Downtown Express Listings: Talks and Readings

Celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a discussion of Pulitzer Prize-winner Nick Kotz’ new book “Judgment Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Laws That Changed America.” Moderated by Columbia University School of Journalism’s Sam Freedman. Jan. 17 at 7pm.$5, free for members. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. 36 Battery Pl. 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.

Fractured artists In conjunction with “Fractured Fairytales,” the Asian American Art Center’s 16th annual exhibition featuring artwork reflecting a nexus of themes surrounding personal icons from fantasy to identity, artists Jon Cuyson, Saeri Kiritani and China Marks will show and discuss their work and answer questions. Thurs., Jan. 18 at 7pm. Asian American Art Center, 26 Bowery St.

“Great Train Rides Around the World” An artist’s slide-show and lecture reflecting on rides across six-continents by travel writer and photographer Karl Zimmermann. Tues., Feb. 20 at 6:30pm. $2 donation. 49 Fulton St., Dining Room, Tuesday Evening Hour Inc., 212-385-3650.

Infertility A discussion of the Jewish Theological and Ethical issues surrounding the topic. Panel moderated by journalist Lisa Castleman Glazer will include Dr. Sara Barris, Rabbi Barry Freundel, Dr. Lawrence Grunfeld and Pamela Madsen. Wed., Feb. 7 at 7pm. Free, donation suggested. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl., 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.

New York Review of Science Fiction Horror writers Michael Cisco and John Langan are guests this month at the New York Review of Science Fiction Reading Series event, curated and produced by Jim Freund. $5 suggested donation. South Street Seaport Museum, Melville Gallery, 213 Water Street. 212.748.8568.

Poets on Peck ”Modern Metrics” Poetry Group presents Wendy Sloan, a former union democracy and labor-side labor attorney. Hosted by Terese Coe. Sat., Jan. 20 at 4pm. $5. Shooting Star Theatre. South Street Seaport. 40 Peck Slip, Third Floor. 718-852-7773, www.shootingstartheatre.org.

Prisoners: A Muslim and a Jew Across the Middle East Divide Jewish Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg discusses his complex friendship with a PLO leader in Wed., Jan. 24 at 7pm. $10 Adults, $5 students/seniors, free for members. Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Pl, 646-437-4202, www.mjhnyc.org.

Rachel Haas: Urban Synagogues Profound Structures and Sacred Spaces on view in Tribeca. The twenty-five-year-old artist depicts architecture from around the globe in charcoal drawings and paintings, her first solo show in New York City. Jan. 25-Mar. 4. Opening Thurs., Jan. 25 at 6pm. Synagogue for the Arts Gallery Space, 49 White St., 212-966-7141

Rediscovering a Faith An adult educational program offered by Rabbi David Gaffney with topics including Jewish History, Jewish Philosophy, Jewish Text & Literature and History of the Synagogue. Learners and seekers of all backgrounds are welcome. Monday evenings from 7:15-9pm. Thru May 21. $150 for non-members. Call to register. Conservative Synagogue of 5th Avenue, 11 E. 11th St., 212-929-6954, www.csfanyc.org.

Roger Baumann, Japan- A Closer Look! Tours to Japan & Southeast Asia slide lecture. Tues., Jan. 16. Scotland & England In the 1970s, Linda Clavet, published photographer, “Century of Life Datebook, Tour & Travel News. Tues., Jan. 23, Exploring Inner Realities- My Rendition of New York City. Matias Okawa, Neuro-Scientist & Photographer. Tues., Jan. 30. All lectures begin at 6:30pm. $2 suggested donation. Tuesday Evening Hour, 49 Fulton St., 212-385-3650

The Lost Daniel Mendelsohn reads from his literary tour de force, “The Lost: A Search for Six of Six Million” (HarperCollins Publishers, 2006) on January 31 at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place, 646-437-4200, www.mjhnyc.org. $5 all tickets, free for members.