There are many ceremonial objects associated with the observance of Judaism in the synagogue from the Torah scroll with its beautiful textiles and silver to ritual furniture, including the ark and the reader’s desk. But these elements, so intrinsic to Jewish practice today, did not always exist. In an illustrated lecture, Dr. Vivian Mann (Jewish Theological Seminary) describes how these basic elements emerged, and how their design evolved over time to reflect the period and region in which they were created.

Part of our Ways We Worship initiative.

Join us for a screening of this remarkable film examining the life of Rezso Kasztner. Known as the Jewish Schindler, Kasztner negotiated face to face with Adolf Eichmann, rescuing 1,700 Jews on a train to Switzerland. Yet he was condemned as a traitor in his adopted country of Israel; accused as a collaborator in a trial and verdict that divided a nation and forever stamped him as the "man who sold his soul to the devil." Director Gaylen Ross talks about the project and her interviews with survivors, historians and Kastzner’s assassin.

Cantor Daniel Najman and choir perform a concert inspired by the cantorial and choral tradition that flourished on the Lower East Side, when this neighborhood housed the largest Jewish community in the world.

Part of our Lost & Found Music Series.

Celebrate the Golden Age of American cantorial music at this concert by the Belz School of Jewish Music, conducted by Cantor Eric Freeman. Hear a repertoire of classical liturgy and Shavuot-themed songs, music which stirred the souls of thousands that thronged to the Eldridge Street Synagogue and other venerable Lower East Side houses of worship at the turn-of-the-last century. Cantor Bernard Beer provides commentary.

Part of our Lost & Found Music Series.