Events at the Vilna Shul http://www.vilnashul.org/events en steven@vilnashul.org Copyright {entry_date format="%Y"} {entry_date format="%Y-%m-%dT%H:%i:%s%Q"} Meet the “Ordinary” People of Early Boston with Author Joanne Lloyd http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/the_ordinary_people_of_boston http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/the_ordinary_people_of_boston#When:18:30:40Z Are you ever curious about the lives of the shop owners, tailors, writers, artists and the other "ordinary" people who helped make Boston the city that it is today?   

The Vilna Shul and the Beacon Hill Scholars invite you to this fascinating event as we get set to explore the often untold histories of the everyday Bostonian with historian and author Joanne Lloyd.

This is the perfect way to spend your evening if you are curious about life in Boston beyond the Freedom Trail. Join us and learn about the people who helped make Boston a destination that attracts thousands of people each year. Afterward you can take your friends on a tour of the city they will never forget!

The event is free and co-sponsored by the Beacon Hill Scholars. Registration is appreciated. 

For questions please contact Jessica at (617) 523-2324 or email info@vilnashul.org.

Public Transit Directions:

The Shul is easily accessible using the MBTA metro system. After exiting the Charles/MGH MBTA Red Line station, turn left, cross Cambridge Street (to the CVS), turn left, and walk east down Cambridge Street under the elevated subway. Proceed east on Cambridge Street past Lindall Place, an alley, and Grove Street to Anderson Street. Turn right on Anderson Street and walk one block up Anderson Street to Phillips Street. Turn left/east onto Phillips Street. The Vilna Shul is 1/2 block down Phillips Street on the right/uphill side of Phillips Street.

Parking :

The Vilna Shul offers $5 validated parking after 4pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Validation is good inside the Charles River Plaza Parking Garage next to the Au Bon Pain and Holiday Inn, not in the surface lot in front of the Whole Foods. Just look for the garage entrance near the intersection of Cambridge St. and Blossom St. To find the Shul, exit the parking garage and look across the street toward Beacon Hill and find Garden street. Walk up the hill on Garden street about 1 minute until you reach the intersection of Garden and Phillips. The Shul is visible on your right at 18 Phillips Street.

You must validate your green ticket at the Shul for free/reduced parking.

]]> Community, 2013-05-30T18:30:40-05:00 Stories for Families Kabbalat Shabbat! http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/childrens_kabbalat_shabbat_stories_for_families_featuring_cindy_rivka_marsh http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/childrens_kabbalat_shabbat_stories_for_families_featuring_cindy_rivka_marsh#When:18:00:51Z The Vilna Shul welcomes the whole family for a special Kabbalat Shabbat with storyteller Cindy Rivka Marshall.

We will enjoy a wonder-filled evening weaving stories together and then share a community meal in the historic social hall of the Shul. This event is perfect for young families new to Boston as well as for anyone looking for a unique Shabbat experience for their children that combines spirituality and local Jewish history and heritage. 

 

Cindy Rivka Marshall is an award-winning story performer, an educator and workshop facilitator, a storytelling coach and a consultant on the use of story in many settings.  Cindy has performed since 1989 throughout New England at festivals, conferences, schools, libraries, synagogues, senior residences, and for community groups. In 2011 Cindy began work as a consultant for the Combined Jewish Philanthropies and in 2012 she began work for summer High School Programs at Brandeis University, offering workshops for staff and participants in using story sharing and storytelling. 

A suggested donation of $5 per family is appreciated. Everyone is welcome.


Public Transit Directions:

After exiting the Charles/MGH MBTA Red Line station, turn left, cross Cambridge Street (to the CVS), turn left, and walk east down Cambridge Street under the elevated subway. Proceed east on Cambridge Street past Lindall Place, an alley, and Grove Street to Anderson Street. Turn right on Anderson Street and walk one block up Anderson Street to Phillips Street. Turn left/east onto Phillips Street. The Vilna Shul is 1/2 block down Phillips Street on the right/uphill side of Phillips Street.

Parking :

The Vilna Shul offers $5 validated parking after 4pm on weekdays and on Sundays. Validation is good inside the Charles River Plaza Parking Garage across the street from the Shul and next to the Au Bon Pain and Holiday Inn, not in the surface lot in front of the Whole Foods. Just look for the garage entrance near the intersection of Cambridge St. and Blossom St.

You must validate your green ticket at the Shul for free/reduced parking.

