IJIU Minicourse in Jewish Studies Continues Sept. 16 & 23

Old Dominion University's Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding, in partnership with the Simon Family Jewish Community Center, presents "ODU Learning Series: Back to College for Jewish Knowledge," four sessions of college-level workshops taught by ODU professors.

The free workshops will be held at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach. Remaining topics include:

Tuesday, Sept. 16 - 7 p.m.: "The Jews of Rome: A Look at Western Europe's Oldest Jewish Community"

Kathy Pearson, associate professor of history, will examine selected periods in the complex history of Rome's important Jewish community, beginning with the arrival of the city's first Jews in second century B.C.E., the world of Rome's medieval Jews, their eventual enclosure in the Renaissance Ghetto, the opening of the ghetto in the late 19th century and their remarkable story of community survival during the last years of World War II.

Tuesday, Sept. 23 - 7 p.m.: "On the Hunger of Jewish Writers"

Michael Blumenthal, Mina Hohenberg Darden Chair in Creative Writing, will discuss the psychological "hunger" that is often the province of Jewish writers, and will read an accompanying section from his novel and memoir.

To register for the workshops, call the JCC front desk at 321-2338, or call Kelly Duggins at 683-3931 for more information.