Temple Habonim adult education kicks off

Two upcoming programs launch a full year of adult education at Temple Habonim in Barrington. On Oct. 19, Professor Lyle Goldstein will lead a program on the current tensions in U.S. relations with Russia and China, “Cold War Revisited? Coping with New Challenges from Russia and China.”

The current strains in U.S.-Russian relations concern the fate of the Ukraine.  Meanwhile, China’s rapid economic rise makes it very likely that its economy will surpass that of the U.S. in aggregate size in the very near future. Goldstein, a temple member, will address the capabilities and intentions of both Moscow and Beijing, the potential for conflict or compromise, and the related implications for world order and the future of American national security.

Goldstein is an associate professor in the China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College, and was its founding director.  He was recently awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal.  He is also a visiting fellow at the Watson Institute of International Studies at Brown University.  His recent research has focused on various quandaries in U.S.-China relations and the imperative to enhance maritime cooperation.

On Oct. 23, Dr. Stephen Kaplan will teach the “story behind the story” of Columbus’ two voyages of discovery in “Jewish Perspectives on the Voyages of Discovery.”

Kaplan, a researcher of Jewish history, will focus the discussion on Columbus’ connections with the great Jewish minds of the time and their contributions to other voyages of discovery. These events and accomplishments not only changed all of human history, but the history of the Jewish people and their survival to this day.

Kaplan is a past president of Temple Habonim.  For the past 25 years he has researched Jewish history and thought as his avocation.

Both programs are free and open to the community. They take place at 7 p.m. at 165 New Meadow Road, Barrington. For more information: www.templehabonim.org or call 401-245-6536.