Greenspon Center programming during the stay-at-home order
All programs listed were offered virtually
Holocaust & Human Rights Education
Yom Hashoah presentations for Providence Day School
Donna Tarney created a 15 minute video presentation for the Providence Day Middle School community that was shown to students on April 21, 2020, Yom Hashoah. The school asked Donna to create something focused on antisemitism, historic and contemporary, as well as suggestions for addressing this in the high school. Donna gave a virtual presentation to high school students on the same day. This presentation explored the same subject in a deeper manner and allowed for a Q&A with students and faculty.
Specialized Webinars for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Every week, Donna Tarney hosts three webinars for CMS faculty, staff, and administrators covering topics related to the Holocaust and Human Rights. As of June 1, she has facilitated twenty-one sessions, engaging with 210 CMS employees.
Peaceful Pause Series: Resilience During Dark Times
Passover and Easter Peaceful Pause was a reflection by Rabbi Schindler entitled “Passover, Easter, the Sun, the Moon and Shared Light.”
Donna Tarney discussed Viktor Frankl thoughts for today .
Talli interviews Jackie Fishman on Finding light in dark times.
Donna led a session on intentional breathing can benefit our minds, bodies, and spirits.
Celebrating the moms of our world with Rabbi Judy Schindler.
Rabbi Judy interviews Reverend de’Angelo Dia on Theopoetics.
Talia interviews Jared Sossin on Transcendental Meditation.
Talli interviews Chaplain Joey Haynes on finding faith during the challenging times.
Donna teaches us how writing can help alleviate stress.
Tali interviews The Mission Walker, Edie Littlefield Sundby on When Things Fall Apart.
Talli interviews Holocuast survivor, Dr. Edith Eger.
Judy interviews Jewish composer and musician Beth Schafer on the power of music to bring light to dark times.
Judy interviews Ebone Lockett on Harvesting Humanity.
Talli interviews Holocaust survivor Miriam Kassenoff.
Donna explores the book Practicing Peace in Times of War, by Buddhist nun Pema Chodron.
An afternoon with son and grandaughter of Holocaust Survivor, Monday April 20, 2020
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day is also known as Yom HaShoah v’Hagevurah, which means Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism. In 1953, the Israeli Knesset/Parliament established the date, the 27th day in the month of Nisan, as a day of commemoration because it marked the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
As the opportunity to hear from survivors is becoming more rare, one of the core missions of the Greenspon Center is to preserve the stories and legacies of our survivors. We shared online the incredible story of Paula Schemiavitz, as told by her son and granddaughter, Yossi and Ella Shem Avi.
Yom Hashoah Holocaust Community Commemoration
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
The Stan Greeenspon Center partnered with Temple Beth El, Templ Israel, Jewish Family Serivcs and the Levine Jewish Community Center for this year’s Charlotte Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day Community Commemoration. More than 100 people gathered online to celebrate the survivors who have taught us and inspired us, honor the memories of the six million Jews who died, and remember our community’s eight survivors and one liberator who recently died.
Click here to watch the service.
Jewish Studies Programs
Yizkor in the Yard
The Jewish holiday of Shavuot celebrates the revelation of Torah at Sinai and the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. We also stop on this holiday to remember our loved ones who have died.
Rabbi Schindler, Betsy Rosen and Patty Torcellini created a program which connected the arts, music with reflection and conversation on themes of revelation and memory.
Seeing the Holy Land through Jewish and Christian Eyes
Wednesdays, March 26, April 15th and April 22nd – Our community Jewish Studies class continued with Rabbi Judy Schindler and Reverend Nancy Ellett-Allison. As part of the three final days of our semester (and virtual tour of Israel), we explored Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea as we learned about the diverse communities that made up First Century Judaism and Early Christanity. Visiting Yad Vashem and the West Bank, we explored the impact of the Holocaust on Israel and the differing narratives of the Palestinian-Israeli struggle.
Jewish Teachings Concerning COVID-19
Rabbi Schindler led an online session for seniors from Temple Beth El in Charlotte on the teachings of Judaism that can speak to the Corona crisis. 45 people attended.
Choose Optimism
Monday, April 20, 2020
What better time to give a talk on optimism than on the eve of Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day? Rabbi Schindler delivered an online talk to the Jewish Council of Lake Norman. Forty people were in attendance.
Bible Study with Dr. James Howell at Myers Park Baptist Church
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Rabbi Judy Schindler explored the Psalms with Professor Jason Myassee and Dr. James Howell.
(Over 1K views.)
