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Medieval diners had to obey many rules, some of which would be familiar to us and others that we would consider very strange. We will learn what it was like at the table 800 years ago. Among other things, diners might have had a knife and a spoon, but they wouldn’t have had a fork. They weren’t yet invented. We’ll learn about that too in this entertaining and informative class.
In-Person Class January 7 10:30–11:45 a.m.
We will continue to watch and discuss segments of a course presented at Harvard University on the Hebrew Bible, essential to both Judaism and Christianity. In these segments, we get down to the nitty-gritty: What specifically does the Bible say about key topics and how do these words get interpreted differently by each religious tradition?
In-Person Class January 14 and 21 10:30–11:45 a.m.
We will take a tour of bridges soaring above our streets and the train systems’ hubs and arteries that take millions beneath our feet daily. Many are impressive feats of engineering and are beautiful! (No need for comfortable walking shoes.)
Online Class January 28 10:30–11:45 a.m.
The Gaza/Israeli War has put international laws of war and courts that hear violations in the spotlight. We will examine the foundation of the Geneva Convention from 1864 onwards, humanitarian laws, and cases in the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This topic is an eye-opener.
In-Person Class January 7, 14, and 21 12:45–2 p.m.
Great things are happening in the world of science today. Read and bring the Tuesday New York Times Science section to class for our informative discussions about the latest breakthroughs.
Online Class January 8–29 10:30–11:30 a.m.
This group will enlist rotating facilitators for discussions of local, national, and international news. Come tell us what you think. Online Class January 8–29 12:30–2 p.m.
Between 1910 and 1970, six million Black Americans migrated northward from a deeply segregated postwar South. We will examine the history and impact of the Great Migration, from the rise of gospel music to the birth of state lotteries and beyond.
Online Class January 9, 16, 23, and 30 10:30–11:45 a.m.
Over two class meetings, we will discuss Rachel Kushner’s 2018 novel The Mars Room, considering the novel as a powerhouse that might direct us to reading—later in 2025—her more recent work, Creation Lake. Prison is the setting for much of The Mars Room, a novel that can make us feel deeply connected, here on the outside, to the jailed narrator.
In-Person Class January 9 and 23 1–2:15 p.m.
Believing context is crucial to understanding Lyndon B. Johnson, Caro describes the history, personal relations, and early experiences that contributed to shaping this complex man. We will read about and discuss the origins of LBJ’s drive, energy and “urge to power.” The first in a series of books, Caro leads us to better understanding of LBJ’s character, illuminating his eventual presidency.
Online Class January 16 and 30 1–2:15 p.m.
As many as half of the people living in Brooklyn experience a dip in their moods during the winter months. Exposure to daylight, even on a cloudy day, helps to restore energy, alertness, and contentment. Join us for this hour-long, outdoor narrated wintertime walk designed to chase away the winter blues. Learn how to maintain a sunny outlook through dark, cold winter days, and discover the trees and plants that enliven the landscape even in the “dead” of winter. The tour goes on in bad weather, but not in a blizzard or otherwise dangerous weather conditions. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
In-Person Class January 24 12:45–2:15 p.m.
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