HaZak, our Solomon Schechter Award-winning program, is dedicated to serving the social, educational, and religious needs of our members aged 55 and over. The word HaZaK, which means "strength" in Hebrew, also stands for Hokhma (Wisdom), Ziknah (Maturity) and Kadimah (Looking Forward). HaZak programs are scheduled once a month on Wednesdays from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Elaine Hordes recited the HaMotzi blessing over bread, and we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch of pasta in tomato sauce with cooked mixed vegetables, rolls and a variety of homemade cookies and pastries. After lunch, Claire Lee led Birkat HaMazon, Grace after a Meal, and Bobbi Handwerger introduced our guest speaker, Jodi Elowitz.
Jodi Elowitz is the new Director of Education & Engagement for The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center Museum, which opened on January 27, 2019 in historic Union Terminal, where many of the region's local survivors arrived to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of WWII. She has a wide range of experience in the field of Holocaust studies. Most recently she was an Adjunct Professor of the Humanities at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, teaching her signature course on the Holocaust.
Ms. Elowitz's area of expertise is artistic representation of the Holocaust in the visual arts with an emphasis on work done in the camps and ghettos. Current research is on Holocaust memory in animated and popular film. Her article "Seven Minutes in the Warsaw Ghetto: Representing the Unimaginable through Animated Film" was published in Short Film Studies Journal Volume 4, Number 2, 2014. In addition to writing, Ms. Elowitz has also presented her work at conferences and through public speaking engagements.
Prior to her time at CHGS, Ms. Elowitz was the Executive Director for the Tennessee Holocaust Commission and the director of Holocaust Education for the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. In all of her positions Elowitz has overseen numerous educational and community programs, designed workshops, resources, study guides and curriculum for secondary educators.
The Holocaust through the voices of local survivors and witnesses. |
Elaine Hordes recited HaMotzi, the blessing over bread. |
Jeff Bassin & Marv Mandelbaum. |
Edie Neusner and Grace Lehrer baked most of the pastries. |
Claire Lee led the singing of Birkat HaMazon, Grace after Eating. |
Claire Lee. |
Bobbi Handwerger, Hazak Chair, introduced our guest speaker. |
Bobbi Handwerger, Hazak Chair. |
Jodi Elowitz, our guest speaker. |
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Jodi answered questions after her presentation. |
Bobbi Handwerger takes back the mic. |
Bobbi thanked Jodi for her informative talk. |
