Morris Bart, Sr. Lecture Series at the J

Morris Bart, Sr. Lecture Series at the J

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new, monthly lecture series at the Uptown JCC which has been made possible through a generous donation from Morris Bart. The Morris Bart, Sr. Lecture Series at the J will feature local experts in the fields of history, architecture, religion, politics, food, music, theater and so much more. Each one-hour lecture will be preceded by a catered kosher lunch. There will be no charge for this event.  However, an RSVP is appreciated to Rachel Ruth at 504.897.0143 or rachel@nojcc.org.

Second Monday of the Month*
11:45 AM - 1:30 PM<
Uptown JCC

MARCH 10:  Brian Horowitz, Tulane University

“Odessa and the Culture of Eastern Europe”

In his talk Brian Horowitz examines the city of Odessa on the Black Sea (near Sochi—the city of the Winter Olympic Games). It was the home of the most innovative Jewish center in modern times. How can Horowitz make this claim? Come and hear why.

APRIL 7:  Tania Tetlow, Tulane University

“Domestic Violence in New Orleans”

As we tackle the murder problem in our city, we need to focus on its hidden root.  Children who grow up watching their own mothers being beaten when nobody cares become far more likely to become violent themselves.  Learn how the city of New Orleans tries, and often fails, to stem the epidemic of violence against women, and learn why this matters so much to you.

May 12:  Morton Katz, Herman, Herman & Katz

“Wine Tasting”

Learn the basics of wine. How to select wine at a restaurant, tasting techniques, types of wines, characteristics of wine and when a wine is ready to drink. You will enjoy small tastings of various types of wine.

JUNE 2:  Kelly Fouchi and Gary Rucker, Rivertown Theater

“The Rivertown Theater”

New directors of the theater, Kelly Fouchi and Gary Rucker, will discuss the new season, how they have rejuvenated the theater and the challenges of keeping the theater running.

JULY 14:  Jacqueline Bishop, artist

"Memory and Materials: Exploring Landscape Issues Through Painting and Installation"

Jacqueline Bishop will discuss her work inspired by 30 years of travel, both with scientists and alone, through the three Americas and Asia, with a particular focus upon the Brazilian Amazon, India and Louisiana.

 AUGUST 11:  Bruce Spizer

“Beatlemania”

Bruce Spizer’s audio/visual presentation is titled “The Beatles Are Coming! The Birth of Beatlemania in America.” Bruce will tell the convoluted story of how Beatlemania evolved in America over 50 years ago with multiple images, music and interviews. Along the way you will learn why Capitol Records turned down the Beatles four times and how Beatlemania in America was jumpstarted by Walter Cronkite, a 15-year-old girl from Maryland and a DJ from Washington, DC.

SEPTEMBER 8:  Bruce Waltzer, Waltzer, Wiygul & Garside

“The Civil Rights Movement”

During the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s many Jewish lawyers from all over the United States came to the South and volunteered their services. Bruce Waltzer will discuss local Clergy who supported the Civil Rights movement during that time and his involvement in the Civil Rights movement in New Orleans and Mississippi. 

NOVEMBER 10:  Dr. Amy Lessen, Dillard University 

“People and ecosystems on the coast: Life in a changing environment”

The majority of the global human population resides near a coast, on only 10% of the land surface of the Earth. Human societies and natural ecosystems are intertwined in myriad ways, and these relationships are particularly rich and intense in coastal settings.  Using New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana as case studies, as well as other coastal population centers, we will discuss these fascinating dynamics, and the distinctive challenges -- the impacts of climate and environmental change -- currently affecting coastal populations and ecosystems.  We will also explore the possible futures of coastal communities, cultures, and ecosystems, as well as the options we have and the choices we are being forced to make as our world -- and our coasts -- change around us.

DECEMBER 8:  Joel Dinerstein, Tulane University

“American Cool”

The concept of cool is the most influential contribution American culture has made to global aesthetics and style in the past century. We will explore this concept through two questions. First, what do we mean when we say someone is cool?  Second, what does it reflect about a given historical era when a generation claims a certain figure as cool?  Drawing on images from the Smithsonian's American Cool exhibit and his forthcoming cultural history of cool, Joel Dinerstein will discuss the history of the word and concept from its origins in jazz culture to the present.