spring Fling Boutique will feature female-owned business in our community. This is a great opportunity to support the women in our community who have worked hard to pursue their passion.

Arbonne Anna Abramzon StudioBercutt Physical Therapy & Wellness CenterE2 BooksEden Danielle JewelryHunter Douglas Window TreatmentsITAS SolutionsLainie LineLarlenDesignsLiz Seitz, LMSW-ACP, LMFT, Psychotherapist/ Marriage & Family Therapist in Private PracticePat Greer’s KitchenMary Kay CosmeticsMermaid and the Marmot Pickling CompanyMueller Creations Rivki Makeup ArtistryRuthie & RoseSamantha Leigh Designs–A Custom Cape CompanySerenity JewelrySilpadaSinfull BakeryStella & Dot

25% OFFOne regular-priced itemThis coupon cannot be combined with any other

offers and only good for the month of March 2015.

It’s not too late to join us at the market! You can find the

vendor application at erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen

Women’s Night at the Houston Jewish Film Festival Orange People

Monday, March 16Dinner at 6:30 PM | Film at 7:30 PM $8 Member | $10 Public

Grandma Zohara, an Israeli immigrant from Morocco, has the ability to hold a client’s object in her hands, fall asleep and prophesize the future. Tired of the burden of her mystical powers, Zohara is in search of a female heir to continue her work. Moving between past and present, Orange People explores the conflicts between generations, modernity and tradition, identity and memory.

Make it dinner and a movie with a group of friends! Bring your dinner or buy from Laykie’s Gourmet, and we’ll provide the Israeli wine.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Amy Rahmani at [email protected] or 713.729.3200 ext. 3299 by Thursday, March 12.

Rosh Chodesh with Mischpacha and MeWednesday, March 18 | 10:30 AMMcHugh Tea Room | 5305 Bissonnet StreetJoin mothers of young children at the monthly Rosh Chodesh get-together. Enjoy tea time and a project celebrating the month of Nisan. Mischpacha and Me provides social and educational programs for Jewish families in the Houston area with children ages 0-6. For more information and to RSVP for this event, contact Anna Abramzon at [email protected] or 713.729.3200 ext 3219.

This event is for moms, but kids are welcome to join! There is no cost to attend this event. Tea and treats can be purchased at the Tea Room.

Orange People

Wellness for WomenSunday, March 22 | 2:00 PMFREEChoice of group exercise classes, offered at the same time:

Beginners’ Zumba: A Latin based dance workout that will make you sweat! Instructor will lead you through high-energy dance moves to upbeat music. Open to all ages and abilities; or

Intro to Indoor Cycling: Learn to cycle indoors with our great cardiovascular workout! Instructor will guide you through bike set-up, gear changes and different terrains. Open and suitable for all ages and abilities.

• Classes will last around 45 minutes and expect the majority of participants to be new to the class.

• Participants will register in advance for the class they want to take (to make sure we can accommodate everyone).

• Suggested dress for the classes is t-shirt, shorts or leggings and tennis shoes.

• All participants must sign a waiver to use the Fitness Center as a guest.

Register at erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen.

Health, Wellness and Nutrition Workshop: “Modern Women and Healthy Eating”3:00–4:00 PMJoin us for an informative session on nutrition basics, eating healthy, the link between diet and exercise and tips for wellness in our fast-paced world.

Workshop will include healthy snacks.

WOW (Women of the West)Film and DiscussionSunday, March 22 | 2:00 PMCongregation Or Ami | 3443 Wilcrest Drive FREE

Join women from west side women’s group for the screening of the film Arranged. The film centers on the friendship between an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman who meet as first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Over the course of the year they learn that they share much in common- not least of which is that they are both going through the process of arranged marriages.

Following the film a discussion will be facilitated by Rabbi Jill Levy, Director, Center for Jewish Living & Learning, Evelyn Rubenstein JCC.

Participating organizations: Or Ami Sisterhood, Temple Sinai Sisterhood, Anne Frank Hadassah, NCJW West Houston

RSVP to Becca at Congregation Or Ami at 713.334.4300 or [email protected].

The Writing of Jewish Latin American WomenMonday, March 23$5 Member | $7 Public

This lecture will focus on immigration patterns to Latin America and the role that Jewish women played in the literary movements during the 20th century. You will learn about Latin American Jewish women writers: Clarice Lispector (Brazil), Elisa Lerner (Venezuela), Margo Glantz (Mexico) will be presented. A brief overview of works and themes represented in their literature will be discussed.

