QUENCH YOUR THIRST FOR

JEWISH CULTURESPRING 2020

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It isn’t a coincidence that Passover, the holiday that celebrates freedom, is in the Spring. That’s when flowers bloom, temperatures rise, and, after a winter trapped indoors, we all get to play outside.

So it also isn’t coincidence that freedom and playfulness are undercurrents of JArts’ Spring 2020 season. You’ll savor it through special menu items at Boston’s only Israeli restaurant week. You’ll hear it in the music of the unforgettable Argentinian musical duo who will be our Rukin Memorial artists-in-residence. You’ll be surprised and delighted with it in our new JLab series of experimental, unexpected works. And you’ll experience it through The Shape of Play, our public art installation in downtown Boston by artist Sari Carel, following our award-winning Pathways to Freedom project.

Whether in a public art project or at a Seder, fun and play are far from frivolous. From the ancient afikomen to today’s latest parody songs, people have always incorporated playful elements for passing stories like the Exodus story on to the next generation.

Nachman of Breslov declared “Freedom is the world of joy.” The connections between freedom, laughter, and play are core to the Jewish experience. We hope you will join us this season.

WELCOME

Welcome 2

Buying Tickets 3

Support JArts 4

Events 6

Staff, Contact Info, 20 Sponsors

Leadership 20

Season Calendar 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Joey BaronArtistic Director

Laura MandelExecutive Director

BUYING TICKETS IS EASY

ONLINE

Visit jartsboston.org

BY PHONECall 617.531.4610, Monday-Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM

BRING YOUR FRIENDS We offer discounts for groups of 10+ for most events.

QUESTIONS? CALL: 617.531.4610 EMAIL: info@JArtsBoston.orgSIGN UP: Register at JArtsBoston.org for regular updates.

FOLLOW US:

@jartsboston

VOLUNTEER Want to help out at JArts events? Please complete the volunteer form at jartsboston.org/volunteer or email sarag@jartsboston.org

ABOUT THE JEWISH ARTS COLLABORATIVE

JArts™ brings people together to explore and celebrate the diverse, world of Jewish art, culture, and creative expression.

Member of

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Laura Mandel, Executive Director, JArts, at the 2018 MFA Hanukkah celebration

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JOIN US IN SUPPORTING JARTS

"JArts allows me to be part of something fun but meaningful that I can enjoy with my friends, with an impressive diversity of offerings.

The synagogue and day school involvement that have been our lifelong Jewish connections look different for millennials, and JArts provides an important new way for them to be Jewish. There’s nothing like JArts, in Boston or around the country, and we must support this organization for the future of Jewish life and community."

- Howard Cohen, Co-chair, JArts Board of Directors

"When I think about the kind of Judaism I want to share with my family and friends, Joyful Judaism always resonates with me. That’s exactly what JArts does.

JArts brings Jewish arts and culture to our community. There’s a little something for everyone. Whether it’s our biggest event of the year Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights at the MFA or one of our smaller events like a historical Walk & Nosh Tour of Chelsea (with bagels, of course), JArts makes Jewish culture accessible, experiential, and immersive. "

- Kerry Epstein, Co-chair, JArts Board of Directors

Combined Jewish Philanthropies

Julie and Ronald M. Druker

GRoW@Annenberg

The Klarman Family Foundation

The Krupp Family Foundation

Myra Musicant and Howard Cohen

Michael B. Rukin Charitable Foundation

Paula Sidman

Susan and Gerald Slavet

Millicent C. Starr Charitable Trust

Wolk Family & Cross Country Group

MAJOR SPONSORS OUR FOUNDERS

Robert L. Beal

Julie & Ronald M. Druker

The Klarman Family Foundation

The Krupp Family Foundation

Myra Musicant & Howard Cohen

Michael B. Rukin Charitable Foundation

Sidman Family Foundation

Susan & Gerald Slavet

Millicent C. Starr Charitable Trust

Wolk Family & Cross Country Group

Special thanks to those who were critical in the founding of the New Center for Arts and Culture, the Boston Jewish Music Festival, and now the Jewish Arts Collaborative.

SPECIAL THANKS

JArtsBoston.org

IF YOUR

ANCESTORS

COULD FIND A WAY OUT OF EGYPT

YOU CAN

FIND A SITTER

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— VISIT JARTSBOSTON.ORG FOR THE FULL LISTING — Check with individual restaurants for hours, reservations, and pricing.

