International Holocaust Remembrance Day: “A City Without Jews” Cine-Concert
2025-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Join the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Jewish Studies Program for a screening of The City Without Jews accompanied by live original music composed and performed by world-renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and celebrated silent film pianist Donald Sosin.
This is a free event, but registration is required.
Hosted by the Holocaust Center of Pittburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Jewish Studies Program
Co-sponsored by:
Ed and Arlene Lipsman in memory of Charles and Hilda Lipsman
Carnegie Mellon University’s Jack Buncher Chair in Jewish Studies
University of Pittsburgh German Department
Film Pittsburgh
Sunrise Foundation for Education and the Arts
Rodef Shalom Congregation
The Tree of Life
About the Film:
The City Without Jews (Die Stadt ohne Juden), H. K. Breslauer’s 1924 silent masterpiece, is based on the bestselling dystopian novel by Hugo Bettauer. It was produced two years after the book’s publication and, tragically, shortly before the satirical events depicted in the fictional story transformed into all-too-horrific reality. All complete prints were thought to be destroyed, but thanks to the discovery of a nitrate print in a Parisian flea market in 2015, this “lost” film can once again be appreciated in its unfortunately ever-relevant entirety.
Set in the Austrian city of Utopia (a thinly-disguised stand-in for Vienna), the story follows the political and personal consequences of an antisemitic law passed by the National Assembly forcing all Jews to leave the country. At first, the decision is met with celebration, but when the citizens of Utopia eventually come to terms with the loss of the Jewish population – and the resulting economic and cultural decline – the National Assembly must decide whether to invite the Jews back. Though darkly comedic in tone and stylistically influenced by German Expressionism, the film nonetheless contains ominous and eerily realistic sequences, such as shots of freight trains transporting Jews out of the city. The film’s stinging critique of Nazism is part of the reason it was no longer screened in public after 1933.
About the Musicians:
Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin have been bringing audiences to their feet throughout the US and Europe with their unique and stirring violin and piano scores for Jewish-themed silent films. Sosin is renowned silent film pianist and composer, and Svigals is the world’s leading klezmer violinist and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics. After meeting at a silent film festival in Italy, the two soon recorded their first original score for the 1923 German film The Ancient Law, followed by City Without Jews and The Man Without a World.
Donald Sosin (pianist and composer) has performed his silent film music at Lincoln Center, MoMA, the Kennedy Center, BAM, the National Gallery, and major film festivals in the US and abroad San Francisco, Telluride, Hollywood, Yorkshire, Pordenone, Bologna, Shanghai, Bangkok, Berlin, Vienna, Moscow, and Jecheon, South Korea . He records for Criterion, Kino, Milestone and TCM. He has worked with Alexander Payne, Isabella Rossellini, Dick Hyman, Comden and Green, and has played for Mikhael Baryshnikov, Mary Travers, Marni Nixon, Howie Mandel, Geula Gill, and many others. He records for Criterion, Kino, Milestone, Flicker Alley and European labels, and his scores are heard frequently on TCM. He has had commissions from MoMA, EYE Amsterdam, Deutsche Kinemathek, L’Immagine Ritrovata, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denver Silent Film Festival, and the Best Original Film Score award by the 2022 Mystic Film Festival.
Alicia Svigals, violinist/composer and a founder of the Grammy-winning Klezmatics, is the world’s foremost klezmer fiddler. She almost single handedly revived the tradition of klezmer fiddling, which had been on the brink of extinction until she recorded her debut album Fidl in the 1990’s. Svigals has performed with and written for violinist Itzhak Perlman, and has worked with the the Kronos Quartet, playwrights Tony Kushner and Eve Ensler, poet Allen Ginsburg, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Debbie Friedman and Chava Albershteyn. She was awarded a Foundation for Jewish Culture commission for her original score to the 1918 film The Yellow Ticket and is a MacDowell fellow. In February 2018, Svigals and jazz pianist Uli Geissendoerfer released Beregovski Suite, their fantasy on klezmer melodies culled from the archive of early 20th century Soviet Jewish ethnomusicologist Moshe Beregovski. In May 2023, Svigals was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters by the Jewish Theological Seminary for “extraordinary contributions to the arts and Jewish life.” In June 2024 she released her newest album, Fidl Afire, on the Borscht Beat label – a return to her roots with a full-on party band. In August 2024 she was awarded the 2024 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship in Folk/Traditional arts.

Queens of the Forest Information Session
2025-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Israel, Israel
Queens of the Forest
Join women from Pittsburgh’s Partnership2Gether regions of Karmiel/Misgav, Israel and Warsaw, Poland for a unique joint experience in Israel from November 9-13. In this week-long journey that includes educational hikes with a licensed Israeli tour guide, you will learn about Israel “on your feet,” meet new friends and enjoy home hospitality in Karmiel/Misgav. Experience the land of Israel while building bonds with women from Pittsburgh and across the sea!

