"Great Is Peace" -- Uncovering the Theme of Peace in Biblical and Rabbinic Literature
Craig Abernethy
Tue Jan 15, 22, 29, 05-06:00pm, 66-148
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
Prereq: A desire for a better world
Ancient texts may speak to us powerfully in wartime. In this activity we will look at selections from Genesis and Psalms, from the Siddur, the synagogue prayerbook, from Mishnah, the earliest compilation of law, lore and commentary by the rabbis on the Bible (ca. 200 C.E.), and from Gemara, further rabbinic commentary on the Mishnah (ca. 500 C.E.), to discover what scriptural authors and the rabbis thought about peace, violence, and our responsibility to the earth and to other people. Everyone is welcome to attend any or all sessions. Not an evangelistic activity.
Web: http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/royt/gadol_hashalom.html
Contact: Craig Abernethy, 66-460, x8-0431
Sponsor: Craig W Abernethy, 66-460, 617 258-0431, forsher@excite.com
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Adidam - the Esoteric Teachings of Avatar Adi Da Samraj
Vera Ketelboeter
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
In a rudimentary introduction to the religion of Adidam we present videos, audio clips, and texts by Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj. We encourage discussion of the material.
Contact: Vera Ketelboeter, x3-1513, vaketelb@ai.mit.edu
Sponsor: Vera A Ketelboeter, NE43-828, 617 253-1513, vaketelb@mit.edu
"Money, Food, and Sex" from The Method of the Siddhas
Vera Ketelboeter
Thu Jan 10, 07:30-09:00pm, Bldg. 1-132
"Eleutherios": The Sixth Stage or "Perfect" Practice in the Way of the Heart.
Vera Ketelboeter
Thu Jan 17, 07:30-09:00pm, Bldg. 1-132
"Mark My Words": Prophesy by Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj (1984)
Vera Ketelboeter
Thu Jan 24, 07:30-09:00pm, Bldg. 1-132
"The Basket of Tolerance": An Anthology of the Great Tradition of Mankind
Vera Ketelboeter
Thu Jan 31, 07:30-09:00pm, Bldg. 1-132
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Biblical Literature's Love Affair with Trees
Rabbi Fred Benjamin
Mon Jan 28, 12-01:00pm, W11-Board Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Whether you are an environmentalist or into literary symbolism, come explore several key examples of how trees are portrayed in the Tanach (Old Testament). Class coincides with Tu Bishvat, Judaism's New Year for the Trees, celebrated this year on January 28. Participants are welcome to bring their lunch.
Contact: Rabbi Fred Benjamin, W11-031, x3-2982, rabbib@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Business Ethics in the Talmud
Charles Fine, Reuvan Cohn
Fri Jan 11, 18, 25, 10-11:30am, E51-361
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Repeating event. Participants welcome at any session
Prereq: none
The Talmud has served as the ethical and legal guide for the Jewish people for close to two millennia. Its thousands of pages contain insights and guidance on numerous issues and dilemmas, many of which do not seem to have become easier to resolve with the passing of centuries or the onslaught of technology. This session will present a sampling of writings from the Talmud, highlighting ethical dilemmas in the day-to-day conduct of business.
Instructor: Reuven Cohn
Contact: Charles Fine, E53-390, x3-3632, charley@mit.edu
Sponsor: Sloan School of Management
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Christian Evidences Seminar Series
Dyanne Phillippe, Darnell Kemp
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
This seminar is a three part series on Christianity, the Bible, and the apologetics. The first seminar (Jan. 10@ 7:30pm) is entitled: "Who is Jesus Really?" The second seminar (Jan. 17 @ 7:30pm) is entitled: "Can the Bible Be Trusted?" The third and final seminar (Jan. 24 @ 7:30pm) is entitled: "Is There a God?"
All are welcome to attend and learn more about Christianity and the Bible.
