CANADA-ISRAEL CULTURAL FOUNDATION I S P R O U D T O P R E S E N T T H E 3 R D A N N U A L

F E B R U A R Y- A P R I L 2 0 1 6 | T O R O N T O

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ABOUT THE CANADA-ISRAEL CULTURAL FOUNDATION

The Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation is a member-supported charitable foundation dedicated to supporting and developing artistic life in Israel, as well as showcasing Israeli culture in Canada.

For more than 50 years, CICF has been proud to support the Sharett Scholarship program in Israel, providing tuition assistance to gifted young artists who demonstrate a significant talent and potential in the arts. The program covers all areas of the arts including music, fine arts, dance, theatre, television, and cinema. Hundreds of applicants audition annually. Recipients who are selected are considered the most talented, and without this scholarship support, many would be unable to afford their studies. Pinchas Zukerman, Itzhak Perlman, and David Broza have all been recipients of these scholarships when they were young and needed it most.

CICF is especially pleased to present in this year’s Spotlight, Guy Mintus, Roni Eytan, Avishai Cohen, and Idan Sharabi – all former Sharett Scholarship recipients. We are proud of their success and the opportunity we have had to be part of their growth.

For more information on the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation, or to donate to the Sharett Scholarship Program and help support tomorrow’s future stars, please contact us:

Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation 4700 Bathurst Steet, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M2R 1W8Tel: 416.932.2260 Email: cicf@bellnet.ca Web: www.cicfweb.ca

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WELCOMECanada-Israel Cultural Foundation is very proud to be presenting the 3rd annual Spotlight on Israeli Culture.  Israel’s vast array of artists have earned a reputation of excellence, highlighting the multifaceted mosaic of Israel today. From mid-February until mid-April, CICF in collaboration with various local cultural partners will enrich Toronto’s cultural scene with the vibrant, original, and hugely diverse creativity of contemporary theatre, art, film, music, and dance from Israel.  We, along with the presenters, invite you to experience and enjoy the immense variety and vitality of Israeli culture in this year’s Spotlight on Israeli Culture.

We are proud to support the 2016 Spotlight on Israeli Culture festival. In its third annual incarnation, the Spotlight continues to showcase some of the best of Israeli culture touring the world today. We commend the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation for this ongoing initiative.

Culture is a powerful force that transcends borders. Israel’s diverse artists and performers—bursting with energy and creativity and reflecting the colourful tapestry that is modern day Israel—have earned a reputation for vitality and excellence which people of all backgrounds can enjoy and connect to.

Best wishes to all for a most successful Spotlight.

Ronald BreslerNational President

Janet KlugsbergExecutive Director

DJ Schneeweiss Consul General of Israel

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EVENT DATE/VENUE PAGE

SPOTLIGHT FESTIVAL RECEPTION Thursday, March 3 from 6pm to 9pm Gallery, Miles Nadal JCC

ART

DREAMLAND by Motty Levy Presented by Miles Nadal JCC

Wednesday, March 2 to Wednesday, March 30Gallery, Miles Nadal JCC

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THEATRE

MIKVAH: A dramatic reading Presented by the Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company

Sunday, March 6The Gallery Lounge, Toronto Centre for the Arts

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THE ODDS Presented by Aspaklaria Jewish Repertory Theatre

Sunday, April 3 Toronto Centre for the Arts

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MUSIC

ONCE UPON A VOICE Presented by the Anne Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies

Thursday, February 25 Innis Town Hall

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A WORLD OF PIANO - An Evening with Guy Mintus Presented by Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation

Thursday, March 17 Gallery 345

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A-WA Presented by Ashkenaz Foundation

Sunday, March 20 The Mod Club Theatre

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ISRAELI JAZZ SHOWCASE - Avishai Cohen Quartet & Roni Eytan Quintet Presented by Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and Toronto Downtown Jazz

Sunday, April 10 The Rex Jazz and Blues Bar

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FILM

SPECIAL INTERVIEWPresented by the Toronto Jewish Film Society and Miles Nadal JCC

Sunday, February 21 Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC

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THE KIND WORDS/HAMILIM HATOVOT Presented by the Toronto Jewish Film Festival

