Chapter Events
Online Chapter Events
The Online Chapter of BNC is both its own chapter and an extension of the inclusive virtual community created by active chapters and members from all over the world. Online events are open to all BNC members.
Building Brandeis: How a Jewish-American Movement Helped Create a World-Class University
September 15, 2025
2-3 pm Eastern, on Zoom
The post-war Jewish American community that helped establish Brandeis University was part of a unique social movement and a compelling piece of American history. Who were the individuals and families that made it possible? Eitan Marks '24, special assistant to the president of Brandeis University, presents an engaging narrative that will reaffirm your pride in Brandeis.
About the speaker
As special assistant to the president of Brandeis University, Eitan Marks supports institutional innovation, strategy, and the President's executive administration of the university. He is a 2024 graduate of Brandeis with a bachelor's degree in Judaic studies and Hebrew language. His senior thesis, "Building Brandeis," was advised by Professor Emeritus Jonathan Sarna.
The Man Behind Hava Nagila
November 3, 2025
2-3 pm Eastern, on Zoom
Everyone knows it. Everyone has sung it. Everyone has danced to it … but do you know who wrote it? Abraham Zvi Idelsohn was one of the great musicologists in our Jewish history. His great-niece Denise Wolpert, a BNC South Miami-Dade member and president of the chapter, will trace his life from his roots in Feliksburg, Russia to his burial in South Africa, offering insight into his personal life and familial ties. The presentation will be accompanied by Alan Mason on piano.
About the speakers
Denise Wolpert is president of the South Miami/Dade chapter of BNC.
Dr. Alan Mason, the musical director at Bet Shira Congregation in Pinecrest, Florida, retired from Barry University in Florida as an associate professor of music in 2014. He is one of the nation's most noted accompanists to cantors and sacred Jewish music concerts, conferences, conventions, and events.
Study Groups
Law Study Group
Meets on the third Tuesday of every month, 4-5:30 pm ET / 1-2:30 pm PT
This study group is for attorneys and retired (or semi-retired) judges. Come together with fellow lawyers for exhilarating conversation that will help strengthen your memory into retirement.
For attorneys who miss the intense, intellectual stimulation of discussing issues of legal significance, this is a unique opportunity to participate in diverse conversation with attorneys from around the country.
The group is open to men and women. Potential topics include recent U. S. Supreme Court decisions, appellate cases, pending litigation of significance to the country, as well as non-constitutional issues, including legal-political cross-over issues. There’s no end to topics of contemporary and historic importance to discuss and debate. The group is led by BNC member Paul Fisher, a retired mediator/arbitrator/attorney.
The $25 registration fee is a donation to the BNC Professorship in Engineering Science.
Questions? Please email facilitator Paul Fisher at poluxe2015@gmail.com
register for the law study group
National Current Events Group
Meets on the second Tuesday of every month, 4-5:30 pm ET / 1-2:30 pm PT
Members of the Brandeis National Committee are invited to join a monthly current events study group hosted by the Conejo Valley/ San Fernando Valley Chapter. Share your opinion and hear a diversity of opinions from BNC members around the country.
Topics are proposed and voted on by members a week before each meeting. Group protocols support stimulating discussion without interruptions. Everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. The group is led by BNC member Paul Fisher, a retired mediator/arbitrator/attorney.
The $25 registration fee is a donation to the BNC Professorship in Engineering Science.
Questions? Please email facilitator Paul Fisher at poluxe2015@gmail.com
register for the current events group
Previous Online Chapter Events
Bringing Ben Home: A Murder, A Conviction, and the Fight to Redeem American Justice | Author Barbara Bradley Hagerty | March 2025