Community Corner

JCC Hosts Fourth Annual University Lecture Series

The series will be held at the JCC on March 7,11 and 19 from 7:30p.m. to 9p.m.


The following information was provided by the JCC of Central Jersey.

The fourth annual University Lecture Series at the JCC is back on March 7, 11 and 19. All sessions are from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the JCC, 1391 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains. 

The JCC’s lecture series is intended as a vehicle for intellectual conversation and stimulating debate about topics of Jewish content and/or relevance.  This year’s series is presented in partnership with The University of Pennsylvania, New York University and Princeton University.

“We have a great line-up this year,” said Larry Pargot, program chair.  “We certainly hope that people come out to hear these dynamic speakers.”

The first lecture, on Thursday, March 7, is “Figuring Out Jewish Culture from a Chinese Perspective” with Dr. Lihong Song, visiting professor at The University of Pennsylvania.  Discussion will center on the establishment of communities, the creation of Jewish schools, hospitals and Jewish agencies to help in adjustment as Jews immigrated to China from 1845-1945 for business development or for a safe haven.

On Monday, March 11, Dr. Fred A. Lazin will return to the University Lecture Series to discuss how the American and Israeli elections have affected Israel and prospects for peace.  Lazin, who is currently a visiting scholar at the Taub Center for Israel Studies at NYU, is back by popular demand before returning to Israel.

The final lecture on Tuesday, March 19 is “How the Great Society Transformed American Politics” presented by Dr. Julian Zelizer of Princeton University.  He will discuss how government programs such as social security, Medicare and Medicaid, have become a divisive force during the past few election cycles, especially the most recent. 

This event is open to the community.  Tickets are $14 per session or $37 for the entire series for JCC members, seniors 65+ and students.  Tickets are $16 per session or $43 for the entire series for community participants.

University Lecture Series sponsorships are available.  For more information or to register, contact Simone Klein at x214 orsklein@jccnj.org.   Online registration is available at www.jccnj.org.

The JCC of Central New Jersey is located at 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains. The JCC of Central New Jersey is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, United Way of Greater Union County and the Westfield United Fund. Financial assistance is available for membership and various programs.


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