Beth David Synagogue’s December Luncheon will be held on Saturday, December 13, and feature Adam Carlin speaking on “From Blessing to Bias: An Exploration of Mushrooms in Judaism.” The community is invited to attend. Morning services will begin at 9:30 am, with the luncheon and program following the conclusion of services. The luncheon is free and open to the public.
Carlin is the co-founder of the new Jewish Mycological Society. A branch of biology that focuses on the study of fungi, mycology is the subject of his forthcoming book “Dust and Ashes and Spores.”
“In my research for the book,” Carlin said, “I found a surprising and profound relationship between mushrooms and Jewish culture that spans millennia. I was amazed to discover their revered status in talmudic texts, as well as their complex role in Jewish law and contemporary spiritual practice.”
The talk will look at how fungi have served as both symbols of wonder and vehicles for antisemitic persecution, including how Nazi propaganda exploited them. He will also answer the questions about how Jewish communities developed rich traditions of mushroom foraging throughout the world and the scientific mycological research is taking place in Israel today. “These are just some of the fascinating issues that Carlin will address in his talk,” organizers said. “We are sure to come away from his talk knowing more about mushrooms than we had ever considered before. Come and join us for a captivating presentation, where you can get answers to all your questions about mushrooms and more!”
Carlin received a B.F.A. from California College of the Arts and an M.F.A. in art and social practice from Portland State. He is an American/Israeli curator, educator, arts administrator and socially engaged artist living in Central New York. He is currently the executive director of Women of the Shoah, a non-profit that brings together Holocaust education and the arts, and co-director of A Contemporary Jewish Museum, which “establishes innovative and experimental Jewish museums in off-the-beaten-path Jewish communities.” Carlin was previously the owner of Talkrot Gourmet Mushroom Farm in Tully, NY. 
Beth David’s luncheon speaker series takes place the second Saturday of the month after Shabbat morning services, and is open to the community. There is no charge for the luncheon. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations can be made in honor of or in memory of someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that, along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.