Vimeo recording: https://livestream.com/mpumc/biblestudy/videos/204962248?fbclid=IwAR2jLP1bQIahl-TJgjJPODWMHtUlSUEa79rNyWkFaZ-GcKSecjqEgcDpSeo
Presentation to Prayer Group for Middle School, April 30, 2020
Rabbi Schindler led Instagram Live Presentation – “The Five Steps to Loving Your Neighbor”
for Alexander Graham Middle School Student Club
Jewish Life
Queens Jewish Studies Virtual Seder 2020
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
“This year online… next year in person.” Queens Jewish Studies held a virtual seder in celebration of the first night of Passover with over 100 attendees from 5 states and 2 countries. Highlights included Chaplain Joey Haynes sharing reflections on the bread of affliction and poverty. Dr. Cindy Kistenberg of Johnson C. Smith shared a teaching on the women of Exodus without whom liberation never would have happened. Talli Aizenman Dippold shared reflections and wisdom from Holocaust survivors that can guide us today. Dr. Willie J. Keaton, Jr., shared a reflection on liberation and racial justice. Music was led by Queens’ parent and musician Patty Torcellini. Queens Alum, Noah Goldman, opened the seder with greetings from Israel. Queens students, Morasha Winokur and Roni Epstein, and Queens parents, Amy Epstein and Rabbi Harvey Winokur, also led parts of the service.
Wine and Wisdom – The Healing Power of Humor
April 1, 2020
“As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.” – Jewish Proverb. Rabbi Schindler led an after work Wine & Wisdom program on Jewish humor. A dozen participants joined together to connect with each other, with the wisdom of Jewish sages, and with some humor that has emerged from this time of confronting COVID-19.
Wine and Wisdom on Mussar
March 24th, April 22nd, May 6th
Rabbi Judy Schindler leads monthly after work Wine & Wisdom programs to explore Mussar – Jewish literature on character. The community is invited to attend. March’s topic was gratitude and compassion. April’s topic was order and equanimity. May will focus on honor and gratitude. May 6, 2020 – “Silence & Simplicity,” 10 people attended
June 3, 2020 – “Generosity & Truth,” 7 people attended
July 8, 2020 – “Moderation & Lovingkindness,” 7 people attended
August 12, 2020 – “Responsibility and Trust”
Wine and Wisdom Donor Events
Separate donor Wine and Wisdom sessions were held on March 23rd and March 30th.
Midrash Mondays: Wine and Wisdom with Rabbi Judy
Free and open to anyone in the Charlotte community
Join Rabbi Judy for a weekly after work Wine & Wisdom programs and encounters with Jewish sacred texts. Vanessa Lovelace defines midrash as “a Jewish mode of interpretation that not only engages the words of the text, behind the text, and beyond the text, but also focuses on each letter, and the words left unsaid by each line.” Each week will introduce participants to new texts and material to lift our spirits and focus our minds. To RSVP, contact Talia Goldman, goldmant@queens.edu. A link will be sent to you prior to the class.
May 4, 2020 – 8 people attended
May 11, 2020 – 10 people attended
June 29, 2020 – 10 in attendance
July 6, 2020 – 10 in attendance
July 13, 2020 – 8 in attendance
July 27, 2020 – 8 in attendance
August 3, 2020 – 6 in attendance
Temple Beth El Torah Study
“Date Nights with God and with Judaism”
Saturday, May 9, 2020 – 30 people attended
Teaneck City Interfaith Prayer Call
Teaneck, New Jersey
Sunday, May 11, 2020
Rabbi Schindler delivered five minute reflection to 100+ on call
Temple Beth El Seniors Group
“Power of a Positive Attitude – Joy & Humor in the Face of Hard Times”
May 13th, 1-2 pm, 69 people attended
“And Sarah laughed…” (Gen. 18:12) at the age of 90 when she was told she’d give birth to a child. Rabbi Judy will lead SPICE in an exploration of spiritual insights on joy and humor. We will glean wisdom not only from the Jewish tradition but from the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu’s Book of Joy.
Social Justice Programs
Kiwanis Club of Charlotte presentation on the lasting legacy of racial injustice in Charlotte
July 9, 2020
Rabbi Schindler and Donna Tarney addressed issues of segregation, red-lining and urban renewal in Charlotte.
Courageous Conversation on Race
June 24, 2020, over 6K views
Rabbi Schindler was part of a diverse panel of ministers, theologians, scholars, civic and business leaders across multiple generations, for a different and courageous conversation on race. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=269183750822442
Judaism and Racial Justice
June 29, 2020
Rabbi Schindler was a guest speaker at Temple Beth Am, in Miami, Florida with 200 live viewers for an hour afternoon program on topic of “Judaism and Racial Justice.”
http://asoft4124.accrisoft.com/betham/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=VideoStreaming
Charlotte Responds Coalition
The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice and Queens University joined CharMeck Responds Coalition (CRC) https://charmeckresponds.org/. The CharMeck Responds Coalition is made up of many faith partners, nonprofits, businesses, and other community organizations that are committed to making sure all the members of our community are cared for during this unprecedented time. This Coalition is part of the city/county’s VOAD Team (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA’s Emergency Support Function #16), reporting to Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Management.
