Synaplex at Am Yisrael

• Reprints

Treats, culinary and otherwise, abound at Am Yisrael's upcoming Synaplex event. | Contributed photo

Updated: February 2, 2012 4:23PM

“Jews in Pop Culture” is the framework for a lively day of Sabbath activities hosted Saturday, Feb. 4 by Am Yisrael, Conservative Congregation in Northfield. Known as “Synaplex,” the buffet of pop culture offers 12 diverse activities including a talk by acclaimed author Jonathan Hoenig, the financial guru who wrote “Greed is Good: The Capitalist Pig Guide to Investing.”

‘Prayer in Motion’ explores Judaism’s connection to movement by presenting a session in dance, yoga and liturgy led by Am Yisrael’s Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin. She explained, “this will be our 6th annual Synaplex where we all come together, all ages, to celebrate the Sabbath by exploring culture, food, sports … you name it.” She is proud of the multi-generational approach in which kids will be treated to ventriloquist, Chris McBrien, while foodies can learn how to prepare quick and healthy kosher meals from Trader Joe’s grocery store. Film historian, Ray Cohen, will present the documentary, “Jews in Baseball: An American Love Story” and Michael Lorge, founder of the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival, will speak.

The Synaplex initiative has taken place in 200 synagogues around the nation. Synaplex is open to the public and there is no cost. The full schedule and other events can be found at www.AmYisrael.org. Am Yisrael is in Northfield at 4 Happ Road, across from New Trier West High School.