Jewish Film Festival

Two days, three feature films, three shorts, and one conversation with a Director and Cinematographer later, I'm thrilled to report the third annual Northern Nevada Jewish Film Festival was a success. We just about sold out — it was wonderful (and a relief) to look up from the floor to see most seats taken. I can't say how much I appreciate the support of our Jewish and broader community, both by attending and sponsoring, and in particular, our Temple Emanu-El congregation. Your very, very generous sponsorships made it possible to bring in "Watching Walter" Director Mitch Yapko and Cinemotogher Bryon Evans for a Q&A. 

It was a pleasure to co-sponsor this event with Jewish Nevada — Mara Langer is a workhorse! Susan Nissenbaum and Adi Kalish were also an integral part of the team that helped make it happen. The Galaxy Theater Victorian management and staff couldn't have been more accommodating. In fact, their part in all this is worth a behind the scenes look.

I had no idea what it took to bring the films to the big screen! I provided copies of the films on an external hard drive, but from there they needed to be reformatted and downloaded to their server. That was a many hours long project done by their tech staff. Then they did rehearsals over several days to ensure the timing — lights on, lights down, microphones on/off, show movies — was right. By Sunday, it was perfect. Apart from the work it took to make sure the actual showings went smoothly, they had staff (thank you Andrew) on scene throughout to monitor it all. Plus the Galaxy threw in a free popcorn! There's nothing like seeing films in a movie theater with all its amenities on the big screen in lounger seats. I can't imagine having our next Film Festival anywhere else. 

One of the highlights for many of you and certainly me, was learning a bit about why and how the short film "Watching Walter" came to fruition. Mitch and Bryon did a beautiful job of explaining both. It's a treat to learn the backstory of a film — its genesis and creation, something that's not usually accessible through Google!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention security. The security team was amazing. Thankfully, there were absolutely no issues, but they did everything to make sure we were safe if there was any concern. I won't give all the details, but it even included a bomb-sniffing dog. I hope we never need intervention by security, but it's reassuring to know they're on top of it. 

We do value your opinions about the event and would appreciate feedback. Feel free to write to administrator@renoemanuel.org with your comments. 

That's about it! I hope to see you at the movies next year.

Sue Edmondson

Temple Emanu-El's Second Night Seder

Fifty-five of us had the pleasure of participating in an exceptional second night Passover Seder.  Rabbi Katz led us through the Haggadah, with an assist from Rabbi Richard Liebovitz and Rabbi SaraLeya Schley.

As we completed a section, each table explored non-traditional, yet relevant questions prepared by Rabbi Katz. It was a wonderful and clever way to invite conversation among the guests! Through the discussions, we all got to know each other a bit better while deepening our connection to Judaism and our community. 

The Seder would not have been a success without the dedication, skill and perseverance of Jan Carver. Jan developed the delicious dinner menu, did all the shopping, organized a team of helpers, and kept us on task with a chart and printed recipes for us to follow (to a T).

Five days of cooking led each day by Jan were followed by an afternoon of setting up the tables, decorating the Social Hall, ensuring the food was warmed and ready to serve, and the wine ready to pour.

Jan credited her success to all who helped cook and set up (in alphabetical order: Pam Brandman, Sue Edmondson, John Duerson, Jan's niece Genevive, Charli Goins, Florence Drattler-Gold, Dorothy Russell, Idora Silver and Jen Wulff, and those who helped clean up: Joanie Brodsky, Pam Brandman, Sue Edmondson, Florence Drattler-Gold and Idora Silver). But we all know who made it come together, and that was Jan. 

Thanks also go to all who attended. Without you, it wouldn't have been a true community Seder!