Program timing:
6:15 p.m.       Doors open
6:45 p.m.       Program begins promptly
7:00 p.m.       Workshops begin
8:00 p.m.       Christian Picciolini speaks
9:00 p.m.       Event ends

Join us to hear former extremist Christian Picciolini discuss how unlearning hate helped him transform from a leader in the American white power movement to a global peace advocate.

Before Christian speaks, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and choose from five interactive mini-workshops that will explore the theme of Jewish diversity (see descriptions below).

You won’t want to miss this unexpected evening! 

Space is limited in breakout sessions — sign up now to reserve your spot!

Workshops:

ART
Visualize Your (Jewish) Values, led by Sarah Rubenstein
Channel your inner artist! In this workshop, we’ll share traditions that we celebrate within our communities and discuss values that keep us going every day. We’ll take all that inspiration and create a work of art that blends our identity, purpose, and Judaism, all with the help of some colored pencils.

Sarah Rubenstein is the co-founder of ArtSnacks, a monthly subscription box for unique, high-quality art supplies. She wears many hats within the company but works primarily on the creative/UX side of the brand. When it comes to CJP, Sarah was a LEADS leader for two seasons in 2016 and 2017, and is a 2018 graduate of the Dewey Stone Kadimah Leadership Program. She holds a B.F.A. in graphic design from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Be on the lookout for her newest side project launching soon: “Oy Bae! A podcast about young adult Jewishness.”

 

FOOD
From Adafina to Zaatar: Crafting Jewish Identity, Culinarily, led by Sara Gardner
If you could pick one food that represents your Jewish identity, what would it be? In this session, we’ll learn about and taste Jewish food from across the diaspora while exploring the ways we express our Jewish identities through food. Come one, come all, come hungry!

Sara Gardner is the Associate Director of Young Adult Programs at Hebrew College. Before coming to work at Hebrew College, Sara lived in Spain researching the culinary heritage and cultural identity of Sephardic Jews through a Fulbright. Sara regularly updates her food blog, Boka Dulse, writes for The Nosher, a food site sponsored by MyJewishLearning, and produces a biweekly radio show for RadioSefarad about Jewish food and identity in the diaspora. Sara is passionate about all things culinary, innovative learning experiences, and meeting new people over coffee. Get in touch with her if you’re interested!

 

MUSIC
Songs for Change: Your Voice Has Power, led by Michael Harlow
Come lend your voice and share your thoughts! Music has a rich history with regard to community organizing and protest movements. Explore how music and lyrics can inspire and push agendas of social change and how our Jewish values manifest in community singing and moral development.

Michael Harlow was born and raised in Newton, MA. Currently, he is a senior at Brandeis University, studying the relationship between music and culture in American society. He spends his summers as the head song leader, or Rosh Shira, at Camp Ramah in the Rockies in Colorado. In his spare time, he writes and performs music with his duo Late Night Thoughts. He believes in the power of music to affect change in the world and looks forward to exploring the possibility of social change through music together.

 

TEXT STUDY
Out of the Text Box: A Spiritual Reset, led by Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen
Journal, discuss, decompress. Take some time for a spiritual reset through words & silence. Using our own writing and texts from our tradition, we’ll prep for Christian’s talk together, exploring what it means to forge one’s own path, to “unlearn” that which we’ve been taught, and to find the courage it takes to do so.

Ordained from Hebrew College, Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen serves full-time as Congregation Kehillath Israel's Assistant Rabbi and Director of Outreach & Innovation, and part-time as the Rabbi of Based in Boston. As a convert to Judaism, she understands what it feels like to be on the "outside" of the Jewish community and to be intimidated by the learning curve that is so often a barrier for people — whether they are born to Jewish parents or not. She is driven by her background to bring inspiring and empowering Judaism to all who seek it. Elizabeth is an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and Hillel International's Office of Innovation Fellowship for Rabbinic Entrepreneurs. She holds a B.A. from William Jewell College in Religion, Philosophy, and Gender Studies & Human Sexuality, an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School, and an M.J.Ed. from Hebrew College. Originally from Overland Park, KS, she now lives in Brookline with her husband, Matt, and their son, Ma'or.

 

YOGA
Mindful Movement and Self-Love, led by Abby Zwetchkenbaum
Through mindfulness and yoga, we will reflect personally and as a community. How can positive energy, gratitude, and presence help unite us? Arrive at your mat for a fun-for-all-levels flow!

Abby Zwetchkenbaum is a Providence native living in Brookline. She is passionate about health and wellness and is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance. As a fifth grade teacher, she loves to incorporate her yoga training as a tool in her classroom. Abby has been involved with CJP for many years, doing LEADS and Kadimah. She is excited to share a yoga flow with Evening of Unlearning participants.