[Archived from March 6, 2009]
[by Phyllis Shaikun]
For the past 11 years, the Goldstein/Leibson Scholar-in-Residence program, begun by Nicole and David Goldstein and Phyllis and David Leibson, has brought noted speakers to Louisville’s Jewish community. This year, Joel M. Hoffman, Ph.D., who left an indelible impression following his scholar appearance in 2007, is returning to town for yet another set of lectures on March 14, 15 and 16 at the Jewish Community Center and at Congregation Adath Jeshurun.
Dr. Hoffman is a much sought after speaker who lectures around the world on both popular and scholarly topics spanning history, Hebrew, prayer and Jewish continuity. His 2007 lectures are remembered for being both enlightening and entertaining.
On Saturday, March 14, 9:15 a.m., Dr. Hoffman will deliver the D’var Torah at Adath Jeshurun’s Shabbat Services on the topic: Golden Calves, Red Cows and Other Ways We Prepare for Passover.
On Sunday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m., his speech at the Center’s Patio Gallery is entitled The Bible Doesn’t Say That.
That evening he will expound on the topic Minyan, Medinat Yisrael and Me, an exploration of what’s really going on in Israel and how Judaism there meshes with Judaism here at Adath Jeshurun’s Minyanaires Dinner following services at 5:45. Reservations are required. Dinner is $18 for minyanaires and $25 for guests. For reservations, call AJ, 458-5359.
The series will conclude on Monday, March 16, when Dr. Hoffman returns to the JCC to discuss “the Dead Sea Scrolls” at 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Hoffman has taught at Brandeis University and the Academy for Jewish Religion, and currently serves on the faculty of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York City. He also consults on day-school and supplemental Hebrew programs and presents at dozens of congregations and community events throughout the year.
The lectures at the JCC are sponsored by the Center with support from the Jewish Community Federation’s Foundation for Planned Giving. Lectures at Adath Jeshurun are sponsored by the Rabbi Simcha Kling Education Fund and the Rabbi Robert B. Slosberg Minyan Fund.
All lectures, with the exception of the Minyanaires Dinner, are free and open to the public. For more information about the series, you may contact JCC Festival Director Marsha Bornstein at 238-2731 or email mbornstein@jccoflouisville.org.
