Yom HaShoah Special Film Screening: For the Living

In an era when antisemitism is on the rise, A Blessing, Not a Burden by Dr. Alex Kor takes readers back to one of the darkest periods in human history. Through the story of his parents, who narrowly escaped death during the Holocaust, Dr. Kor shares a powerful message of resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Join us as Dr. Kor presents his book, shares personal stories and excerpts, and signs books for all attendees. Registration includes a light kosher breakfast. Copies of A Blessing, Not a Burden will be available for purchase. COST: $23 • $18 MEMBER VALUE PRICE For questions, email Irit at iritv@minnesotajcc.org. The Minnesota JCC proudly presents People of the Book JCC Literature Series — a dynamic series welcoming authors, musicians, and creators whose work is inspired by Jewish life and experience.

As the winter holiday season approaches, grandparents in multi-heritage and interfaith families may find themselves navigating a mix of traditions, expectations, relationships, and emotions. Join other Jewish grandparents for a warm, judgment-free conversation about the joys and challenges of celebrating across generations and family traditions. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for navigating holiday gatherings, supporting our adult children and grandchildren, and making room for multiple heritages and traditions—while staying grounded in our own Jewish values and identities. Grandparents often play a special role in passing on traditions while nurturing family relationships. This gathering offers an aspect to reflect on that role and navigate it with intention and care. Come share experiences, hear from others, and leave with new perspectives, practical resources, and intentions for supporting your family through a season of many celebrations. This interactive workshop will be facilitated by Rabbi Jill Avrin of YourJewish Journey, along with Stacey Spencer and Sharon Rosenberg-Scholl of JFCS. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Presented in partnership with JFCS, YourJewish Journey, Halev Early Childhood at the J, and the Minnesota JCC.

NEW START TIME – 4:30 PM FREE EVENT. RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED Join Ken Weintraub, a former St. Paul JCC staff member, for a musical journey through the life, music, and enduring legacy of Neil Diamond, one of America’s most beloved singers and songwriters. Enjoy the stories behind his remarkable career, and sing along with unforgettable hits including Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue, America and many more. Enjoy an afternoon of music, memories and fascinating stories celebrating an artist whose songs have touched generations. Light reception will follow. Ken Weintraub began his career at the St. Paul JCC, spending more than 45 years in Jewish communal service, including professional roles at the St. Louis Jewish Community Centers and Jewish Federation of St. Louis.  

WEYERHAEUSER MEMORIAL CHAPEL (1604 GRAND AVE, ST. PAUL) FREE EVENT. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This documentary film explores the remarkable and often misunderstood journey of Torah scrolls that survived the Holocaust and ultimately found homes in synagogues around the world, including five in the Twin Cities. Today, in nearly 1300 synagogues, institutions, museums, and places of distinction around the world, a Czech Torah Scroll resides, some used in worship, and others displayed as a memorial. The story that accompanied these Scrolls was that they were collected by the Nazis during the war to be used in a “Museum of an Extinct Race.” It is startling. Even plausible. But it isn’t true. Following the film will be a Q & A with Dale Bluestein Dale Bluestein is a Twin Cities–based producer, writer, director, and editor with more than three decades of experience in visual storytelling. He has produced commercial, nonprofit, and historical documentary work, with a particular focus on Jewish history in the Midwest. Hosted by Macalester Jewish Organization and the Center for Religious in Spiritual Life in partnership with other Twin Cities scroll hosts (synagogues Mount Zion, Temple Israel, and Bet Shalom, & Minnesota Hillel) and cultural organizations (the Czech and Slovak Cultural Center of Minnesota & the Minnesota JCC)

Welcoming and honoring all Veterans and their spouses with a casual gathering. Enjoy light Kosher breakfast and great company in recognition of those who have served in the US and Israeli armed forces, and all who have fought to uphold democracy around the globe. SABES CENTER MINNEAPOLIS – ROOM M54 • FREE EVENT For questions or more info, please contact Irit Vinitsky at gro.ccjatosennimobfsctd-3234aa@vtiri. This is not a formal program, rather a time to gather together.

Welcoming and honoring all Veterans and their spouses with a casual gathering. Enjoy light Kosher lunch and great company in recognition of those who have served in the US and Israeli armed forces, and all who have fought to uphold democracy around the globe. CAPP CENTER ST. PAUL WAR VETERAN’S ROOM • FREE EVENT For questions or more info, please contact Irit Vinitsky at gro.ccjatosennimobfsctd-4fbf0f@vtiri. This is not a formal program, rather a time to gather together.