Contact: Dyanne Phillippe, Burton 441H, (617) 733-2153, dyanne@mit.edu
Sponsor: Christian Student Association
"Who is Jesus Really?"
Chip Mitchell
What evidences are there for Jesus as an historic figure, a great prophet, and a miracle worker? What about the
resurrection? Come find out more about these questions and much more!
Thu Jan 10, 07:30-09:00pm, 1-371
"Can the Bible Be Trusted?"
Dr. Grant Henley
What do today's scholars really think about the reliability of the Bible and its message to us today? Is there a truth in the world and if so, how can it be discovered?
Thu Jan 17, 07:30-09:00pm, 4-153
"Is There a God?"
Dr. Howard Loree
Find out what the scientific evidence really says about the existence of a creator and God. Includes discussion of
intelligent design theory and other topics.
Thu Jan 24, 07:30-09:00pm, 4-153
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Christianity, Race, and Culture
Marisha Youngblood
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Discussion on basic issues having to do with Christianity and Race and Culture. What is the history of the Christian church in different cultures? Is the Bible based around a specific culture? Is Christianity Western-based? These topics and more will be discussed. Speaker will give a talk then take audience questions and comments.
Contact: Marisha Youngblood, Burton 133F, x5-8132, jmyoung@mit.edu
Sponsor: Black Christian Fellowship
What Does Christianity Say About Race and Culture?
Marisha Youngblood
What does the Bible really say about race and culture? Do people need to leave their cultures behind when they become Christians? Does the Bible favor any one culture?
Wed Jan 16, 07:30-09:30pm, 4-163
History of Christianity
Marisha Youngblood
What has been the history of Christianity? Was the church behind instances of violence, conquest, and oppression? What about missionaries, the crusades, American slavery, and colonization? Where did Christianity start and where were the first churches? What impact has the church had on American history?
Wed Jan 23, 07:30-09:30pm, 4-163
Christianity and Culture in the Present and Future
Marisha Youngblood
Why are there so many denominations? What is the state of the church today? Why are many churches racially and culturally separate? What barriers exist? Is there a "Church Culture" that can be distinguished from basic Christian beliefs?
Wed Jan 30, 07:30-09:30pm, 4-163
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Hindu Ethics
Swami Tyagananda, Hindu Chaplain, MIT
Fri Jan 11, 18, 25, 1, 06-08:00pm, MIT Chapel
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
An in-depth study of Niti-sataka of Bhartrihari, an important 15th-century Sanskrit text that deals with ethical and moral values, by Swami Tyagananda, Hindu Chaplain, MIT. Each class will begin with prayer followed by guided meditation, study and informal discussion.
Contact: Cyrus Mehta, (617) 661-2011
Sponsor: Vedanta Society
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If Israel is the "Promised Land," Is Trading Land for Peace an Option?
Rabbi Fred Benjamin
Mon Jan 14, 12-01:00pm, W11-Board Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Examine and discuss readings from prominent Jewish legal authorities on whether or not it is permissible to trade portions of the Biblical land of Israel in return for peace. Participants can bring lunch.
Contact: Rabbi Fred Benjamin, W11-031, x3-2982, rabbib@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Introduction to Islam
Suheil Laher MIT Muslim Chaplain
Mon Jan 7, Wed Jan 9, Fri Jan 11, 10:30am-12:00pm, 3-133
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None
This class will introduce Islam to those who know little or nothing about it. The three sessions will cover basic practices and beliefs, economic, political, and social issues (including women's issues), and a video documentary.
