"We bring historians and artists, educators and activists," continues Karonsky. "The presentations are terrific."

This is the 32nd year of the series. MID also holds "Lunch and Learn" brown bag sessions with community leaders after some of the lectures. And this year, for the first time, MID has added a "Yiddish Club" after some lectures, where anyone interested can bring a dairy brown bag lunch and enjoy an hour of Yiddish conversation.

The series is open to the public and takes place from 10:15 a.m. to 12 noon Thursdays at Temple Beth Sholom, 642 Dolores Ave., San Leandro.

The first lecture features William "Ze'ev" Brinner, professor emeritus of Near Eastern studies at U.C. Berkeley, speaking on "The Annual Review of the Year in Jewish Life."

Registration for the series is $60 for all 25 lectures, or single lectures for $5 which can be paid at the door. For a complete schedule or to register for MID, call the Center for Jewish Living and Learning at (510) 839-2900, ext. 233.