Jan 12 Monday
The often-told story of the Hebrew language is that it was “brought back from the dead” in the late 19th century, in conjunction with the rise of Zionism. But with very few (if any) other examples of successful language revival around the world, it is worth re-examining whether that is indeed what happened to Hebrew: was it really dead in the Middle Ages? What did it take to “revive” it? And what makes its history so unique?
In this lecture, we’ll examine those provocative questions from a scientific perspective, while challenging ideological tenets often held by both Jewish and non-Jewish commentators. We will explore how the knowledge gained from modern speech-and-language sciences can help us understand the controversial history of the Jews and of their holy language.
The lecture presupposes no knowledge of linguistics or Hebrew.
This lecture takes place virtually via Zoom.
The Fifty and Better (FAB) program was designed for people ages 50 and older, seeking intellectual stimulation through university-level courses — without the pressure of grades — for the sake of learning and social engagement.
Jan 13 Tuesday
This virtual visit will explore various artifacts from our collection. This collections-based guided visual presentation will chronologically explore the Japanese American experience from the 1860s through the post-war era. with an emphasis on the WWII incarceration experience. Led by JANM volunteer docents and facilitators, history comes alive and participants of all ages are encouraged to build personal and human connections, think critically and engage in lifelong learning.
The mission of the Japanese American National Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.
This tour/talk takes place virtually via Zoom.
Jan 14 Wednesday
The year 2025 marked the 50 year anniversary of the establishment of the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. This lecture will be a "visit" to the museum that looks at the history of the institution, focusing on the personal collection of Norton Simon, and discuss the highlights of the collection.
This lecture can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom.
Jan 20 Tuesday
With Katie Deutschman
Perfect for expanding your grant writing skills, this intermediate workshop dives into the art of proposal writing by exploring the planning phases and each component of a winning proposal. This hands-on workshop will give you the opportunity to learn about how proposals relate to strategic and program planning, grant writing terminology and the basic components of a proposal. You will apply your new knowledge right away as you develop a draft proposal.
Come prepared to write! Please bring copies of your organization’s mission statement, project descriptions, and background materials. Please also bring paper and pen/pencil or a laptop.
Note: This workshop is designed for individuals who have had at least some experience writing and submitting grant proposals. Please register here: https://www.callutheran.edu/centers/nonprofit/workshops/event/2026-01-20-intermediate-proposal-writing-three-module-series
Part I: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Part II: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Part III: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Using clips from David Merrick productions, such as 42nd Street, Gypsy, Subways are for Sleeping, Oliver, Hello Dolly and many more, we will view and discuss the life of Broadway’s most renowned producer, David Merrick. HIs childhood was agonizing, and yet he rose to became the “King of Broadway” only to fall and become a pitiful figure in later years. Viewed as both a genius and tyrannical villain, his presence is still felt on Broadway today.
Jan 21 Wednesday
On September 3, 2025, in a show of unity against the West, China hosted a celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II. Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping for this solemn and symbolic occasion. Two days earlier, the leaders of China, Russia, and India met in Tianjin China as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The changing global order reflected by these meetings sent an unequivocal message to Western leaders and America in particular: China is a global superpower and, along with its allies North Korea and India, is in lock-step with Russia against the Western effort to isolate Putin over his invasion of Ukraine. How did the United States and more broadly, its Western allies arrive at what by all accounts is a decisive and, as some would argue, dangerous moment in foreign affairs? Do these developments reflect what some scholars and public policy specialists are calling “a new Cold War?” This course will take a closer look at these recent events and what they might signify for the future of American foreign relations. It will offer suggestions about how to make sense of a new and rapidly evolving world order.
This course can be attended either in-person at the Thousand Oaks campus or virtually via Zoom.
Jan 26 Monday
Those who rank the most influential speeches of all time consistently place “I Have a Dream” as one of the most powerful orations of history. But what else did Martin Luther King, Jr. say? As an icon of the civil rights movement, he spoke in public almost constantly. Which of these other speeches really characterize his worldview and his movement? What kind of impact did these speeches have? In this two-part lecture, we’ll go beyond “I Have a Dream” to really examine both Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speaking style and his principles that he discussed in his speeches––ultimately coming to understand what made him such a powerful orator.
Jan 27 Tuesday
This mini-lecture series provides an overview of some of the great ancient civilizations of Central Mexico from the earliest cities in the 2nd millennium BCE through first contact with the Spanish invaders (ca. 1502 CE).
The Olmecs, Teotihuacan, and the Aztecs have fascinated public and scholarly audiences the world over. In this two-part lecture, we will explore the rise of these civilizations and address several false claims attributed to the beliefs of the peoples of Ancient Mexico that are entrenched in the popular perception of these civilizations.
The Ancient Mesoamericans developed intricate calendrical, architectural, and ideological systems. This two-part lecture seeks to present the true nature of these ancient civilizations as they are understood from the archaeological record, ancient texts, and Colonial-era documents.
Jan 28 Wednesday
Jan 30 Friday
Nonprofit bylaws are not only necessary under the California Nonprofit Law, but also essential to obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status. Aside from the legal and tax requirements, bylaws serve as an important roadmap to guide board governance, operations and decision-making. However, just mention the need to revisit or revise this important document, and most nonprofit board and staff members will shudder! Join us for this engaging discussion with Roy Schneider, Esq. and Jessica Villar, Esq., who will address bylaw basics, required provisions, and the process of taking on bylaw changes, then explore best practice approaches for streamline your governance practices.
Topics will include:
Why Bylaws Matter!What is required by California law?Key components of effective bylaws -- what should (and shouldn’t) be in the bylawsThe difference between bylaws and policiesBest practices for revising, amending and/or restating your organization’s bylaws, whether you are a membership or non-membership organizationResources and checklists to help you navigate this process
Attendees are encouraged to bring a copy of their current bylaws and submit confidential questions for Roy to address during the workshop session.
