Author: Brynn Boyer

The basic understanding of the Jewish culture is a mix of both Jewish law and Jewish traditions. The traditions keep the Jewish people united while the laws keep the Jewish people steeped in history. Today the line between these two important aspects has been blurred, and laws and traditions have become one and the same. It is important to understand the differences between the two and how these differences make the Jewish culture what it is today. Please join the Jewish Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center in this two week celebration highlighting the laws and traditions of Jewish culture.

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Israeli Folk Dancing
November 7
Lee Hall 411, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

To celebrate Jewish culture, join the Jewish Student Association for a night of traditional dancing. There will be a mix of traditional and modern dances. These dances are easy to learn and there is no skill level needed. Join us in this fun and meaningful cultural tradition that spans the generations.

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Riding Into The West:
Jewish Life Across America
November 9
Lee Hall 412, 6 – 9 p.m.

The Frisco Kid is a film about a Polish rabbi who wanders through the Old West on his way to lead a synagogue in San Francisco. On the way he is nearly burnt at the stake by Indians and almost killed by outlaws. Please join the Jewish Student Association for the showing of the film and a discussion directly following the movie.

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Trivia Judaica
November 10
Underground, 8 p.m.

Think you know a lot about the J in JSA? Come out to trivia to see how much you really know about Jewish holidays, food, pop culture, religion and Israel. Play alone or with a group of friends.
Co-hosted by UPC.

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Laws Meet Jewish Life
November 15
Red Room, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Jewish Student Association/Hillel are pleased to present Dr. Emile Lester from the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, who will be giving a lecture and discussion on the topic of Judaism and the United States Government. The topics that will be discussed during the presentation will range from Israel, social issues, economic issues, the influence of Judaism on the domestic and foreign policies of the United States, and the influence of Judaism historically and currently on the United States government.

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Jewish Cultural Celebration
Keynote Speaker:
Roya Hakakian
November 16
Great Hall, Woodard Campus Center, 7 p.m.

Celebrated poet and filmmaker Roya Hakakian is passionate about raising awareness of today’s human rights issues, many of which are overlooked. A founding member of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and a fellow at Yale’s Whitney Humanities Center, Hakakian has written Journey from the Land of No, an account of her life growing up as a Jewish teenager in post-revolutionary Iran.

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Shabbat Dinner:

A Traditional Weekly Feast
November 18
Faculty/Staff Dining Room,
Seacobeck Hall, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Students – 1 meal + $4,
Non-students – $10

The Sabbath is the day of rest for the Jewish community that begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During this time Jews abstain from labor of any kind and spend the day with families and friends. Traditionally, Jewish families commence the Sabbath with Shabbat dinner on Friday night. Come and enjoy a traditional Shabbat dinner and learn more about this weekly tradition.

Today’s issue of The New York Times features a review of “And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut, A Life” by Charles J. Shields, associate director of the Great Lives lecture series. The full review is here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/books/charles-j-shieldss-and-so-it-goes-on-vonnegut-review.html?_r=1.

Mary Fredman Downing ’59 and Glenn Downing spoke during a bench dedication November 2, 2011, at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. ”I knew I wouldn’t be able to give a building or anything like that to Mary Washington unless, of course, I won the lottery,” Mary said. “So, Glenn and I thought this bench would be the perfect way to give back to the place we both love so much while also recognizing the Class of 1959.”

Several friends and members of the Class of 1959 joined the couple in the Mayo Courtyard at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center for the unveiling of the bench plaque.

The couple made a gift to Mary Washington to endow the bench, and they worked with the Office of University Advancement to select the bench location and to approve the wording on the plaque.

Congratulations to Jennifer Batson, academic information specialist in admissions, who has been selected as an Excellent Eagle Employee by the Staff Advisory Council. To thank her for such a wonderful job, Jennifer will have a reserved parking spot of her choosing through Wednesday, November 30.

Here is what one of Jennifer’s co-workers said about her:

“I think that Jennifer Batson is an excellent eagle employee.  She has taken on several additional duties with no complaints.   She is the information person for the Stafford Campus, if you need to know about any program UMW offers, location of classes, UMW faculty communication to students, she is the security guard of communication if problems occur, emergency information person, vending machine problems, etc…she is the person to go to.  If Jennifer doesn’t know the answer she finds out for you and gets back to you right away.”

To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, just send an email to Dre Anthes (aanthes@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the Subject Line.  In your email, be sure to include the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized.  Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).