If you’re at a stage of life where you are feeling “free as a bird,” with more time to engage with peers and explore your interests, come join us! Offering a variety of monthly activities, ranging from game nights to trips to Europe, the Free Bird community offers members a fun and active way to create connection with each other, our clergy, and Judaism. For more information about our Free Birds events, please contact Lori Gertzog at lori.gertzog@gmail.com.
Understanding Israel Through Film
Join Rabbi Blake for the winter film series exploring three Israeli films. Israel is often
thought of as a technological powerhouse, while its significant cultural impact is less widely known. Many celebrated films have come out of the Israeli cinematic scene, and this winter, FreeBirds will bring us three landmark Israeli movies, presented in conversation with Rabbi Blake. Bring a friend, and we’ll bring the movie, snacks, and beverages. All programs begin at 2:00 pm and conclude no later than 5:00 pm, with commentary and discussion led by Rabbi Blake. Any questions? Contact Lori.gertzog@gmail.com
Sunday, January 12 at 2:00 pm: Sallah Shabati (1964)
This famed Israeli comedy satirizes the chaotic effect of immigration and resettlement on Israeli society, highlighting the travails of Mizrachi (Middle Eastern) Jews in the nascent Jewish State. It also introduced audiences to Topol, who went on to international recognition for his portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (1971).
Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 pm: Waltz With Bashir (2008)
This harrowing adult animated war docudrama film depicts director Ari Folman’s search for lost memories of his experience as a soldier during Israel’s 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra & Shatila massacre. It was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of PTSD in the psyche of Israelis who experienced this traumatic war, as well as its revolutionary combination of documentary footage and animation.
Sunday, February 2 at 2:00 pm: Incitement / Yamim Noraim (2019)
This film by director Yaron Zilberman is a provocative look at what inspired a 25-year-old religious extremist to assassinate Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, which Rabbi Blake experienced during his year in Israel as a rabbinical student, and which he related in his remarks this past Rosh Ha-Shanah.
Sunday Sing Along Happy Hour with the Cantors
*NEW DATE: Sunday, April 6, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Join the Cantors for happy hour. We will sing Israeli songs from throughout the decades. Bring a friend, meet new friends for wine and snacks.
Any questions? Contact Lori.gertzog@gmail.com
Game Night
Thursday, May 15, 7:00-10:00 pm
Come with your friends for a fun evening playing Mahjongg, Canasta or Bridge!
Any questions? Contact Iris+Audrey: irg.green@gmail.com or drey52555@aol.com