Sunday, February 28 Cineplex Cinemas, Empress Walk

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ISRAELI FILM SERIES Presented by the Consulate General of Israel and UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13Al Green Theatre, Miles Nadal JCC

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DANCE

SHARABI & KUDELKA - A triple bill featuring works of Idan Sharabi & James Kudelka Presented by Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie

Tuesday, March 1 Mimi Herrndorf Studio Theatre, The Citadel

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LETTERS

A reading and discussion with NORA GOLD Presented by the Consulate General of Israel, Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and Toronto Reference Library

Thursday, March 31 Hinton Theatre, Toronto Reference Library

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LIVING BETWEEN LANGUAGES: In conversation with Reuven Namdar Presented by the Consulate General of Israel, Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and Toronto Reference Library

Monday, April 4 Hinton Theatre, Toronto Reference Library

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FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

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A R T

DREAMLAND: AFTER MARK TWAIN IN THE HOLY LANDArtist: Motty Levy

In 1860, Mark Twain wrote an expressive diary of his trip to the Middle East. In 2012 photographer Motty Levy followed Twain’s footsteps through the Holy Land to retell his story through a different lens. Capturing historical landmarks Twain visited, Levy highlights the inevitable changes that have occurred since his era and explores the juncture where idealism of the Holy Land comes to terms with its lost and broken dreams.

LOCATION: Gallery, Miles Nadal JCC 750 Spadina Avenue (at Bloor)

DATES: Mar. 2 to 30 Mon. – Fri. 9am to 9pm Sat. – Sun. 9am to 7pm

ADMISSION: Free

INFO:  416.924.6211 ext. 250 www.mnjcc.org

Presented by:

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T H E AT R E

LOCATION: The Gallery Lounge Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge Street

DATE: Sun. Mar. 6 – 2pm

ADMISSION: Free, reservation required

INFO/RESERVATIONS hgjewishtheatre.com 416.932.9995 ext 224

Presented by:

Generously Sponsored by:

A dramatic reading

MIKVAH by Hader Galron

“Production of the Year 2004” the Israeli Theatre Academy Awards

Inside the secretive world of the ritual bath, eight women’s stories unfold in this sensitive depiction of religious observance and evolving feminist consciousness. With a knowledgeable examination of traditions and ritual, this hit Israeli play explores the ever evolving position of women in Israeli society.

“ The play is very touching …sensitively navigating between the Playwright’s comic touch and the melodramatic moments” - Michael Handenzalz – Ha’aretz

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THE ODDS

Three mentees. Two sessions. One therapist. What happens when only men attend couples’ counseling? Eric, a couples’ therapist, decides to advertise and find out. Three men respond: John, Emmet and Gideon. As we watch their two day journey, we will laugh, cry, fight and reconcile along with them as they delve into what is troubling their marriages.

Following a smash six-year run in Israel, The Odds finally comes to Canada!

Aspaklaria Jewish Repertory Theatre was founded in Jerusalem 15 years ago to promote and provide quality Jewish theatre to audiences throughout Israel. Now, following several successful tours around the world, Aspaklaria is bringing its unique brand of Jewish theatre to Toronto!

Presented by:

T H E AT R E

LOCATION: Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge Street

DATE: Sun. Apr. 3 – 8pm

ADMISSION: $37.25

INFO/TICKETS:  www.tocentre.com/events/odds

Ticketmaster: 1.855.985.2787

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LOCATION: Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Avenue

DATES: Thur. Feb. 25 – 7pm

ADMISSION: Free

ONCE UPON A VOICEA Workshop With Vocal Artist Victoria Hanna

“ Hanna is blessed with one of those voices that demands full attention, holding audiences rapt with her acrobatic voice and leaving mouths agape.” – Time Out New York.

In this workshop by International vocal artist Victoria Hanna, we will research and look at voice from its least obvious place and experience the power of tone and pitch through the understanding that each word, each sentence that comes out of our mouths are sounds spilling into space. One of the powerful inspirations for this fascinating work are ancient Kabbalist writings that view the letters of the alphabet, the mouth, and language as tools of Creation.

