SPICE

 Trump 2.0 

Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17 and Monday, September 29

10:30 AM - 12 PM

Barry Rascovar has been an influential voice on Maryland politics for four decades with the Baltimore Sun. Today, Barry teaches courses on presidential elections and foreign policy at various local life-long learning programs. Barry is the author of "The Great Game of Maryland Politics" and "Marylanders of the Century," and holds honorary degrees from both Stevenson and Towson Universities.

Donald Trump's 2nd term has been a blue of hyper-activity designed to erase Obama-Biden era liberalism and replace it with a permanent conservative ideology that re-defines American democracy. Is it working?

Register for Trump 2.0

The Jews of Tin Pan Alley

Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3

10:30 AM - 12 PM

You might know Seth Kibel as the funky clarinet player at HSOSC's High Holy Days services. He is one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier woodwind specialists, working with some of the best bands in the klazmer, jazz, swing, and more. Wowing audiences on clarinet, saxophone, and flute, Seth has made a name for himself in the Baltimore/Washington region and beyond. He is the featured performer with The Kleztet, Bay Jazz Project, Music Pilgrim Trio, The Natty Beaux, and more. Winner of 28 Washington Area Music Awards (Wammies), including "Best World Music Instrumentalist" (2003-2011) and Best Jazz Instrumentalist" (2005, 2007-2008, 2011-2014). His most recent recording, "When You're Smiling," was released in 2018 on the Azalea City Recrodings record label. His song, "New Waltz," was the Grand Prize winner of the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest (MASC), sponsored by the Songwriters Association of Washington (SAW). When he's not performing, Seth frequently lectures on a variety of topics in music history for numerous institutions, including SPICE and the Osher Life-long Learning programs at Johns Hopkins and Towson Universities.

An exploration of the lives and music of celebrated Jewish songwriters, whose achievements would come to dominate that body of work known as the “Great American Songbook.” We’ll discuss the lives, careers, and music of such luminaries as the Brothers Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, and more. Classic recordings, rare video clips, and “live” performances from the instructor will make this program as exciting as the music itself.

Register for the Jews of Tin Pan Alley

Israeli Poetry

Thursdays, November 6, 13, 20, and Monday, November 24

10:30 AM - 12 PM

Taught by Rabbi Ofer Sabath Beit-Halachmi. For centuries, the Hebrew language accompanied the Jewish People through dramatic historical changes. But the use of Modern Hebrew as a spoken language became one of the earliest frontiers of the greatest Jewish renaissance ever— Zionism. Zionism put battalions of poets and writers in the role of heroes armored with pens and words to lead a resurrecting nation. 

At the same time, they kept their artistic freedom and sharp responses to the events of their time.

In this mini-course, we will read (in translation) inspiring examples of Hebrew poetry from the beginnings of Zionism to the poetic responses after the October 7 massacre. We will look at the poets’ artistic themes, style, and even the music that was written for some of it.

Register for Israeli Poetry

Israeli Literature

Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, and Monday, December 22

10:30 AM - 12 PM

More specific class details coming soon!