Download: UJH-2014-0803-Tisha B’Av Tisha B’Av is a fast day that commemorates the destruction of the two Temples in ancient times, as well as more recent tragedies befalling the Jewish people. It is sometimes referred to as “The Ninth of Av, since it falls on the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. On the secular calendar it usually coincides with late July or mid-August. Tisha B’Av vividly recalls devastating tragedies in Jewish history, so it is known as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. The first great tragedy occurred in 586 B.C.E. when the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the First Temple built by King Solomon, the most important place in ancient Judaism. The Temple was re-built on the site of the First Temple, and completed in 516 B.C.E. This second temple was destroyed during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. The destruction of the two Temples took place on the same day — the ninth of Av — about 656 years apart. These two events were so devastating that the ancient rabbis declared the anniversary of the Temples’ destruction a day of mourning. This is the origin of Tisha B’Av. Other tragedies have occurred on this […]
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Book Review: Crossing the Border by Ksenia Rychtycka
Audio review and interview with Myra … as heard on Nash Holos August 11, 2013 Anthology explores realities of memory and today’s Ukraine Review by Myra Junyk Crossing the Border, Ksenia Rychtycka’s first anthology of short stories, explores the lives of Ukrainians in Ukraine and in other countries. Her poignant stories focus on family relationships, hope, and self-discovery. Rychtycka doesn’t shy away from the complex political realities of Ukraine. The first story, “Homecoming,” describes Vera’s journey to her hometown of Krynytsia in Ukraine. She is coming back to visit her cousin Stefko after 47 years. Vera is surprised, disappointed and disillusioned by what she finds in the “new” Ukraine—including that her cousin has become a collaborating communist in order to survive.“40 Days” is a realistic look at more recent Ukrainian political developments. Luba is mourning the suspicious death of Roman, her politician husband. She wishes for Roman’s democratic dreams for Ukraine to come true, but realizes “that is hoping for a lot.”The final story, “Orange in Bloom,” describes the involvement of an elderly widow in the highly charged days of the Orange Revolution. Her fervent belief in the freedom of Ukraine is a definite sign of hope for the future. […]
Continue readingCritically acclaimed musical Strike! makes its Alberta Premiere this month
In conjunction with the Alberta Federation of Labour’s 100th Anniversary, Danny Schur & Rick Chafe’s critically-acclaimed musical Strike! makes its Alberta debut with Edmonton’s Workshop West Theatre April 24th – 28th, 2013 at the Timms Centre for the Performing Arts. Set against the nation-changing tumult of the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, the eight-show run features an 18-person Edmonton cast under the direction of Edmonton-raised director Arne MacPherson. Danny Schur is currently in Edmonton helping with preparations for the production. We chatted by phone earlier this week about the show and his amazing career as a self-employed full-time musician and playwright. The interview will air on Nash Holos in early April. Tickets for the Edmonton performance are very reasonably priced, so if you are in the Edmonton area or plan to visit while they’re showing, make sure to book your tickets soon. They’re going fast so don’t delay and risk being disappointed. This is one show you don’t want to miss! The performance schedule is: • Wednesday, April 24th (Opening Night) – 8:00 PM • Thursday, April 25th (Student Matinee) – 1:00 PM / Thursday, April 25th – 8:00 PM • Friday, April 26th – 8:00 PM (SOLD OUT) • Saturday, […]
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