TWO LECTURES by renowned specialists in early Judaism are happening in the United States on opposite sides of the country:

Schäfer to give annual Cherrick Lecture in Jewish Studies

By Neil Schoenherr

Feb. 24, 2009 -- Peter Schäfer, Ph.D., the Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Jewish Studies and director of the Program in Judaic Studies at Princeton University, will present the 2009 Adam Cherrick Lecture in Jewish Studies, "Why Did Baby Messiah Disappear? The Birth of Christianity From the Spirit of Judaism," at 7 p.m. March 19 in Wilson Hall, room 214.

The lecture is free and open to the public. A kosher reception will follow.

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If you follow the link for the next one, you have to scroll down a bit:

Professor to speak about Jewish mysticism tonight

CHULA VISTA: Professor Rachel Elior, a biblical scholar from Jerusalem, will lecture on the topic of Priests & Angels: Dead Sea Scrolls and Early Jewish Mysticism, from 7:30 to 9:30 tonight at Temple Beth Sholom, 208 Madrona St., Chula Vista.

Elior, one of the foremost experts on Jewish mysticism, has written 13 books and has taught at Princeton, Yeshiva and Michigan universities.

The cost is $10 and is open to the public. Information: (619) 420-6040 or bethsholomtemple.com. –D.B.

Wish I could go to both lectures. Especially sorry about Elior's, since I'll be in San Diego in April and so am just missing it.