Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Tom Hartman offer their own brand of religious insights as 'The God Squad.'

'God Squad' lecture addresses concerns of Christians, Jews

By Shari Kaplan

Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Tom Hartman, also known as "The God Squad," on Jan. 13 will open the new season of the Distinguished Lecture Series of the South Bay Institute for Jewish Living and Learning with a presentation titled "Whose God Is It Anyway? A God Squad Presentation for Christians and Jews."

Gellman and Hartman are known for their work as religion consultants for Good Morning America, their appearances on the Imus in the Morning radio program, their animated children's special for HBO and their cable television program, The God Squad.

Gellman, the senior rabbi at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, N.Y., serves on the New York Board of Rabbis. He has also published several books, including Does God Have a Big Toe?, God's Mailbox and "Always Wear Clean Underwear!" and Other Ways Parents Say "I Love You!"

Hartman runs Telicare for the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island and celebrates mass at Holy Trinity High School and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Elmont, N.Y. His books include The Matter of Life and Death and Just a Moment. Together, Gellman and Hartman have written Where Does God Live?, How Do You Spell God? and Lost and Found.

Their Jan. 13 program begins at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth David, 19700 Prospect Road, Saratoga.

Next up in the lecture series are: Rabbi Abraham Twerski, who speaks on "Growing Strong Families in the Face of Addiction, Depression and Stress" on Feb. 10; Dr. Burt Visotzky on "Sibling Rivalries: Judaism and Christianity in their Formative Years" on March 9; and "To Begin Again: Coping with Crisis" by Rabbi Naomi Levy on April 13.

The Los Gatos-based South Bay Institute for Jewish Living and Learning represents San Jose-area Jewish organizations to provide a community structure for adult Jewish education.

Individual lecture tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for those 30 and younger. Series tickets are $100 for preferred seating at all lectures, $60 standard, $50 for senior citizens and $18 for those 30 and younger. Babysitting is available at lectures with advance reservation. Tickets are available by calling 408.358.3033, ext. 90. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

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