OFJCC Palo Alto presents Hollywood Actors, World Musicians, and More This Fall

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center of Palo Alto proudly presents the stellar line-up for its Fall 2017-2018 Arts & Dialogues series, featuring world-renowned musicians, artists, and a host of fascinating thinkers, doers, and innovators. Beginning in September and continuing through December, the OFJCC will host spectacular performances from globally acclaimed instrumentalists such as Israeli cellist Amit Peled and Yeshiva University's The Maccabeats a cappella phenomena. The Jazz Giants series will have audience members swaying along to the mesmerizing sounds of trumpeter Avishai Cohen, and the infectious rhythms of multi-award-winning jazz pianist Kenny Barron. Families will love the whimsical and interactive Amazing Bubble Man, and the much-anticipated return of Opera for Families provides an enriching introduction to the art form for youth of all ages. In December, acclaimed actor Bill Murray will charm audiences with his unique brand of wit in a rare live performance with distinguished German cellist Jan Vogler, in a one-of-a-kind experience combining literature and classical music.

We're still adding outstanding speakers and performers to the fall season lineup. To see the full schedule of events, please visit paloaltojcc.org/arts.

In chronological order, the OFJCC's 2017/18 season is as follows:

"The Prince of Egypt" Community Choir
Tuesdays, August 22 - Sunday, October 22 (Performance: Monday, October 23)

Calling all children (7+), teens, and adults! The Oshman Family JCC will be hosting a community choir to perform musical numbers from The Prince of Egypt in a special, one-time festive concert presentation. There will be ten rehearsals at the OFJCC, culminating in a performance on the main stage at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. The Prince of Egypt TheatreWorks Silicon Valley production, a world premiere of the stage adaptation of the beloved Dreamworks Animation film, will feature a dazzling, multi-ethnic cast in one of the greatest stories ever told: the saga of Moses and RamseS. Boasting a score that includes the Academy Award-winning "When You Believe" by Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of Wicked, this breathtaking journey of faith and family is the must-see event of the season. The community choral experience is not a part of the main TheatreWorks production. All singing levels are welcome. The cost is $75 per community choir participant including performance. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/princeofegyptchoir or by calling (650) 223-8605.

Ballerina: A One-Woman Play
8:00pm Wednesday, August 30

The Oshman Family JCC presents the world premiere of Ballerina: A One-Woman Play, performed by Balanchine prodigy Stephanie Herman. Through dance, music, film, and spoken word, Herman tells the tale of her awe-inspiring career while weaving in behind-the-scenes stories of dedication, injury, success, and triumph. At only nineteen years old, Herman became a Prima Ballerina for George Balanchine's dance companies in Zurich and Geneva, Switzerland. After returning from Europe with debilitating injuries that her doctors warned would prevent her from ever dancing again, she developed therapeutic exercises to heal herself. These became the basis for Herman's "CoreTique and Pilates Ballet by Stephanie Herman" routines, which she continues to teach today. The play will be followed by a reception and Q & A, along with a display of ballet legend Rudolph Nureyev's ballet shoes, and photography and film documenting iconic performances by Stephanie Herman. Tickets are $25 general/$20 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$15 students. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/ballerina or by calling (650) 223-8678.

A Showcase of Israel's Musical Talent
5:00pm Saturday, September 9

A festive and colorful celebration of music, A Showcase of Israel's Musical Talent features gifted young artists discovered by the Ronen Foundation of America. From classical and traditional pieces by Arik Einstein and Sasha Argov, to contemporary selections from Paul Simon and The Beatles, this concert will highlight the outstanding artistry of Israel's newest up-and-coming musicians. Among those featured are Tal Katsir, an in-demand singer and composer who has performed across Europe, Central America, and her native Israel with many different orchestras and ensembles; and Gòn Halevi, the acclaimed singer, pianist, actor and composer. Also on the bill is Be'eri Moalem, who brings his classically-trained violinist and violist skills to the stage, having performed all over Bay Area with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Monterey Symphony, and Fresno Symphony as concertmaster. Tickets are $30 general/$25 for JCC members/$15 youth. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/showcase or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Kenny Barron Trio
8:00pm Thursday, September 14

