Jonathan D. Greenburg
Teacher of Middle East and American History, Chatham High School, Chatham
Afghanistan Remembered
Whereas most reporting covering Afghanistan has focused on the events since September 11 – or, at the earliest, since the Soviet occupation of the 1980s– the presenter shares his unique insights into life in Afghanistan as it was prior to those years. Having served as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote village three hours southwest of Kandahar, Greenburg has a fascinating portrayal to reveal of a country very different from that which we encounter today.
Gary Saretzky
Archivist, Monmouth County Archives
The Family of Man
The Family of Man, a photo exhibit that opened in January 1955 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and then traveled around the world, was seen by an estimated 9 million people. After more than fifty years, the catalog is still in print. This lecture explores the origins, goals, and results of the exhibit, with a focus on its creator, Edward Steichen.
Christopher Taylor, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion and Director, Middle East Studies Program, Drew University
Understanding Islam
With over 1.25 billion followers worldwide, Islam is today the world’s second largest and fastest growing religion. Estimates of the number of American Muslims now range between 2.3 and over 6 million, making Islam an increasingly important presence on the landscape of American religious life. Nevertheless, many Americans still feel that they know very little, and understand even less, about Islam. This broad introduction will outline the major tenets of Islamic faith, discuss the ritual practices of Islam, explore aspects of Islamic spirituality, and explain the rich diversity defining this great religious tradition.