Contact: Suheil Laher, (617) 443-1170, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Islamic Doctrine
Suheil Laher
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Six lectures with Q&A sessions. This series explains what Muslims believe. It is suitable both for non-Muslims who would like to gain insight into the subject, and for Muslims who wish to have a more detailed understanding and/or review. Major topics covered are: Reason in Islam, Sources of Doctrine, Islamic Concept of God and His Attributes, Angels, Revealed Books, Prophets, Resurrection and the Hereafter, Destiny and Free Will.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/activity/m/mitmsa/www/NewSite/doctrine.htm
Contact: Suheil Laher, W11, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
Lecture 1
Suheil Laher
Overview of Islam, The Purpose of Life, Sources of Doctrine, Reason and its Place, Existence of Allah, Belief in Allah
Tue Jan 8, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
Lecture 2
Suheil Laher
Attributes of Allah.
Belief in Qadar ("Destiny")
Thu Jan 10, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
Lecture 3
Suheil Laher
Unseen Worlds: Angels and Jinn
Tue Jan 15, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
Lecture 4
Suheil Laher
Divine Communication: Scripture and Prophets
Thu Jan 17, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
Lecture 5
Suheil Laher
Beyond Death: Human Existence in the Intermediate Realm, between death and the Day of Judgment. Overview of signs before the Day of Judgment, and the end of this world.
Tue Jan 22, 06pm-07:30am, 1-135
Lecture 6
Suheil Laher
The Hereafter: Resurrection, Intercession, Questioning and Accounting, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. Relationship between Faith and Deeds.
Thu Jan 24, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
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Jesus vs. the Roman Empire
Rev. Kevin Ford
Fri Jan 11, 18, 25, 1, 06-07:30pm, 4-237
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None
In 64 AD the most powerful nation on earth--a pluralistic, materialistic, multicultural empire--declared war on a small religious sect. 258 years later it finally defeated this sect by making it the state religion... We will look at the history of the early Christian church, keeping an eye on how it shaped our present and looking for parallels that that might be helpful today.
Web: http://web.mit.edu/mitgcf/www/iap.html
Contact: Rev. Kevin Ford, W11-071, x2-1782, ivcf@mit.edu
Sponsor: Graduate Christian Fellowship
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Jesus, Prophet of Islam
Suheil Laher
Tue Jan 29, 06-07:30pm, 1-135
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
How does Islam view Jesus? What Muslim scriptural texts say about his immaculate birth from the virgin Mary, his speech in the cradle, his miraculous feats in healing the sick and reviving the dead, his return near the end of time, his role as the Messiah, and his eminent rank among God's messengers.
Contact: Suheil Laher, (617) 448-6361, msa_imam@mit.edu
Sponsor: Muslim Chaplaincy
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Kashrut and Modern Technology
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 31, 05:30-06:30pm, W11 Board Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
Explore how the Jewish practice of kosher observance impacts modern food technology. This class explores the interaction between the laws of kashrut and the sciences involved in kosher food production such as courses 5, 6-1, and 7.
Contact: Lisa Katz, x3-2982, lisaka@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Marriage Preparation
Ralph Burgess
Tue Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, 07-09:00pm, 1-134
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants requested to attend all sessions (non-series)
A presentation and discussion of marriage from the vantage point of Biblical teaching. Topics include marriage - its basis and definition; planning for marriage, roles, goals, responsibilities, sex, avoiding problems, eliminating chauvinism and debunking misquoted/misapplied scriptures. Arm yourself to avoid the 50 percent divorce statistic. Valuable also for those not yet seriously considering marriage. Request testimonials.
Contact: Ralph Burgess, NW17-161, x3-8121, ralph@ligo.mit.edu
Sponsor: Graduate Christian Fellowship
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Medical Ethics and Jewish Law
Rabbi Gershon Segal
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
New advances in medical technology pose new ethical dilemmas. Guidance can be found, however, from the Talmud, Maimonides, and Shulchan Aruch. This series will focus on how criteria and principles can be gleaned from these ancient sources to shed light on the complex issues of the day.
