Twin Cities-Wide Jewish Prom

IF NOT FOR BAHARI, THAN FOR WHAT?



Andy Halper- Director of LifeLong Learning

So, Jon Stewart left the Daily Show, and I left Apple. So, Jon Stewart returned to the Daily Show -- I'm not returning to Apple, but that's another story. Jon took his summer-long hiatus from the Daily Show to direct a film about Maziar Bahari. Stewart said he "felt a calling to tell Bahari's story.” A journalist and a human rights activist, Bahari is a very cool and very important fella, however, the benefit at Temple Israel is about way more than Maziar Bahari. Sure, Bahari will share his story of astonishing courage set against the backdrop of contemporary Iran, but is he the sole reason for attending the event? If not for Bahari, than for what?

As the newest Temple Israel employee, my official title is Director of LifeLong Learning, it seems important that you see the benefit of our upcoming benefit. My position and Maziar Bahari’s guest appearance are actually entwined. The benefit is designed to enhance life-long learning here at Temple Israel. We tend to think that learning ends when formal schooling comes to a close. NO WAY, in fact we continue to learn throughout our lifetime whether we are in a formal educational setting or at a social gathering. Every situation, every person we meet, every conversation we have can be a great learning experience.

It is my job at Temple Israel to help make learning exciting and to help everyone understand that learning is a forever and always on-going process. And every process has a starting point. Temple Israel is committed to educating our children beginning at a very young age. Our Early Child Care Center, religious school classes, youth groups, and camp TEKO connect our kids to Judaism and the Temple Israel community.

In a sea of sameness, at no matter at what age, we’re all seeking and searching for something real. Experiences that aim for deeper meaning and more enjoyment. To be the right place where uncommon learning promotes the well being of everyone. Proceeds from our benefit will go directly to our education department and individual scholarships to ensure that every person, young and old alike, have the opportunity to absolutely love Judaism and his/her own Jewish identity.

 So, here is my point -- by attending the benefit, you are taking the first step. Not only will you enjoy an awesome and inspiring Saturday night, you’ll be contributing great gobs of learning opportunities for our children, our grandchildren and for ourselves. While Jon won't be there, I will! It is going be fascinating, memorable and fun… great food too! I hope to see you there, come say HI.

-Andy Halper