Named by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the top jazz pianists in the world," Kenny Barron is a multi-award-winning musician who captivates audiences with his masterful playing and irresistible rhythms. Barron began playing professionally as a teenager, leading to an illustrious career that included performing with major American jazz influencers such as James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, and Yusef Lateef. He has earned eleven GRAMMY nominations since 1992, most recently receiving a nod for Best Jazz instrumental Album in 2017. Honored by The National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, and inducted into the prestigious American Jazz Hall of Fame, Kenny Barron is a world-renowned piano maestro. Tickets are $80 premium/$60 general/$55 for JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/barron or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Amit Peled in Concert: Journey with my Jewishness
5:30pm Sunday, September 17

This powerful and deeply moving program explores internationally acclaimed Israeli cellist Amit Peled's personal, musical, and spiritual journey. From growing up on a small kibbutz in Israel and listening to his mother sing the traditional tune "Eli Eli," to playing Max Bruch's "Kol Nidrei" as a young cellist and personally connecting with the Yom Kippur message, Peled explores the desire to balance tradition, identity and self-expression. Peled's charismatic stage presence and personal narrative complement his masterful playing of each carefully selected piece, breaking down the barrier between performer and audience. He will be performing on the historic 1733 Matteo Goffriller cello once owned by the great cellist Pablo Casals, an instrument that is being loaned to him personally by Casals' widow. Tickets are $60 premium/$40 general/$35 for JCC members and J-Pass holders/$18 students. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/peled or by calling (650).223-8649.

Avishai Cohen Quartet
8:00pm Monday, September 18

Originally from Tel Aviv, Avishai Cohen is a celebrated New York City-based jazz trumpeter with soaring sound and multicultural appeal. After completing his studies on a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Cohen established an international reputation by placing third in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Trumpet Competition. In 2016 alone, Cohen was named the "Best Foreign Artist" by Jazz Magazine France, while his debut album Into the Silence was awarded "Best Album of the Year" by TSF Jazz and Academie du Jazz. His latest project explores the synergy created within an all-star ensemble that includes pianist Yonathan Avishai, bassist Barak Mori, and drummer Nasheet Waits. The quartet will perform pieces from its brand new album Cross My Palm with Silver, sure to delight audiences with its clever interplay between the musicians and the vibrant melodies they achieve. Tickets are $60 premium/$40 general/$35 for JCC members and J-Pass holders/$18 students. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/cohen or by calling (650).223-8649.

An Evening with Nathan Englander
8:00pm Monday, October 2

The Oshman Family JCC presents an engaging conversation with Nathan Englander, Pulitzer finalist and best-selling author of For the Relief of Unbearable Urges, as he introduces his newest book. Dinner at the Center of the Earth is a political thriller that unfolds within the highly charged territory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and centers on the complex relationship between a secret prisoner and his guard. A cast of vivid characters illustrate an intensely suspenseful portrait of a nation rocked by insoluble conflict, as the lives of its citizens become fatefully entwined, and immense moral ambiguities haunt both sides. Englander is one of America's most acclaimed voices in contemporary fiction. His stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and numerous anthologies, including The Best American Short Stories. Tickets are $30 (ticket and book bundle)/$20 general (ticket only)/$18 JCC members and J-Pass holders (ticket only)/$12 students (ticket only). More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/englander or by calling (650) 223-8649.

An Afternoon with Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh
12pm Tuesday, October 3

Food world superstar and New York Times bestselling cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi returns to his roots with SWEET (Ten Speed Press; October 2017), featuring over one hundred recipes for delectable desserts starring Ottolenghi's favorite flavor profiles and innovative ingredients such as figs, rose petals, orange blossom, and saffron. Although Ottolenghi has long been known for his London delis and fine-dining restaurant NOPI, his first taste of cooking was training in patisserie, landing his first job in a kitchen as a pastry chef. Now, after authoring Plenty and Plenty More, and co-authoring NOPI, Ottolenghi, and Jerusalem (awarded Cookbook of the Year by the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Best International Cookbook by the James Beard Foundation), Ottolenghi shares his secrets for show-stopping baked goods, confections, and desserts. Written with longtime collaborator pastry chef Helen Goh, SWEET is an enticing cookbook chock full of recipes for cookies, cakes, cheesecakes, pies, puddings, and other confections created in the traditional Ottolenghi fashion of celebrating abundance and flair. The co-authors will be joined by award-winning journalist and Sunset food editor Margo True for an afternoon of tasty details and a post-event book signing. Tickets are $40 with book (includes priority for book signing)/$25 general (ticket only)/$20 for JCC members and J-Pass holders (ticket only). More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/ottolenghi or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Near Normal Man: Film Screening & Conversation
8pm Tuesday, October 3

The Oshman Family JCC presents the award-winning documentary Near Normal Man, a poignant tale of the resilience of the human spirit, told in first-hand account by the man who lived through two ghettos, nine concentration camps, and two death marches. After surviving the Holocaust, Ben Stern finds himself leading a fierce battle against Neo-Nazis 30 years later in his adopted hometown of Skokie, Illinois. Near Normal Man is a half hour, moving, and non-graphic tale on how one man prevailed over hate, eschewing violence and instead reacting with courage, wisdom, and kindness in the face of evil. The screening will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with Ben Stern, as well as documentary producer/director ChArlene Stern. Tickets are $15 general/$12 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$10 students. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/nearnormal or by calling (650).223-8678.

