The Book of Genesis deals with multiple family and national struggles, touching on the most fundamental questions of human beings. While these stories are sacred to different religious traditions, we will approach them without affirming any of them, so each participant can find relevance in the text, regardless of his/her beliefs. During this series, we will study some of the main stories of the "Book of Genesis," like the creation of the world and the universal flood. We will try to understand what messages the text is aiming to convey. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

LECTURES:

1. The Creation of the World: What can we learn from the Biblical text? What do other Biblical texts say about the Creation?

2. The Universal Flood: Was it necessary? Why did it happen, according to the text? What does it teach about human nature?

3. One Adam and Two Eves: The fascinating story of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the idea of two different Eves that we can find in ancient non/Biblical texts.

4). Cain and Abel: Brotherhood, jealousy, conflict, and some surprising elements of this captivating story.

Since before the United States was officially formed, the Jewish community has significantly contributed to its development and governing principles. Many of the Founding Fathers were well-versed in Jewish history and law. This program will examine how early American governments and presidents established connections with individual Jews and the Jewish community. It will highlight how George Washington set the standard for U.S. presidents' relations with Jews through his actions and words, including his "To Bigotry No Sanction" letter to the Touro Synagogue. The program will also explore the uneven relationships between Washington's successors and Jews, challenges with various laws, early Jewish immigration, and debates over slavery within the Jewish community.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Israel-China relations have steadily prospered. Beijing's support of the PLO faded, and China became a significant investor in Israeli startups and infrastructure. This growing relationship led to the 2017 "Innovative Comprehensive Partnership," making China one of Israel's largest trading partners. However, this relationship has come under stress due to China's criticism of Israel and reluctance to condemn Hamas, which it claims defends the two-state solution. Following Hamas' attack on Israel, China asserted that Israel's actions in Gaza went "beyond self-defense" and demanded an end to "group punishment" on Palestinians, still refusing to condemn Hamas. Israeli officials believe China's stance stems from the U.S.-China rivalry and Beijing's aim to undermine Washington's power. China's involvement in the Middle East could impact Israel's position by empowering Iran and its proxies. In this lecture, Dr. Rabil will examine Israel-China relations, considering the Ukraine War and the U.S.-China (and Russia) rivalry, and explore the implications of China's stance on Israel's national security.

"Incomparable! Always a delightful learning experience."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Born in 1963, Whitney Houston grew up with music in her family. Dionne Warwick was her aunt, and Aretha Franklin, a close family friend. In the 1980s, Whitney’s star rapidly rose to great fame. Songs like  “I Will Always Love You,“ “The Greatest Love of All,” and  “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” became classics. Her debut album was the best-selling female debut album of all time, while her second album was number one for 25 weeks. Her marriage in 1992 to  “bad boy” Bobby Brown, with whom she had her only child, Bobbi Kristina, was tumultuous from the start. During this time, Whitney’s drug use became not only apparent, but it also started to destroy her voice and career. After a failed comeback attempt, she died face down in a bathtub in 2012 from a cocaine overdose at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. She was only 48 years old. Versteeg will tell Whitney’s story, supported by numerous pictures and videos, explaining how her songs impacted the music industry, how her groundbreaking career influenced artists who came after her, and how her ultimate downfall was played out in the public eye.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

The powerful new artificial intelligence algorithms can provide entertainment, information, and even healthcare advice but also invite cyber attacks and accelerate confirmation bias. They can create images on demand and compose poetry. But they can hallucinate, citing briefs for cases that were never tried. DeepMind can predict protein structure, and Med-PaLM can pass the U.S. medical licensure exam. Deep fakes will play a major role during this election cycle. Reality itself is in danger when a candidate appears to speak words she would never say. We will review some of the most useful and interesting applications and identify the browsing risks to avoid. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Excellent presentation. Really "good stuff"!"- OLLI Patron

Despite family tragedies, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë became literary legends. Raised in 19th century Haworth, Yorkshire, they emerged from this village as groundbreaking writers. The Brontës will be introduced through portraits, photographs, and illustrations of significant locations and artifacts from their histories. We’ll explore their friendships, loves, and rivalries, gaining insights into the larger-than-life characters, intricate plots, and evocative settings they created. This interactive experience will uncover their famous works and place them in historical context.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992, Israel-China relations have steadily prospered. Beijing's support of the PLO faded, and China became a significant investor in Israeli startups and infrastructure. This growing relationship led to the 2017 "Innovative Comprehensive Partnership," making China one of Israel's largest trading partners. However, this relationship has come under stress due to China's criticism of Israel and reluctance to condemn Hamas, which it claims defends the two-state solution. Following Hamas' attack on Israel, China asserted that Israel's actions in Gaza went "beyond self-defense" and demanded an end to "group punishment" on Palestinians, still refusing to condemn Hamas. Israeli officials believe China's stance stems from the U.S.-China rivalry and Beijing's aim to undermine Washington's power. China's involvement in the Middle East could impact Israel's position by empowering Iran and its proxies. In this lecture, Dr. Rabil will examine Israel-China relations, considering the Ukraine War and the U.S.-China (and Russia) rivalry, and explore the implications of China's stance on Israel's national security.