Facilitator: Militza Machuca Franco, MA in Latin American Literature with a focus on Latin American Jewish Writers

Register with Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186 or erjcchouston.org/celebratingwomen.

From Torah to Table: The Ethics of Jewish EatingWednesday, March 25Hungry for Jewish learning? Get your fill during our Spring Scholars Series, “From Torah to Table: The Ethics of Jewish Eating.” This exciting lecture series, positioned between Passover and Shavout, highlights how Jewish text, tradition, and values coincide at the dinner table. Add some Jewish flavor into your spring holidays as three prominent rabbis from across the denominational spectrum enlighten us with their food for thought.

Healthy Passover Cooking Tips and Tasting with Laykie6:30 PM–7:15 PM $7 Per Person

Sacred Earth, Sacred Time, Sacred Food with Rabbi Arthur WaskowLecture | 7:30 PM$10 Member | $15 Public

Humankind faces a self-created crisis in the life of Planet Earth that is utterly new to our species. The Jewish people could make an important contribution to dealing with this crisis by turning to the ancient wisdom stored away in its collective memory. From the great rupture in relationship between adamah (earth) and adam (earthling) in the Garden of Eden, to the coming of Shabbat, to manna in the desert, food is central to the Jewish story. Even after being severed from its own and every other land, Jewish culture continues to taste food as sacred. What in all this could help us face the climate crisis of today?

For more information contact Nomi Barancik at [email protected] or 713.729.3200 ext 3288.

Get member pricing to Women’s Month events plus programs throughout the year!

Membership starts as low as $180/year! For more detailed information on membership categories and rates,

visit us online at erjcchouston.org/join or call 713.729.3200.

Mimosas & Mah JonggSunday, March 29 | 10:00 AM$25 Per Person

Come on out for a fun-filled morning with good friends, good food and good prizes! The Evelyn Rubenstein JCC is hosting the 2nd Annual Mimosas & Mah Jongg fundraiser. Whether you play every week or only once in a while, we promise you’ll have a great time. Mah Jongg is a fun and stimulating game for all generations.

To register for a table or just for you, please visit erjcchouston.org/mahjongg or contact Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186. Please register by March 23.

Hosted by Courtney Cernosek, Erin Newman, Hilary Most and Jill Newman.

This event is being catered by Laykie’s Gourmet.

Civilian Safety Awareness ProgramMonday, March 30 | 6:00 PM$75 Per Person

Have you ever been awakened by a startling sound during the middle of the night? How about the last time you walked across a dark parking lot or felt that eerie feeling while walking to your car in a parking garage? Want to feel more secure and less vulnerable? You can become a victim or you can take control of the situation. If you answered yes to any of the above, then you need to take this program and learn survival skills which may save your life!

This course will teach you how to avoid dangerous encounters. Unfortunately, all dangerous encounters cannot be avoided; so CSAP will also teach you:

• Safety Awareness Tips• How to Carry and Properly Deploy Pepper Spray• Verbal Commands and Presence• Training Drills with Inert Training Sprays• Post Deployment Advice• Simple Self Defense Techniques

Instructor: Michael Kahlenberg was the Emergency Operations Center Manager for Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186.

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Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org

Celebrating Women! | March 2015

The Jewish Daughter Diaries:True Stories of Being Loved Too Much by Our MomsSunday, March 1

Badass Women of the Bible Wednesdays, March 4-25

Book Club: Adults 60+ Skype with Miriam Karmel, author of Being EstherWednesday, March 4

Shabbat LunchFridays, March 6, 13, 27

Colorectal Cancer Awareness PresentationFriday, March 6

A Conversation with Houston Female ArtistsMonday, March 9

Mother-Daughter Challah BakingThursday, March 12

Ladies Night Out Shop the Night Away at Dimensions Thursday, March 12

Spring Fling Boutique at the JSunday, March 15

Women’s Night at the Houston Jewish Film Festival Monday, March 16

Rosh ChodeshWednesday, March 18

Shabbat DinnerFriday, March 20

Wellness for WomenSunday, March 22

WOW (Women of the West)Film and DiscussionSunday, March 22

The Writing of Jewish Latin American WomenMonday, March 23

From Torah to Table: The Ethics of Jewish EatingWednesday, March 25

Mimosas & Mah JonggSunday, March 29

Civilian Safety Awareness ProgramMonday, March 30

Ellen Leventhal, Chairwoman