Events October-November 2009



	PAST NEWS AND EVENTS AT CRC Jewish Identity and Shalom in Uganda - November 15, 2009 Congregational Retreat - November 6-7, 2009 Green Pathways Out of Poverty - November 3, 2009 National Day of Action on Health Care Reform - October 20, 2009 Simchat Torah Celebration - October 10, 2009 Hoshanah Rabbah Celebration - October 10, 2009 Jewish Identity and Shalom in Uganda - November 15, 2009 Our guest was JJ Keki, a leader in the Ugandan Jewish community. In Uganda, the Jews are known as the Abayudaya (Yehudah or Judah) tribe. JJ talked about their very interesting history: In the early 20th century, Christian missionaries arrived to try to convince the locals to convert. A small group of villagers connected more deeply with the Hebrew Bible part of the New Testament, and they began to create a religion based on the Torah. Eventually, they also learned rabbinic Judaism, and now have 3 synagogues and one ordained Ugandan rabbi in the country. JJ talked about the repression during the Ida Amin years, and the high level of tolerance and freedom for the Jewish people that exists today. JJ also showed slides of the various activities of the community-their holiday celebrations, life-cycles, Hebrew schools, and their fair-trade home-grown coffee, which they sell all over the world to help raise funds. Then, JJ treated us to some of the Ugandan Jewish melodies. JJ played guitar and was accompanied on drums by our own Robert “Honi” Fishbone and members of the African Hebrew Israelite community. JJ was graciously hosted by CRC members Patrick and Rachel Thimangu and their son Benjamin. Patrick is from Kenya, so he and JJ (and Benjamin) had great fun communicating in Hebrew, English and Swahili! We were also joined by our dear friend Gedlu from the Ethiopian Christian community. Gedlu runs an organization that helps African immigrants in St. Louis, and he brought along some tasty Ethiopian treats. How fortunate we are to have such diverse ways to express Judaism in the world and to have the ability to share our Jewish cultures with our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Congregational Retreat - November 6-7, 2009 Over 50 CRC members ventured out to beautiful camp Wyman for an overnight retreat. We began with Shabbat songs and blessings, and a candle for each person. After dinner, we assembled for introductions and mixer games. Then, it was off to the campfire. We had a wonderful talent show featuring violin solos, guitar sing-a-longs, jokes, skits, and even presidential trivia! Once the official program was through, it was time for s’mores, conversations and musical jams. Everyone (even the kids) fell asleep at some point, and we witnessed the start of an incredible November day, 70 degrees plus! We felt surely blessed. After breakfast and morning prayers/meditations/movement, we were treated to a two hour hike led by camp staff. Among other things, we explored a cave, played nature games by a pond, and saw an awesome hawk. After lunch, the children made Arts&Craft projects with Wyman staff, while the adults found a lovely spot for a study and discussion led by Rabbi Randy. Then, we all came together for some field games, followed by a closing circle and Havdallah. We all went our separate ways, but we are forever connected. Hope you can join us next year! Green Pathways Out of Poverty - November 3, 2009 A diverse audience of close to 125 people came to CRC on Tuesday, November 3 to attend the forum "Green Pathways Out of Poverty: A Vision for the Future." Speakers included Joe Thomas, Missouri Coordinator for Apollo Alliance, Kyle Hunsberger of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, Jackie Timm with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Annie Mayrose of Gateway Greening and Missouri State Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford. Speakers discussed a wide range of programs that provide green jobs training and greening of area housing stock in low-income communities. In a call to action, JCRC Social Justice Chair Phyllis Markus urged those attending to sign post cards to Missouri's Senators in support of two pieces of federal legislations that would create more green jobs for low-income individuals. The event was sponsored by a coalition of community groups, including area environmental groups and groups focused on reducing poverty. National Day of Action on Health Care Reform - October 20, 2009 Simchat Torah Celebration - October 10, 2009 Click the "Play" button to view slideshow! Hoshanah Rabbah Celebration - October 10, 2009 Click the "Play" button to view slideshow! CLICK HERE FOR MORE PAST EVENTS AND NEWS