M U S I CPresented by:

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A WORLD OF PIANO - AN EVENING WITH GUY MINTUS

Israeli pianist, composer & improviser Guy Mintus will be arriving to Toronto for an intimate evening of solo piano at Gallery 345. Guy’s influences range from Stride piano and the Greek Rebetiko blues, to the Turkish Makam, Indian Ragas, Bach-styled counterpoint and, of course, the music of his homeland. He creates a strong connection with his audiences in heartfelt performances that have been described as “holding the entire hall in held breath” - Barka Fabianova, fullmoonzine.com.

Guy has won awards from ASCAP, Downbeat Magazine, BMI, the American Composers Orchestra, and the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. His performance credits include the Kennedy Center, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater, Symphony Space, Red Sea Jazz Festival, and the Israel Festival. With a focus on music as a gateway to cross-cultural understanding, Guy has collaborated with master musicians from Turkey, Greece, Iran, Morocco, Azerbaijan, India, Cuba, and Mali.

LOCATION: Gallery 345 345 Sorauren Avenue

DATE: Thur. Mar. 17 – 8pm

ADMISSION: $20, $10 for students

INFO/TICKETS:  416.822.9781

M U S I CPresented by:

Supported by:

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LOCATION The Mod Club Theatre 722 College Street

DATE: Sun. Mar. 20 – 8pm

ADMISSION: $20 advance / $25 at the door

INFO/TICKETS:  416.979.9955 www.ashkenaz.ca

A-WA

Israel’s hottest new world music act is A-Wa, three sisters who combine their Yemeni musical roots with contemporary funk, electronica and hip-hop grooves. With songs in Hebrew, English and Yemeni-Arabic, Tair, Liron and Tagel Haim are shattering expectations with their fresh and funky sounds marrying disparate influences from both the modern and ancient worlds. Discovered and produced by Tomer Yosef of the pioneering Israeli world music crew Balkan Beat Box, A-Wa became a viral sensation last year with the video for their song “Habib Galbi,” which went on to become the first ever Arabic-language song to top the Israeli music charts. The group has even developed a following across the Arab world. Appealing to diverse audiences of all ages, A-Wa has already made waves across Israel and Europe and the group is now poised for breakout international success in 2016. Don’t miss their premiere Toronto appearance as part of their debut North American tour.

M U S I CPresented by:

Sponsored by:

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ISRAELI JAZZ SHOWCASE AVISHAI COHEN QUARTET Roni Eytan Quintet Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation and Toronto Downtown Jazz are pleased to present the third annual Israeli Jazz Showcase, featuring outstanding emerging and established artists.

Harmonica player Roni Eytan brings a unique sound to the instrument, approaching it with new techniques and influences coming from his Israeli roots and love for Jazz. Currently on a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music, Roni has shared the stage with renowned musicians such as Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Miguel Zenon, Adam Cruz and Ben Street. For the Israeli Jazz Showcase, Roni is joined by four colleagues from Berklee.

Acclaimed for his tone, phrasing, energy and melodic approach, Avishai Cohen has been voted a Rising Star-Trumpet in the DownBeat Critics Poll for four years. He has been a member of the prestigious SF Jazz Collective for six years, and tours the world with The 3 Cohens Sextet with his sister, clarinetist-saxophonist Anat, and brother, saxophonist Yuval. Avishai has made a mark on jazz scenes in New York and around the world, and was named Artistic Director of the International Jerusalem Festival in 2015.  For the Israeli Jazz Showcase, the Avishai Cohen Quartet will perform music from their recently released ECM recording Into the Silence.

LOCATION The Rex Jazz and Blues Bar 194 Queen Street West

DATE: Sun. Apr. 10 - 8:30pm

ADMISSION: $20 at the door

INFO/TICKETS: Tickets available at the door only on the night of the performance. Cash sales only 416.598.2475

M U S I CPresented by:

Generously Supported by:

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LOCATION: Al Green Theatre Miles Nadal JCC 750 Spadina Avenue

DATE: Sun. Feb. 21 – 4pm & 7:30pm

ADMISSION: $15 General $10 Young adults (18-35)

INFO/TICKETS:  Sorry, no advance ticket sales.

Box Office opens one hour before screening times.

