Brandeis University professor to give lectures

Jonathan Sarna, Ph.D., professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, will be "Scholar in Residence" from Fri., Jan. 31 to Sun., Feb. 2 at Temple Etz Chaim, 1080 Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

He served for six years as chair of the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University, and has authored numerous books on the historical perspectives of Judaism and American history.

Sarna obtained his doctorate degree from Yale University.

The community is invited to attend and participate in all of the weekend activities. Sarna will discuss "The Emergence of American Judaism" at the 8:15 p.m. Shabbat services on Fri., Jan. 31.

At 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 1 during Shabbat services he will discuss "Union and Disunion in American Jewish Life During the Civil War Era." At 7:30 p.m. there will be a wine/cheese and dessert event; the cost is $5 per person.

Sarna will discuss "American Jews from 1654 to 2004: An Interview with Jonathan Sarna or Everything You Wanted to Know, But Didn’t Know Who to Ask About American Jewry."

At a brunch at 10:30 a.m. Sun., Feb. 2, Sarna’s topic will be "George Washington’s Letter to Newport, Rhode Island Jews: Its Meaning Then and Now." There is a $5 donation for the TEC Men’s Club breakfast.

For further information, please call the Temple office at (805) 497-6891.