Michelle Brode: How Being a Fierce Advocate for Young People Has Led Me to Work with Adults

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Michelle Brode: How Being a Fierce Advocate for Young People Has Led Me to Work with Adults

November 15, 2023

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Michelle will discuss issues young people are facing today- some of which are new challenges, some of which are long-standing challenges. Her work includes advocacy at the Jewish Day School, URJ Camp Kalsman (Jewish overnight camp in Arlington, WA), with Mental Health First Aid, and as a parent coach. Michelle invites us to evaluate trends in how adults can support young people in their lives and will share some resources.

Laura Gilman: “What Is To Be Done?: Student Activism, Critical Theory, and the 1960s West German Stu

September 18, 2024

In her discussion, Bet Alef member Laura Gillman will examine the critical theory of Theodor Adorno, a leading figure of the Frankfurt School, renowned theorist of modern society, fascism and Western Left thought, and professor. Laura's intention is to shed light on the purpose and role(s) of the university in our own historical moment, as well as on activism’s potential for both strengthening and eroding democratic society. If you have not already registered to receive the Zoom link, you may do so here: https://betalef.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=547261f8e3af26cbe942071d9&id=0b79b7cf19&e=679d2e0ba2. For more information on how to get involved with our Speakers Forum committee, or to suggest future speakers (self-nominations also invited), contact https://betalef.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=547261f8e3af26cbe942071d9&id=cc9feb8d1b&e=679d2e0ba2.

Peter Herford: Size Matters

February 14, 2024

A trip into China which you have not seen unless you traveled there recently or lived there. A China beyond the headlines. The concept of SIZE is key to understanding China and its one-party system that bears little resemblance to what we think of as Communism. I will explore the history, culture, and politics of China in the post 1949 era when the modern one-party state came into being. Welcome aboard. Like China's transportation system, it is high-speed travel.

Paolina Libes: ""The wound is the opening that lets the light in."

January 17, 2024

Paula will tell us about her lifelong struggle with bi-polar disorder, the curse which contains within it the blessing. Paula’s strong connection to the Divine gave her the strength and support to avoid the fear and paranoia which typically accompany bi-polar, formerly referred to as “manic depression.” Sharing the struggle with Bet Alef, “coming out” as a person with this much-stigmatized mental challenge, is one more step in Paula’s amazing journey.