At this writing we have just enjoyed spring break, Passover, Easter, Ramadan, and the warmth of the most pleasant days on the Hanover Plain. Our dozens of Zoom events have been recognized by the College as innovative, valuable, and game-changing. During this time of reflection and renewal, the class of 1969 Jewish culture group invited the new rabbi of Dartmouth Hillel, Seth Linfield, to discuss faith and student life at the College. Dartmouth’s Tucker Center, the umbrella organization celebrating religious diversity at Dartmouth, supports students seeking to explore and to deepen their faith. During the pandemic, as your executive committee sought ways to stay connected, Bruce Alpert started the Jewish culture group. Since inception three years ago it has been open to all, regardless of belief or background. Bruce brought us news from Israel Shalom Lamm, who leads Operation Benjamin, which supports families to assure that fallen Jewish soldiers, especially from WW II, are properly buried under the symbol of their faith. Your class secretary brought his friend and scholar Charles Murray for exploration of Jewish excellence in the arts and sciences. Arthur Fergenson’s mother-in-law, Rose Mantelmacher, was 99 years old when she shared her stirring experiences as a Holocaust survivor. Among others were the authors of X Troop: The Secret Jewish Commandos of World War II (Hunter professor Leah Garrett), Alice’s Book: How the Nazis Stole My Grandmother’s Cookbook (historian Dr. Karina Urbach), and The Cairo Genizah and the Age of Discovery in Egypt (curator Rebecca Jefferson). Dartmouth Jewish studies professor Susannah Heschel discussed her prodigious and fascinating work. Bruce’s rabbi, Micah Greenstein, offered perspective on Judaism in the United States. Dick Glovsky introduced his friend, Joe Berman of the New England Board of the Anti-Defamation League, to explore the challenge of combatting anti-Semitism. Pulitzer Prize-winning professor David Kertzer spoke with us about his books on Popes Pius XI and XII. The choice of guests—and this list is not exclusive—is wide-ranging and generates avid participation involving many classmates. Agnostics, Episcopalians, and Unitarians especially have great fun. As with all “Casual Conversations,” those of the Jewish culture group seek to engage our curiosity and provoke discussion. Regulars include Tim Means, Nanalee Rafael, Arnie Resnicoff, Dona Heller, Steven Horowitz, and a dozen others. (Forgive us if we missed you!) Do you have a group you’ve considered starting? Let Tex or Arthur know—we can help! David Abbott, for example, leads a Dartmouth book club from Denver. Peter Schaeffer holds court in recovery on Sunday nights. Jim Staros leads informal Zoom social hours. Phil Bush did a Zoom folk music concert that generated terrific attendance and applause. Peter Elias brought us a highly praised afternoon discussing patient-centered healthcare. See Peter’s amazing class website and Allen’s outstanding class newsletter for updates! Have a suggestion for Class Notes? Let Tex know!

—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com