]]> Community, 2013-06-07T18:00:51-05:00 Transitions: A Gala Tribute Honoring Steven Greenberg http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/gala_tribute_for_steven_greenberg http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/gala_tribute_for_steven_greenberg#When:18:30:30Z Guest speaker, Rabbi Harold Samuel Kushner is a long-time friend of Steven Greenberg. A prominent American rabbi and a worldrenowned author, Rabbi Kushner has written numerous books addressing major life issues. His book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, focuses on human suffering, God and theodicy while another, Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World, deals with fears of terrorism, natural disasters, rejection and growing old. It is fitting that Rabbi Kushner will be speaking in Steven’s honor, since much of his writings center on living a purposeful life. Rabbi Kushner will be signing copies of his most recent book,The Book of Job: When Bad things Happen to Good People, at the reception.

Event Chairs: Larry and Gloria Schwartz

Download the Invitation

Download the Printable RSVP Card

When Steven Greenberg came to the Vilna in 2007, he had a vision of what the Vilna could be. With his heart and soul, he has been instrumental in promoting the Vilna to the public as both a valued historic site and a cultural resource. Building lasting relationships throughout the community, including collaborations with countless synagogues, universities, schools and other organizations, Steven has led the way in weaving both the Vilna and Boston’s rich Jewish history into the city’s greater cultural, historic and spiritual narrative. 

As co-president of the Museums of Boston and founder of Doors to History, he has literally and figuratively put the Vilna on the map, securing its place as a must-see destination for visitors from greater Boston and around the world. Steven counts his work here as a huge blessing in his life. “Through my interactions with all who have walked through the doors of the Vilna, I have grown as a person, a Jew and a scholar. I have done a lot of interesting things in my life,” stresses Greenberg, “but this is the BEST of all my endeavors.”

Under Steven’s guidance, the Vilna has flourished. It has become a place where Jewish history, culture, and spirituality intersect— acting as a welcoming port for those who search for Jewish meaning in their lives. As we move forward, the Vilna seeks to become the epicenter for Jewish life in downtown Boston.

Sponsorship & Tribute Book Opportunities

Chai $18,000
Please mail this RSVP card

  • Full screen ad in virtual tribute book with extended viewing
  • Tribute ad listed on website home page
  • 10 tickets with premier reserved seating
  • Recognition in program
  • Autographed copy of Rabbi Kushner's book, The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Jubilee $10,000
Please mail this RSVP card

  • Full screen ad in virtual tribute book with extended viewing
  • 10 tickets with priority reserved seating
  • Recognition in program
  • Autographed copy of Rabbi Kushner's book, The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Diamond  $5,000  
Please mail this RSVP card

  • Full screen ad in virtual tribute book
  • 8 tickets with reserved seating
  • Recognition in program
  • Autographed copy of Rabbi Kushner's book, The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Platinum  $2500 Buy Now

  • Half screen ad in virtual tribute book
  • 6 tickets
  • Autographed copy of Rabbi Kushner's book, The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Gold $1,800 Buy Now

  • Quarter screen ad in virtual tribute book
  • 4 tickets
  • Name listing in virtual tribute book

Silver $1,000 Buy Now

  • 4 tickets
  • Name listing in virtual tribute book

Bronze $500 Buy Now

  • 2 tickets
  • Name listing in virtual tribute book

Well Wisher $118 Buy Now

  • Name listed in virtual tribute book

Individual Ticket for $200.00 Buy Now

 

Download the Invitation

]]> Community, 2013-06-13T18:30:30-05:00 Understanding Your Jewish Artifacts with Certified Judaica Appraiser Elizabeth Berman http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/understanding_your_jewish_artifacts_with_certified_judaica_appraiser_e1 http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/understanding_your_jewish_artifacts_with_certified_judaica_appraiser_e1#When:12:00:34Z Event Rescheduled from April 2013

The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, is pleased to present “Understanding Your Jewish Artifacts” with certified Judaica appraiser Elizabeth Berman.

During this brown bag lunch event, Ms. Berman will evaluate and answer your pressing questions about Judaica, the history of Jewish objects and how to care for them at home.

Elizabeth Berman is an accredited appraiser, specializing in modern and contemporary art, Judaica, historical papers, and American and European fine arts and antiquities. She is the President of Judaica in Context and Collections in Context. In addition to being an independent appraiser for private collectors and museums, she has also served as curator at the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, guest curator at the United States Holocaust Museum, and curator at the Jewish Historical Society of Maryland.

Donations are appreciated. Questions or concerns? Contact Jessica Antoline, Program Manager, at 617-523-2324 or info [at] vilnashul.org. 

Please respect basic kosher dietary laws (no pork, shellfish, or mixed meat and dairy).

