Centers expand English-language cultural offerings

Two Israeli-Hebrew culture houses are launching new programs specifically designed for English speakers. In Tel Aviv, Alma is starting a series on Jewish understanding of concepts through the study of Hebrew literature, while in Jerusalem, Beit Avi Chai is offering a series about Israeli movies and society.

The Alma Home for Hebrew Culture is one of the institutions leading the secular revival of interest in Jewish culture. "It's something that is very much in the air right now in Tel Aviv, a cultural trend, and for us it was very important not to exclude Anglos from that," Anat Perry, the center's coordinator for English programs, told Anglo File. "What we offer now in English is basically the same program that is most popular with Hebrew-speaking Israelis: a series of short programs, five sessions each, with no long-term commitments, where you can just come and get a taste."

The first of three planned courses, entitled "Story," will trace Jewish storytelling through the study of the cultural canon. The initial session will take place February 21.

Beit Avi Chai, which promotes Jewish culture to a mixed secular and religious crowd, is holding a program moderated by New York-born Amy Kronish, a former curator of Jewish and Israeli film at the Jerusalem Cinematheque. Each session will include a screening of a film dealing with topics such as life in development towns, the plight of foreign workers or immigration. The screenings are followed by a discussion with directors, screenwriters or other guests.

"Although English-speakers are mostly well-connected in Israeli society, there are still certain nuances of everyday life in Israel that are sometimes hard for them to fully grasp," said Vered Levin-Yerushalmi, Beit Avi Chai's director of public relations. "Watching and discussing documentaries can help them better deepen their understanding of complicated issues of Israeli life."

The first event, called "A Journey in Search of Identity," will feature a documentary about immigrant teenagers who travel to Ethiopia in search of their roots. The course starts this Monday at 7:30 P.M.

For more information, visit www.alma.org.il and www.bac.org.il.