All single tickets are cash sale only and subject to availability

esthera@mnjcc.org 416.924.6211 ext. 606

Presented by:

Co-Presented by:

F I L M

SPECIAL INTERVIEWDocumentary Israel 2012, 55 mins Hebrew & English with English subtitlesDir: Nitzan Rozenberg

Israeli journalists Efrat and Manatel share a common dream: to interview American President Barack Obama. They are also both developmentally disabled. This tender documentary offers a glimpse into the power of purpose as they chase their dream on a unique international odyssey.

A moderated panel will follow the screening.

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Presented by:

F I L M

LOCATION: Cineplex Cinemas Empress Walk 5095 Yonge Street

DATE: Sun. Feb. 28 – 1pm & 4pm

ADMISSION: $15

INFO/TICKETS:  www.tjff.com

THE KIND WORDS/ HAMILIM HATOVOT Israel | Canada 2015, 118 mins Hebrew & French with English subtitles Dir: Shemi Zarhin Cast: Sasson Gabai, Rotem Zisman Cohen, Tsahi Halevi

Nominated for 12 Israeli Academy Awards and direct from its acclaimed premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Filmmaker Shemi Zarhin (Passover Fever, Aviva My Love) offers a heartwarming story about three siblings who are confronted with a revelation about the identity of their ‘real’ father. What follows is an unpredictable journey through Paris and Marseille as they search for their own identities. Israel’s biggest box office hit of the year, The Kind Words features a top notch cast that includes Sasson Gabai (The Band’s Visit), Rotem Zisman Cohen (Hunting Elephants), Tsahi Halevi (Bethlehem) and Levana Finkelstein (The Farewell Party).

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ISRAELI FILM SERIES

BY SUMMER’S END (Ad Sof Hakayitz)Israel, 2011, 95 mins, Hebrew with ESTDir: Noa Aharoni | Cast: Adi Biti, Orian Daymond

It is the summer of ‘78, a month to go until the Camp David peace accords, but Michal is not worried by world affairs. This summer is set to be full of surprises for the family.

LITTLE HEROES (Giborim Ktanim)Israel, 2006, 76 minutes, Hebrew with EST Dir: Itai Lev | Cast: Avigail Ariely, Tzion Baruch

Four kids set on a rescue mission after one of them, gifted with an especially good ear, discerns distant

cries for help while returning from a field trip.

THE FAREWELL PARTY (Mita Tova)Israel, 2014, 95 mins, Hebrew with ESTDir: Tal Granit & Sharon MaymonCast: Ze’ev Revach, Levana Finkelstein, Aliza Rosen

Residents of a retirement home build a machine for self-euthanasia in order to help their terminally ill friend, when rumors of the machine begin to spread.

THE BAND’S VISIT (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret)Israel, 2007, 84 mins, Hebrew with ESTDir: Eran KolirinCast: Sasson Gabai, Ronit Elkabetz, Saleh Bakri

A band comprised of members of the Egyptian police force head to Israel to play at the inaugural ceremony of an Arab arts center, only to find themselves lost in the wrong town.

Presented by:

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LOCATION: Al Green Theatre Miles Nadal JCC 750 Spadina Avenue                            

DATE: By Summer’s End Sat. Mar. 12 – 8pm

Little Heroes Sun. Mar. 13 - 12pm

The Farewell Party Sun. Mar. 13 – 4pm

The Band’s Visit Sun. Mar. 13 – 7:30pm

ADMISSION: Little Heroes $10 per ticket All other movies $15 per ticket

INFO/TICKETS:  Box Office opens one hour before screening times.

All single tickets are cash sale only and subject to availability.

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SHARABI & KUDELKAA triple bill featuring works of Idan Sharabi and James Kudelka

“Ours” Choreographer: Idan Sharabi Dancers: Idan Sharabi, Eyal Dadoun“Now” Choreographer/Dancer: Idan Sharabi“The Man in Black” Choreographer: James Kudelka Dancers: Luke Garwood, Tyler Gledhill, Daniel McArthur, Erin Poole

This triple bill performance features Idan Sharabi’s award-winning duet “Ours”, “Now”, a new solo for Mr. Sharabi with live piano accompaniment; and a staging of Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie Resident Choreographer James Kudelka’s celebrated “The Man in Black.” “Ours” won 1st prize for choreography both in the Copenhagen International Choreography Competition and in the Hanover Choreography Competition.

