Brooklyn Religion Briefs: Jan. 7, 2013

January 8, 2013 By Francesca Norsen Tate Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Film on Muslim stand-up comedy launches ‘Interfaith Movie Nights’

Plymouth Church’s growing Interfaith Ministry presents a three-night movie series, “Laughing Through Our Tears,” which aims to demonstrate the power of humor in addressing some challenging cultural issues. Plymouth’s Interfaith Connections Group presents the series, which launches with an engaging, wise, and hilarious comedy titled “Stand Up: Muslim-American Comics Come of Age.”

Originally shown on PBS in 2008 as part of the acclaimed “America at a Crossroads” series, “Stand Up” delivers an age-old American tradition: immigrant groups taking up comedy to fight stereotypes. The contemporary twist of “Stand Up” is in the casting. Five talented Muslim-American comics are forced to decide whether to take the safe route, or to humorously share their experiences in post-9/11 America. “Stand Up” delivers laughs and insights through live comedy routines and first-person interviews, giving voice to a slice of American culture that has felt obligated to remain silent.

“Stand Up” begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the Reception Room. A light supper will be served, after which the movie will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Contributions of side dishes, desserts and drinks are welcome. After the screening, there will be an opportunity for brief discussion. Interfaith Movie Nights are presented free of charge and open to the community.

The next two films in this Wednesday series will be “Stolen Summer” on Feb. 20 and “Where Do We Go Now” on March 13.

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Shabbaton explores pursuit of war, peace within Judaism

How does one reconcile Judaism’s vision of a utopian world of peace with its acceptance of—and at times, insistence on—war?

This paradox is the topic of Congregation B’nai Avraham’s next Shabbaton, on Friday, Jan. 18, with Shmuel Klatzkin, Ph.D., offering a Jewish Perspective on War and Peace.

Dr. Klatzkin will examine the spiritual teachings of Judaism, and pose questions such as, “How does Judaism differ with other religions in its pursuit of peace?”

Rabbi Klatzkin, a resident of Dayton, Ohio, was ordained as a Reform Rabbi at Hebrew Union College, and then journeyed into the world of Chabad where he has since been ordained as an Orthodox Rabbi. Sponsors for this program are Steve & Jana Cohn.

According to an announcement of this event, “B’nai Avraham’s innovative approach to Shabbat combines the traditional functions of the synagogue — gathering, study and prayer — with discussion and dinner. Experience the best of Jewish cultural, scientific, and literary life!”

Shabbat services begin at 4:40 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, just after the standard candelighting time of 4:38, according to most New York-area Hebrew calendars. The dinner and lecture begin at 5:40 p.m. For reservations: email [email protected] or call (718)596-4840 ext. 11. The cost for members is $25; for non-members: $30; and for children under 12: $10 www.bnaiavraham.com. Congregation B’nai Avraham is at 117 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights.

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New Yoga series designed ‘for women and mothers’

A yoga program especially designed for women and mothers is among the educational offerings at Congregation Beth Elohim.

Cari Friedman teaches “The Sanctuary: Yoga for Women and Mothers,” as part of a four-class series on Tuesdays from 9:15-10:30 a.m. (75-minute classes), beginning Jan. 15.

Sanctuary is geared for all women and mothers in need of connection and replenishment. This Hatha yoga series will afford participants the solitude, peace, and self-nourishment that they crave and deserve, providing “a haven free of disruptions and…time to recharge and bring [their] essential selves back into alignment.” All levels are welcome. The cost: $75 for the series.

Cari Friedman O’Connor has been teaching in New York both as a private and class instructor for 11 years. She combines technical knowledge with the capacity to tailor to each student’s individual needs. Regarded for her ability to impart a clear understanding of basic alignment principles, Friedman’s classes manage to be both challenging and nourishing. Most importantly, she creates a safe space for all students, inspiring trust, risk-taking, vulnerability and ultimately, confidence. A recent mother to two amazing girls, her primary motivation in teaching is to help students establish the strong foundation that allows them to experience their essential selves. Cari also holds a BA from the Boston Conservatory of music. Learn more about her by visiting www.carifriedman.com. Register through Congregation Beth Elohim at [email protected] Congregation Beth Elohim is at274 Garfield Place, near 8th Ave., in Park Slope.

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Brahms sextets featured at next ‘Concert on the Slope’

Concerts on the Slope, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, continue with a program featuring two of the Brahms Sextets next Sunday.

Artistic Director Benjamin Larsen offers a program of Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major, opus 18 and Sextet No. 2 in G Major, opus 36. Principal musicians are violinists Karen Dekker and Brendan Speltz, violists Rachel Seulki Han and Caterina Longhi; and cellists Benjamin Larsen, and Brook Speltz.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13. St. John’s Episcopal Church is at 139 St. John’s Place (just west of 7th Avenue) in Park Slope. A free-will offering will be accepted.

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Heritage Ensemble’s drummer gets his 6th Grammy nomination

Bobby Sanabria, a celebrated drummer who plays regularly with Eugene Marlow’s Heritage Ensemble based here in Brooklyn, has received his latest Grammy nomination for his album, Multiverse, that was released in released last year.

This marks Sanabria’s sixth Grammy nomination in the Latin Jazz Category. Marlow’s chart “Broken Heart” piece also appears on this album. Grammy Awards will be announced Feb. 10.