BONAPITA

CAFÉ LANDWER

CHUBBY CHICKPEA

CRAIGIE ON MAIN

CRAIGIE BURGER

GALIT’S TREATS

MAINELY BURGERS

MAMALEH'S

MILK STREET CAFE

OUR FATHERS

SIMCHA

VARIETY BAR

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 – TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

#tasteofisraelboston #morethanfalafel

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Restaurants across Greater Boston 

Cost is per menu item, order as you wish. Check restaurants for hours and reservations. Leave your passport at home and enjoy a week of Israeli-inspired delights at the 2nd annual Taste of Israel Restaurant Week. Chefs at participating restaurants offer their creative interpretations of the diverse cultures and flavors that shape Israeli cuisine today – Moroccan, Ethiopian, Yemenite, Persian, Russian and many more. See the new Taste of Israel special events below.

JAN 28VIBE OF THE TRIBE

JewishBoston Podcast live at Mamaleh’s

JAN 30COCKTAIL + BOUREKA

POP-UP at Variety Bar

FEB 1JAZZ WITH

ROY BEN BASHATat Bonapita

FEB 2 COOKING DEMO

WITH CHEF MICHAEL LEVITON at Timeout Market Boston

In Partnership:

FEBRUARY IS ALL ABOUT ISRAELI CULTURE!

FEB 6 – FEB 13 BOSTON ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL

See the biggest new Israeli movies in a weeklong celebration

of Israeli film.

Visit BostonIsraeliFilm.org

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LERNER AND MOGUILEVSKY : THE MICHAEL B. RUKIN ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCYVarious locations Imagine that klezmer takes a trip to Buenos Aires and falls in love with tango, jazz, and Latin American folk music. That gives you some idea of the unique sound of Argentinian virtuosos, Cesar Lerner and Marcelo Moguilevsky. They have performed in concert halls and music festivals world-wide and in 2015, they accompanied fellow Argentinian, Pope Francis, on his visit to Israel. Naturals on a wide range of instruments from accordion to whistles to their own vocals, their concerts are irresistible celebrations of how new music can reflect so many traditions. We are excited to welcome Lerner and Moguilevsky as our 2020 Artists-in-Residence. They will hold 3 public performances, as well as workshops and master classes at Framingham State University, Framingham Public Schools, MetroWest Jewish Day School and Congregation Beth El of Sudbury.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

#lernermoguilevsky #argentinainmetrowest @lerner.moguilevskyduo

Sponsored by:

In partnership with: Congregation Beth El, Congregation B'nai Torah, Congregation Or Atid, MetroWest Jewish Day School, Temple Israel of Natick, Temple Shir Tikva

“Lerner and Moguilevsky create a special Jewish mix that is simply fascinating, – a pleasure to hear simply because the music is so good.” - KlezmerShack.com

JFS / MW

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FEBRUARY 5, 12:00-1:00PMLUNCH AND LEARN DISCUSSION/DEMOCongregation Beth El of Sudbury 105 Hudson Road, SudburyOpen to all, RSVP required.

FEBRUARY 5, 7:30-9:00PMLERNER & MOGUILEVSKY: CONCERT AND CONVERSATION The Center for the Arts in Natick 14 Summer Street, NatickTickets: $35 in advance/$40 at the door

Experience Lerner and Moguilevsky’s musical fusion in this exceptional and intimate venue. Come for the performance, stay for the chance to speak with the musicians about their craft.

FEBRUARY 6, 7:00-9:00PM CONCERT The Burren 247 Elm Street, Somerville Tickets: $35 in advance/$40 at the door

This dynamic duo takes to Somerville to perform at this beloved local music room.

FEBRUARY 4, 7:00-8:30PMA CELEBRATION OF DIVERSITY CONCERT Dwight Hall Framingham State University Free

An evening for students, families and neighbors to celebrate the multi-cultural nature of our community.

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BEYOND BUBBIE’S KITCHEN

Revere Hotel 200 Stuart Street, Boston Tickets: $36 in advance/$40 at the door

Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen is bigger and better than ever with a new location, new chefs, and new make & take opportunities! Come hungry and sample tasty new takes on Jewish cuisine from around the world, created by your favorite local chefs. Attending Boston’s biggest, best, and most delicious celebration of Jewish food is sure to make any bubbie proud.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 5:30-7:30PM

#beyondbubbieskitchen #bbk2020 #tastethediaspora #noshtilyouplotz

In partnership with:

PARTICIPATING

CHEFS FROM:

Area Four

Awafi Kitchen

Bonapita

Café Landwer

Chubby Chickpea

La Morra

Mamaleh's

Mei Mei

Our Fathers

Peregrine

Simcha

Sol Azteca

Whole Heart Provisions

DRINKS:

Atlantic Imports, wine

Bantam Cider

Beyond the Mixing Glass

Lord Hobo

Jack's Abby

Privateer Rum

MAKE &

TAKE DEMOS:

Challah for Hunger

Doves and Figs

Inna’s Kitchen

Mandylicious Challah

Michael's Deli

Visit JArtsBoston.org for the complete listing.

