Yale Hillel is celebrating Jewish Women's History Week (March 1-7) with talks by a politician, an author and a filmmaker. All three events are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale, 80 Wall St.
Anat Hoffman, a member of the Jerusalem City Council, will discuss "This Year in Jerusalem: Daily Politics in the Eternal City" on Monday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. Hoffman is an active feminist and vocal member of the city council, serving since 1989. Her interest in equality of service to Arab and minority sectors, women's rights and relations with the ultra-Orthodox sectors frequently put her in a national and international spotlight
Hoffman's concerns regarding religious rights of women at the Western Wall and the role of women in religious councils have been frequently referenced in Israeli Supreme Court cases and decisions, setting basic legal groundwork. She also spearheads national efforts concerning women in advertising and the media.
Renowned storyteller and author Diane Wolkstein will present an evening of stories titled "Queen Esther: The Woman Who Saved Her People" on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Wolkstein is the author of 20 books, including "The First Love Stories," "The Magic Orange Tree" and "Innana, Queen of Heaven and Earth." A scholar of mythology and folklore, Wolkstein currently teaches storytelling at New York University. She has performed at Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian, and at museums, theaters and universities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. This performance offers a fresh interpretation of traditional legends about Queen Esther, and is appropriate for audiences of all ages.
Filmmaker Judith Helfand will present her documentary, "A Healthy Baby Girl," and will lead a discussion on Judaism, women's health and environmental awareness on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. "A Healthy Baby Girl" chronicles Helfand's experiences with DES-related cancer and was shown at the Sundance Film Festival and on "P.O.V.," PBS's forum for social issues films.
The Joseph Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale is home to Yale Hillel and Young Israel House at Yale. It serves Yale students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater New Haven community. For further information about Yale Hillel's celebration of Jewish Women's History Week or the Joseph Slifka Center, call 432-1134.