Doves nesting in the Arab Israeli city of Sakhnin? Are they also where they don’t belong or could these cattle egrets in winter plumage represent a piece of performance art-posing as doves at the entrance of an unusual building and museum promoting peace through dialogue and art?
Although I am not an artist, I recently tagged along on the trip my sister planned along with Robyn Awend, Rabbi Alexander Davis and Anat Szendro for the Jewish Artists' Lab from the Minneapolis Sabes JCC. I love art, I love Israel, I love my Israeli cousins, and I trust my sister’s travel planning 100 percent based on vast experience.
Can a building be home to a revolution begun with art? I think so. The Arab Museum of Contemporary Art and Heritage (AMOCA) is housed in the Environmental Study Center, an ecological building designed by Egyptian architect, Abed Yassin in 2009. He designed this...
As the 15 year old Byerly’s employee was loading the case of bottled water into the car, I looked at Harry and said “Did you buy these?” I was especially surprised given that five minutes before, we were discussing the potential green advantages of cremation. As usual, I had driven away from Byerly’s completely forgetting I was supposed to pick up our groceries from the drive through. Harry had the two bin numbers in his lap but claimed he was observing my rule that he can’t criticize me because my car does it for me with its many beeps in “eyesight.” As we were returning to Byerly’s, we passed a fountain at The Cremation Society that Harry found aestheically displeasing. I asked him “Does that mean you won’t be cremated?” We paused in thought. We shared that we wouldn’t mind being cremated as long as we didn’t know it. It...
We were featured speakers at Hadassah Brandeis Institute and Levy Summer Series. Our speaking engagements include JCCs, synagogues, libraries, book groups, retirement communities, schools, and organizations (e.g. ORT, Hadassah, and Women's League). References are available.
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"I was very fortunate to be able to hear Meryll and Leslie speak at a Hadassah event in Israel. Each of the ~50 participants really enjoyed the event because Meryll and Leslie were so engaging. While they had a natural rapport with the audience, you could also tell they had prepared well so they could connect with our particular group's interests. I learned a lot from listening to them, and I found their sisterly interaction unique and fun. If you want an enlightening and uplifting experience, attend one of their book talks."
Lisa Shimoni, Modiin Israel
"Truly, you have written a story that makes accessible the reality of existence in Russia, through the eyes of individuals who lived through the various regimes and dictates. It is fascinating and very well told. As I read Vera and Alla's story, I learned more Russian history than I had known from a textbook. That's a big deal, women! You tell the tale with vivid detail and hook us on the two women and their stories, then weave in the history to illuminate their journeys. It is such a necessary book. I am thrilled that the two of you collaborated, as I can see the uniqueness of your personalities come through in the stories, and that, too, makes the book a gem."
Margaret Leibfried, Danielson Group consultant
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 Make a donation to Sholom Home and enjoy Jewish Luck at the same time. Jewish Luck is now available at the Sholom Home West gift store. Meryll and Leslie will donate 50% of the proceeds back to Sholom Home. Enjoy! |
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