Early Prophets
2025-01-27 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-01-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-01-13 09:30 - 10:30 | Zoom
$295 for this 25-session series.
Mondays at 9:30 AM, Sep. 23, 2024 – May 12, 2025.
Please Note: No class on Nov. 4, Dec. 23, 30, Jan. 6, Feb. 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, Apr. 14.
The prophetic section of the Hebrew Bible contains powerful material that is rarely studied closely. In this 25-session course, read through the works of the Early Prophets while gaining insights into their enduring significance.

Mahloket Matters with Karen Morris
2025-01-26 13:00 - 14:30 | Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Mahloket Matters, Cultivating a Constructive Disagreement Mindset. Disagreements are often seen as an unfortunate aspect of life. However, in the tradition of the Mishnah and Talmud, mahkloket (debate) is a vital tool for fostering discussion, critical thinking, personal growth and the strengthening of relationships.

CKids Jewish Discovery Club
2025-01-26 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-01-19 10:30 - 12:30 | Chabad of the South Hills’ New Building, 1700 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243, United States
Open to all. No membership or affiliation required.

Aleph Champ Hebrew Reading
Love for being Jewish
New and Exciting Content Each Week
Rockin Holiday Events
0-4 Torah Tots
5-11 Super Jew
12-13 BMX Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience

Together in Hope
2025-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | 10.27 Healing Partnership
As we face the uncertainty of the hostages’ return, join us to share this moment of hope and support. We’ll create a space to reflect, comfort one another, and write messages for the hostages and their families. Together, we find strength in each other.

Shabbat Ends: 6:13 PM
2025-01-25 18:13 | Pittsburgh, 2201 Pennsylvania Furnace Rd, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, United States
Parshat Va’eira, Shabbat Ends: 6:13 PM Blessings: https://chabad.org/87131#blessings Brought to you by Chabad.org

Light Candles at: 5:11 PM
2025-01-24 17:11 | Pittsburgh, 2201 Pennsylvania Furnace Rd, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, United States
Parshat Va’eira, Light Candles at: 5:11 PM Blessings: https://chabad.org/87131#blessings Brought to you by Chabad.org

Community Day School - Board Meeting
2025-01-22 19:00 - 21:00 | PA
Community Day School – Board Meeting

Jewish Enrichment Club
2025-01-22 15:45 - 17:30, 2025-01-15 15:45 - 17:30 | Chabad of Greenfield, 4315 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
The Greenfield Jewish Enrichment Club is designed to provide your children with a strong feeling of pride and affection for Judaism, Israel and the wisdom of the Torah. Each club features fun, hands-on learning experiences through arts, cooking and science. In addition to our weekly clubs, we will be having Special Sunday CKids Workshops spread throughout the year. You do not need any membership, prior affiliation, or religious background to be a part of our JEC family.

Jewsandwords
2025-01-22 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-01-15 09:30 - 11:00 | Zoom
$90 for this 4-session series.
Wednesdays at 9:30 AM, Jan. 15 – Feb.5 , 2025.
In 2012, Amos Oz and his daughter, Fania Oz-Salzberger wrote “jewsandwords”. The book describes the “chain of words at the core of Jewish life, history, and culture.” In this course, we will read the book together and consider the chain of words that lies at the heart of Jewish literature.

Understanding the College Application Landscape: The Role of Standardized Testing
2025-01-21 19:00 - 20:30 | JCC Squirrel Hill, 5738 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Learn about how standardized testing is (or is not) important for college applications! Join college consultant Lauren (Droz) Lieberman for this discussion as part of our JCC College Connect program.

Dave Wright Defensive Tactics Training
2025-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Hillel JUC, 4607 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, 15213
This event has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Feel empowered as you return to campus with this class that teaches:

Situational awareness and survival mindset
Basic self-defense techniques and weapons awareness and disarming techniques
Reality based training.

Led by Dave Wright from Wrights Gym. Geared for college students but open to everyone.
MADE POSSIBLE BY LEE AND LISA OLEINICK.

Wechsler
2025-01-21 18:00 - 20:00 | TBD
By Invite Only.

Questions? email Jenna Rosenbloom at jrosenbloom@jfedpgh.org

Tehillim Vigil
2025-01-19 10:15 - 11:15 | Congregation Shaare Torah, 2319 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Join us at Shaare Torah as we come together in prayer during this critical time. We pray for the safe release of the hostages.
Security will be onsite and no bags or masks are permitted.

Winter Fair - A Warm Hug From Israel
2025-01-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Congregation Shaare Torah, 2319 Murray Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Are you an artist, small business owner, or creator with something special to share?
We’re looking for talented individuals from our community to join us in creating a one-of-a-kind event! This event will bring us together to celebrate creativity, culture, and connection. This isn’t just a market; it reflects who we are. Every product you’ll see is thoughtfully made, carrying stories, tradition, and passion. We can’t wait to see you there and share this special experience with you!
Apply here, and reach out with any questions!
Join us for a cozy and fun Winter Fair, celebrating community, creativity, and connection! Perfect for families and individuals alike, this event brings a taste of Israel to the heart of winter. Artists & crafters:

Explore unique handmade goods and creations by local creators from our community.
Fun activities: enjoy fun activities for kids & families.
Warm Drink & Treats: hot chocolate, and cookies to keep you warm & cozy.
Community spirit. Bring family, invite your friends, and don’t miss the special winter celebration filled with creativity, fun.