Born in Israel in 1984, Idan Sharabi danced with Netherlands Dans Theater and the Batsheva Dance Company. He founded Idan Sharabi & Dancers in 2012, creating works that to date have been performed in Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Italy, Holland, Russia and Israel.

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LOCATION: The Citadel Mimi Herrndorf Studio Theatre 304 Parliament St.

DATE: Tue. Mar. 1 – 8pm

ADMISSION: $30, including post-show reception

INFO/TICKETS:  http://colemanlemieux.com boxoffice@colemanlemieux.com 416.364.8011 ext.1

Presented by:

Supported by:

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A reading and discussion with

NORA GOLD

Nora Gold’s novel, Fields of Exile, won the 2015 Canadian Jewish Literary Award. Her forthcoming novel, The Dead Man, set in Jerusalem, is part love story/part mystery and explores the complex relationship between a composer of Jewish sacred music and a famous music critic living in Israel. In this talk, Gold will discuss, and read short segments from both these excellent novels, with a special focus on the Israeli dimension of these works.

L E T T E R SPresented by:

LOCATION: Toronto Reference Library Hinton Theatre 789 Yonge Street

DATE: Thur. Mar. 31 – 7pm

ADMISSION: Free

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LIVING BETWEEN LANGUAGESIn conversation with Reuven Namdar, author of The Ruined House, winner of Israel’s Sapir Prize

Award-winning author Ayelet Tsabari interviews American-Israeli novelist Reuven Namdar, winner of the prestigious Sapir Prize 2014, about language, place, and cultural translation. Namdar’s novel, The Ruined House (HaBayit Asher Neherav) takes place in the US, was called “The Great Hebrew-American Novel,” and pays homage to Jewish American writers such as Saul Bellow and Philip Roth.

A fascinating exchange between two Israeli ex-pats writers, one writing in an adopted English about her native land, the other writing in his native tongue about his adopted home.

L E T T E R S

LOCATION: Toronto Reference Library Hinton Theatre 789 Yonge Street

DATE: Mon. Apr. 4 - 7pm

ADMISSION: Free

Presented by:

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FEBRUARY SCHEDULE

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21Special Interview4pm & 7:30pm MNjcc

22 23 24 25Once Upon A Voice7pm ITH

26 27 28The Kind Words/Hamilim Hatovot1pm & 4pm CCEW

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CCEW = CINEPLEX CINEMAS EMPRESS WALK - 5095 Yonge StreetCITADEL = The Citadel Mimi Herrndorf Studio Theatre - 304 Parliament StreetGAL = Gallery 345 345 Sorauren Avenue

ITH = Innis Town Hall 2 Sussex AvenueMCT = The Mod Club Theatre 722 College StreetMNjcc = MILES NADAL JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE - 750 Spadina Avenue (at Bloor)

RJB=THE REX JAZZ AND BLUES BAR 194 Queen Street West TCA=Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge Street TRL= TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY 789 Yonge Street

LEGEND/VENUE ADDRESSES

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MARCH/APRIL SCHEDULE

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN1Sharabi & Kudelka -A triple bill featuring works of Idan Sharabi & James Kudelka8pm CITADEL

2 Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

3 Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

Spotlight Festival Reception 6pm-9pm MNjcc

4 Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

5Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

6Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

Mikvah2pm TCA

7Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

8Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

9Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

10Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

11Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

12Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

By Summer’s End8pm MNjcc

13Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

Little Heroes12pm MNjcc

The Farewell Party4pm MNjcc

The Band’s Visit7:30pm MNjcc

14Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

15Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

16Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

17Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

A World of Piano- An Evening with Guy Mintus8pm GAL

18Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

19Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

20Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

A-Wa8pm MCT

21Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

22Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

23Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

24Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

25Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

26Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

27Dreamland9am–7pm MNjcc

28Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

29Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

30Dreamland9am–9pm MNjcc

31A Reading and Discussion with Nora Gold7pm TRL

1 2 3The Odds8pm TCA

4Living Between Languages: In Conversation with Reuven Namdar7pm TRL

5 6 7 8 9 10Israeli Jazz Showcase Avishai Cohen QuartetRoni Eytan Quintet8:30pm RJB

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David Green and family

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