TAPESTRY: A DAY OF JEWISH COMMUNITY, LEARNING AND EXPLORATION
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Get ready for a whole new Tapestry experience! We’re bringing together educators from across the nation to offer a diverse range of hands-on learning, thought-provoking sessions, and engaging experiences. This year, we’re focusing on the vibrant intersection of community, education, and Jewish culture in a completely new way. Tapestry is evolving, and this event is designed to spark your imagination, challenge your thinking, and reignite your passion for learning. You won’t want to miss it!
Check out our session and speaker line-up below and start building your schedule!
SCHEDULE OF THE DAY | SUNDAY, MARCH 30
9:00 A.M. …………………………………Check-in and light breakfast
9:45 A.M. …………………………………Community gathering in the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre
10:15 A.M. ……………………………….CLASS BLOCK #1 | Select one session to attend
11:45 A.M. ……………………………….CLASS BLOCK #2 | Select one session to attend
1:00 P.M. ………………………………….Lunch break | Lunch will be provided
2:15 P.M. ………………………………….CLASS BLOCK #3 | Select one session to attend
3:30 P.M. ………………………………….Ending celebration!
Tapestry:
Price: $45 | JCC Members: $36
Ticket includes full Sunday program: light breakfast, class sessions, lunch and ending celebration
Ticket includes full Sunday program: lite breakfast, class sessions, lunch and ending celebration
TAPESTRY TRACKS
- Contemporary American Jewish Peoplehood
- Life, arts, and culture in Israel and influenced by Israel
- Holocaust education and the future of remembering the Shoah
- NEW: Fundamentals of Judaism
- NEW: Soul, Study, & Strength
- NEW: Antisemitism and Paving a Path Forward
- NEW: Life in Israel After October 7th
BLOCK 1 | 10:15-11:30 AM
1A. “Letters to My Father: Excavating a Jewish Identity in Poland and Belarus | Kathleen A. Balgley
Author Dr. Kathleen A. Balgley will read from and discuss her book, Letters to My Father: Excavating a Jewish Identity in Poland and Belarus. This memoir begins with the author's childhood discovery of her father’s hidden Jewish identity, a secret kept within the family. Disturbed by her parents' silence, she embarks on a journey to understand her Jewish roots. Awarded a Fulbright scholarship, she teaches in communist Poland, witnessing ongoing anti-Semitism and the country's complex history with its Jewish citizens. In Polish and Belarusian archives, Balgley uncovers her ancestors' lives in Brest, Belarus. As she uncovers hidden stories, her father, initially reluctant to visit Poland, changes his mind after reading her letters, and together they begin to heal the rift between them.
1B. Cultivating Spiritual Maturity | Rabbi Shefa Gold
In the building of conscious community, each of us is sent to our own spiritual work of becoming whole, connecting ourselves to a Larger Reality, healing the source of our reactivity and opening to blessing. And we can support each other in this work. We step onto the path of spiritual maturity when we stop blaming anyone (including ourselves) and instead learn to call on the inner Divine resources that have been planted within us, and begin sharing that flow of abundance in collaboration with the whole wide world. In this workshop we will open to that flow, and also meet the obstacles and resistances that can show us the path of true healing towards wholeness and connection.
1C. “Little Boy, I Know Your Name”: A Second-Generation Memoir From Inherited Holocaust Trauma | Mitchell Raff
In his unflinchingly honest memoir, Mitchell Raff candidly recounts his journey to overcome generational trauma and break free from decades of addiction. With raw vulnerability, he lays bare his destructive coping mechanisms and the far-reaching consequences they wrought on his life and on those around him. Mitchell’s unfiltered account of his trials, failures, and ultimate breakthrough to become the man he always wanted to be is living proof that cycles of generational trauma can be broken, that even the deepest wounds can soften, and that though the road is difficult, it is within reach to not only survive but thrive.
1D. Fused Glass Mezuzah | Ilana Gold
Come learn some basics about the fused glass process and the wide variety of techniques and pieces that can be achieved with this medium. In this introductory session, you will create your very own mezuzah design using ready cut multicolored glass pieces that will be fired at my studio and then returned to you once ready. No previous experience needed for this workshop.
1E. Building Bridges: An Israeli-American’s Story of Resilience and Connection | Dustin Bitton
Join Dustin as he shares his unique journey of growing up in Israel and transitioning to life in America. From his service in the Israeli Defense Forces to his work in community building and nonprofit leadership, Dustin will explore how his experiences shaped his identity and fostered a deep connection between his Israeli roots and his American life. Through storytelling, Dustin offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of living between two cultures and how embracing both has allowed him to build bridges within his community. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear an inspiring tale of resilience, cultural connection, and personal growth.
