INSIDER VIEW: Gil Alexander-Moegerle, former board member...
INSIDER VIEW: Gil Alexander-Moegerle, former board member of James Dobson’s Focus on the Family, will offer an insider’s view of the organization at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Congregational Church of Chatsworth, 20400 Lassen St. His book, “Moral Combat,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Dobson’s group, is due out early this year. The talk is hosted by Americans United for Separation of Church and State, San Fernando Valley chapter. Admission is free. (818) 998-5414.
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JEWS AND CHRISTIANS: An examination of Judaism and Christianity, focusing on how Jews and Christians view each other, will be offered in a six-part class beginning Thursday at Adat Ari El in North Hollywood. “Through Jewish and Christian Eyes” will be taught by Rabbi Marv Labinger from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the synagogue located at 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Cost is $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers. (818) 766-9426.
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LECTURE SERIES: A talk about “Intermarriage: Alarming Challenge to a Jewish Tomorrow . . . and an Opportunity” by New Jersey Rabbi Alan Silverstein will kick off the University of Judaism’s department of continuing education 1997 Public Lecture Series on Thursday. Other lectures in the series are radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger speaking on “How Could You Do That?!: The Abdication of Character, Courage and Conscience” on Feb. 13; Jack Miles, director of the Humanities Center at Claremont Graduate School discussing “Does God Exist?” on March 20; and Ori Z. Soltes, director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznik National Jewish Museum addressing “The Search for Spirituality in Our Times: Why the Need to Talk to God?” on April 17. All lectures will begin at 8:15 p.m. at the university located at 15600 Mulholland Drive, in Sepulveda Pass. Cost is $36 for the series or $10 for one event. Tickets: (310) 476-9777, Ext. 246.
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LEARNING TO PRAY: Holy Spirit Retreat will offer a program titled “Introduction to Meditation and Quiet Prayer” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 11. The gathering is for those who are seeking guidance in regard to contemplative traditions. The $35 cost includes lunch. The center is located at 4316 Lanai Road, Encino. Registration: (818) 784-4515.
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TALK ON IMMIGRATION: “Contemporary Immigration” will be the topic discussed by UCLA sociology professor Roger Waldinger as part of an adult education lecture series hosted by Temple Beth Haverim in Agoura Hills. The lecture is planned from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 12, preceded by a morning minyan service and kosher bagel brunch beginning at 9:30 a.m. The synagogue is located at 5126 Clareton Drive, Suite 140. A $5 donation is requested per person. (818) 991-7111.
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WRITING SACRED MUSIC: Guidance in creating music for Jewish religious services and an understanding of the Jewish musical heritage will be offered in an upcoming continuing education class at the University of Judaism. Michael Isaacson, music director of the Israel Pops--whose sacred music has been recorded and performed by the Israel Philharmonic, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Munich Philharmonic--will teach the advanced course in writing sacred music. The 10-week class will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Jan. 15 at the university located at 15600 Mulholland Drive, in Sepulveda Pass. Cost is $158 for composers and $85 for observers. Registration: (310) 476-9777, Ext. 246.
News and announcements for this column can be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.