Contact: Lisa Katz, x3-2982, lisaka@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
Abortion and Jewish Law
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 10, 05:30-06:30pm, W11 Board Room
Stem Cell Research and Jewish Law
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 17, 05:30-06:30pm, W11 Board Room
Cloning and Jewish Law
Rabbi Gershon Segal
Thu Jan 24, 05:30-06:30pm, W11 Board Room
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Paganism 101 Workshop
Miriam Boon
Sun Jan 13, 02-05:00pm, E51-335
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
A workshop in an informal setting, for beginners who wish to learn about some of the different Pagan paths open to them in the Boston Area, and for non-beginners who would like to hear about other paths they are not familiar with.
Web: http://www.mit.edu/~psg/events.html
Contact: Miriam Boon, Senior House # 151, x5-1636, milara@mit.edu
Sponsor: Pagan Students
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Philosophy of Religions
Thomas Allen, Rev. Robert P. Bucciarelli
Tue Jan 22, Thu Jan 24, 04-05:00pm, E51-390
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
In their recent book, "Thinking Through Philosophy," Chris Horner and Emrys Westacott ask the question "What is philosophy of religion?" to which they reply: "The goal of philosophy of religion is not to preach, or convert, or save, or take over any of the functions of religion. Its goal is, rather, to deepen our understanding of a certain sphere of human existence -namely, religion and particularly religious concepts and beliefs- through philosophical enquiry. It also subjects these concepts and beliefs to rational criticism." This corresponds to the purpose of two sessions on the Philosophy of Religions.
We'll explore whether or not religion is natural to man, and question whether a religion that claims to be absolutely true can still be faithful to true religion. Haven't the claims of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as played out in history fostered intolerance and fanaticism? Hasn't religion in fact done more harm than good?
The two sessions will be led by (Rev.) Robert P. Bucciarelli, Harvard AB; Doctorate in theology, Lateran University, Rome, 1960.
Contact: Paul Gallagher, E40-489, x3-3659, pfgallag@mit.edu
Sponsor: Sloan School of Management
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Reading Augustine's Confessions
Ann Orlando
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: none
in this series, we will read and discuss St. Augustine's "The Confessions". This is the best known of Augustine's works, and covers a wide variety of topics including evil, friendship, and love.
Contact: Ann Orlando, Ashdown 316, (617) 225-9195, aorlando@mit.edu
Sponsor: Tech Catholic Community
Introduction to Each Other and Augustine
Ann Orlando
Thu Jan 10, 12-01:00pm, W11
Discussion of Books 1-5: Augustine's Early Life
Ann Orlando
Thu Jan 17, 12-01:00am, W11
Discussion of Books 6-10: Augustine's Conversion(s)
Ann Orlando
Thu Jan 24, 12-01:00am, W11
Discussion of Books 11-13: Philosophical and Theological Reflections on Time, Memory, and Creation
Ann Orlando
Thu Jan 31, 12-01:00am, W11
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Reform Shabbat Experience
Evan Schultz, Lisa Meserri
Thu Jan 24, 05-06:30pm, Hillel - Bldg W11
Fri Jan 25, 06-08:30pm, Hillel - Bldg W11
Sat Jan 26, 05-05:30pm, Hillel - Bldg W11
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 22-Jan-2002
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Fee: 7.00 for Friday Night Dinner
We welcome you to join us as we celebrate Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, in three distinct parts - a Thursday night of Shabbat preparation and cooking (lots of fun!), a wonderful Friday night filled with prayer, dinner, & singing, and a beautiful Saturday night concluding service. Each night will be filled with friends and learning, joy and spirituality. Join us for as many nights as you wish! (Advance sign-up is required only for Friday night dinner.)
Contact: Evan Schultz, W11-040, x3-2982, jcsc@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Shabbat 101 -- An Evening of Food, Fun, and Socializing
Aaron Strauss, Leah Schmelzer, Jeff Abes
Fri Jan 11, 06-09:30pm, Hillel, W11
No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 09-Jan-2002
Single session event
Fee: 8.00 for Food costs
Experience a Shabbat evening with Hillel's Conservative Chavurah. Start with a "beginner" worship service followed by a delicious dinner and fun program. Prepay by Wed, Jan 9 to Karen Ross.