Connect, support local creators, and experience the magic of what we can achieve together as a community!

We Never Heard from Them Again -- Researching Relatives Who Died in the Holocaust with Jane Neff Rollins
2025-01-19 08:00 - 17:00 | PA
This talk puts the systematic murder of Jews and other persecuted populations during World War II into historical context before showing attendees how to research the fate of long-lost relatives. Resources to be covered will include the JewishGen Holocaust database, the U.S. Holocaust Historical Museum, Yad Vashem, the Arolsen database, collections of oral history recordings, Yizkor (memorial) books, newspapers, and more. Also included will be the intellectual and emotional challenges genealogists will face in doing this kind of research.
Jane Neff Rollins is a professional genealogist who works primarily with clients whose ancestors came from the former Russian Empire, providing research and translation of Russian documents. She has researched in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Washington DC, and Jerusalem. She is an alumna of ProGen Study Group 29, and a multi-time attendee of the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Forensic Genealogy Institute.
Jane has lectured at the annual conferences of the National Genealogical Society, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the Southern California Genealogical Society, and virtually and in-person for societies throughout the United States.
Jane’s genealogy articles have appeared in NGS Magazine, FGS Forum (for which she won the 2020 Forum Writer’s Award), Crossroads,andAvotaynu: The International Review of Jewish Genealogy: “Researching Jewish Ancestors Who Served in the Civil War.” Other writing has appeared in Roots-Key, the Jewish Journal, and medical trade magazines.
JGS of Pittsburgh members receive free access to all regular monthly programming. Membership costs only $18/yr and along with free access to all regular monthly programming you will receive our newsletter Z’Chor, access to our members portal, which contains recordings of past speakers and handouts, and access to our private Facebook Group. To join click the Join Here button above.
This program will be recorded and made available to all JGS of Pittsburgh members for 30 days after the program ends.

Shabbat Ends: 6:06 PM
2025-01-18 18:06 | Pittsburgh, 2201 Pennsylvania Furnace Rd, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, United States
Parshat Shemot, Shabbat Ends: 6:06 PM Blessings: https://chabad.org/87131#blessings Brought to you by Chabad.org

Light Candles at: 5:03 PM
2025-01-17 17:03 | Pittsburgh, 2201 Pennsylvania Furnace Rd, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, United States
Parshat Shemot, Light Candles at: 5:03 PM Blessings: https://chabad.org/87131#blessings Brought to you by Chabad.org

JFCS Board Meeting
2025-01-16 18:00 - 19:30 | JFCS Offices, 5743 Bartlett Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Meeting of the JFCS Board members

CLE: Legalizing Cannabis—Is It Jewishly Acceptable?
2025-01-16 08:30 - 10:45 | Zoom
The legalization of cannabis is expanding.
Jewish law has helpful insights on the use of cannabis both for medicinal and recreational purposes. This session will focus on cannabis concerns through a Jewish lens.

Intergenerational Family Dynamics Discussion Group
2025-01-15 12:30 - 13:30 | JCC South Hills, 345 Kane Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA, 15243, United States
The “Intergenerational Family Dynamics Discussion Group” was featured in JCC South Hills AgeWell Club in February 2023 and is a Monthly Ongoing Club Event. Please join us each month! It is geared toward anyone who has children, grandchildren, a spouse, siblings or parents-in other words, anyone who is part of a family. Older adults will benefit. Family dynamics is a fascinating topic, and whether you have family harmony or strife, these discussions are certainly going to be thought provoking and helpful.
Lead by Intergenerational Specialist: Audree Schall
Please JOIN US! (3rd Wednesday of every month at South Hills JCC)

JCC Big Night Committee Meeting
2025-01-14 18:30 - 20:00 | JCC Squirrel Hill, 5738 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15217, United States
Hold for JCC Big Night Committee Meeting

StandWithUs Presents - Fighting Antisemitism: An Inside Look
2025-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Private home
Please join StandWithUs for a special program featuring StandWithUs Center for Combating Antisemitism Founding Director Carly Gammill and K-12 Outreach Director David Smokler for an inside look into fighting antisemitism in schools and communities across the country using legal and educational tools.
To register, contact Julie Paris at juliep@standwithus.com.

Fractured Dialogues with Rabbi Jeffrey Schein
2025-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Rabbi Jeffrey Schein, Senior Consultant for Jewish Education of the Mordecai Kaplan Center for Jewish Peoplehood, will speak on “Fractured Dialogues – Understanding Polarization In Our Jewish And American Thought Worlds.” 1:00 p.m. Presented by Dor Hadash at Rodef Shalom with light refreshments. This study is dedicated to the memory of Stanley Winikoff.
