Left to right: Claire Sigal, Microgrant Programs, Nesi Altaras

We're more than halfway through winter, and for the rest of February, we have some exciting programs to keep you immersed in Jewish arts and culture. 

This Sunday, we'll be in the company of emerging researcher Claire Sigal to teach us about her family's story – and the broader histories – of Jewish garment work in Montreal. On February 23, we'll be in the company of Turkish-Jewish writer and language enthusiast Nesi Altaras, who will teach us about Ladino through its proverbs and common sayings. Scroll down for more details on both of these events, and how to register. 

We're also looking for proposals for our next round of Microgrants for Creative or Cultural Exploration. If you or someone you know has a creative project idea, scroll down to learn how you can apply. Applications are due February 20. 

Needlework, From Factory to Living Room: An Embroidery Workshop with Claire Sigal
Sunday, February 13, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST (Online via Zoom)

Needlework is woven into the fabric of Jewish art and culture. It is the fertile land of mysticism and creativity – just looking and reading doesn’t let you know why. This Sunday, join emerging researcher and artist Claire Sigal as we practice and ponder the histories of Jewish needlework. 

Coming from the ethos of Tikkun Olam (“mending the world”) and through her meditative approach to making, Claire will share the histories of Jewish garment work and how so much creativity came from it – including her own great-grandmother's, who worked as a garment worker in Montreal.

Participants are invited to engage in the embroidery, but are equally invited to listen as Claire shares this rich history with us. We will learn about the garment workers’ union, garment workers' literary and musical involvements, as well as their communities in Montreal and beyond. Participants who wish to stitch the pattern that Claire will provide during the workshop will receive a list of embroidery materials after they register. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with the Jewish Public Library of Montreal. As a part of the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s Microgrant Program for Creative or Cultural Exploration, this event is funded by the Quebec Community Group Network's Community Investment Fund and the Averbach Family Foundation.

Registration is required ahead of time via JLive.
Click the button below to reserve your spot.  

Ladino Through Its Proverbs: A Workshop with Nesi Altaras
Wednesday, February 23, 7:00-8:30pm EST (Online via Zoom)

Ladino is a language that brings together Spanish grammar and vocabulary with words and ideas from Hebrew, Aramaic, Turkish, Italian, French and various other languages from the Eastern Mediterranean. The joy and wisdom of this language is stored within its numerous, colourful, funny, and often musical sayings. In this interactive workshop, participants will get a taste of the Sephardic view of the world from proverbs.

From Istanbul, Nesi Altaras is an editor of Avlaremoz, a Jewish news platform in Turkish, and recently graduated from McGill with a Master's in Political Science. His writing in English, Turkish, and Ladino has been published in various platforms and he is currently translating a book from English to Turkish. Nesi enjoys learning languages, talking about sayings and etymologies, and listening to family stories. He currently lives in Montreal. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with Avlaremoz, The Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America, and the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue of Montreal. As a part of the Museum of Jewish Montreal’s Microgrant Program for Creative or Cultural Exploration, this event is funded by the Quebec Community Group Network's Community Investment Fund and the Averbach Family Foundation.

Registration is required ahead of time via JLive.
To secure your spot to this free workshop, click the button below. 

Gauche à droit : Claire Sigal, Programme de micro-subventions, Nesi Altaras