Jonathan Samen Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations Discussion Series
What is Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations?
If you enjoy a lively exchange of ideas on today’s hot button topics, the JCC’s acclaimed discussion series is for you.
We bring together distinguished scholars, thought leaders and expert moderators for thought-provoking dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community and beyond. The series is named in honor of Jonathan Samen, z”l (of blessed memory), past chair of the JCC Greater Boston Governing Board, to recognize his legacy of leadership.
All JCC arts and humanities offerings are programs of the Ryna Greenbaum JCC Center for the Arts. As a 501(c)(3), JCC Greater Boston does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office or political parties.
Unlocking the Key to Happiness: It’s Never Too Late!
Wednesday, November 13 | 7–9pm | Temple Beth Shalom, Needham
An Evening with Dr. Robert Waldinger, Author of, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness”
Dr. Robert Waldinger reveals the answers to the question: What makes for a happy and fulfilling life? His TED Talk about the Harvard Study, “What Makes a Good Life,” has been viewed more than 47 million times and is one of the ten most-watched TED talks ever. Join us as Dr. Waldinger shares important lessons on how to build a fulfilling, long life. His talk will be followed by light refreshments and a book signing. Books are available to purchase in advance and on-site. Tickets are $15, $10 for JCC members.
Meet Dr. Waldinger
Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Robert Waldinger
Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
Robert Waldinger is Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and directs the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of adult life ever done. The Study tracked the lives of 724 men for over 85 years and now studies their children to understand how childhood experience reaches across decades to affect health and wellbeing in adulthood. He directs a teaching program in psychotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and he writes about what science can teach us about healthy human development. He is also a Zen master (roshi) and teaches meditation both in the US and internationally. His TED talk on lessons from the longest study of happiness has had over 47 million views and is one of the 10 most viewed TED talks of all time.
Past Events
October 7 One Year Later: The War’s Far Reaching Impact
It has been nearly one year since the attacks on October 7th, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. That day, and the war that ensued, has led to an explosion in antisemitism worldwide and terrible suffering on both sides of the war. Our Hot Buttons Cool Conversations panel of American, Israeli and Palestinian experts will explore the war’s impact in Israel and its political reverberations in this country, including the war’s influence on our looming elections and how the election results could influence the conflict in Israel, Gaza and the rest of the world.
Israel and Gaza: Finding a Way Forward
As we approach six months since the horrendous massacre on October 7, there is no end in sight for the conflict in Gaza. With an incalculable human cost, our Hot Buttons Cool Conversations panel examines if there is another way forward. We look ahead to the time when Israelis, Palestinians and the rest of the world must wrestle with the future Gaza and its relationship with Israel. We examine Israel’s alternative paths and what role the U.S. has to play in managing the crisis.
An Evening with David Brooks
David Brooks is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, a writer for the Atlantic and a regular on the PBS Newshour. He is also the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Second Mountain and The Road to Character. David joins us to discuss his latest book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Seen. He offers a practical, heartfelt guide to the art of truly knowing another person in order to foster deeper connections in every aspect of our lives. Getting to know and understand others is particularly relevant given the current state of our country and the world.
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Help bring hundreds of community members together; distinguished scholars, thought leaders, and expert moderators for thought-provoking dialogue on issues of concern to the Jewish community and beyond.
