The Main Line

Mondays October 4 – November 8, 10-11 AM – $53

Each week we bring you an exceptional variety of topics and speakers. Our line-up of guests includes (in order of appearance): Jerry Silverman, certified member of the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides and founding member of the Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia’s Jewish Quarter 1850-1950; Nikki Johnson-Huston, Tax Attorney, From Homeless to Lawyer to Ms. Universe; Nan Feyler, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, The Work of the Innocence Project; Buntzie Churchill, Past President of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Churchill and the Jews; Jim Murphy, writer and certified Philadelphia tour guide, The Amazing Success of William Penn; Jonna McDougal, Teacher and Scholar, Natural Enemies? Demystifying the Conflict between Science and Religion.

Click to Register for the Speakers Forum

Mondays October 4 – November 8, 11:15-12:15 PM – $53

Instructor: Irv Slifkin, Writer and Professor of Journalism at Temple University

This series features six documentaries that take a look at the diverse ways Jewish culture has influenced people and the world around them. All of these films are surprising, filled with revelations that entertain, reveal, and are thought-provoking. Movies presented are: Herb Alpert Is…; Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Got to Be Me; Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg; Famous Nathan; The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg; My Architect: A Son’s Journey.

Click to Register for Great Jewish Documentaries

Tuesdays October 5 – November 9, 10-11 AM – $53

Instructor: Yingru Zhao, Instructor at the Center for Chinese Language and Instruction at Temple University

China is a super modern, global society that has deep roots. Through a series of sessions, we will discover how its cultural heritage shapes its contemporary global cities by looking at different aspects of today’s society. Topics covered include an exploration of unique metropolises and Chinese cultural heritage under the glow of Chinese language and philosophy; fusion cuisine of Chinese food and its correlation with northeast Asian and international recipes; traditional Chinese festivals, folk cultures, and innovative celebrations of modern festivals that influence the daily life of contemporary Chinese people.

Click to Register for Eyes on China

Tuesdays October 12 – November 9, 11:15-12:15 PM – $45

Instructor: Leila Joffe, MFA, American Conservatory Theater, Member AFTRA, Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity

In this course, we will explore great actresses that have left a lasting legacy. Meryl Streep, Judy Dench, Katherine Hepburn, Maggie Smith, and Audrey Hepburn brought their own unique talents and light to the silver screen. Through clips and lectures, we will learn about their greatest films and their lives.

Click to Register for Legendary Actresses of the Stage and Screen

Wednesdays October 6 – November 3, 11:15-12:15 PM – $45

Instructor: Jaan Troltenier, Art Historian and Former Latin Instructor

Immerse yourself in another age as costumed history interpreter Jaan Troltenier enacts three denizens of the past through story, songs, accents, and images. Come meet: Elizabeth Walker, a loyal subject of Her Majesty’s Grace, Elizabeth I; Berthe Morisot, Impressionist painter; Rosie Ginzburg, a Jewish immigrant to America from Eastern Europe. One of these three actually existed, the other two are fictional, but all three will delight and educate you with their stories and pictures. Each is brought to life through extensive research. Most classes include period music and singing, and your participation is encouraged.

Click to Register for History Face to Face

Wednesdays October 6 – November 10, 11:15-12:15 PM – $53

Instructor: Herb Kaufman, Adjunct Professor, Manor College, Editorial Staff, The Civil War News

This course will describe how the Jewish communities in the North and the South reacted to the Civil war. When the war began, Jews in both the North and the South rushed to support their beliefs, and Jewish soldiers served with gallantry in both Union and Confederate armies. It will also bring to light President Lincoln’s relationship with the Jewish community, including a discussion of how religious leaders expressed their views of the war.

Click to Register for A People at War: Being Jewish in America during the Civil War

Thursdays October 7 – November 11, 10-11 AM – $53

Instructor: Dr. Emilie S. Passow, Retired Professor of English Literature and Medical Humanities

Paradigms of human relationships, human vulnerabilities, as well as capacities for transcendence, biblical figures endlessly fascinate. This course examines the images of family relationships apparent in Biblical narrative. Like contemporary relationships, some are motivated by love and devotion, while others are generated by power, jealousy or self-interest. What do these patterns suggest about Biblical perceptions of human nature? Of family obligations and gender roles? Of covenantal relationships that prepare us for a relationship with God? What do they offer to the contemporary reader? Source material includes the Biblical text, as well as classical and contemporary commentaries.

Click to Register for It’s All in the Family: Family Ties in Biblical Narrative

Our next book club meeting is on October 28, 3 PM.  Join us for our discussion of the book ‘Red at the Bone’, by Jaqueline Woodson.

Register for the Book Club  Here!

Thursdays October 7 – November 4, 11:15-12:15 PM – $45

Instructors: Adam DePaul, Tribal Council Member of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania; Dr. Matt Kerbel, Department of Political Science at Villanova University; Dr. Vance Kincade, Adjunct Instructor at Rowan University; Ira Cooperman, Political Analyst; Steve Cohen, Current Events Facilitator, Retired Public Affairs Director. Join us as our esteemed speakers discuss political current national and international topics in the news.

Click to Register for Political Affairs