Great Courses of Jewish Interest
Abq Jew is pleased to inform you that
OASIS Albuquerque has just announced
their Spring 2019 line-up of classes!
Registration opens on
Thursday January 3
OASIS Albuquerque Executive Director Kathleen Raskob continues (as always) to bring you new and interesting class offerings, and continues to make sure there are
plenty of courses of Jewish interest.Thursday January 3
This session's courses and instructors include but are by no means limited to:
A Passion for Truth Telling
Wednesday 30 January 2019 @ 1:00 pm - #115
Instructor: Paul Citrin
What It Is: In an era when facts are debunked as lies and lies are promoted as truth, we should review and consider the value of truth-telling. Paul Citrin examines the way Judaism has presented the pursuit of truth from the biblical period, through the rabbinic and medieval periods, into contemporary times. Through study and discussion, our goal is to connect to a bedrock value on which society depends.
Friday 15 February 2019 @ 10:30 am - #69
Instructor: Michael Nutkiewicz
What It Is: The French Revolution set out to establish a constitutional democracy for all inhabitants of France. Yet the authors of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen asked whether Jews should be included as free citizens. Napoleon submitted 12 questions to Jewish leaders to judge whether Jews were "ready" to enter the modern world. Examine the process of Jewish emancipation in the wake of the French Revolution and contrast the French and American political traditions about freedom of conscience and religion.
Pinyin Minyan: The Jews of China, Then & Now
Friday 22 February 2019 @ 10:30 am - #116
Instructor: Jack Shlachter
What It Is: Jews have an interesting history in China, dating back to the Silk Road. Rabbi Jack Shlachter has made seven trips to Beijing since 2014, serving as the High Holiday rabbi for the progressive expatriate Jewish community there. This talk includes photos and memorabilia from these recent trips, as well as an overview of the historical Jewish communities in Kaifeng, Shanghai, and Harbin.
Animals in the Bible
Tuesday 26 February 2019 @ 1:00 pm - #117
Instructor: Shlomo Karni
What It Is: According to the Bible, animals, birds, and creeping things have accompanied mankind since creation. We review the various ways in which the animal world is presented in both the Old Testament and New Testament -- in real-life situations, in fables, in proverbs, in visions, and in symbols. Who was the first zoologist? Ornithologist? Ichthyologist? Where did the medical profession get its symbol? Why does the Bible prohibit yoking together an ox with an ass? When will the lion, like the ox, eat straw?
On the Roads of Sefarad
Wednesday 27 March 2019 @ 10:30 am - #122
Instructor: Jordan Gendra-Molina
What It Is: Explore the deep heritage left by the Spanish Jewish community over more than 500 years of existence. See how this community adapts to the always changing political circumstances and how they emerge with their own creative solutions in areas such as language, literature, thought, science, and more.
Regular OASIS Albuquerque instructor (and award-winning composer and recording artist) Jane Ellen also continues (as always) to bring you new and interesting class offerings, and continues to make sure there are plenty of courses of musical and Jewish interest.
Jane's courses this session include but are by no means limited to:
Clown Prince of Denmark: Pianist Victor Borge
Monday 21 January 2109 @ 10:30 am - #87
What It Is: Børge Rosenbaum (1909-2000), better known to millions as Victor Borge, was a Danish American comedian, conductor, and pianist who achieved lasting popularity through his unique blend of music, comedy, and satire. Often referred to as "The Clown Prince of Denmark," Borge could be found slipping on (and off) the piano bench in radio, television, and live performances. He escaped the Nazi occupation in 1940, and travelled to the US which essentially became his home.
Mr. Wonderful: Sammy Davis Jr.
Monday 11 February 2019 @ 10:30 am - #91
What It Is: Samuel George Davis Jr. (1924-90) began his vaudeville career at age three with his father, Sammy Davis Sr. and the Will Mastin Trio. After returning from a stint in the military, he found lasting success as a singer, dancer, actor, comedian, and impressionist. In 1954, he lost his left eye in a car accident, and several years later decided to convert to Judaism, finding commonalities between the oppression experienced by African-American and Jewish communities.
Dream a Little Dream of Me: Mama Cass Elliot
Monday 04 March 2019 @ 10:30 am - #94
What It Is: Ellen Naomi Cohen (1941-74) is perhaps best known as Mama Cass, a member of the Mamas & the Papas. She began her career as a musical comedy actress; after the group broke up, she performed as a solo act, releasing a series of albums. Her tragic death at the age of 32 cut short what might have been a stellar career. In 1998 she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
How African Americans Invented American Music
Part 2: Plantation to Concert Hall
Thursday 21 March 2019 @ 1:00 pm - #96
What It Is: The focus of this series is the contribution of African American composers, musicians, and entertainers to the tapestry of American Music. An infinite diversity of musical styles, ranging from blues to jazz to rock and roll to house (EDM, or electronic dance music), would not exist were it not for the phenomenal talents of African Americans. Part 2 (of three parts) examines music after Emancipation, as spirituals move to the concert hall and the foundations of jazz are laid. You do not need to have taken Part 1 to enjoy this class.
Thursday 11 April 2019 @ 1:00 pm - #99
What It Is: Benjamin David Goodman (1909-86), rose to fame as an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader known as Benny Goodman, or the King of Swing. His band's 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert is legendary, and Goodman was responsible for commissioning many classical works for the clarinet repertoire.