ThoughtGallery.org > Between Carnival and Purim: Brazilian and Jewish Cultural Encounter

Between Carnival and Purim: Brazilian and Jewish Cultural Encounter

An illustrated lecture with Alex Minkin.

In celebration of the Brazilian national holiday of Carnival, and less than two weeks before Jewish festival of Purim, this multi-media presentation explores the history of cultural integration of Jewish community in Brazil.

Brazilian Judaica scholar Bernardo Sorj noted that despite the fundamental difference between Brazilian culture  of “optimistic fatalism” and Jewish  tradition of “pessimistic willfulness,” the  immersion into Brazilian culture is highly therapeutic for the Jews, as it is an excellent antidote for their historical traumas.

While commercial relations and open mindedness of Brazilians led to increasing cultural connections, the process of integration of Jewish community coincided with the development of Carnival as Brazilian cultural icon.  The evening will feature videos from Carnival shows with Jewish themes. The impact of these performances on the image of the Jews in Brazilian society and its lessons for the Jewish community will be discussed.











When: Wed., Mar. 1, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Where: New York Public Library—Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
476 Fifth Ave. (42nd St. Entrance)
212-340-0863
Price: Free
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An illustrated lecture with Alex Minkin.

In celebration of the Brazilian national holiday of Carnival, and less than two weeks before Jewish festival of Purim, this multi-media presentation explores the history of cultural integration of Jewish community in Brazil.

Brazilian Judaica scholar Bernardo Sorj noted that despite the fundamental difference between Brazilian culture  of “optimistic fatalism” and Jewish  tradition of “pessimistic willfulness,” the  immersion into Brazilian culture is highly therapeutic for the Jews, as it is an excellent antidote for their historical traumas.

While commercial relations and open mindedness of Brazilians led to increasing cultural connections, the process of integration of Jewish community coincided with the development of Carnival as Brazilian cultural icon.  The evening will feature videos from Carnival shows with Jewish themes. The impact of these performances on the image of the Jews in Brazilian society and its lessons for the Jewish community will be discussed.

Buy tickets/get more info now