Author Avivah Zornberg

Acclaimed author Avivah Zornberg will present the annual Jacob and Anna Blauner Memorial Lecture on "Songline Through the Wilderness: The Exodus," at Columbia's recently-opened Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, Rennert Hall, 606 West 115th Street, between Broadway and Riverside Drive, Wed., March 21, at 8 p.m.

Zornberg is a charismatic speaker and the author of the just-published The Particulars of Rapture : Reflections on Exodus (Doubleday); her lectures are extraordinary blends of classical literature and biblical insights, and appeal to all. The daughter of the head of the Rabbinic Court of Glasgow, Zornberg is a scholar of English literature and a master teacher who has a strong following in Israel and around the world.

The event is open to the Columbia community and friends, and will include a reception and tour of the Center at 7 p.m. It is sponsored by Friends of Columbia and Barnard Hillel.

On Sun., March 25, two Torah scrolls will be completed and dedicated in honor of the University's Jewish Chaplain, Rabbi Charles H. Sheer. The event will also take place at the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, at 1 p.m.

One of the scrolls to be dedicated is a restored Eastern European Torah and is the result of a fundraising project among students and alumni led by alumnus Jacob Kupietzky (CC'98, SIPA '00), who was active in the Jewish Student Union during his time at Columbia.

The second scroll is a gift of Sidney J. Silberman (CC'42, Law '47). A scribe will complete the remaining letters of the handwritten scrolls, and Hebrew songs, dancing and light refreshments will be featured.

For more information or to RSVP to either event, please call 854-5111 or email JCL@columbia.edu.