L’dor V’dor: New Visions of Judaica

September 2023 – February 2024

In the tradition of L’dor V’dor, the arts have played a unique role in retelling the story of the Jewish people from generation to generation. Using a variety of techniques, methodologies and interpretations, contemporary artists have enriched our narratives and rituals beyond the spoken word.

As we begin our New Year 5784, the Gallery at TSTI presents four artists; Gerard Amsellem, Aliza Augustine, Rachel Kanter and Leslie Nobler. Each is of international acclaim, and each resides in neighboring Jewish communities in New Jersey. Using a variety of processes and materials, their collective artworks speak to tradition, history, and memory. They simultaneously invite our contemplation and self-awareness.

Through scale and reflection, Gerard Amsellem’s Memory-Mezuzoth offers protection to all, whether crossing the threshold into our homes or going outside into the world. The project also memorializes those who have passed from the artist’s life, but embraces their memory as inspiration.

In Daughters of Holocaust Survivors, the photography of Aliza Augustine confronts the darkest chapter of Judaism, remembering and honoring the children of survivors while projecting a defiant but cautionary tone.


Rachel Kanter’s sculptures, Community Wimple, I Immersion: Loss, and Ritual Clothing repurpose vintage ceremonial clothing such as tallit or kitchen aprons of past generations into new objects, enriched by our customs and household traditions.

Leslie Nobler’s collaged and gently stitched portraits highlight the unique role of women in our families. These pictures transcend the seeming simplicity of their elements by the artist’s reverence for her chosen subjects.

All four artists link their art to their personal commitment to Judaism with a modern vision of our people’s history. From “generation to generation,” Jewish artists will continue to reinterpret who we are, what we value and how we shape the future.

A preview reception will be held on October 22. Come view the amazing artwork and meet the artists. A lecture will be held in late November / early December, date TBD.

The Gallery at TSTI

Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel

432 Scotland Road

South Orange, NJ 07079


Spring 2024 - Independent World Cinema Series at CinemaLab SOPAC

After more than two years of collaborating with Cinema Lab, we’ve decided to rent one of their theaters to screen more contemporary foreign and independent films. As we’ve done in the past at SOPAC, this will be a film series open only to members. By purchasing a membership you gain entry to all films in the series. 

Contemporary Foreign Films is the name of the series and will begin in April. Please support our vision by becoming a member and sending a check to:  New Waves Productions, 60 Ridgeway Avenue, West Orange,  NJ 07052. Membership fees is for three films: Adults $60, Seniors $50, Students $30 

By purchasing the film series in South Orange you become a member and support La Cinematheque. No individual seats are sold during a film series. Although we can’t sell individual tickets, you can bring a guest to one of our films so they can experience our organization, free of charge.  Let's bring as many people as possible to come and make this series a great success!

The dates and times for the films will be April 21 at 2:30, May 5 at 2:30,  and June 23 at 2:30. Film titles and more detail information to follow in our next newsletter. 

The Eight Mountains - April 21st at 2:30 PM

Afire - May 5th at 2:30 PM

The Blue Caftan - June 23rd at 2:30 PM

Legends of Italian Cinema - The Clairidge Montclair, Spring 2024

We continue working with Montclair Film to bring Legends of Italian Cinema to the big screen. This is the second year of our highly successful collaboration. 

You can buy tickets with the links below or on the Montclair Film website.

The films in this series honor great Italian actresses:

LA STRADA (Giulietta Masina, 1956) - March 10, 2 pm

L'AVVENTURA (Monica Vitti, 1960)- April 14, 2 pm

MAMMA ROMA (Anna Magnani, 1962)- May 19, 2 pm 

A SPECIAL DAY (Sophia Loren, 1977)- June 9, 2pm

* After the Legends of the Italian Cinema screenings, continue the discussion and the love of all things Italian at Porta (499 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair). Receive 10% off your bill when you show your ticket for LA STRADA on 3/10/24, L’AVVENTURA on 4/14/24, MAMMA ROMA on 5/19/24 or A SPECIAL DAY on 6/9/24. Offer valid only on the same day as the screening. Limit one discount per ticket.

4-Class Mini-Course in partnership with the Williams Center

Class Schedule:

October 26th - Thursday - 5:30pm start - Fritz Lang’s M (1931) - Germany

November 16th - Thursday - 5:30pm start - Grand Illusion (1937) - France

December 14th -Thursday - 5:30pm start - Bicycle Thief (1948) - Italy

January 11th - Thursday - 5:30pm start - 400 Blows (1959) - France

This special collaboration between Cinema Underground and La Cinematheque celebrates 4 monumental films of European Cinema, spanning three decades. Watch the films and then discuss the nuances of how these films utilize the power of cinema with a special Q&A hosted by Gerard Amsellem, local teacher, artist and filmmaker from New Wave Productions.

Each film includes an intro and post-film Q&A. Join us for all films or just one.

Class Structure:

5:30pm > 5:45pm = 15 minute introduction to film

5:45pm > 7:30pm = film screening (depends on duration)

7:30pm > 8pm = Q/A & Film Exploration (minimum 30 minutes)


Gerard AmsellemComment