University And Synagogue Have Teamed Up For Community Cultural Lecture Series

BRIDGEPORT — University College at Fairfield University announces the creation of the Academic Community Cultural Engagement (ACCE) outreach program with Dr Philip Eliasoph, professor of visual and performing arts, as the academic liaison and leader of the new initiative. The first offering, co-sponsored by and held at the Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, is a series of four free Friday-night lectures under the umbrella title, “In Search of Identity: Jewish Art and Artists.” Dr Eliasoph will kick off the series on Friday, January 19, at 8:15, with “From Moses To Modigliani: Why are Jews so worried about the Visual Arts?”

The series will continue with the following schedule, all delivered by Fairfield University professors: February 9, “Make ‘em Laugh! Classic Jewish Comedy on TV from Caesar to Seinfeld” with Diane Feigenson, adjunct professor of English; March 30, “From Kol Nidre to George Gershwin: The Rhapsody of the Jews in America” with Dr Orin Grossman, concert pianist, academic vice president and professor of visual and performing arts; and April 27, “Between Modern and Postmodern: Jewish Architecture and the Memory of the Holocaust” with Dr Gavriel Rosenfeld, associate professor of history.

All lectures will begin at 8:15 pm. Prior to each lecture, the temple will hold its usual Friday night Shabbat services from 6 to 7 after which a buffet dinner will be served. Lectures will follow at 8:15.

Rabbi James Prosnit, who is a rabbi to the congregation as well as adjunct lecturer in Jewish Studies at Fairfield University, is inviting the public to attend services and/or dinner when taking advantage of the series lectures.

Congregation B’nai Israel is at 2710 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Admission to the series is free. Dinner is $18 adults, $10 children and reservations are encouraged.

For dinner reservations, call 203-336-1858. Parking is available and there is handicapped access.