Friday 7/16 – Thursday 7/22
Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, is meant to be recited by a son, but more and more wo-men are taking on the role. Today Rochelle L. Millen, professor of religion at Wittenberg University in Ohio, will discuss gender issues in Judaism at a lecture called Millennium Momentum: Women’s Rights and Rites in Jewish Life. The discussion runs from noon to 2 at the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, 618 S. Michigan. Admission is $12, which includes lunch. Call 312-322-1769 for reservations.
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Marlo Morgan claims her 1994 book Mutant Message Down Under is a memoir of her life-changing experience with an Australian aboriginal tribe, but aboriginal groups have protested what they say is a false, exploitative, and insulting piece of fiction. Nevertheless, Morgan’s career as a dispenser of ancient platitudes appears to be flourishing. She’ll lead a workshop on Your Life’s Purpose, purportedly based on the aborigines’ secrets for good living. It’s from 7 to 10 at Transitions Learning Center, 1750 N. Kingsbury. Admission is $45. Call 312-952-7323 to sign up.
18 SUNDAY Life will imitate Kevin Smith’s film Chasing Amy, about the romantic life of a comic book artist, when Smith himself appears at this weekend’s Wizard World: Chicago ’99 comic convention. The promoters have also managed to gather an array of Star Wars actors that includes Ray Park (Darth Maul), David Prowse (Darth Vader), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca). It takes place Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6 and today from 10 to 5 (Smith will sign comics at 11 and speak at noon) at the Rosemont Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road in Rosemont. Admission is $20 per day, or $40 for the whole shebang. Call 800-690-1669 for tickets.
21 WEDNESDAY The three things that affect the aging process most are hardening of the arteries, breakdown of the immune system, and social and environmental factors, says University of Chicago internist Michael Roizen. In his book Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be? Roizen suggests those old standbys–vitamins, exercise, less cholesterol and stress, and no smoking–to slow the process. He’ll give more tips tonight at 7 at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th (773-684-1300). It’s free.
