They’re some of the most important topics of our times. Can we talk about them civilly?
The David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie wants to get the conversation going. The attack on Israel a year ago; hate on social media; antisemitism; relations among Christians, Muslims and Jews: JCC leaders say these issues can inspire discussions so South Floridians can get to know each other, with the help of music, art, film and comedy.
The JCC is embarking on a two-year initiative called The Overlap, designed to offer South Florida’s diverse communities face-to-face encounters and, they hope, new friendships. Lots of famous names will be coming through to stimulate dialogue, including journalist Franklin Foer, actor/author Noa Tishby, former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho and author Derek Black, a South Florida native who was raised in a white nationalist family.
“We were tasked with the mission of reaching out to the non-Jewish community,” said Ali Shrago-Spechler, the JCC’s cultural arts manager. “We are hoping people will meet people they otherwise would never have met. These are cultural events we hope the residents of South Florida would want to attend anyway.
“People will be able to see not only the diversity of South Florida, but the diversity of the Jewish community, which has Black people, gay people, people of all colors and persuasions.”
Here are some highlights of the many Overlap programs planned for the next year. The events are at the Posnack JCC, unless otherwise noted. Go to dpjcc.org/overlap to sign up.
THE SCHEDULE
Mark Podwal Exhibition and Workshop: All This Has Come Upon Us
WHAT: The exhibit explores 1,000 years of antisemitism through complicated symbolism, poetic compositions, Hebrew language and lush, sparse paintings. Podwal was a dermatologist as well as a cartoonist, illustrator and painter. He died on Sept. 13. This exhibition will be a teaching tool for Broward County students who will complete a painting workshop after viewing the exhibition, which is on loan from the Jewish Museum of Florida- FIU.
WHEN: Through Sunday, Dec. 22
COST: Free
’10/7: One Hundred Human Stories,’ with author Lee Yaron
WHAT: Yaron, an investigative journalist for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, chronicled the massacre of Oct. 7 through the stories of more than 100 civilians.
WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27
COST: Free
Franklin Foer, In Commemoration of Kristallnacht
WHAT: Foer will discuss his March 2024 article in The Atlantic, “The Golden Age of American Jews is Ending,” in the context of the atmosphere in Germany that preceded World War II on the “Night of Broken Glass.”
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12
COST: Free
‘Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre’
WHAT: The documentary chronicles the music festival where more than 300 people were killed in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. In partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, the event will open with a reception, followed by a 52-minute movie screening and a conversation with one of the film’s directors.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
COST: $15
Comedy for Peace
WHAT: Created by Israeli comedian Erik Angel, this program brings together Christian, Jewish and Muslim comedians for a 60-minute apolitical show that closes with a Q&A session.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9
WHERE: Dania Improv, 177 N. Pointe Drive, Dania Beach
COST: $36
‘Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew’: An Evening with Noa Tishby and Emmanuel Acho
WHAT: The Israeli actress and the former NFL linebacker are co-authors of a new book on Black-Jewish relations. Acho previously wrote the books “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” and “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Boy.” Tishby is the author of “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country On Earth.”
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025
WHERE: To be announced
COST: To be announced
Derek Black: The Klansman’s Son
WHAT: Black, a West Palm Beach native, will describe his journey from growing up in a prominent white nationalist family to becoming an outspoken advocate for racial justice and reform.
WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, March 30, 2025
WHERE: To be announced
COST: $45, includes brunch