"Incomparable! Always a delightful learning experience."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

In this lecture recital, attendees will learn about the Risorgimento Movement and the subsequent unification and nationalization of Italy in the late 19th century. Both Verdi and Puccini played roles in this movement, and we will examine how they used their music to communicate messages and to unify the people in their common cause. Operatic arias will be interspersed throughout the presentation, as sung by the presenter and through videos. Space is limited.

In the third and final part of his series, Dr. Offenkrantz will discuss Mozart's sublime domestic comedy "Le Nozze di Figaro" ("The Marriage of Figaro") based on the novel by Beaumarchais (which was banned because of its less than flattering portrayal of the aristocracy); Strauss's one-act shocker, "Salome," which caused a riot at its premiere due to its overt sexuality and perceived depravity set against a religious backdrop; and finally..."Il Barbiere di Siviglia" ("The Barber of Seville"), Rossini's delightful take on the same Beaumarchais source material as Mozart, minus the class warfare. Figaro's entrance aria, "Largo al Factotum," is one of the most recognizable pieces in all of opera, thanks to Bugs Bunny. Mozart: "Le Nozze di Figaro" (Broadcast April 26) Strauss: "Salome" (Broadcast May 17) Rossini: "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" (Broadcast May 31)

"I am an opera fan and this class was entertaining and added a lot to my knowledge of the subject. I want to take more classes with this great instructor."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Join us for an engaging exploration of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in this informative and entertaining lecture. EI, defined as "the capacity for managing emotions well in ourselves and our relationships," is increasingly recognized as vital for personal and professional success. Unlike other competencies, EI tends to improve with age, a reassuring fact! Through lectures, surveys, captivating film clips, and discussions, we'll delve into the four pillars of EI: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Confidential surveys will help us assess our EI levels and identify key behaviors for each pillar. Discover strategies and tools to enhance your EI, leading to greater effectiveness and more fulfilling relationships. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the power of emotional intelligence! This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Explore Florida in a whole new way: through the lens of popular culture, with this deep dive into TV, movies, and fiction set in the Sunshine State. From "Dexter" to "Key Largo" and "The Yearling," rediscover—or encounter for the first time—important works, and learn surprising facts, like which product sales soared thanks to "Miami Vice," or the original casting choices for "Bad Boys." You'll enjoy revisiting iconic shows and books, like "I Dream of Jeannie," as well as modern masterpieces like "Moonlight." Based on lecturer Caren Schnur Neile's latest book: "Featuring Florida."

“She is one of the best teachers I have ever had; I would take any course she offered.” OLLI Patron

Throughout music history, music and art have been often intertwined in ways that have created some of the greatest masterpieces in Western Music. How have composers used art as inspiration? And how did such composers transform musical language to replicate artistic styles musically? This course will focus primarily on surrealism as we not only discuss the paintings of surrealist artists such as Salvador Dali but also the musical language of surrealist composers including Erik Satie and George Antheil.

“By far this presentation was one of the best I ever attended at Olli Boca.” – OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Take an insider’s look at the greatest Interior Designers, their styles, and their legacies. We will look at such greats as Dorothy Draper, Elsie de Wolfe, Sister Parish, Billy Baldwin, and Mark Hampton. With a PowerPoint of visuals, we will see how they influenced their times and how their times influenced them. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"The instructor was very good and very knowledgeable. I really enjoyed her class!!"- OLLI Patron

Florida has always been associated with its amazing beaches and shimmering blue coastlines. However, hidden just beneath the waves lie shark-like reefs that have caused shipwrecks since the discovery of Florida in 1513. By the 19th century, the practice of "wrecking," or shipwreck salvage, became a regular career for many. Remembered as little more than pirates, these "wreckers" made their livelihood saving wrecked passengers and cargoes from stranded or sunken ships. Hear the stories of these rugged individuals who risked sailing into storms to search for treasures claimed by the sea. See artifacts, tools, and items from the golden age of wrecking as Feeney, in historical costume, leads this informative and entertaining lecture. A PowerPoint presentation with a demonstration/explanation of original artifacts will enhance this program. Space is limited.

"Fascinating and easy to follow!" - OLLI Patron

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, two titans of American ingenuity, were friends and Ft. Myers neighbors. "Camping with Henry and Tom," a delightful and engaging play by Mark St. Germain, centers on an actual 1921 camping trip taken by Edison, Ford, and President Warren G. Harding. Inspired by actual events, Palm Beach Dramaworks' production explores politics and friendship. PBD's Gary Cadwallader leads an interactive classroom discussion about the characters, their relationship, and the play's relevance to today's political climate. Participants receive a copy of the play before class and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this class. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and its examination of civilization and the intersection between business and government. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Instructor was excellent. Did a good job of encouraging participation." - OLLI Patron

