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The Arts

Artistry Comes to Life at the Pozez JCC

Through the decades, the J’s Bodzin Art Gallery exhibitions have attracted talented artists working in a wide variety of media including painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass, fiber, crafts, and mixed media. The gallery supports and encourages the development of local Jewish artists, artists with disabilities, artists working in themes reflecting Jewish values, and Israeli art. The Bodzin Art Gallery presents 7-10 annual exhibitions. The J’s dedication to exhibiting fine art for almost 30 years has garnered a reputation that is well-respected amongst artists, art enthusiasts, buyers, and sellers.

Explore the Arts

The J’s cultural programs demonstrate, illuminate, and celebrate the breadth and depth of Judaism's culture, identity, creativity, diversity, and resiliency through the arts. The J is home to the Bodzin Art Gallery, exhibiting group and solo exhibitions. The J also powers the ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia, screened in venues throughout the region. Other programming includes theater, music, and literary arts, showcasing renowned local, regional, and national artists.

Featured in the Bodzin Art Gallery

The Abayudaya: Portrait of an African Jewish Community

August 19–October 6

Photography by Samantha Rose Mandeles.

When we think of eastern Africa today, we usually don’t think of a concentration of Jews. But miraculously, one such vibrant community exists! The Abayudaya, who number about 2,000 souls, are concentrated in a few towns and villages in eastern Uganda and western Kenya. Devout in practice, keeping kosher and observing Shabbat and holy days, the Abayudaya (a word in the local language Luganda meaning "People of Judah") have been recognized as Jews by Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Renewal movements of Judaism.

The Story Behind the Images

Ezra Uganda Assistance, a 501c3 non-profit founded in 2016 by Washington area rabbi, teacher, and author Leila Gal Berner, supports the Abayudaya community of Namutumba. EUA board member Samantha Rose Mandeles traveled to Namutumba, Uganda in late 2021 on a very special mission to hand-carry a Torah donated by Temple Beth El of Hammonton, NJ, which was closing its doors. Learn more at EzraUganda.org or on Instagram: @ezraugandaassistance.

This exhibit showcases more than 50 of the many photographs that Samantha took during the two weeks she lived with the people in the village. A skilled travel photographer, Samantha seeks out interesting juxtapositions of shapes, colors, artifacts, and people she encounters around the world. This shoot became a labor of love to document the joys and challenges of these extraordinary Jews in remote rural Africa, and express Sam’s strong connection with her new extended African Jewish family.

Wednesday, August 28, 7pm-8:30pm

Exhibit Opening Reception

Join Samantha Mandeles for a powerful presentation on her unique experiences with the Abayudaya, followed by a Q&A and guided walk through the exhibit. Light refreshments served.
Register

Wednesday, September 4, 12:30pm-2pm

Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Program

Join Samantha and Rabbi Berner for a lunch & learn session to understand the history and vibrancy of the Abayudaya, as well as the daily constraints and discrimination facing this isolated yet dedicated Jewish community. Light refreshments will be served. Participants are invited to bring their own dairy or pareve (non-meat) lunch.
Register
Bodzin Art Gallery
Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia
8900 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, VA 22031		   Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 6:30am-9:30pm
Friday, 6:30am-6pm
Saturday, 8am-6pm
Sunday, 8am-9:30pm

All visitors to the J must present a membership badge or photo ID to enter the building.

MEMOIR WRITING GROUP

Writing is Good for the Soul

Creativity is encouraged and fostered at the J. The Memoir Writing Group meets monthly to draft and share their stories. For those who want to share with the community, the writings are posted here.

Stories and opinions of individuals are not necessarily shared by the Pozez Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia.

For more information, contact Shari.Berman@theJ.org.
Read Poems & Stories by Participants

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