1F. A Panel Confronting Antisemitism | Panel Participants
Join subject matter experts as they address the growing issue of antisemitism in schools and colleges and explore ways to combat it on campuses.
1G. How The Jews Re-created Christmas | Cantor Lori Frank
Believe it or not, Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without Jews and Jewish songwriters. Jews tend to believe that Christmas has a big impact on the Jewish culture. However, most people are not aware of how much Jews influenced Christmas! Join Cantor Frank as she explains how Jewish composers and lyricists who wrote many of the most successful popular Christmas songs of the 20th century, transformed Christmas into a white, wintery and profitable secular consumer holiday.
1H. Poetry Prompts from Torah | Susan L. Lipson
Find creative inspiration in the emotions, reactions, and situations of our biblical ancestors—the famous and the lesser-known—within a variety of Torah passages and with the help of prompts (guiding questions) provided by the instructor. Participants of all levels of writing ability will create their own poems from the perspectives of people in the Torah, thereby connecting with our ancestors in unique and memorable ways. This is a workshop-style class, involving discussion of prompts and examples of possible types of poems, quiet writing time, public-sharing (optional), panehelpful feedback, and revisions.
BLOCK 2 | 11:45AM-1:00PM
2A. How the 1492 Expulsion of the Jews Inspired a Novel | Eric Z. Weintraub
In his presentation, novelist Eric Z. Weintraub shares the story of writing his debut historical novel, South of Sepharad, a fictional retelling of the infamous 1492 Expulsion of the Jews from Spain. The presentation explores what inspired Weintraub to write the novel, how he pulled from historical research to create the characters and major plot beats of the story, and how historical events in Spain led to the Expulsion. Pulling from over five years of research, Weintraub hopes to give you a deeper understanding of this lesser-known yet significant moment in Jewish history.
2B. Protest in Israeli art : Before and after October 7th | Sagi Refael
Israeli society is known to be cutting-edge, direct, opinionated and unapologetic, due to its constant evolution and multicultural nature. Inner conflicts and tensions between western and middle eastern inspirations shape its cultural arenas, whether in music, cuisine, fashion and the visual arts. This lecture will focus on artists from under-recognized communities, and their ways to protest and advocate for inclusion, resurfacing forgotten histories, and efforts to diversify the structures of art-historical narratives and institutions. We will also discuss the involvement of artists in the protest movements before and after October 7th, whether through their art practice and/or political activity.
2C: The Courage to Lead: Lessons from Jewish Women in History | Margarita Pinhas
Throughout history, Jewish women have demonstrated remarkable leadership, courage, and resilience, shaping their communities and the world. From biblical figures like Miriam, Esther, and Deborah to modern leaders such as Henrietta Szold, Golda Meir, and Nechama Leibowitz, their stories teach us the power of faith, conviction, and community-building. Their ability to balance tradition with change and stand up for their values offers timeless lessons for leadership today. As Margarita reflects on this topic, she invites you to ask yourself: Who will you inspire with your courage today?
2D. When "home" is more than just a place: Using poetry to understand contemporary Israeli society and ourselves | Rabbi Elana Ackerman Hirsch
This session will explore how poetry can be used as a tool to learn more about ourselves, how we relate to the Land and State of Israel, and how we relate to other Jewish people in our time. We will look at Israeli poetry and use it as a medium to explore what home and belonging mean to us as Jewish people in 21st century San Diego. This session will be part lecture and part reading, exploring, and discussing Israeli poetry in small groups.
2E. PeerK12 SESSION 1: The “Origin Story” of Ethnic Studies: The Hidden Agenda Behind the Curriculum | Nicole Bernstein
Dive into the origins of Ethnic Studies and uncover why it poses a profound threat to America’s core values. This eye-opening session will explore how ideological movements like “third world revolutionary Marxism” have infiltrated our education system, reshaping the minds of future generations. Don’t miss this powerful exposé that connects the dots between education, ideology, and the future of our nation.
2F. Sabor Judeo: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook | Margaret E. Boyle
Margaret E. Boyle, a professor of Hispanic Studies, will discuss her work on Sabor Judeo: The Jewish Mexican Cookbook, coauthored with Ilan Stevens, exploring the intersection of Jewish and Mexican culinary traditions and the cultural significance behind their fusion.
2G. The Power of Volunteerism: Connecting to Community and Enriching Lives | A Panel with Sharleen Wollach, Kira Finkenberg, and Marie Raftery
Sharleen Wollach, EVP and Chief Impact Officer at the Jewish Community Foundation, and Kira Finkenberg, Owner of The Kira Co and dedicated volunteer, will share how their community engagement has enriched their lives. Rooted in Jewish teachings, the values of charity, selflessness, and helping others are central to their work. Facilitated by lifelong volunteer Marie Raftery, this conversation will explore how to deepen our understanding of volunteerism and its impact on both the community and ourselves.
