33 East 12th Street
New York, NY 10003
USA
THE BOLSHEVIKS AND THE JEWS
explored at The Village Temple
November 1, 2013
September 27, New York NY – The role of the Jews in the 1917 Bolshevik revolution will be explored at a presentation by award-winning journalist, author and lecturer Andrée Aelion Brooks following a special service to be held at The Village Temple, in the heart of Greenwich Village. This is the sixth year of a series of SynaplexTM Shabbat experiences.
The evening begins Friday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m. with an Erev Shabbat worship service led by Rabbi Chava Koster and Cantorial Soloist Gerard Edery. Brooks, who concentrates on unusual aspects of Jewish life, will then share the lesser-known history of the Jews of Russia, including why some became captivated with Bolshevism while others chose Zionism or emigration. Much of this information was uncovered during research for her award-winning historical thriller, “Russian Dance,” based on the true story of a Bolshevik spy. A Russian-themed buffet dinner will follow the service. An RSVP and donation of $10 per person, payable through the Village Temple website (www.villagetemple.org), are requested.. Tickets at the door are $15.
A special Junior Congregation worship service for children ages 8-10 will be held, also at 6:30, while children ages 3-7 will attend Shabbat Kinder Care.
“We are excited to welcome back author Andrėe Aelion Brooks, whose presentation this spring on Amelia Bassano and Shakespeare was so well received, “ said Julie Salamon, Co-president of The Village Temple. “In its sixth year, our alternative Shabbat experience, Synaplex at The Village Temple, is designed to speak to a broad range of those who live in downtown Manhattan. We welcome all to share with us at Synaplex Shabbat services.”
The Friday night worship service and Oneg are open to adults and children, all ages. For more information, please call 212-674-2340 or visit www.villagetemple.org.
About The Village Temple
The Village Temple, led by Rabbi Chava Koster, with Cantorial Soloist Gerard Edery and Music Director Anita Hollander, has served the Reform Jewish community in Greenwich Village and Lower Manhattan for 65 years. The Village Temple is a place for kesher – connection. It is a progressive synagogue for Reform Jews who are seeking to find connections to Torah and the search for spiritual fulfillment; establish relationships with other members of our congregation; discover links between past and present and one generation to the next; build bridges with the downtown Reform community, Israel and the world; and find the balance between our daily lives and the turn off your cellphone respite of Shabbat. The Village Temple is committed to social justice, supporting many community outreach activities. It has operated a Soup Kitchen for more than 20 years that continues to serve hot meals to over 100 people each week. The Temple sponsors a vibrant religious school for students in grades Pre-K through high school, exciting adult education programs, and many enjoyable social events. For further information on this event or other Village Temple programs, please contact Sandy Wilson, 212-674-2340, or visit the Village Temple website, www.villagetemple.org.