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Tuesdays at the J
December 7, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am MST
Tuesday, Dec. 7: The King was a Mensch: Tracing Elvis Presley’s Jewish Roots
Presented by travel writer Dan Fellner
Locked away in a crate for several decades until its recent public unveiling, a grave marker in Memphis revealed a little-known fact about one of America’s most iconic figures of the 20th century. Yes, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock & Roll, had Jewish roots. This highly visual presentation by travel writer Dan Fellner will take you to Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi, and to the Graceland mansion in Memphis, to uncover the secrets of Elvis’ surprising connection to Judaism. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Presley’s life and the multiculturalism that inspired his music.
Speaker bio
Dan Fellner is an eight-time Fulbright fellow, having taught journalism and communications at universities in Latvia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia and Indonesia. He also is a freelance travel writer and photographer specializing in Jewish destinations. He has had more than 100 articles published in such publications as the Jerusalem Post, USA Today, Hadassah Magazine and the Arizona Republic. Dan has visited more than 120 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
Fall schedule
Aug. 31: “Preparing Your Heart and Soul for the Holy Days” with Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky
Sept. 14: Museum at the J with the Chandler Museum: “Visual Stories: Dorothea Lange’s Depression Era Photography in Chandler, Arizona.”
Oct. 5: Music of Broadway with violinist Julie Ivanhoe
Oct. 12: Museum at the J with the Chandler Museum: “Frank Lloyd Wright and a New Vision for Chandler”
Oct. 19: Strategies for Healthy Aging with Deborah Lavinsky, health & wellness coach and Pilates teacher
Oct. 26: Klezmer musical performance by Odessa
Nov. 2: “Chopin: Bold, Imaginative, Introspective,” a lecture-recital by concert pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson
Nov. 9: Museum at the J: “Intrigue and Omission: Tales from the 18th Century” presented by Phoenix Art Museum docent Sarah Bodney
Nov. 16: “Bridge Generation: Preserving Your Family’s Story,” exploring the benefits and challenges of preserving your family history, presented by Daughters of Jacob Genealogy
Nov. 30: Holiday at the J: Chanukah with Rabbi Herschel Brodie of Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley: “Maccabees, Miracles and Dark Days: The Many Stories of Chanukah”
Dec. 7: ‘The King was a Mensch: Tracing Elvis Presley’s Jewish Roots,’ a presentation by Dan Fellner, university instructor and travel writer/photographer
Dec. 14: Museum at the J: “Judith: Changing Views of a Jewish Hero,” presented by Phoenix Art Museum docent Lisa Spahr