Every person wants to be happy, but how? And if I am not completely happy, why me? Centuries before the advent of modern psychology, in ancient China, the Huai Xuan school flourished, with thousands of masters and students who, for generations, researched the workings of the heart, emotions, and the root of happiness. Huai Xuan developed the doctrine of happiness and supplemented it with a practical system to attain it. By cultivating human relationships and learning the "Simple Things," every person can attain this goal. Knowing happiness is appropriate for all ages, and the best time to start learning is now! In this lecture, Dr. Yaron Seidman will introduce the Huai Xuan theory of cultivating the self in order to help others cultivate and will teach two practical exercises: preserving stillness and observing movement. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, two titans of American ingenuity, were friends and Ft. Myers neighbors. "Camping with Henry and Tom," a delightful and engaging play by Mark St. Germain, centers on an actual 1921 camping trip taken by Edison, Ford, and President Warren G. Harding. Inspired by actual events, Palm Beach Dramaworks' production explores politics and friendship. PBD's Gary Cadwallader leads an interactive classroom discussion about the characters, their relationship, and the play's relevance to today's political climate. Participants receive a copy of the play before class and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this class. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and its examination of civilization and the intersection between business and government. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

"Instructor was excellent. Did a good job of encouraging participation." - OLLI Patron

Though a sound bath may seem like a  “new age” concept, the practice of healing bodies through sound is technically thousands of years old and has deep roots in cultures across the world. A sound bath is a meditative experience where those in attendance are  "bathed" in sound waves. In this beginner-friendly sound bath meditation, you will experience pure relaxation. Sit back, close your eyes, and allow the peaceful sound vibrations of quartz crystal meditation bowls to take you on a calming journey into inner peace and serenity. This restorative and healing practice will leave you feeling well-rested and rejuvenated. A sound bath meditation is like getting a massage for your brain! However, attendees also commonly experience beneficial results in reducing physical aches and pains. Space is limited.

Being sensible can be excessively boring. At least Jack thinks so. While assuming the role of dutiful guardian in the country, he lets loose in town under a false identity. Meanwhile, his friend Algy takes on a similar facade. Unfortunately, living a double life has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to love. Hoping to impress two eligible ladies, the gentlemen find themselves caught in a web of lies they must carefully navigate. Max Webster (Donmar’s Macbeth; Life of Pi) directs a joyful and flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy. Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Doctor Who) is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) and Hugh Skinner (W1A; Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) in this hilarious story of identity, impersonation and romance. Running time 170 minutes.

In the third and final part of his series, Dr. Offenkrantz will discuss Mozart's sublime domestic comedy "Le Nozze di Figaro" ("The Marriage of Figaro") based on the novel by Beaumarchais (which was banned because of its less than flattering portrayal of the aristocracy); Strauss's one-act shocker, "Salome," which caused a riot at its premiere due to its overt sexuality and perceived depravity set against a religious backdrop; and finally..."Il Barbiere di Siviglia" ("The Barber of Seville"), Rossini's delightful take on the same Beaumarchais source material as Mozart, minus the class warfare. Figaro's entrance aria, "Largo al Factotum," is one of the most recognizable pieces in all of opera, thanks to Bugs Bunny. Mozart: "Le Nozze di Figaro" (Broadcast April 26) Strauss: "Salome" (Broadcast May 17) Rossini: "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" (Broadcast May 31)

"I am an opera fan and this class was entertaining and added a lot to my knowledge of the subject. I want to take more classes with this great instructor."- OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

Are you ready to take charge of your financial future? Join us for an empowering financial lecture, "Investing for Retirement Success." This course addresses the unique investment and cash flow concerns faced during retirement. You'll learn about major investment asset classes and how to use them to develop a personalized portfolio that meets your goals. Discover techniques for diversification, risk management, and asset allocation to ensure your capital works efficiently. Note: This course does not provide personalized financial advice but offers valuable knowledge and strategies for informed decisions. This program is being presented as a seminar with limited enrollment to foster discussion.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), the third President of the United States (1801-1809), had the most fascinating and accomplished life of any President, making great contributions in many areas of human knowledge, along with his public career before his Presidency, as well as his great service in the Presidency, and in his retirement years. We will examine the complexities of his life, and assess his long range contributions to the nation. Questions and comments are welcome at the end of the lecture, and there will be a PowerPoint.

"I have attended at least 10 of Feinman’s lectures in the past. He is excellent. Very well prepared” - OLLI Patron

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture. You will have approximately two weeks to view the video.

James Earl (Jimmy) Carter Jr, the 39th President of the United States (1977-1981), was the longest-lived President in American history, reaching the century mark on October 1, 2024. Carter represented the "New South" when he was elected Georgia Governor in 1970. He was a "dark horse" who stunned the Democratic Party and the nation by becoming the party nominee in 1976 and winning the Presidency over President Gerald Ford. Carter's one term in office saw some major domestic and foreign policy accomplishments but also some major crises that undermined his reelection efforts and led to his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. However, his post-presidency, spanning more than four decades, improved his historical image, with a growing respect for the basic decency and principles of the man. 

“I always enjoy Professor Feinman's presentations. He does a significant amount of preparation and delivers the information very well!” – OLLI Patron