]]> Community, 2013-06-19T12:00:34-05:00 Kabbalat Shabbat Friday Night Services with Boston Globe Love Letters Columnist Meredith Goldstein http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/kabbalat_shabbat_friday_night_services_with_boston_globe_love_letters_colum http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/kabbalat_shabbat_friday_night_services_with_boston_globe_love_letters_colum#When:19:00:36Z Event Rescheduled from April 2013

Join us for our monthly Kabbalat Shabbat service, dinner and shmoozing as we welcome the funny and insightful Meredith Goldstein.

Meredith is an advice columnist and entertainment reporter for The Boston Globe. Her column Love Letters is a daily dispatch of wisdom for the lovelorn that gets about 1 million page views every month on Boston.com. Love Letters appears in the Globe’s print edition every Saturday. Meredith’s first novel, The Singles, was released by Penguin/Plume in April. Not surprisingly, it’s a story about complicated relationships.

Meredith was born in New Jersey, raised in Maryland, went to Syracuse University, and now lives in Roxbury, Massachusetts with a carnival-size cotton candy machine that she bought for herself on her 30th birthday. She appears on WBUR, WFNX, MIX 104.1, NECN and FOX.

A 10 dollar donation is suggested for this event. Please register online or contact Jessica Antoline, Program Manager, at (617) 523-2324 or email info [at] vilnashul.org.

7:00 PM Shabbat Services
8:15 PM Speaker
8:45 PM Dinner

We hope to see you there!

– Free parking is available across the street from the Shul at the Charles River Parking Garage underground next to the Au Bon Pain. Please validate your green parking ticket when you arrive to the Shul. 

– The Shul is also easily reached on the MBTA. Take the Red Line to Charles/MGH.

]]> Havurah on the Hill, 2013-06-21T19:00:36-05:00 Thorwald Jørgensen in Concert http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/thorwald_jrgensen_in_concert http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/thorwald_jrgensen_in_concert#When:15:00:07Z The Vilna Shul is pleased to welcome renowned thereminist Thorwald Jørgensen for a Sunday afternoon concert in our historic sanctuary.
 
Join us at 3:00pm and hear Jørgensen combine the classic works of Russian Romantics like Tchaikovsky's "Serenade Melancolique" and Spanish melodies together with those of Lithuanian Jewish composer Joseph Achron.  Jørgensen will also share his expert knowledge of the haunting, graceful and versatile theremin with the audience.
 
A concert for enthusiasts and the curious alike, this will be Jørgensen's only appearance in the Boston area this season. 
 
Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students and seniors. Children under 10 are always free at Vilna concerts.

 

About our guest:

Thorwald Jørgensen has performed as a chamber musician, soloist and orchestral therminist throughout Europe, North America and Russia. At the age of 14, Jørgensen began his first percussion lessons with Peter Elberse, timpanist for the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra. After finishing high school Jørgensen went on to study classical percussion at the Utrecht and Tilburg Conservatory, where he studied with Werner Otten, Hans Zonderop, Johan Faber and Peter de Vries. He graduated with a Music Masters as a student of Arnold Marinissen. Taking up the theremin was a logical progression for Jørgensen as the instrument requires skilled coordination of the left and right hands. As theremin playing technique also resembles that of a string instrument, Thorwald is currently being coached by Saskia Boon, former cellist with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

 Click here for a full biography and international concert lineup.

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The Vilna is easily accessible by public transportation at the Red Line Charles/MGH stop. Validated parking is available for $5 dollars. For directions click here.
]]> Community, 2013-06-30T15:00:07-05:00 33rd Annual IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/33rd_annual_iajgs_international_conference_on_jewish_genealogy http://www.vilnashul.org/events/event/33rd_annual_iajgs_international_conference_on_jewish_genealogy#When:16:14:57Z August 4-9th

Historic Boston Park Plaza Hotel

Attendees will be able to choose from 250 programs on seven different tracks covering a wide range of topics including a beginner’s track on August 4/5, as well as computer tracks and a film festival. 

Many IAJGS Lifetime Achievement award winners, the luminaries of Jewish genealogy, will give talks, including Steve Morse, Miriam Weiner, Peter Lande, Jeff Malka, Hal Bookbinder, Warren Blatt, Michael Tobias, and Stanley Diamond. Archivists from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, and Ukraine will be giving the latest information about doing research in their countries. Historians and experts from England, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the U.S. will provide the historical context to our ancestors’ lives and the methodologies to find them.

For all information visit the conference website here.

]]> Community, 2013-08-04T16:14:57-05:00