NoshTILL YOU

plotz

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THE SHAPE OF PLAY: A PUBLIC ART COMMISSION

Downtown Boston

JArts is excited to partner with local public art currators and producers Now + There to bring The Shape of Play, an engaging, multi-sensory public art experience to downtown Boston. Artist Sari Carel’s multi-media installation will be inspired by play and freedom and will reflect the sights, sounds, and sense-based experiences of local playgrounds. In so doing, Carel and JArts invite people of all ages and backgrounds to explore themes of acceptance, hope, and freedom. Just as playgrounds set the stage for people to play together, The Shape of Play will help us discover new ways to share a cherished sense of the freedom so intrinsic in play.

APRIL-MAY

Workshop and installation dates available at JArtsBoston.org

#playsounds #shapeofplay #saricarel @now_and_there

“Play is the exultation of the possible.” -Martin Buber

In partnership with:

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sari Carel is a multi-disciplinary artist based in New York. She works at the intersection of art, science, history, and community. Her work has been exhibited and screened internationally in venues such as New York’s Artists Space; Dumbo Arts Festival; Los Angeles’s LAX Art and Young Projects; Israel’s Tel Aviv University Gallery, and The Haifa Museum of Art. She has been awarded numerous fellowships and residencies, including AIR Vienna; the Socrates Sculpture Park Artist Fellowship, and the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Residency on Governors Island, New York. Recent exhibitions include Out of Thin Air, a public sound installation with community-driven workshops at City Hall Park in Manhattan as well as The A.I.R Gallery Biennial in Brooklyn.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED? HERE ARE A FEW WAYS YOU CAN:

• Join artist Sari Carel for a sound recording workshop.

• Join artist Tova Speter in a community art making workshop, taking place across Greater Boston.

• Come to this interactive installation and PLAY!

For more information visit JArtsBoston.org.

PASSOVER PLAYFULNESS

Play is an essential component of the Passover Seder. A treasure hunt (afikomen) a fun song about about a goat (Chad Gadya), a counting song (Echad Mi Yodeah), and a joyous chorus of gratitude (Dayenu) have been playful elements in Seders for centuries. Today, they’re being joined by plague toys, mask, and parody songs.

INTRODUCING JLAB FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 7:00PM

WELCOME TO JLAB

In Jewish culture today, many artists are creating work that isn’t easily categorized. New this season, JLab is a laboratory for the sharing and development of these projects – sharing works in progress, experimental event concepts, and unexpected opportunities that you won’t find elsewhere. We hope these events surprise and delight you.

THE SHABBOS QUEEN The Vilna Shul 18 Phillips Street, Boston Tickets: $15 in advance/$25 at the door

Part ritual, part performance, along with a vegetarian five-course meal, *The Shabbos Queen* is a new, queer take on an old Jewish ritual: Shabbat! With inspirations ranging from Barbra Streisand to Kabbalah, *The Shabbos Queen* creates a sweet and kind-of sexy stop from the fast-paced world. Everyone's welcome to this evening for unwinding, dreaming and togetherness, offering a taste of paradise. There'll be a post-dinner dance party, too.

#jlab #shabbosqueen #giraffesonhorseback

In partnership with:

Sponsored by:

American premiere of Salome at ART's Oberon.

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GIRAFFES ON HORSEBACK SALAD: THE MARX BROTHERS, SALVADOR DALI´ AND THE STRANGEST MOVIE NEVER MADE

Location: to be announced Tickets: $35 with book/$18 without

The true story of the surreal and zany movie painter Salvador Dali wanted to make with The Marx Brothers. Written in 1937, the never produced screenplay for this absurd love story featuring Harpo Marx as a Spanish aristocrat was lost until 1996 when it was discovered among Dali’s personal papers. This will be a conversation with Josh Frank, author, playwright, and owner of a mini drive-in theater in Austin, TX, who spent five years researching and adapting the story into a graphic novel, even producing an accompanying soundtrack.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 7:30-9:00PM

In partnership with:

THE GALLERY@MAYYIM HAYYIM

The Gallery@Mayyim Hayyim

1838 Washington Street, Newton

The Gallery@Mayyim Hayyim is rooted in

hiddur mitzvah, beautification of ritual. JArts and

Mayyim Hayyim have teamed up to co-curate 3 shows

annually by local artists in this beautiful gallery space.