2H. Creating Belonging for Jews of Color | Panel Participants
Jews of Color (JoC) are a continually growing population in the American Jewish community. Our community is becoming increasingly multiracial, yet according to data, 80% of JoCs don't experience belonging in their communal institutions. Knowing that JoC adults make up roughly 6% of the San Diego Jewish community, and 13% of children being JoC, how can we create more opportunities to celebrate multiracial identities? In this session, we will explore the data around Jews of Color nationally and in San Diego, and facilitate actionable dialogue about creating a culture of belonging.
2I. SNAP: From Chaos to Calm | Julie Potiker
Join mindfulness expert Julie Potiker for an interactive workshop based on her book SNAP: From Chaos to Calm. You will leave with actionable tools to calm your nervous system anywhere at any time so that you can live a happier, more resilient life.
BLOCK 3 | 2:15PM-3:30PM
3A. Israeli Folk Dance Fun | Barbara Birenbaum
Israeli Folk Dance Fun with Barbara Birenbaum will energize your body with positivity and rhythmic patterns to familiar classic and modern Israeli music. Barbara demonstrates and leads with precise cues that are easy to follow and offers a fulfilling session no matter your prior dance experience. We are likely to do at least a dozen dances of beginning of intermediate level. Smooth bottomed comfortable footwear recommended.
3B. Chocolate Chip Rugelach Class | Allison Weisman
Participants will learn how to create these delicious Eastern European pastries which originated in Poland. They will learn how to prepare the dough, roll it out, fill and bake them. Allison will provide tips on how to successfully make rugelach at home. Each student will take home a recipe as well as some samples.
3C. Jewish Spirit Song Jam! | Adam Shames
Take a break from your intellect and engage your spirit, heart and voice in this session dedicated to creative expression and live community song. Song leader and Kreativity Network founder Adam Shames, guitar in hand, will lead us through a curated set list of classic and renewal Jewish songs and blessings in a mix of Hebrew and English. We’ll all be part of a song circle and collaborative band experiment—together we’ll sing, improvise, shake, rattle, dance and drum. Adam will be joined by other musicians and all attendees are encouraged to bring their own rhythm makers, drums and instruments (we’ll also have some on hand), along with their voices and creative spirit, for a full participation experience. Limited to 30 people or as space allows.
3D. Here There Is No Why: A Zionist Novel | Rabbi Philip Graubart
Did Chaim Lerner, acclaimed Israeli author and Holocaust survivor, kill himself in 1983, thirty-eight years after surviving Auschwitz? If so, was it traumatic memories finally catching up to him? Or despair over Holocaust denialism? Or ordinary, difficult health issues-an aching hip, a damaged knee? Or simply a deadly episode of depression? Or was it murder? Rabbi Philip Graubart's new novel probes the mysteries of Israel's past, encountering betrayal, triumph, heartbreak, and the fragile possibilities of forgiveness and redemption.
3E. PeerK12 SESSION 2: What’s Going in K-12 Schools and What Can We Do About it? | Tamar Caspi
Antisemitism is infiltrating our schools, impacting Jewish students and teachers in classrooms, hallways, and beyond. With a system that discourages transparency and accountability, many feel powerless. PeerK12 is here to change that. Join us to learn your legal rights, the steps needed to hold districts accountable, and our proven strategies to protect Jewish students and educators, empowering you to take action.
3F. Interfaith Dialogue: Building Unity Across Faiths | Panel Participants
Join interfaith leaders from diverse religious traditions as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on fostering unity, understanding, and respect across faith communities.
3G. The Gift of Shabbat | Rabbi Rafi Andrusier
Why do we tend to focus on what's urgent instead of what's truly important? Imagine. 24 hours of digital silence. No phones. No computers. No TV. Just valuable time with the people you love, to do all the things you've needed to do but never quite found the time for. We invite you to explore the mystical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions of Shabbat as we unlock a model for achieving balance and serenity in the modern age.
3H. The House of Israel's Impact in Balboa Park and Beyond | Ruth Mastron
Join Ruth for an engaging session that explores the rich history, vibrant community outreach, and cultural connections of the House of Israel in Balboa Park, highlighting its impact, exhibits, special events, and the meaningful exchanges that bridge Israel and California.
3I. A Jewish Perspective on Housing as a Human Right | Michael Hopkins
Explore the pressing issue of homelessness in San Diego, examining its scope, underlying causes, and potential solutions through the lens of Jewish tradition. This session aims to foster a deeper understanding of our communal and individual responsibilities in addressing housing insecurity. Together, we will reflect on how Jewish teachings can inspire meaningful contributions toward ensuring safe and stable housing for all.
ALL DAY | LFJCC Parking Lot | The Holocaust Education Sprinter Van from Jewish Federation of San Diego