South Palm Beach County residents hungry for some Jewish knowledge and inspiration can get their fill with renowned presenters at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s new community-wide education series. After more than 200 packed the house for the first course with "America's Rabbi" Shmuley Boteach, all are invited to indulge à la carte or enjoy both of the next two offerings. The couvert is $36 per person per event, or $18 per high school or college student. All events will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Dessert will follow each program, with dietary laws observed. Physicians are invited to a reception with Dr. Hodes on February 2, immediately before the 7:00 pm event, with a couvert of $18.

Dr. Rick Hodes continues the series on February 2, 2012 at Zinman Hall on the Federation campus west of Boca Raton, at 9901 Donna Klein Blvd.  Dr. Hodes is the American Joint Distribution Center (JDC)Medical Director in Ethiopia, where he oversees medical care for people immigrating to Israel, providing treatment for tens of thousands of people. He has also provided care for victims of famine, war and disease in several countries, and partners with doctors and companies around the world who donate medical services and raise money to save lives. In 2007, Dr. Hodes was selected as "CNN Hero" in the Championing Children category.

Bret Stephens will present at 7:00 pm on March 29 at Woodfield Country Club, 3650 Club Place, Boca Raton. Stephens is the Wall Street Journal's Deputy Editor (international) and the paper's principal columnist on foreign affairs. His "Global View" column, which he began writing in 2006, appears every Tuesday. He is also a regular panelist on the Journal Editorial Report, a weekly political talk show carried nationally by the Fox News Channel. Mr. Stephens previously served as editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, and was responsible for the paper's news and editorial divisions.

 “We’re very excited to offer three distinct programs sure to enlighten, engage and entertain a diverse Jewish audience on a variety of high interest cultural and current issues,” said Jonathan Louis, a Vice Chair of the Series. “These are opportunities to learn more about our Jewish heritage, as well as to further connect or reconnect with our Jewish identity and community.”

“Our three speakers were selected for their renown as presenters, as well as their uniquely Jewish spiritual, humanitarian and political perspectives and areas of expertise,” said Series Vice Chair Jill Rose. “Their topics bring us together and remind us of our shared past, present and future.”

“While most of us recognize the importance of meaningful, substantive Jewish education for our children and teens, Jewish learning is also vital for parents and grandparents,” said Helen Cohan, Chair of the series. "When our young people see us enjoying this kind of learning, we continue the process.  We hope lots of families will take advantage of this opportunity and bring their teens and young adult children."

The Community-Wide Education Series is generously sponsored by Gateway Insurance.

For additional information or to RSVP, contact 561-852-6058 or debraf@bocafed.org, or visit www.jewishboca.org/educationseries.

REMAINING SCHEDULE AND SPEAKER BIOS:

Dr. Rick Hodes
Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Zinman Hall (Jewish Federation of SPBC) | 9901 Donna Klein Blvd, Boca Raton

Dr. Rick Hodes is JDC's Medical Director in Ethiopia, where he oversees medical care for people immigrating to Israel, providing treatment for tens of thousands of people. He has also provided medical care for victims of famine, war and disease in several countries, and partners with doctors and companies around the world who donate medical services and raise money to save lives. In 2007, Dr. Hodes was selected as "CNN Hero" in the Championing Children category.

Bret Stephens
Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 7:00 PM
Woodfield Country Club | 3650 Club Place, Boca Raton

Bret Stephens is the Wall Street Journal's Deputy Editor (international) and the paper's principal columnist on foreign affairs. His "Global View" column, which he began writing in 2006, appears every Tuesday. He is also a regular panelist on the Journal Editorial Report, a weekly political talk show carried nationally by the Fox News Channel. Mr. Stephens previously served as editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, and was responsible for the paper's news and editorial divisions.