Feb. 21: A Taste of Honey Jewish Funeral Traditions Talk

Jan 10, 2016 | 1 comment

A Taste of HoneyThe 13th annual A Taste of Honey, the Albuquerque Jewish community’s stimulating educational event, offers the opportunity to savor Jewish life at its best. The event, which takes place on Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. features a stellar keynote speaker and ten breakout sessions with outstanding speakers in five topical areas: culture, history, music, spirit/soul and international intrigue.

The keynote speaker at 10:00 a.m. is by Jewish music historian Steven Ovitsky, who is currently executive director of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. He will present “Jewish Composers Who Created the Sound of American Movies.” Ovitsky will show scenes from movies with music by Max Steiner – Gone with the Wind, King Kong and Symphony of Six Million, Franz Waxman – Bride of Frankenstein and Sunset Boulevard, and Erich Wolfgang Korngold – The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Sea Hawk, Captain Blood and Kings Row.

After a lunch break, there will be two breakout sessions: the first 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the second 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Gail Rubin, funeral expert and Celebrant

Gail Rubin, CT, The Doyenne of Death®

Gail Rubin, CT, a death educator who uses humor and funny films to teach about end-of-life topics, will present “Jewish Funeral Traditions on Film” in the second session.

Jewish traditions regarding death and dying, the funeral, the treatment of the body, burial, mourning, and annual remembrances are very different from Christian practices. This talk illuminates Jewish funeral traditions before, during and after a funeral – highly beneficial for interfaith families. Participants will view clips from two comedic films from Mexico, My Mexican Shivah and Nora’s Will, as well as American movies This Is Where I Leave You, The Cemetery Club and Two Weeks.

The early-bird price before January 30 is $25, and goes up to $30 after February 1. Lunch is available for an additional $10 prepaid, either a sandwich with tuna salad, egg salad or veggies, or a salad with tuna salad, egg salad or turkey.

A Good Goodbye