JCCU Fall Term 2024

JCCU Fall Term 2024 In Person

Top professors and experts present on a diverse array of topics. Rekindle previous passions, ignite new interests, meet new people, and stay involved in the developments that shape today’s world. 

Fall Term 2024

September 26

Morning

Can You Actually Say That? Free Speech and the Presidential Election

Professor Jason Schulman joins us to discuss free speech in America, specifically, how it relates to the current presidential campaign. We hear political speech on cable news, newspapers, social media, podcasts, and even viral memes. We’ll unravel how these diverse channels challenge the concept of free speech during election season.

Afternoon

Costco? Yes, Costco

With advanced degrees from elite institutions, married couple, David and Susan Schwartz went on a whirlwind tour of Costco warehouses around the globe and wrote their book The Joy of Costco. What did they find? Better yet, given they live in one of NYC’s smallest apartments, what did they come back with? Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s favorite retailers. *

October 10

Morning

Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld

In the early 1900s New York City was a vortex of vice and corruption. On the Lower East Side, Eastern European Jews formed a web of crime syndicates. But when a murder attracted global attention, a coterie of affluent German-Jewish uptowners took matters into their own hands. Taking the fight against crime to the heart of the city, they waged war on the sin threatening their community. Author of The Incorruptibles, Dan Slater tells this story. *

This talk will be moderated by Professor Thorin Tritter

Afternoon

The History of American Song

The immensely talented Gary Negbaur presents a musical and educational event, playing American classics while sharing insights into their history and significance. Genres include Jazz, Blues, Country, Folk, Broadway and Rock-and Roll. Gary is an accomplished musician, composer and educator. Let’s tap our toes and add some light to the day.

October 31

Morning

The Supreme Court in Crisis: What Can be Done?  

Once a revered institution, the Supreme Court is tainted.  Several Justices were found to have failed to report large gifts and for political displays that undercut the Court’s claim to impartiality. Precedents establishing basic freedoms, and ensuring that no one is above the law, have been overturned. Jess Velona will review how we got here and discuss reforms like expanding the Court, term limits, and a binding ethics code.

Afternoon

Humans of Judaism

Meet Nikki Schreiber, creator of the wildly popular Humans of Judaism Instagram account. She’ll share her new book, a collection of short stories and compelling visuals of well-known Jews like Elie Wiesel, Fran Drescher and Larry David as well as lesser known but equally impressive ones like her Aunt Irka or Sam Salz, the orthodox Texas A&M wide receiver. It will be an afternoon of pride and community. *

3 Thursdays $100 Memeber/$120 Public 1 Thursday $38 Member/$45 Public

10:30am Coffee and Conversation
10:45am-12pm Morning Presentation
12-12:45pm Lunch (buy or bring your own)
12:45-2pm Afternoon Presentation

First 10 participants to register for the full JCC U series will receive Dan Slater’s book, The Incorruptibles: A True Story of Kingpins, Crime Busters, and the Birth of the American Underworld

Special Event!

Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with More of the Great Women of Musical Theater

With his BIG personality, theater journalist Eddie Shapiro will talk about his interviews with luminaries like Barbara Cook, Faith Prince, Kelly O’Hara and Jessie Mueller. It’s a fly-on the-wall opportunity for fans to savor, students to study, and even the unindoctrinated to understand the life of the performing artist. *

Thursday, 11/14, 11:30am  $20 Member/$25 Public

*Co-sponsored with the James H Grossmann Memorial Jewish Book Month Endowment Fund

**Sponsored in part by the Berit and Martin Bernstein Open Forum Endowment Fund