Kimberley Gravenor

Penn alum Dr. Arnold Eisen, current chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary, addressed a full audience at Hillel yesterday, offering a sociological perspective on the current state of Judaism. He focused his speech on the importance of youth reinterpretation and redefinition of Jewish history, culture and text.

As her voice carries across the packed living room of the Kelly Writers House yesterday, reciting passages from her Best Literary Fiction Award-winning 2005 novel, The Writing on the Wall, it was clear to audience members that Lynne Sharon Schwartz's voice was made to read.

Survival of the fittest seems to be working well for Charles Darwin, who will celebrate his 199th birthday this weekend.