Jewish organizations are invited to submit their upcoming events to the our What’s Happening section. Events are placed on the Ledger website on Tuesday afternoons. Deadline for submission of calendar items is the previous Tuesday. Send items to: judiej@jewishledger.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13

The Rise & Destruction of the Jewish Fashion Industry, Berlin 1836-1939The Joan and Henry Katz Lecture in Judaic Studies: “The Rise and Destruction of the Jewish Fashion Industry, Berlin 1836 – 1939,” with guest lecturer Uwe Westphal, journalist, and author of “Fashion Metropolis Berlin” (2019), to be held March 16 at 7:30 p.m. This FREE webinar is co-sponsored by the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University. Registration required at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms. For information: bennettcenter@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000 x2066.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14

“Photo Negatives: Lingering Images of Antisemitic Stereotypes,” With Judith Cohen, former Director, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Photo Archives and Chief Acquisitions Curator, April 14 at 10:30 a.m., hosted by UJF Stamford. Antisemitic imagery has gained increasing exposure with the advent of social media. But is this new? Dollar signs, rats, hooked noses, globes symbolizing world domination – explore how today’s tropes draw on common stereotypes that date back hundreds of years. FREE. To register: UJF.ticketspice.com. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

Book Group: “The Lions of 5th Avenue”
A new book group formed by Congregation Or Shalom in Orange and led by Caryl Winter will discuss “The Lions of 5th Avenue” by Fiona Davis on April 15 at 7 p.m. The book tells the story of two women living decades apart, mysterious family secrets, and the quest to stake a place in society and history. To register and receive the link, email the synagogue at coshalom@sbcglobal.net. 

Short Story Coffee Break: The Quiet Americans
A Zoom discussion of short stories from “The Quiet Americans”, led by Erika Dreifus Learning Center (Virtual) Writer in Residence, to be held April 15, a.m. Hosted by Congregation Beth Israel. To register and receive a copy of the next short story and a link to the Zoom discussion, email kbeyard@cbict.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17 – MONDAY, APRIL 19

The Davis Virtual Jewish Film Festival: “Winter Journey”
“Winter Journey,” a film that fuses documentary and dramatic conventions to tell the story of a son who confronts his father about their family’s history, will be available for streaming on UJA-JCC Greenwich’s website for FREE from Saturday, April 17 at 6 p.m. until Monday, April 19 at 10 p.m. For more information, visist ujajcc.org or call (203) 552-1818.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Mental Health & the Pandemic
With the end of the pandemic in sight, New York psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Dr. Jeremy R. Mack examines how we are coping – or not coping. An interactive talk on Zoom on April 18, 2 – 3 p.m., hosted by the JCC in Sherman FREE, donations welcome. To register or for more information: email info@jccinsherman.org. 

Israel Food Tour
A live virtual culinary tour of the foods and culture of Israel on April 18 at 1 p.m. Expert guides immerse you in the history, culture, and people of Israel through unparalleled knowledge and connection to the vendors who make Israeli food come alive. Includes interviews, videos, maps and a Q&A time with a local culinary expert. For more information or to register, visit cbict.org/calendar.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

Harry Potter in Yiddish, Magic in Mame-Loshn, with Arun Schaechter Viswanath
Arun Schaechter Viswanath will discuss “Harry Potter in Yiddish, Magic in Mame-Loshn,” on April 20 at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by UConn Judaic Studies. For more information, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu/upcoming-events/

JCC in Sherman announces line-up for 2021 Great Decisions 
2021 Great Decisions, a nation-wide discussion group on U.S. foreign policy and global affairs sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and co-hosted by the JCC in Sherman and The Sherman Library, will begin on April 20, 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. The 8-session monthly program will run on Tuesdays through November. Each month participants will review and discuss a critical world issue facing America today. 

Topics for 2021 are: Global Supply Chains and the U.S. National Security; The Future of Persian Gulf Security; Brexit: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead; The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic, China and Africa; The Two Koreas; The World Health Organization’s Response to Covid-19; and, The End of Globalization. 

Briefing booklets: $20, purchase and pick up at the Sherman Library. Call (860) 354-2455 to schedule a pick-up time. Register early to receive a briefing book. 

For information: info@jccinsherman.org, or visit jccinsherman.org/greatdecisions. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

“Alternate History of Antisemitism & Fascism in American Culture”
Since the 1930s, many American novels, films, TV shows and comic books have explored the possibility that the U.S. might one day embrace fascism. Today pessimistic assessments have saturated American culture as never before.

Gavriel Rosenfeld, PhD, Professor of History and director of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University will examine fictitious scenarios of collaboration, racism and antisemitism, on April 21 at 7:30. p.m. FREE. To register, visit ujf.ticketspice.org. 

Book Talk: Author Iris Krasnow will talk about “Camp Girls”
New York Times bestselling author Iris Krasnow will discuss her new book her memoir “Camp Girls: Lessons on Friendship, Courage and Loyalty” on Zoom, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. Hosted by UJA-JCC Greenwich. For more information, visit ujajcc.org or call (203) 552-1818.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22

“Hava Nagila” – Film Screening and Discussion
A screening and discussion of the award-winning documentary “Hava Nagila” on April 22 at 7 p.m. Follow the story of this infectious party song from the shtetls of Eastern Europe and Ukraine to the Catskills to Greenwich Village to Hollywood in this hilarious and surprisingly deep film. Featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, Leonard Nimoy, Regina Spektor and more.For more information or to register, visit cbict.org/calendar.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25

Eat, Drink & Connect
JTConnect will honor Rabbi Steven Chatinover, Audrey Lichter and Cyral Sheldon at an an evening of inspiration and celebration to benefit JTConnect’s work inspiring the next generation of Jewish leaders, to be held on Zoom, April 25 at 5 p.m. For tickets and more information:, visit jtconnect.org.

