Gems Connect: Online Learning

Mondays, June 7-21, 11-12pm – $25

Each week we bring you an exceptional variety of topics and speakers. Our line-up of guests includes (in order of appearance): Carlos Jose Perez Samano, Penn Museum Global Guide, Virtual Mexico and Central America Gallery Tour; Janet Benton, Author, The Story of Lilli de Jong; Dara Lovitz, Author, Professor and Activist, Changing the Way We Look at Animals.

Click to Register for Speakers Bureau

Tuesdays, June 1-22, 11-12pm – $34

Instructor: Dr. Tim Horner, Villanova University, Center for Peace and Justice Education
This four-session course will examine the particular history of the U.N.’s 1948/2002 definition of genocide. It will also propose a new paradigm for understanding genocide, based on a cross-disciplinary approach to this complex human phenomenon. The course will explore some of the ways that our understanding of human nature after the Shoah has created a blind spot in the prevention of the genocidal storms that continue to move amongst our human family.  Session topics include: the U.N. definition; history and limits; genocide v. genocidal; intention is everything; Milgram and Stanford Prison Redux; Babies R Us; the roots of genocide and the way forward.

Click to Register for Genocide: A Paradigm Shift

Tuesdays, June 1-15, 1:30-2:30pm – $25

Instructor: Rabbi Eric Yanoff, Adath Israel Synagogue
Israeli novelist Yochi Brandes assumes the narrative viewpoint of Rachel, the wife of the mystical, at times radical, Rabbi Akiva, in the period just after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In our sessions with Rabbi Yanoff, we will address: How are history and literature intertwined?; What is truth when faith and political divisions are involved?; How does an ancient story come to life for us in today’s world? While we encourage you to enjoy this fascinating novel, you can participate in the conversation without having read the book.

Click to Register for Jewish Book Club – The Orchard

Wednesdays, June 2-23, 11-12pm – $34

Instructor: Leila Joffe, MFA, American Conservatory Theater
Together we will explore the work of great American Playwrights. We will watch and discuss various video clips, examining some of the masterpieces from Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, August Wilson, and Neil Simon.

Click to Register for Great American Playwrights

Thursdays, June 3-24, 11-12pm – $34

Instructor: : Susan Myers, Graduate of Brandeis University, National
Leader of American Jewish Congress, Founder of JSPAN, Adult Education Lecturer

Join us as our esteemed speaker discusses politics, including current national and international topics in the news.

Click to Register for Political Affairs