We are excited to bring to our members and the community-at-large the following distinguished speakers:

Past programs:

Jonathan Kirsch

Adat Chaverim will host Jonathan Kirsch as the fourth speaker in its lecture series on February 11, 2009, 7pm at the AJU.  Kirsch will speak about his latest book, The Grand Inquisitor’s Manual: A History of Terror in the Name of God (HarperOne, San Francisco, 2008).  Kirsch’s timely work provides a popular history of the Inquisition and the ways in which it has served as the chief model for torture in the West.  Kirsch is also a book columnist for the Los Angeles Times, a broadcaster for NPR affiliates KCRW-FM and KPCC-FM in Southern California, an Adjunct Professor on the faculty of New York University, and an attorney specializing in publishing law and intellectual property in Los Angeles.

Dan Ariely

On October 15, 2008, Dan Ariely spoke to us about his critically acclaimed book, Predictably Irrational.  When we make decisions we think we're in control, making rational choices.  But are we?  Entertaining and surprising, Ariely unmasks the subtle but powerful tricks that our minds play on us.  Here's some of the high praise for Predictably Irrational, which was a NY Times bestseller:

“Predictably Irrational is wildly original. It shows why–much more often than we usually care to admit–humans make foolish, and sometimes disastrous, mistakes. Ariely not only gives us a great read; he also makes us much wiser.”  George Akerlof, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2001

“Predictably Irrational is a charmer — filled with clever experiments, engaging ideas, and delightful anecdotes. Dan Ariely is a wise and amusing guide to the foibles, errors, and bloopers of everyday decision-making.”  Daniel Gilbert, Professor of Psychology, Harvard University and author of “Stumbling on Happiness”

“Predictably Irrational is going to be the most influential, talked-about book in years. It is so full of dazzling insights — and so engaging — that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.”  Daniel McFadden, Nobel Laureate in Economics, 2000

Jon Entine

On December 13, 2008, Jon Entine spoke to us about his fascinating book, Abraham's Children: Race, Identity, and the DNA of the Chosen People, which is a historical, anthropological, and genetic look at the Jewish people and their success.  The event was filmed for television.

Rabbi Adam Chalom

Weekend Lecture/Educational Seminar with Rabbi Adam Chalom, Dean of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism.  Rabbi Chalom was ordained by the Institute in 2001 and received his PhD in Near Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan with a concentration on Hebrew and Jewish Cultural Studies.  He taught a seminar entitled The Evolution of Judaism, which is a survey of the history of the Jewish People from tribal times through the establishment of all five branches of Judaism, focusing on Humanistic Judaism.  Participants were able to attend individual lectures or the entire weekend.  January 16-18, 2009 at the American Jewish University.