In our weekly social justice blog, we share opportunities for the Queens community and those connected with the Greenspon Center to serve. Last week, in an article entitled “Show the love to first responders with personal protective equipment: 3D printed masks,” we highlighted the great work of Dr. Marco Sciopini, Melissa Gamez and Kyle Breitinger in utilizing the 3D printers from the new Queens makerspace. They are making protective face shields to help healthcare workers in our community. Click here to see blog.
Restorative Justice Tuesday Teach-Ins
The Greenspon Center partners with Restorative Justice CLT to host a monthly series of virtual interactive presentations. Topics include: dismantling racism, decolonizing wealth, and addressing the legacy of historic injustices with the goal of creating an engaged community that will act for change.
230 people attended.
Speakers include:
Dr. Willie Keaton – Chair, Restorative Justice CLT; Justice Organizer, Stan Greenspon Center; Engagement Chair, Charlotte NAACP
Pastor Reginald Tuggle – Restorative Justice CLT; Pastor, Grier Heights Presbyterian Church on “White Wealth Colonization”
Reverend Ben Boswell – Reverend Ben Boswell, Restorative Justice CLT, Senior Minister, Myers Park Baptist Church on “Decolonizing White Wealth through Redistribution and Investment in the Black Community”
Deborah Rabinovich – Restorative Justice Project Manager, Stan Greenspon Center – “Precedents for Reparations”
Dr. Rodney Sadler – Associate Professor of Bible and Director, Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation, on The Need to Finally Address Race in America
Joel Segal- Former Legislative Director Jon Conyers
Rabbi Judy Schindler – Restorative Justice CLT; Director, Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice at Queens University
Calvin Simmons – Restorative Justice CLT; Black Men With A Purpose; Advocate, Stan Greenspon Center spoke on “The Impact of Trauma Inflicted on the Black Community”
Dr. Robert Anderson – Restorative Justice CLT; Pastor, St. Paul Community Missionary Baptist Church; on “J.T. Williams and the Community”
Lindsey “Trey” Crumlin – Restorative Justice CLT, Youth Coordinator “What if Brooklyn had been allowed to flourish? A look at how to revitalize Black Entrepreneurship to build generational wealth”
Minister Corine Mack – Restorative Justice CLT; President, NAACP Charlotte-Mecklenburg Branch on “Systemic Racism”
Reverend Shavon Starling-Louis, Pastor of Meadowlake Church and Kirk Louis, student at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte spoke about White Fragility – the pitfalls and the antidotes
Reverend Rob Anderson- Director of JT Williams Community Development and Ms. Ingram, a longtime resident, talked about the JT Williams neighborhood
Pamela Grundy- Author of Color and Character: West Charlotte High and the American Struggle Over Educational Equality talked about the history of segregation in Charlotte and the devastating and deleterious impact of the dismantling of Brooklyn on African American Charlotteans.
Kass Ottley- Founder/ CEO, Seeking Justice CLT on the goals of the protests and what the reallocation of CMPD really means. CMPD accounts for 40% of the City’s budget.
White Fragility Book Discussion
Thursday, Aug 20, 27 and Sep. at 6:30 pm
The Greenspon Center’s Just ART program celebrates a Just ARTist who uses their art, their voice, and/or their personal time to make a positive difference in our community.
In June we highlighted artist Carola Swimmer and her jewelry collection – Silver Bone (https://www.facebook.com/SilverBonebyCarola/).
In July, we highlighted artist Stu Cojac and his jewelry collection.
(https://www.amazon.com/handmade/stuartdesigns).
Monthly Newsletters – Insider
Social Justice Programs
Charlotte Responds Coalition
The Stan Greenspon Center for Peace and Social Justice and Queens University joined CharMeck Reponds Coalition (CRC) https://charmeckresponds.org/. The CharMeck Responds Coalition is made up of many faith partners, nonprofits, businesses, and other community organizations that are committed to making sure all the members of our community are cared for during this unprecedented time. This Coalition is part of the city/county’s VOAD Team (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, FEMA’s Emergency Support Function #16), reporting to Charlotte Mecklenburg Emergency Management.
In our weekly social justice blog, we share opportunities for the Queens community and those connected with the Greenspon Center to serve. Last week, in an article entitled “Show the love to first responders with personal protective equipment: 3D printed masks,” we highlighted the great work of Dr. Marco Sciopini, Melissa Gamez and Kyle Breitinger in utilizing the 3D printers from the new Queens makerspace. They are making protective face shields to help healthcare workers in our community. Click here to see blog.