Esther Grushkin Memorial Lecture Program

Accomplished educator. Hebrew scholar.
Dr. Esther Grushkin was an extraordinary woman with a passion for learning that she shared with students of all ages. It is in keeping with this love of learning that the JCC of Staten Island Dr. Esther Grushkin SAJE Lecture Series is being established in perpetuity by the Grushkin family. The Seminars for Adult Jewish Education (SAJE) Lecture Series will feature guest lecturers focused on issues and topics that resonated with Esther such as philosophy, the Bible, biblical archaeology, Jewish Culture in its many forms and more.
Esther’s classes at the JCC were eagerly anticipated and very well attended. Only the largest space could accommodate all those who wished to enjoy both the depth of her knowledge and her delightful presentation of material. She engaged the novice learner while challenging others to broaden their thinking. Her enthusiasm was infectious even when the subjects were serious. The topics were wide ranging but emphasized her love for biblical archaeology, Jewish literature, language and criticism, and the Hebrew Bible.

This Dr. Esther Grushkin SAJE inaugural event will encompass a lecture Dr. Wendy Zierler, Sigmund Falk Professor, Modern Jewish Literature and Feminist Studies Hebrew Union College — Jewish Institute of Religion. Her presentation will take place on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC Lewis Stolzenberg Social Hall. A VIP cocktail party will allow both the sponsors of the event and VIP ticket holders to meet Dr. Lerner in an informal setting prior to her lecture. All attendees are invited to a dessert reception that concludes the evening.

We invite you to join in supporting this new endeavor. The funds raised by this inaugural event will help to sustain Dr. Esther Grushkin SAJE Lecture Series so that her belief in the importance and value of shared educational opportunities will endure. Please consider becoming a sponsor, include a message in this first journal in her memory and plan to attend the event.

Esther said, “It was a mutual love affair between me as a teacher and my students.” Please help to continue this tradition of adult Jewish learning in her memory.

With appreciation for your support,
Jerry Grushkin,
Chair,
Dr. Esther Grushkin Memorial Lecture Fund