Everyone I talk to recently says the same thing: There is so much oy; we all need some Jewish joy as we enter into 5786.
I agree, and I’m excited to offer our community many moments of meaningful Jewish joy this season, elevated by the coming together of my organization, Jewish Arts Collaborative, with The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture.
Here are six moments of many this season that we hope will spark joy and offer the hope and relevance we’re craving.
Sink your teeth into one of our culinary events
Braiding challah on Nov. 18 with Instagram star Mandylicious or talking hummus on Sept. 18 with Ben and Zikki Siman-Tov, authors of “Eat Small Plates: Vibrant, Shareable Dishes for Daily Joy,” our intimate culinary conversations at The Vilna are a delicious way to delve into Jewish culture. Cook your way to tasty and nostalgic moments that connect us across generations and traditions.
Learn about the Jewish roots of jazz music and swing dance
At our festive jazz and swing evening on Oct. 18, you’ll learn firsthand how Jewish artists helped shape these genres—and with the stories, we’ll have a chance to learn some of the steps with some of Boston’s best swing dance teachers! The night includes dinner and drinks, live music led by entertainer and musician AJ Rubin, and swing dance lessons for all levels.
Celebrate Hanukkah with us
Over the last decade, The Vilna and Jewish Arts Collaborative have become known for transforming the way Boston—and beyond—celebrates Hanukkah. This year, we’re taking it even further. On Dec. 7, we’re offering two showings of our beloved annual a cappella concert, featuring some of the top collegiate groups in the area. Then, on Dec. 18, celebrate with us at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, for what has become the largest Hanukkah celebration in the country. With music, art, food, and family-friendly fun woven throughout the galleries, the museum becomes a glowing, joyful reminder that the lights of Hanukkah shine brightest when we share them together. It’s only $5, and fun for the whole family.
Discover the mysteries of Torah in the tarot
What if tarot cards held hidden Jewish stories? Could they have been drawn by crypto-Jews preserving their traditions in secret following the Spanish Inquisition? That’s the provocative theory at the heart of “The Torah in the Tarot,” a new book by Torah scholar Stav Appel. Join us for the official book and exhibit launch on Oct. 16, featuring Appel in conversation with social media star storyteller Miriam Anzovin as they unpack the Jewish tales told through the cards.
Find inspiration through the powerful works of Samuel Bak
One of the most prolific and talented painters of our time, Samuel Bak shares his Holocaust story through paint and visual iconography. Author Chris Heath wrote “No Road Leading Back: An Improbable Escape from the Nazis and the Tangled Way We Tell the Story of the Holocaust,” a new book about Bak’s home of Vilnius, Lithuania. Join us at the Pucker Gallery on Oct. 26 for a conversation between Bak, Heath, and the director of the Samuel Bak Museum.
Explore The Vilna gallery
For the first time, The Vilna will offer open gallery hours, giving you a chance to experience Jewish art at your own pace. Our current exhibition, “Holy Threads,” reimagines the High Holidays through painting and textiles. Step into this visual journey and encounter the season’s themes of reflection, renewal, and connection in a deeply creative way. The works on display through Oct. 10 invite you to see the holidays not only as rituals of prayer, but also as artistic inspiration that continues to evolve in the hands of contemporary Jewish creators.
We know that for more than 5,000 years, Jewish life has been filled with the joys and the oys. At The Vilna, we’re proud to create more joy, and we hope you’ll join us. Check out the full season here.
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