Shabbat Dinner December 14, 2007

My Grandmother's Suitcase: A Family Memoir

Before Jim Van Buskirk's mother turned 80, she told him a secret: "You are Jewish." She then showed him the contents of his grandmother's suitcase, filled with photographs, letters, and documents. Not long before this, Jim had published an essay exploring his mysterious lifelong attraction to Judaism. He continues to look for answers to his family's history -- and his identity -- by researching his genealogy, talking to previously unknown relatives, and re-examining the contents of his grandmother's suitcase.

Join us Friday, Dec. 14, for a no-experience-necessary Shabbat dinner, and Jim Van Buskirk's illustrated talk about his ongoing discovery of his history and identity.

Date: Friday, Dec. 14, 2007
Time: 6:15 PM
Childcare: Available by reservation
Space is limited, so early RSVP is recommended

We gather at 6:15, and then continue with:
6:30 - Candle lighting and dinner
7:30 - Jim Van Buskirk presents "My Grandmother's Suitcase: A Family Memoir"
8:15 - Dessert

Place: JGate's cozy home near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station

Contact Rabbi Bridget Wynne at JGate, (510) 559-8140, or rabbibridget@jgate.org, to RSVP, and get directions and your food assignment for our potluck dinner. If your schedule doesn't allow you to bring a dish to share, we offer you the option of contributing $7 towards the dinner instead.

Official Website: http://www.jgate.org