This September, the JCC is launching a brand-new approach to arts and culture – Words and Ideas – that will bring films, performers, thought leaders and authors from all over the world into Baltimore homes.
Words and Ideas, which positions the JCC arts programming on a national scale, features conversations with best-selling authors, deep dives with thought leaders on pressing issues of the day, such as social justice, and explorations of Jewish cultural topics in areas such film and comedy.
What originally began has a concept for adult enrichment boomer engagement – based on surveys conducted prior to the pandemic – has since been transformed into a virtual platform to appeal to all ages.
“People are looking for high-level, sophisticated, complex programming that intersects Jewish wisdom with art,” says Sara Shalva, Chief Arts Officer at the JCC. “The pandemic as caused us to think creatively and innovate, as we leveraged our expertise to forge partnerships with other cultural and Jewish organizations throughout the country. As a result, we have developed an incredible virtual platform for the arts,” adds Randi Buergenthal, Chair of the Board. At the core of Words and Ideas is the Wisdom Studio of the Gordon Center for Performing Arts which integrates Judaism and Jewish culture on the page, silver screen and more. Like the New York Times speaker series and One Day University, the Wisdom Studio features master classes with nationally-renowned professors and thought leaders like Mark Oppenheimer, former religion columnist for the New York Times and host of Tablet magazine’s podcast, “Unorthodox.” This fall, Oppenheimer will explore the Jewish short stories and films that evolved from them. Other programs will touch on Jewish women in film and Millennial Jewish comedians. Each series will be held once a week for a month.
