World Renowned Author, Philosopher, Theologian Chaim Potok to Present a Limited Series of Lectures in Colorado

Chaim Potok, world-renowned author, artist, philosopher, historian and theologian, will present a series of free lectures and booksignings in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins on Feb. 8 and 9.

His lecture, titled "Unity, Diversity, Creativity: An American Writer’s Journey," is sponsored by the Sturm Lecture Series, presented by the Hillel Council of Colorado and is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow each lecture.

Potok, known for his exploration of the world of Judaism through fiction, is author of several acclaimed works of fiction and nonfiction, most notably "The Chosen," published in 1967. The novel was nominated for the National Book Award and later made into a film starring Robbie Benson. Since then, he has published seven other novels including "My Name is Asher Lev" and "Davita’s Harp;" numerous articles, short stories and plays. His non-fiction works include "In the Beginning," "Wanderings: Chaim Potok’s History of the Jews," "The Gates of November: Chronicles of the Slepak Family" and a new biography of Isaac Stern, "My First Seventy-nine Years."

Raised an Orthodox Jew by Polish immigrants in Brooklyn, Potok was expected to become a Talmudic scholar. Instead, he became an accomplished novelist, philosopher, historian, theologian, playwright, artist and editor. He holds a bachelor’s in English literature from Yeshiva University, rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Edward Lewis Wallant Award, nomination for the National Book ward, the Athenaeum Prize and the National Jewish Book Award for fiction.

Potok’s speaking schedule is as follows.

• 7 p.m., Feb. 8, University of Denver, Driscoll Center Ballroom, 2055 East Evans, Denver.
• Noon, Feb. 9, University of Colorado-Boulder, Forum Room, University Memorial Center, Boulder.
• 7:30 p.m., Feb. 9, Colorado State University’s Lory Student Center Main Ballroom, Fort Collins.

For more information, contact: University of Denver Hillel at (303) 777-2773; University of Colorado-Boulder Hillel at (303) 442-6571 or Colorado State University Hillel at (970) 491-2080.