Contact: Karen Ross, W-11, 253-2982, ksross@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Taste of Torah: Introducing the Book of Exodus in the Jewish Bible
Rabbi Fred Benjamin
Wed Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, 12-01:00pm, Hillel, W11
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Read in English from the biblical book of Exodus, using commentaries to view each week's portion with a critical eye, examining issues of law and living. No previous background necessary. Each session stands on its own. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.
Contact: Karen Ross, W11, x3-2982, ksross@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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The Peace Law and Other Essays by Avatar Adi Da Samraj
Vera Ketelboeter
Wed Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, 07:30-09:00pm, Bldg. 1-134
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: None
In four sessions we will present readings on peace, cooperation, community, and the restoration of the sacred from Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj, the Western born Spiritual Adept.
Selected readings from:
- The Peace Law: An Open Letter to the Global Human Family
- "Radical" Politics for Ordinary Men and Women
- The Healing Power of Cooperative Human Community
- On Liberation From Ego and Egoic Society, or, Cooperation + Tolerance = Peace
Contact: Vera Ketelboeter, x3-1513, vaketelb@ai.mit.edu
Sponsor: Vera A Ketelboeter, NE43-828, 617 253-1513, vaketelb@mit.edu
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Three Lectures on Science, Religion, and Society
Brian Aull
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
1. What Does Physics Tell Us About God?
2. Evolution, Complexity, and God
3. The Brain Sciences and God
Locations, dates, and times to be announced
Web: http://web.mit.edu/mitba/www/
Contact: Brian Aull, LIN LI-127C, Lin-4676, aull@ll.mit.edu
Sponsor: MIT Bahai Association
What Does Physics Tell Us About God?
Owen Gingerich Professor of Astrophysics, Harvard
Thu Jan 17, 07-09:00pm, Wong Auditorium, E51
Evolution, Complexity, and God
Yaneer Bar-Yam Director, New England Institute for Complex Systems
Thu Jan 24, 07-09:00pm, Wong Auditorium, E51
The Brain Sciences, Mystic Experience, and God
Rick Cai Department of Psychology, Harvard
Thu Jan 31, 07-09:00pm, 35-225
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Tu Bishvat Seder
Evan Schultz, Amir Rasowsky, Jenny Lichter
Sun Jan 27, 06-07:00pm, W11-Small Dining Rm.
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
As springtime approaches, Jews join together to celebrate the New Year of the Trees. We welcome you to celebrate with us as we eat exotic fruits and drink exotic juices, sit on elegant rugs, and learn about Judaism's connections to nature!
Contact: Evan Schultz, W11-040, x3-2982, jcsc@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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Walk a Labyrinth
Amy McCreath
Mon Jan 14, 03-06:00pm, W11.007, bring $2 for T ride
Enrollment limited: advance sign up required (see contact below)
Signup by: 11-Jan-2002
Limited to 15 participants.
Single session event
Prereq: an open mind
Labyrinths are tools for meditation, insight, prayer, and stress relief which appear in many civilizations. We will talk briefly about their history, then travel by subway to walk an indoor labyrinth near Park St. Station. Open to people of all or no faiths, philosophies, or mindsets.
Contact: Amy McCreath, W11.007, x3-2983, mccreath@mit.edu
Sponsor: Amy McCreath, mccreath@mit.edu
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What Is Self Defense: A Biblical and Jewish Perspective
Rabbi Fred Benjamin
Mon Jan 7, 12-01:00pm, W11-Board Room
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event
What does Judaism say about the ethics of self-defense and use of military force? We will explore examples from the Bible and Jewish Rabbinic texts (in English) on these topics. Feel free to bring lunch.
Contact: Rabbi Fred Benjamin, W11-031, x3-2982, rabbib@mit.edu
Sponsor: Hillel
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