We understand that finding time for learning can be challenging, so we've created this series for you. Instructors choose a subject they’re passionate about and willingly share their time to make this program meaningful.
Offered online via Zoom, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to grab a cup of coffee, relax, and engage in enriching and enjoyable interactions that nourish both the mind and spirit. We hope to see you there!
$60 Gershon Lewental - October 20 through December 1, 2026
Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30pm
For nearly half a century, Iran has rarely been out of the headlines. From revolution and hostage crises to nuclear negotiations, regional wars, and mass protests, the Islamic Republic has repeatedly shaped—and unsettled—the politics of the Middle East and beyond. Yet constant visibility has not necessarily produced clarity. Beneath the headlines lies a complex political system, a dynamic and often divided society, and a strategic vision that continues to influence both regional and global geopolitics. This course invites participants to move beyond the daily news cycle and examine the structures, ideas, and struggles that make Iran such a persistent and consequential actor on the world stage. The course begins with the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the creation of the Islamic Republic, examining how its unique political system—combining republican institutions with clerical oversight—continues to shape domestic and foreign policy. We will trace the evolution of US–Iran relations from the hostage crisis to sanctions, diplomacy, and renewed confrontation, as well as Iran’s regional relations: its rivalries with Israel and Saudi Arabia, its influence in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and its broader political and military strategies. Domestically, we will analyze major waves of protest, from the 2009 Green Movement to the 2022 ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ uprising and more recent unrest around the start of 2026. What do these movements reveal about generational change, economic pressures, the limits of state authority, and the future of the Islamic Republic? The course aims to situate breaking news (and it anticipates further developments this year) within deeper historical and ideological contexts, enabling participants to understand not only what is happening in Iran, but why it matters.
*Class will NOT meet on November 10
$60 Pooja Shrivastava - November 4 through 25, 2026
Wednesdays from 9 - 10:30 am
What does it truly mean to live a happy and emotionally balanced life? Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and timeless wisdom traditions, this engaging and interactive course explores the science and practice of inner well-being. Designed especially for lifelong learners, this session offers practical, research-informed tools to cultivate calm, resilience, and gratitude in everyday life. Rather than focusing on abstract theory, the course invites participants into a reflective and experiential journey. Together, we will explore how happiness evolves across life stages and how small daily practices can significantly influence emotional health. Participants will learn how thoughts, breath, attention, and perspective shape our inner experience and overall sense of well-being. The session includes gentle guided reflections, simple breath awareness practices, and meaningful conversations that encourage connection and self-discovery. We will also explore how gratitude, presence, and purpose contribute to lasting fulfillment and emotional stability. No prior background in psychology or meditation is required. This course is designed to be accessible, uplifting, and practical, offering tools that can be applied immediately in daily life. Participants will leave with simple, evidence-informed strategies to support inner calm, deeper joy, and greater resilience in an ever-changing world. This session emphasizes shared learning, curiosity, and reflection, creating a warm and engaging environment where participants can explore happiness not as a destination, but as a way of being.
