By JTNews Staff, other
Saying “amen”
The word said the most in prayer is probably understood the least. The Talmud teaches that saying “amen” has the power to open the gates of heaven. What is so unique about this simple, common word that it can it can have a spiritual impact that other aspects of prayer can not equal? This class goes directly to the Torah and Talmudic sources to find the answer. Free. For more information, contact Marilyn Leibert at 206-722-8289 or info@seattlekollel.org. Sat., Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. At the Seattle Kollel, 5305 52nd Ave. S, Seattle.
Death and dying workshops
Jewish Family Service presents a series of four workshops on the traditions surrounding death, including comforting the bereaved, burials, and mourning rituals. Cost is $36 per person for all four sessions. Scholarships available. For more information, or to register, contact Emily Harris-Shears at 206-861-8784 or familylife@jfsseattle.org. First workshop will be held Wed., Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. At Temple De Hirsch Sinai, 1530 E Pike St., Seattle.
Jesus, Judaism, and Jewish Christian Relations
University Congregational United Church of Christ and Jconnect Seattle will host Amy-Jill Levine for a weekend of lectures on the topic “Jesus, Judaism, and Jewish Christian Relations.” Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. She is also a member of an Orthodox synagogue. Lectures will be held Feb. 5 and 6. For exact times and ticket costs, contact Josh at joshf@hilleluw.org. At University Congregational UCC, 4515 16th Ave. NE, Seattle.
Job seekers’ workshop
This interactive workshop led by Marvin Stern, an employment and training specialist with TRAC Associates, will help identify some of the myths and fears job seekers face — for example, the question of “overqualification” — and strategies for countering them. Free. RSVP to Carol at 206-524-0075, ext. 4 or carolbenedick@bethshalomseattle.org. Thurs., Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle.
Beth Shalom’s Pajama Havdalah
Preschool and elementary-aged children and their families are invited to a special Havdalah evening under the stars at Congregation Beth Shalom. Activities include a portable planetarium from Pacific Science Center, Jewish storytime, crafts and bedtime snacks. Takes place Sat., Feb. 6 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Beth Shalom, 6800 35th Ave. NE, Seattle. RSVP by Jan. 29 to
iriteliav@bethshalomseattle.org or jackie@bethshalomseattle.org.
J Street Seattle kick-off event
J Street, the pro-Israel and pro-peace organization, will inaugurate its Seattle presence with a public kick-off on Thurs., Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Southside Commons, 3518 S Edmunds St., Seattle.
The event will feature simulcast remarks by J Street’s executive director, Jeremy Ben-Ami, and live music by Sasson. Refreshments will be served.
J Street Seattle will be the Washington face of J Street’s new national grassroots field program, catalyzed by the integration of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom into J Street. The event coincides with dozens of similar programs in other cities.
For information and to RSVP for the event, contact seattle@jstreet.org or 206-442-2077, or visit www.jstreet.org/seattle.
Portraits in Leadership
This February, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute will launch its winter course, “Portraits in Leadership: Timeless Tales for Inspired Living.” Portraits in Leadership is a study of the life story of six figures whose courage and determination helped Judaism weather its darkest hours. Lessons will examine a range of classic Jewish sources, drawing extensively from the stories of the Talmud and modern commentaries. Led by Rabbi Elazar Bogomilsky. To register, visit www.myjli.com. Tuesdays 7:15-9 p.m. at the Mercer View Community Center, 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, and Wednesdays 7:15-9 p.m. at Congregation Shaarei Tefilah, 6250 43rd Ave. NE, Seattle.
Holocaust remembrance essay contest
Holland & Knight Charitable Foundation hosts its 16th annual Holocaust remembrance essay contest. High school students interested in entering should, in an essay of no more than1,200 words, analyze why it is vital that the lessons of the Holocaust be passed on to a new generation and suggest what young people can do to combat discrimination and violence today. First-place students participate in an all-expense paid trip to the Holocaust Museum in Los Angeles, Calif. Second and third place winners receive cash prizes. For more information, visit, holocaust.hklaw.com/2010/index.asp.
Teapot regains kosher certification
The Teapot Asian restaurant in Redmond, located at 15230 NE 24th St., a few blocks from the Microsoft campus, has been recertified by the Va’ad HaRabanim of Greater Seattle. The Teapot’s Capitol Hill location in Seattle has been under supervision since August. Both restaurants are parve.