Metro Briefs

Pittsburgh native Leah Vincent will discuss her memoir, “Cut Me Loose: Sin and Salvation After My Ultra-Orthodox Girlhood,” at the Carnegie Library of Squirrel Hill on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Vincent writes about what she calls her self-destructive spiral after being exiled by her “ultra-Orthodox” Jewish family. The book chronicles her struggles, learning how to survive in New York City and dreaming of a future in her new, secular world. Copies will be for sale at the event.

Pittsburgh Jewish Day Schools will host a Lag B’Omer carnival on Sunday, May 18 from noon to 3 p.m. at Community Day School Field. Tickets for food and games will be on sale at the event, which includes a BMX bike show. Call 412-422-7300 for more information.

The Jewish Domestic Abuse Task Force hosted a Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Dr. Elizabeth Miller, chief of adolescent medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, on Wednesday, May 7. Miller spoke about her work, including programs she has developed to thwart domestic violence with teens and college students. Miller warned that domestic abuse occurs in all demographics including Jewish homes. This abuse can lead to adverse mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.  

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Rodef Shalom Congregation invites the community to join in its Shabbat services led by artist-in-residence Dan Nichols on May 16 and 17. As the congregation’s artist-in-residence, Nichols has been leading worship at Shabbat services, as well as spending time with youth programs and engaging with members on a personal level during his visits to Pittsburgh.

On May 16 at 6:30 p.m., Rodef Shalom asks its friends “Won’t you be our neighbor?” for its congregational picnic held in honor of Mister Rogers. Later this summer, on June 22, the congregation will posthumously honor Fred Rogers with its Pursuer of Peace Award, and the congregational picnic serves as the kickoff event to that honor. Following the Erev Shabbat service, the picnic will be held on Rodef Shalom’s Fifth Avenue lawn with food, family activities and live music from Nichols.

On May 17 at 9:15 a.m., a more contemplative experience with Nichols will be offered. Attendees are invited to dive deep into Shabbat liturgy for a time with heart-opening music and prayer preceding the Shabbat morning service. Nichols is known for his unique ability to connect with Jews of all ages in a meaningful and inspirational way. His success (along with his band, Eighteen) has been especially strong among teenagers.