Summer 2020 @ OASIS Abq

Great Courses of Jewish Interest

Abq Jew is pleased to inform you that

OASIS Albuquerque has just announced

their Summer 2020 line-up of classes!

Registration opens on
Tuesday May 19

but you can Wish List your selections now.

OASIS Albuquerque Executive Director Kathleen Raskob and her staff continue (as always) to bring you new and interesting class offerings, and continues to make sure there are plenty of courses of Jewish interest.

Because of the uncertainty of our current circumstances, please note that class dates,
locations, and other details are subject to change. Please visit the Oasis website
or call the Oasis office (505) 884-4529 for up-to-date information.

This session's courses and instructors include, but are by no means limited to:

How to Criticize Properly: A Jewish Perspective
Wednesday 17 June 2020 - #105

Instructor: Dov Gartenberg

What It Is: Have you ever felt the need to criticize a loved one, friend, or associate? Has it gone well or has it bombed? The rabbis, the sages of Jewish tradition, grappled with the issue of proper criticism based on their reading of Leviticus 19:17. We take a journey through Jewish literature and beyond on the ethics of personal criticism.

Franklin D Roosevelt &
US Involvement in World War II

Thursdays 9 & 16 July 2020 - #70

Instructor:  Noel Pugach

What It Is: Noel Pugach reviews Franklin Delano Roosevelt's actions prior to Pearl Harbor and during World War II. Did he deceive the American public in maneuvering to enter the war? How well did he lead the war effort? What were the consequences of his actions and policies? In this two-part class, we analyze and evaluate these and other relevant questions.

Pius XII & the Holocaust:
A New Look at "Hitler's Pope" 1933-1945

Wednesday 12 August 2020 - #107
@ Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Instructor: Christopher Zugger

What It Is:Cardinal Pacelli was elected Pope in 1939, shortly before World War II began, and was hailed as a friend of the Jewish people. Today, he is either reviled as a failure, or lauded as an unknown rescuer. Using recent research, Christopher Zugger dives into what we now know of the 1933 Concordat with Germany, Pius XII's actions towards Jews and involvement with anti-Nazis, the silence of the Holy See, and both post-war accolades and accusations.

The Binding of Isaac: A Test of Faith or ?

Thursday 13 August - #108

Instructor: Shlomo Karni

What It Is: The binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19) raises some of the most difficult issues in the Old Testament. Among them are the issue of human free will, blind faith in God, and the double dilemma of obeying God by doing evil, or disobeying God by doing good. Learn about three possible interpretations of the same event from different points of view.

The Swastika in New Mexico History

Tuesday 25 August 2020 - #143

Instructor:  Richard Melzer

What It Is: Identified with Adolf Hitler's evil Nazi regime in Germany, the swastika is among the most hated symbols in the world. But long before it became such a terrible symbol, the swastika represented the opposite: a force for good in countless cultures, including several Native American cultures of the Southwest. Learn about the use of this symbol in not only New Mexico's native culture, but also in everything from tourism, commerce, clubs, military organizations, and even the New Mexico State University's yearbook for 75 years.

Regular OASIS Albuquerque instructor (and award-winning composer and recording artist) Jane Ellen also continues (as always) to bring you new and interesting class offerings, and continues to make sure there are plenty of courses of musical and Jewish interest.

Jane's courses this session include, but are by no means limited to:

Remembering Mel Tormé

Monday 1 June 2020 - #81

What It Is: Jazz vocalist Mel Tormé (1925-99) had the distinction of being a child prodigy who made his first public appearance at the age of four. He was a jazz composer and arranger; a professional drummer; a talented multi-instrumentalist; an actor in radio, film, and television; and the author of five books. Along the way he also managed to sing a song or two as well as compose 250 songs, including "The Christmas Song" with its reference to holiday chestnuts.

Hello, Jerry!
The Musical World of Jerry Herman

Friday 5 June 2020 - #82

What It Is: "When they passed out talent," legendary actress Carol Channing once said, "Jerry stood in line twice." Composer and lyricist Jerry Herman (1931-2019) is responsible for some of Broadway's most enduring hits: Mame, La Cage aux Folles, and Hello, Dolly! His works belong to the Golden Age of Broadway musicals and can often be construed as overly optimistic; however, each one carries a timeless message of humanity's ability to triumph over despair, hatred, and prejudice.

Fabulously Funny 50s:
Jack Benny, George Burns, & Friends

Friday 26 June 2020 - #34

What It Is: In the 1950s, when television was still in its infancy, audiences could find a treasure trove of small screen situation comedies or sitcoms, which often doubled as variety shows, beamed into their homes on a weekly basis. Whether you're a fan of Jack Benny and the long-suffering Rochester, or enjoy trying to help George outguess Gracie, or can't wait for the further adventures of the Kramdens and the Nortons on The Honeymooners, this class is for you.

My Son, the Folk Singer: Allan Sherman

Monday 17 August 2020 - #93

What It Is: Allan Sherman (1924-73) is probably best known for his hit "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh" but he began his career as a television actor and producer long before essaying a comedy career with the parody "A Satchel and a Seck" based on a tune from Guys and Dolls. His mainstream success lasted only a few years in the early 1960s, after which he tried his hand at everything from Broadway musicals to voicing The Cat in the Hat.

OASIS Albuquerque also offers regular Friday Performances - musical, dance, theater, and storytelling - all by local artists. They're listed among the schedule of classes.

This session's Jewish performances include but are by no means limited to:

The Bobcats

Friday 5 June 2020 - #94

What It Is: Come listen to some classic and contemporary jazz, swing, blues, and bossa nova. Start tapping your toes to the music and songs made famous by Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Rodgers and Hart, Frank Sinatra, and more. The Bobcats are winners of the New Mexico Music Award for best jazz CD, Music For The Sole, in 2019.