26th Annual Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival at the OFJCC
Saturday, October 21, 2017 - Sunday, November 12, 2017

The Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival returns for its 26th year of bringing carefully selected works that celebrate the Jewish spirit and culture to the Bay Area Jewish community. Designed to entertain and educate, the Festival is an opportunity for all ages to connect and explore a myriad of Jewish themes and traditions through thought-provoking short films, features, and documentaries from around the world. The month-long event will begin with two weeks of screenings at AMC Saratoga before wrapping up its final two weeks at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. The Festival will open with the West Coast premiere of "Jungle," a harrowing tale of survival in the Amazon jungle based on the real-life events of Yossi Ghinsberg (played by Daniel Radcliffe). Ghinsburg will be a special guest at the highly anticipated premiere, joining audiences for a post-screening discussion and reception. The Centerpiece event will feature "My Hero Brother" and director Yonatan Nir, an award-winning filmmaker who has been documenting the inspiring strength of the human spirit for over a decade. A screening of the documentary "Ben-Gurion, Epilogue" will close the festival, along with an intimate discussion with special guest director/producer Yariv Mozer. More information can be found at http://www.svjff.org or by calling (408) 498-0904.

Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
A Children's Show by Lightwire Theater
4:30pm & 6:15pm Sunday, October 22

All the way from New Orleans, Lightwire Theater brings Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey to the stage at Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. Audiences will join Marvin the Mouse on the cosmic adventure of a lifetime. Marvin the Mouse wants to be popular, but he is constantly picked on by the bullies and "cool" rats, who label him a loser and a geek. Longing to be a hero, Marvin builds his own homemade rocket and sets off for the surface of the moon, where he meets a motley crew of misfit creatures and discovers the fantastical beauty of space. Will Marvin find the glory and acceptance he craves? Will he learn to celebrate diversity? Lightwire Theater is a unique storytelling troupe that uses electro-luminescent wire to portray its characters. Combining dance, puppetry, and technology, their glow-in-the-dark shows are hailed as captivating and entertaining for all ages. Tickets are $35 general/$30 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$25 children. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/moonmouse or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Opera for Families
10:30am Saturdays: October 28 & December 9

Opera for Families introduces the younger generation to the traditional art form in a current and exciting way. The highly interactive format features two talented singers and a pianist performing a selection of entertaining pieces from various operas and musicals. These live performances are accompanied by thoughtful explanations, role-playing games and other exercises to help younger audiences explore and understand the different facets of opera. All ages are invited to discover the magic of opera at this enriching experience, featuring pianist Efrat Levy, soprano Amy Foote, and mezzo-soprano Deborah Rosengaus, which has received rave reviews from attendees every year. Tickets are $18 general/$15 JCC members, J-Pass holders and children of all ages. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/operaforfamilies or by calling (650) 223-8649.

An Evening with Zinzi Clemmons
8:00pm Thursday, November 2

The Oshman Family JCC presents a thoughtful conversation with Zinzi Clemmons, author of What We Lose, which Vogue calls "the debut novel of the year." A graduate oF Brown and Columbia universities, Clemmons' writing has appeared in Zoetrope: All Story, The Paris Review Daily, Transition, and elsewhere. What We Lose is a poignant and powerful novel drawn from the author's personal experiences, questioning the nature of identity, grief, and love through the eyes of a young woman who loses her mother to cancer. Clemmons complements the narrative with photography, text messages, excerpts from blogs, and newspaper articles; creating intimate and sprawling connections between the reader, the main character and the novel's larger questions. In this way, What We Lose confronts the construct of race, injustice within social systems, the durability of love, and the ability to overcome grief. Tickets are $25 (ticket and book bundle)/$20 general (ticket only)/$15 JCC members and J-Pass holders (ticket only)/$10 students (ticket only). More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/zinzi or by calling (650) 223-8678.

