Join this examination of the relationships that developed between Rembrandt and the Jews of Amsterdam including the myths that have encircled the Jewish community’s prominence in his paintings. We will look closely at the Biblical paintings while investigating Rembrandt’s use of his Sephardic and Ashkenazic neighbors as models, as he articulates the passages of the Hebrew Bible into the art - focusing upon the rich integration of the Jewish and Christian religions with the visual arts. Christine Maasdam holds a Master in Humanities and a B.A. in Cultural Geography. Her art studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in D.C. and Post Graduate studies in Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. Christine is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate from Trident Manor on Protection of Cultural Venues. Christine received Sotheby’s certification on Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective. She has spent over a decade as a LACMA docent and is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel. Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older. All are welcome to this one-time lecture.