Reading group will explore ‘Jesus and His Jewish Influences’

KINGSTON » The Classics in Religion Reading Program will devote its November and December programs to “Jesus and His Jewish Influences.” with Professor Jodi Magness. The group will meet Wednesdays on Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room of Kingston Library, 55 Franklin St. It will meet at the same time and place Wednesdays on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. A professor, Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An accomplilshed archeologist, she is popularly known for appearing on the National Geographic series “The Story of God,” with Morgan Freeman. On the five Wednesdays of November and the first three in December, the reading group will hear and discuss a series of recorded lectures on Judaism in the time of Jesus and the roots of his actions and teachings within the traditions and beliefs of what is known as the period of “early Judaism” (prior to Rome’s destruction of the Temple from 70 to 130 AD). Bob Cohen, cantor at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley and chair of the Ulster County Religious Council, will lead the series. The group meets for one hour a week. A local religious leader makes selections for reading aloud and discussion. Library resources, inexpensive editions or copies are distributed for participants. No advanced reading is required. The public is invited to any of these sessions and the library is totally accessible.

Contact Ahlstrom by calling (845) 334-8404 or by sending an email to aahlstrom@hvc.rr.com for more information.