Walking with Peety: An Evening with Author Eric O'Grey
8:00pm Monday, November 13

Eric O'Grey was 150 pounds overweight, depressed, and sick. After numerous failed diet attempts, one doctor prescribed a surprisingly new remedy: a shelter dog. Walking with Peety: The Dog Who Saved My Life is the incredible, heartwarming story of how transformation can come from surprising places. When O'Grey met Peety-an overweight, middle-aged, and forgotten dog who, like O'Grey, had seen better days-the two adopted each other and formed a bond of unconditional love that forever changed their lives. The Oshman Family JCC presents an evening of thoughtful and inspiring conversation with O'Grey, author of Walking with Peety: The Dog Who Saved My Life, written with Mark Dagostino. O'Grey is an inspirational speaker with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from San Jose State University, and a Juris Doctor from Emory University. He is passionate about animal welfare, nutrition, and helping others reverse obesity and achieve their optimal weight and happiness. Tickets are $30 (ticket and book bundle)/$18 general (ticket only)/$15 JCC members and J-Pass holders (ticket only)/$12 students (ticket only). More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/walking or by calling (650) 223-8678.

Vincent
Written by Leonard Nimoy, Starring Jim Jarrett
7:00pm Saturday, November 18

Vincent van Gogh is known as one of the greatest painters who ever existed-and yet, he was one of the loneliest and misunderstood souls during his lifetime. His work was dismissed as that of a madman, save for one person who consistently provided unending love, encouragement, and support to Vincent in his artistic endeavors: his brother Theo. The sole believer in Vincent's talent, Theo sent money and supplies to his brother and each night, after painting for fourteen to sixteen hours, Vincent would write to his brother. In hundreds of letters that Theo lovingly saved, Van Gogh left behind the story of his life in soul-searching detail. Leonard Nimoy spent years researching the over 500 letters that survived, using them as the basis for Vincent, which he performed for over 100 performances in 35 cities to unanimous acclaim. Actor Jim Jarrett assumed the role in 1994, playing to sold-out audiences in performing arts centers, theaters and museums throughout the world. The New York Times calls Vincent "compelling, humorous, inspiring and most of all, educational. Those who attend will never be able to look at Vincent or his work the same way again." Tickets are $55 premium/$40 general/$35 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$20 students. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/vincent or by calling (650) 223-8678.

Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends: New Worlds
8:00pm Saturday, December 2

In a rare live performance, famed actor Bill Murray joins acclaimed German cellist Jan Vogler for an intimate evening of classical music and literature. For one night only, Murray brings his charismatic presence to the stage as both singer and narrator, complementing Vogler's singing Stradivari cello with selected works from classic American poetry and prose. Murray recites and sings selections from Twain, Hemingway, Whitman, Cooper, Bernstein, Gershwin, and Foster, some of the strongest influences for generations of Americans, synonymous with the emergence of the New World. This fascinating event is the result of a shared desire between two masters of their art to communicate the bridges built by artists between America and Europe, while showcasing the core of American values in literature and music. Tickets are $250 premium (includes a post-performance reception with the artists)/$150 general/$145 JCC members and J-Pass holders. More information can be found.at.paloaltojcc.org/murray or by calling (650).223-8649.

An Evening with Haroon Moghul
8:00pm Monday, December 4

In How to Be a Muslim: An American Story, Haroon Moghul details his personal experiences as an American Muslim, and the struggles of forging an identity as a second-generation immigrant in a post-9/11 world. Moghul documents the crushing pressures of a society that shuns and fears Muslims, as well as his own complicated relationship with Islam, and his battle with bipolar disorder. Moghul has written for Time, The Guardian, CNN, and a variety of other prominent media outlets. He was selected as one of five hundred Muslim Global Leaders of Tomorrow and, as the Muslim Leadership Initiative facilitator at the Shalom Hartman Institute, he is currently focusing on initiatives that build Muslim-Jewish engagement. Tickets are $25 premium (ticket and book bundle)/$18 general (ticket only)/$15 JCC members and J-Pass holders (ticket only)/$10 students (ticket only). More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/haroon or by calling (650) 223-8678.

