University College at Fairfield University announces new academic community cultural outreach program | Press Releases

Inaugural Program with Congregation B'nai Israel begins January 2007

University College at announces the creation of the Academic Community Cultural Engagement (ACCE) outreach program with Dr. Philip Eliasoph, Professor of Visual and Performing Arts, as the Academic Liaison and leader of the new initiative. The first offering, co-sponsored by and held at the Congregation B'nai Israel in Bridgeport, is a series of four free Friday-night lectures under the umbrella-title, "In Search of Identity: Jewish Art and Artists." Dr. Eliasoph kicks off the series on Friday, Jan. 19 at 8:15 p.m. with "From Moses to Modigliani: Why are Jews so worried about the Visual Arts?"

The series continues with the following schedule of lectures - all at 8:15 p.m. and all delivered by professors: Feb. 9, "Make 'em Laugh! Classic Jewish Comedy on TV from Caesar to Seinfeld" with Diane Feigenson, adjunct professor of English; March 30, "From Kol Nidre to George Gershwin: The Rhapsody of the Jews in America" with Dr. Orin Grossman, concert pianist, academic vice president and professor of visual and performing arts; April 27, "Between Modern and Postmodern: Jewish Architecture and the Memory of the Holocaust" with Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, associate professor of history.

Prior to each lecture, the Temple will hold its usual Friday night Shabbat services from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., after which a buffet dinner will be served; the lecture follows at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi James Prosnit who is rabbi to the congregation as well as adjunct lecturer in Jewish Studies at , welcomes the public to attend services and/or dinner when taking advantage of the series lectures.

Dr. Edna Wilson, dean of University College, noted that the new ACCE outreach program is designed "to enlighten and challenge the public through thought-provoking analysis and intelligent dialogue on a variety of topics." Dr. Eliasoph added, "The new initiative offers a more integrated approach to the various 'life of the mind' enrichment outreach projects currently available. We are gratified at how popular the Open VISIONS Forum has become in the last 10 years. Now," he continued, "through our association with B'nai Israel, we want to thank our old friends and make some new ones by sharing our academic expertise in this stimulating environment."

University College series such as Open VISIONS Forum have broadened Fairfield University's mission connecting its academic resources with dynamic partnerships, such as the Pequot Library, the Discovery Museum and other community entities. Dr. Wilson concluded by saying, "As University College continues to discover new ways to expand on opportunities for lifelong learning, we look forward to establishing other partnerships with businesses and non-profits."

The lectures will be held in the Sanctuary of Congregation B'nai Israel located at 2710 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. Admission to the series is free. Dinner is $18 adults, $10 children and reservations are encouraged. For dinner reservations, call (203) 336-1858. Parking is available and there is handicapped access.