Learn with MCA

By Larry Israelite, MCA Communications and Technology

MCA members are physically active and intellectually curious. These characteristics are reflected in the wide range of programming that allows them to exercise both their bodies and their brains. Learning is a key part of many MCA programs and many of the ‘teachers’ are MCA members. Here are some examples…

The Men’s Financial Health Discussion Group

Stocks and bonds, estate planning, savings, long-term care and other health insurance issues, real estate, and more will be discussed during this monthly series. Experts provide insight into the financial issues faced by MCA members at this point in their lives. At these interactive sessions, members have the opportunity to listen and, more importantly, ask questions to aid in their understanding of what can be important and challenging issues. This group meets on the second Friday of each month at 11 a.m.

The Men’s Medical Seminar Series

The Medical Seminar Series helps MCA members understand the various presentations, diagnoses and treatments of a variety of medical conditions primarily affecting older men. Our knowledgeable speakers (usually physicians) address aliments literally from head to toe, in a concise and understandable lecture format geared toward a nonmedical audience. 2023-2024 topics include the heart, memory changes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer screening and urological concerns. All topics directly address issues MCA members face every day. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month.

The Talmud Study Group

The Talmud Study Group will focus on ancient Jewish civil laws, many of which formed the foundation of our modern laws. The focus this season is: “Do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

Participants will learn how to apply the Talmud’s sages’ methodology and use of psychology in ancient courts to determine the veracity of witnesses and parties in legal cases. They will sit as judges and lawyers, engage in spirited debate on the merit of cases and unravel the thinking of our sages. Knowledge of Hebrew is not a prerequisite to experience the challenges and satisfaction of these discussions. This group meets bi-weekly on Tuesdays, starting in January.

The Science Discussion Group

Science is everywhere, and the more we understand, the better off we are. The Science Discussion Group is designed to introduce MCA members to ideas in science and its history. Speakers do not present highly technical, peer-reviewed papers. Rather, their goal is to introduce interesting ideas in science and its history that become the basis for stimulating discussions. This group meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

Current Issues Discussion Group

Using an article, often from the New Yorker magazine, this group engages in interesting, relevant and often controversial discussions concerning the issues of the day. As you might expect from a group of 20 or 30 MCA members, all aspects of the topic of the day are thoroughly explored. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month.

Israel Discussion Group

Hardly a day goes by without some news coming from Israel, be it political, economic, military related or social. This group is devoted to these current events. With a limited audience, participants will have an opportunity to dig into the pressing issues of the day and share opinions with other MCA members. This group meets on the second Monday of each month.

Other opportunities to learn from and with MCA members include discussion groups focused on books, photography, lifestyle and health, current and classic films, and more.