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"Light in the Midst of Darkness" Series
March 2, 2024 - March 9, 2024

The Arts Emanu-El Committee is excited to present a three-part program entitled “Light in the Midst of Darkness,” highlighting resistance and resilience during the Holocaust.  The program, spanning the week of March 2nd-9th, will include the Rhode Island premiere of a powerful documentary film about partisan resistance with discussion by the filmmaker, a communal songfest, and a moving concert focusing on the importance of a mandolin at Auschwitz.

All events will begin at 7:30 PM, and refreshments will be served after the film and concert.

Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Rhode Island Premiere of the Award-Winning Film, "FOUR WINTERS"

To launch a three-part program focusing on "Light in the Midst of Darkness," Arts Emanu-El will host the Rhode Island premiere of the award-winning film, "FOUR WINTERS."  This riveting documentary weaves together rare archival footage with the observations of eight Jewish partisans who, as teenagers, fought against the Nazis from the forests of Eastern Europe.  The filmmaker and producer, Julia Mintz, will field questions during a special "talkback" session after the screening.  Light refreshments will be served.

[ visit the website ] [ view the trailer ] [ view an interview with Julia Mintz ]

Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Communal Singing to Bring Forth Light

The second event in the "Light in the Midst of Darkness" series will be an uplifting evening of music, song, and sharing.  "Communal Singing to Bring Forth Light," led by members of Temple Emanu-El, will feature an inspiring mix of songs that attendees will learn and sing together.  All songs will be taught in English and Hebrew.  No previous knowledge of the music is required, just a genuine desire to join voices with others.

Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Special Concert Featuring Duo Mantar Performing "Rachel's Mandolin"

For the final program in the "Light in the Midst of Darkness" series, the virtuosi Adam Levin (classical guitar) and Jacob Reuven (mandolin) will perform a stirring rendition of "Rachel's Mandolin."  The music honors the touching story of Rachela Zelmanowicz-Olewski, a Jewish mandolin player from Poland who, as a young woman, played in the Auschwitz women's orchestra.  Rachel's dramatic life story of heroic survival at Auschwitz, liberation at Bergen-Belsen, and eventual settlement in Israel forms the backdrop for the music.  Light refreshments will be served after the concert.

[ visit their website ]

Tickets may be purchased in advance by Wednesday, February 28.

• Tickets purchased in advance for the entire series will be $32 for Temple Emanu-El Members only.
• Individual tickets purchased in advance for the film and for the concert will be $20 for each event for Temple Emanu-El Members and $25 for non-Members.

Tickets purchased at the door for the film and the concert will be $25 for Temple Emanu-El Members and $30 for non-members.

For the Song Circle, a donation of $5 is suggested. 

Register Now!