Local News

News briefs – October 19, 2007

By , other

Legislative preview
The Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle’s Government Affairs Committee will hold an open house to preview its lobbying efforts for the 2008 legislative session in Olympia. Major issues for the upcoming session include the state’s children’s health program and human service budgets. Due to security and space concerns, reservations are required. The open house will be held at the Jewish Federation, 2031 Third Ave., Seattle, on Mon., Oct. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Contact Elle at 206-774-2275 or elles@jewishinseattle.org to RSVP.

Goodbye Dan Bridge
On Thurs., Nov. 1, at 6 p.m., Hillel at the University of Washington will honor Rabbi Dan Bridge for his many years of leadership, and the vibrant Hillel community he helped to make possible. Dinner, entertainment, and a tribute to Bridge will begin at 7 p.m. The Seattle Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle.

Hadassah gala
At its upcoming annual gala, Seattle Hadassah will honor Rob and Kathleen Spitzer for their lifelong commitment to building Jewish community. The event is being held Sun., Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m. In the spirit of Hadassah’s founder, Henrietta Szold, the Spitzers are inspired and motivated to sustain Jewish life through their efforts to promote education and outreach, community programs for women and youth, and favorable policies and perceptions toward Israel. For tickets or more information about the gala, call Sheila Abrahams, executive director of Seattle Chapter Hadassah, at 425-467-9391. At the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University St., Seattle.

Civil liberties vs. national security
The Stroum Jewish Community Center is hosting a luncheon featuring Professor Gad Barzilai from Univeristy of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies. He will give a lecture, “Balancing American Civil Liberties and National Security.” The event will take place Thu., Oct. 25, at 12:30 p.m. At the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island.

Shalom Hartman e-Institute begins
On Sun., Oct. 21, the Israel-based Shalom Hartman Institute’s video conference course will begin its 2007-2008 lay leadership global beit midrash. The series will focus on eight foundational Biblical narratives and their implications for modern life. Lecturers include noted Israeli teachers Rabbi Donniel Hartman, Rabbi Moshe Halbirtal, and Rabbi Rachel Sabbath Beit-Halachmi. Local facilitators will be Rabbis Jay Rosenbaum and Stuart Light.
The series runs Sunday mornings, monthly, from 9:15-11:30 a.m., and will include study sessions based on the texts addressed in the video conferences. Classes take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island. Cost is $500 for the year, with some scholarships available. For more information, contact Rabbi Rosenbaum at rabbi@h-nt.org.