In addition to opening receptions, works can be

viewed upon appointment. Email Elizabeth Eggert

elizabethe@mayyimhayyim.org to book a tour.

@mayyimhayyim #beautifulritual #jewishart

SERGIO BAUTISTA AND MICHAEL MITTELMAN

OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 5:30PM

JANUARY 10 – APRIL 16

Sergio Bautista, New York, New York

In partnership with:

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Michael Mittelman, Interference Pattern Rounded 002

RESA BLATMAN AND ELLIOT SCHILDKROUT

OPENING RECEPTION SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 3:00PM

MAY 5 – SEPTEMBER

Resa Blatman, Refugees

Elliot Schildkrout, River Light

JArtsBoston.org

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WALK AND NOSH TOUR OF CHELSEA

Tickets: $25, limited to 20 people

Back by popular demand, this JArts Kitchen Explorations event is your chance to learn about Jewish Chelsea. Once called "Little Jerusalem," tour the city where Jews once made up 80% of the population. This two-hour walking tour begins at the famed Katz’s Bagels, in business since 1938, and concludes at the historic Walnut Street Synagogue. Dr. Ellen Rovner, a Boston University cultural anthropologist whose family goes back four generations in Chelsea, leads our tour.

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 10:00AM- 12:00PM

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Laura Mandel, Executive Director

Jim Ball, Communications Director

Joey Baron, Artistic Director

Rachael Farber, Development Director

Sara Gardner, Collaborations Manager

Dekel Luban, Administrative Manager

STAFF

1320 Centre Street, Suite 201Newton Center, MA 02459617.531.4610@JArtsBoston

BOARD OF DIRECTORS JARTS ADVISORSHoward Cohen Co-Chair Kerry Epstein Co-Chair Chris Wyett Vice Chair Daniel Navisky Clerk David Orlinoff Treasurer Sari Anne Rapkin Vice Treasurer Jessica Alpert Silber Robert Beal Emeritus Ronald M. Druker Past Board Chair Jeff Freedman Lara Freishtat Harriet Goldin Rosalind Gorin Alison Hammer Morris Housen Fred Ledley Bonnie Margulies Michael Miller Emeritus Hankus Netsky Emeritus Lorre Polinger Suzanne Priebatsch Alan Rottenberg Jim Segel Barry Shrage Paula Sidman Past Board Chair Gerald Slavet Past Board Chair Kevin Steinberg Caron Tabb Barry Weisman

Yael Alkalay Linda Apple Michelle Barmazel Steinberg Lizzie Bell Susan Benjamin Joan Blair Jesse Brackenbury Rabbi Ariel Burger Rabbi Jillian Cameron Jessica Coughlin Lyndsay Cox Simona Di Nepi Ariel Freiberg Jeff Gabel Elisha Gechter Sam Gechter Simona Gilman Harriet Greenfield Stuart Hecht Sidney Hutter Rabbi Suzie Jacobson Alison Judd Adrien Khelemsky Dena Kowaloff Cecilia Kramer Liana Krupp

Dan Levenson Michael Leviton Wendy Liebow Joshua Luckens Josh Mann Jen Mergel Joshua Meyer Annette Miller Elizabeth Navisky Rebecca Price Ellen Rovner Shirah Rubin Nina Schneider Avi Shemtov Barbra SherAvital Shira Tova Speter Julie Starr Allyson Steinmetz Margalit Tepper Barbara Wallace Grossman Dani Weinstein Susan Werbe Jeff Werner

Ambassadors, TheatreWorks, Art and Food Think Tank members have artistic, programmatic, and community expertise that helps shape JArts programming.

JARTS LEADERSHIP

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JArtsBoston.org22

SPRING SEASON AT A GLANCE

For tickets and information, visit JArtsBoston.org

FUN FOR YOU. Nachas* for her.

* DEEP PRIDE AND JOY

Feb 4 -6

Lerner and Moguilevsky Artist-in-Residency

Various locations

Giraffes on Horseback Salad: The Marx Brothers,

Dali and The Strangest Movie Never Made

Location TBA

The Gallery@Mayyim Hayyim

Newton

Walk and Nosh Tour of Chelsea

March 1

Beyond Bubbie's Kitchen

Revere Hotel Boston

April - May

The Shape of Play: A Public Art Commission

Location TBA

April 3 June 2 January 10 – April 16 June 7

The Shabbos Queen

The Vilna Shul Boston

Jan 28 - Feb 4

Taste of Israel Restaurant Week

Greater Boston

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOSTON, M APERMIT 6841320 Centre Street, Suite 201

Newton Center, MA 02459

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBOSTON, M APERMIT 684