The Maccabeats Hanukkah Concert
4:00pm Sunday, December 10

Yeshiva University's The Maccabeats is a wildly popular a cappella group with a massive fan base and YouTube following that has toured and inspired audiences worldwide. Performing an eclectic array of Jewish, American, and Israeli songs, The Maccabeats use nothing more than their pure voices, clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor to entertain fans of all ages and backgrounds. Their unique musical offering often combines contemporary with classic in a fun and lighthearted way, reflecting their commitment to the philosophy of Torah u-Madda, the integration of traditional and secular wisdom. The Maccabeats have been invited to Gracie Mansion by NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the White House by President Barack Obama, and played sold-out shows at JCCs, synagogues, festivals, conventions, and theaters across five continents and over thirty states and provinces. Tickets are $50 premium/$35 general/$30 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$25 children under 18. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/maccabeats or by calling.(650).223-8649.

Louis Pearl: The Amazing Bubble Man
11:00am & 1:00pm Saturday, December 16

The Oshman Family JCC presents a fun-filled encounter with one of the world's leading bubble-ologists, Louis Pearl. For over 30 years, The Amazing Bubble Man has captivated audiences with a show that combines art, magic, science, and fun of bubbles. Pearl combines comedy, artistry, and audience participation for a spellbinding show that pushes all limits to create mesmerizing bubble tricks. From square-shaped bubbles, to bubbles within bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornadoes, trampolines, and even people inside bubbles, The Amazing Bubble Man inspires gasps of amazement and laughter from all ages. Tickets are $20 general/$18 JCC members and J-Pass holders/$15 children of all ages. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/bubble (11:00am show) and paloaltojcc.org/bubble2 (1:00pm show), or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Visual Art Events

Pari Ram: Retrospective Painting
August 2, 2017 - November 1, 2017
Reception: Sunday, August 13, 2017

Pari Ram was born in Tehran, Iran, before immigrating to Italy in 1961. It was there that she first began practicing art and, upon return to Iran, she entered the Tehran University College of Arts, quickly becoming one of the most recognized students in the college. Unfortunately, it did not take long before the revolution and its draconian rule engulfed the lives of many people in Iran. Belonging to the Baha'i Faith (the most prominent religious minority in Iran), along with her husband serving on the board of a successful high tech company, did not make matters easy for Pari and her family. All of their assets were confiscated by the government, and her husband was forced to escape Iran to avoid execution. Six years after her husband left the country, Pari was forced to leave due to unbearable surroundings. She fled Iran for Germany, before arriving in the United States of America with a phony name and passport. If caught, she would have suffered the death penalty. Pari records events from the canvas of life, and re-interprets them on canvas with paint. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/ram or by calling (650) 223-8649.

Exhibit: My Attic, Your Story by Roslyn Sholin
September 7, 2017 - November 1, 2017
Reception: Sunday, September 10, 2017

Roslyn Sholin is a creative director, budding archivist, historian, and curator. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, she transforms decades of materials into educationally-rich content. In this exhibit, she tells the story of her family. "We are a nation of immigrants. Many Jewish families are descendants of the 2.4 million Eastern European émigrés who came here from 1880-1920...I inherited grandma's house, a living, breathing museum. Decades of forgotten materials were excavated. Learning about world history, languages and family reminded me that this is a microcosm for all of us." In the exhibit, Sholin brings the universal assimilation story back to life using her family's 120-year collection. Items showcasing everyday themes-such as food, Jewish life and celebrations, weddings, school, business, and fashion-personalize the intersection of world and family history. "My attic is a placeholder for all our stories. You will see things that might have been in your own family's attic...every immigrant's tale is unique, yet they are all the same...explore your past and thank your heirs for making your life possible." More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/sholin or by calling (650) 223-8649.

IsraAID: From Emergency Response to Sustainable Development
November 2, 2017 - February 1, 2018
Reception: Monday, November 13, 2017

This compelling photo exhibit chronicles the work of IsraAID, an Israeli-based humanitarian aid agency that responds to emergency crises and participates in international development around the world. From the Syrian refugee crisis to the tsunami in Japan, from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to the earthquake in Nepal, IsraAID's mission is to provide support and meet the changing needs of populations as they transition from crisis through to reconstruction/rehabilitation, and eventually, sustainable living. This includes every aspect of disaster relief-from search and rescue efforts, to medical assistance and aid packages, to psychosocial support, water technology, and long-term community empowerment programs. More information can be found at paloaltojcc.org/israaid or by calling (650) 223-8649.

About the Oshman Family JCC

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome, and which seeks to enrich lives, build community and inspire Jewish journeys. The OFJCC provides a common ground for individuals, Jewish institutions, and other local groups and organizations and individuals to work, learn, play and celebrate together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC's registered trademarks are Live Fully and J-Pass. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.