Fun, friends, learning and new experiences at the Evening of Jewish Renaissance redesigned

People filled the Dwares JCC

Dahlia Ardizzone, left, and Sarah Kadmon were some of the teens helping during the evening. /Fran OstendorfIt was truly a night of Jewish renaissance for the more than 400 people who filled the Dwares JCC in Providence Nov. 14. The event featured a wide range of sessions from wine tasting and card making; from an Israeli martial arts demonstration to a panel on medical ethics; and from a discussion on Jewish burial rituals to social entrepreneurship in Israel.

Authors discussed their writing. Filmmakers talked about their work. And in the lobby, the crowd schmoozed to the sounds of live music. There was even a popup bookstore featuring many of the titles discussed in the sessions. The authors were selected in collaboration with the Jewish Book Council.

The event, funded by the Judge Marjorie Yasher  and Dr. James Yasher Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation, started with havdalah and included two sessions with a break. Night of Jewish Renaissance had been a tradition in Providence for a number of years, but had not taken place for several years.

“I am just delighted that so many people came out to enjoy the evening of Jewish Renaissance,” said Jana Brenman of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “The positive energy and spirit of the evening is reflected in all the kind feedback the Alliance has been receiving.” People came from throughout Rhode Island, including two buses from the Newport/Middletown area.

“People raved about the presenters, both local and out of state,” said Larry Katz, director of Jewish Life and Learning at the Alliance. “I have received requests from those who did not attend to provide them with handouts or email addresses for the presenters they heard about from others.”

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of The Jewish Voice.