MW - Hadassah Chicago-North Shore Summer Series: Am Israel Chai!

In the aftermath of the atrocities of October 7^th conversations have turned to how to be a Zionist while effectively combating antisemitism, anti-Zionism, hate speech, propaganda and misinformation even when you don’t agree with the Israeli government policies. These are tough conversations, at your family table, in your work and social circles and on social media. If we truly care about safeguarding Israel’s future, we must be equipped to have these conversations to support and defend Israel and Zionism. Join Evolve Hadassah for a compelling panel of passionate young women who are redefining Zionism for themselves. Open to all.

Diana Diner is the Zionist Educator at Hadassah. Before coming (back) to Hadassah, she spent almost 20 years working with teens and young adults on Israel education and programming, including working for four years as the Young Judaea Israel programs manager. She has worked for Hillel, Israel on Campus Coalition, Masa, and The Consulate of Israel in New York, in addition to other Jewish and Israel organizations. She went to Rutgers for her bachelor's in Psychology and Broadcast Journalism and Jewish Theological Seminary for her master’s degree in Jewish Education. Diana is fluent in Russian and learning Hebrew. During Covid she picked up a love of running and ran her first NYC Marathon in 2023.

On her Momentum Journey artist Ros Smith was so inspired by the women of Safed that upon her return she created a series of paintings entitled "Shabbat Women." Ros will show her paintings and discuss her journey. Then we will make Jewish-themed mosaics under the direction of local artist Chantal Blaustein. Chantal Blaustein is a local mosaic artist who leads “Broken Beauties Mosaics” parties. She uses vintage and contemporary china pieces, colorful beads, stained glass, and found objects to create one-of-a-kind mosaic pieces.

Wednesday July 31: Klezmer Roots and Rhythms

Join Lori Lippitz, leader of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, for a fun and informative stroll through the history of Klezmer music as an expression of Jewish life and culture in the shtetls of Europe, in the immigrant neighborhoods of New York, and today through the Klezmer Revival.The talk will be illustrated with copious recordings from the early 20th century to the present, as well as with Lori's singing with guitar accompaniment. There will be a sing-along included, and members of the Junior Klezmer Orchestra—a youth ensemble that Lori started 30 years ago—will join in.

*All in-person attendees will be required to sign a Hadassah Event Participation Release to attend Hadassah in-person events. There will be no exceptions to this policy.