Jewish Cultural Celebration 2023 | November 13 – 17, 2023This year’s theme is “Enduring and Evolving!” Join us for a week full of educating and celebrating Jewish culture.
CC Week Kickoff – Mitzvah Day ActivitiesMonday, November 13 | 5:30 pm Chandler Ballroom, Cedric Rucker University CenterThis kickoff event for the Jewish Cultural Celebration will provide opportunities for individuals to engage in community service projects while learning about the importance of mitzvot (which means “command” or “good deed”) of giving back to our community, then celebrating with some snacks and Jewish Karaoke! This is a special event dedicated to performing acts of kindness and community while educating about the Jewish community and celebrating the Jewish identity! This event is open to everyone.
Jewish Cultural Celebration Major Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Shanks Alexander | Wednesday, November 15 | 7:00 p.m. Chandler Ballroom A/B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Dr. Alexander teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia, where she’s been since 2000. Formerly, she taught at Smith College and Haverford College. Her research centers on Judaism’s sacred canon of ancient texts (Mishnah, Talmud and midrash) and explores how the classical texts of antiquity are galvanized in the making of Jewish identities in the contemporary world. She is the author of Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism and Transmitting Mishnah: The Shaping Influence of Oral Tradition, and the co-editor of Religious Studies and Rabbinics: A Conversation. She has also written numerous articles and essays for publication in academic and lay contexts.
Jewish Cultural Celebration Major Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Shanks Alexander | Wednesday, November 15 | 7:00 p.m. Chandler Ballroom A/B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Dr. Alexander teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia, where she’s been since 2000. Formerly, she taught at Smith College and Haverford College. Her research centers on Judaism’s sacred canon of ancient texts (Mishnah, Talmud and midrash) and explores how the classical texts of antiquity are galvanized in the making of Jewish identities in the contemporary world. She is the author of Gender and Timebound Commandments in Judaism and Transmitting Mishnah: The Shaping Influence of Oral Tradition, and the co-editor of Religious Studies and Rabbinics: A Conversation. She has also written numerous articles and essays for publication in academic and lay contexts.
Shabbat Dinner | Friday, November 17 | 5 pm | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During Shabbat, families, friends, and community come together to reflect on the week and enjoy a nice meal. Join the Jewish Student Association as we conclude our week of celebration and enjoy a Sabbat dinner together.
For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.