One Day University: A Morning of Jewish History and Culture in NYC

Jewish Broadway: From Shtetl to Sondheim
Stephen Whitfield/Brandeis University

The Jewish dominance of American popular music lasted about half a century, from roughly the First World War until roughly the Vietnam War. During that period, Jewish immigrants and their progeny played a decisive role in the shaping of musical taste and in helping to enable a disparate population to cohere around a harmonious culture.
From Tin Pan Alley, these songwriters established the Broadway musical and then extended it to the Hollywood musical, installing standards that managed to be immensely popular as well as sublime. The distinctive contribution of Jews to the nation’s culture heritage merits serious analysis as well as retrospective appreciation.

The Psychology of Religion: How God Changes Your Brain
Andrew Newberg/Thomas Jefferson University

Based on new evidence culled from brain-scan studies, Professor Newberg has concluded that active and positive spiritual belief changes the human brain. What’s more, actual faith isn’t always necessary: even atheists who meditate on positive imagery can also experience these changes.
In this course, students will learn about breakthrough discoveries in religion and your brain. Not only do prayer and spiritual practice reduce stress and anxiety, but just 12 minutes of meditation per day may slow down the aging process. Contemplating a loving God rather than a punitive God reduces anxiety, depression, and stress, and increases feelings of security, compassion, and love. Fundamentalism, in and of itself, is benign and can be personally beneficial, but the anger and prejudice generated by extreme beliefs can permanently damage your brain. Intense prayer and meditation permanently change numerous structures and functions in the brain, altering your values and the way you perceive reality. Professor Newberg will also explain the best ways to “exercise” your brain and guide you through specific routines derived from a wide variety of Eastern and Western spiritual practices that improve personal awareness and empathy.

What Makes a Great Jewish Leader? From Moses to Modern Israel
Lawrence Hajioff/Yeshiva University

What makes a great Jewish leader? Jewish history is full of men and women who have made an incredible impact on the world. From Abraham and Sarah, to Moses and Esther, from Menachem Begin to Golda Meir and right up to the present day.
Join Professor Hajioff as he explores some of the common characteristics we see displayed among the greatest Jewish leaders of world history. He will be investigating seven principles that have become synonymous with Jewish leaders. By looking at the leadership styles of biblical characters, Jewish kings, political leaders and others, Rabbi Hajioff will demonstrate a pattern of leadership that has influenced the world and history in a positive way.

The Schafler Forum
7 West 83rd St.
New York, NY 10024
Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Tickets $149.

Special offer for Thought Gallery readers: use the code THOUGHT for a 30% discount.