Learn about Jewish music, culture

In February, the University of Judaism (UJ) will offer an array of seminars and lectures on such diverse subjects as great Jewish boxers and Latin Jewish culture. UJ is at 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. For additional details on events, call (310) 440-1246.

A seminar on “Latin American Jewish Music” will be presented from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mon., Feb. 6. The fee is $20. Conducting the seminar will be Cantor Marcelo Gindlin, cantor of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue; and Cantor Mariana Gindlin, the cantorial soloist of Temple Sinai in Glendale. Both studied at the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary in Argentina.

Participants will learn about the music history of Jews in Latin America and their impact on the Latin Jewish culture. They will also learn new Latin melodies for Shabbat and other festivities.

“The seminar is for those who would love to fill their souls with music that is uplifting and carries the love and passion of a very special culture,” according to the Gindlins.

From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 15, educator/author Ken Blady will offer a lecture/slide/ video presentation on “The Jewish Boxers’ Hall of Fame.” The fee is $30.

“Boxing was a ticket out of the ghetto, an immigrant’s ‘fighting chance,’ an unfortunate necessity,” said Blady, who added “Jews didn’t box due to blood lust, but because they had to, and they were very good at what they did.”

Between 1900 and 1940 there were 27 Jewish world champions and title claimants, some still considered the greatest of their class: Benny Leonard, Barney Ross, “Slapsie” Maxie Rosenbloom, Abe Attell and Jackie Fields.

Blady’s presentation will take participants through “the fascinating history of the great Jewish pugilists,” from the English bareknuckle champion Daniel Mendoza in the late 18th century to Dana Rosenberg in the 1990s.