Mitzvah Project/Social Action Engagement Fair
Temple Sholom in Greenwich will host a virtual fair featuring community organizations currently seeking volunteers, on April 25, 1 – 3 p.m.. Representatives from these organizations will share info about their not-for-profit and how you can get involved. Perfect for volunteers of all ages, including pre b’nai mitzvah students interested in finding an appropriate mitzvah project that matches their interests. Admission is FREE. To register and to receive the Zoom link, contact Lori Baden at lori.baden@templesholom.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 26

State of Play: The Political Future of the American Jewish Community
David Axelrod, political consultant/strategist; CNN senior political commentator former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Obama, will discuss the political future of the American Jewish community at a FREE seminar to be held on Zoom, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Axelrod’s talk is co-sponsored by the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University. Registration required at fairfield.edu/bennettprograms. For information: bennettcenter@fairfield.edu or (203) 254-4000 x2066.

APRIL 28 & MAY 5

A Virtual Historical Tour of Jewish Argentina 
A two-part virtual historical tour of Jewish Argentina with Claudia Hercman, an Argentinian tour guide and translator. She is also a sculptor and painter, and honors her four grandparents who emigrated from Poland to Argentina. Hosted by Congregation Beth Israel.

Session 1, April 28 at 8pm – The Argentinian Jewish community is the 6th largest in the world. The first Jewish communities in Latin America were Sephardic. What happened to those Jews during the Inquisition? Why, if Latin America was part of the Spanish Empire, is the Jewish Community in Argentina 80% Ashkenazi and only 20% Sephardic today?

Session 2, Thursday, May 5 at 8pm – Before WWII many Jews came to Argentina. In a country of immigrants, it became a very important and strong community. What happened in Argentina during and after the Holocaust? Who was Perón; what was his policy towards the Jews? Did he really help the Nazis come to Argentina?

For information, visit www.cbict.org/calendar.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29

Manchester Memories: Jewish History Through the Decades 
Prof. Arnie Dashefsky will moderate a panel discussion on “Manchester Memories: Jewish History Through the Decades,” featuring panelists Will Bayer, Sissy Seader, Rabbi Richard Plavin, and Joel Wind. Co-sponsored by Beth Sholom B’nai Israel and the Manchester Historical Society, the discussion will be held April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Those who have memories of Jewish Manchester to share are invited to submit them when they register To register and receive the Zoom link, visit jhsgh.org/manechester-memries/

Short Story Coffee Break
A Zoom discussion of short stories and poetry by Erika Dreifus, Congregation Beth Israel’s Learning Center (Virtual) Writer in Residence, will be held APril 29 at 11 a.m. To register and receive a copy of the next short story and a link to the Zoom discussion, email kbeyard@cbict.org.

Book Discussion at Congregation Beth Israel
“The Book of the Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel will be the focus of a book discussion hosted by Congregation Beth Israel’s Sisterhood on April 29 at 7 p.m. “The Book of Lost Names” is inspired by a true story that takes place during World War II, about a young woman with a talent for forgery who helps thousands of Jewish children flee the Nazis. A social hour will follow. For more information, contact Rabbi Tami Elliott Goodman at ravgoodman@icloud.com.

TUESDAY, MARY 4

Tackling Antisemitism and Bigotry
UJA-JCC Greenwich will host a free virtual talk by Zach Banner, offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. When Banner posted a video on Twitter protesting an antisemitic Instagram post by DeSean Jackson, he became one of the first NFL players to speak out on the issue. Banner’s video quickly drew more than 700,000 views and an outpouring of praise. For more information, visit ujajcc.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 6

On Zionism, Israel, and Social Justice 
Prof. Gil Troy, McGill University will discuss “On Zionism, Israel and Social Justice,” on Zoom, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The lecture is part o ALEPH: The Institute of Jewish Ideas, a community-wide Jewish learning initiative co-sponsored by the Mandell JCC and UConn Judaic Studies. Troy’s lecture will analyze the central theme in Zionism ideology, assessing what Israel has achieved – and where it has fallen short – in creating a nation that fulfills the Torah’s commandment to seek justice. For more information, visit judaicstudies.uconn.edu or mandelljcc.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

How digital platforms and spaces can enable hate and bias
“Social Media and Extremism” is the focus of a panel discussion hosted by ADL Connecticut on April 20, 12 noon – 1 p.m. The discussion will explore the intersections of extremism, free speech, technology, and the future of public digital discourse. Panelists include Graeme Wood, staff writer at The Atlantic; Susan Benesch, director of The Dangerous Speech Project; Oren Segal, ADL vice presidents of the Center on Extremism; and Lauren Krapt, ADL National Policy Counsel. For more information, email Nora Cohen at ncohen@adl.org.  Register at:  https://adl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N5-7B2UUS_aZuVGbKDIRAA

SUNDAY, MAY 16 & MONDAY, MAY 17

Tikkun Leil Shavuot
A virtual annual celebration of Shavuot, co-sponsored by Beth Tikvoh-Sholom and the Conservative movement’s Rabbinical Assembly, will be held May 16 and 17 at noon. Participation is FREE. For more information, call (860) 243-3576.

SUNDAY, MAY 23

BTS FIlm Schmooze: “Hava Nagila (The Movie)”
First, watch the film “Hava Nagila (The Movie),” a fun and fascinating journey through history, mystery and meaning of this great Jewish standard, featuring interviews with Harry Belafonte, Leonard Nimoy, Connie Francis, Glen Campbell, Regina Spektor and more (available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Google Play). Then join a virtual discussion of the film on May 23 at 7 p.m., led by Shari J. Cantor, who has an MA in Judaic Studies and has danced the hora at a wedding a time or two. For more information, call (860) 243-3576.