Virginia Tech celebrates Jewish Awareness Month
The Virginia Tech community celebrates the second annual Jewish Awareness Month.
Throughout the month of March and until April 15, Jewish Awareness Month will offer the Virginia Tech community an opportunity to learn more about the Jewish religion and its people. The theme for this year’s Jewish Awareness Month is, “Judaism Ya’ll: Beyond Dreidels and Bagels.” Events are free and open the public unless otherwise noted.
Some highlights of the month long celebration include, “Israel at 60 Photo Exhibit and Competition” held in the Squires Student Center from March 19 through April 15. For more information e-mail Sue Kurtz.
At 7:30 p.m. on March 24 at the Black Cultural Center in the Squires Student Center, there will be a celebration of Israel Memorial Day. Participants can watch the film, “With All Your Soul.” Following the film’s presentation there will be a discussion about Israeli and American teens concerning military service.
On March 25 at 6:15 p.m. at the Cranwell International Center , learn more about the traditional foods of Israel and its neighbors in, “We’re not so different: Israel Cooking Night.”
On March 27 at 7 p.m. in Torgersen 1020, listen to speaker Naomi Gail as she discusses “The Israeli Society.” Born in Iraq and an immigrant to Israel, Gail studies law, specializing in criminal, family, and small claims. She has published two books and several articles, including pieces in the Journal of Sociology, NEW COMMUNITY, and the International Journal of Sociology of the Family. Gail will speak about the establishment of Israeli culture in Israel, with emphasis on different origins of Jews from the Diaspora and their contribution to the creation of Israeli culture.
“Reading of the Names” will be held March 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Drillfield for a recitation of the names of the known victims of the Holocaust.
Also on April 15 at 3 p.m., join President Charles W. Steger at The Grove for “Poetry at The Grove.,” an annual poetry reading and reception sponsored by the president’s office and multicultural programs and services. Many other events are planned throughout the month, including a variety of religious lectures, inspirational films, exhibits, and activities. A complete calendar of events for Jewish Awareness Month at Virginia Tech can be found on the Multicultural Programs and Services website or by contacting Kristen Swanson at (540) 231-8584. In addition, all events can be seen on the Jewish Awareness Month poster (PDF).
Jewish Awareness Month is sponsored by Multicultural Programs and Services, a department within the Division of Student Affairs.
