The Holocaust Memorial Program at Oregon State University is proud to present a panel discussion on the evolution of religious rights and their connection with, and impact on, human rights.
How has the promotion of religious rights figured into the larger effort to protect and advance human rights? On the one hand, we find many historical and contemporary declarations of rights coupling freedom of thought, belief, conscience, and religion. However, we likewise see examples of religious freedoms for some being yoked to religious (and other) oppression for others.
Our distinguished panel will explore the historical, philosophical, legal, and experiential dimensions of this complicated question. We welcome your contributions to the discussion that will follow.
Leading our panel will be the 2015 recipient of the Elie Weisel Award, a recognition granted annually by the United States Holocaust Memorial museum, Judge Thomas Buergenthal. Buergenthal will speak to us in a double capacity: first, as a survivor of Auschwitz, whose experiences during the Holocaust are chronicled in his highly acclaimed memoir, A Lucky Child; and second, as a renowned legal scholar who has labored to make international law an ever-more-effective tool in combating human rights abuses. He has also served as a judge on several international tribunals that deal heavily in human rights cases, including the International Court of Justice (a.k.a. “The World Court”).
Also participating in the panel discussion will be:
- Dr. Rena Lauer (specialties in medieval Europe and Jewish history) will speak on minority religions and their legal rights in the medieval Mediterranean.
- Dr. Amy Koehlinger (North American religious history and thought; American Catholicism) will address the issue of religion and human rights in the history of Oregon.
- Dr. Stuart Sarbacker (comparative religion; Indic religions and philosophical traditions) will focus on religious freedom in the context of Eastern faith traditions.
- Dr. Paul Kopperman (war and genocide; chair, Holocaust Memorial Committee) will discuss the value of Holocaust education in promoting respect for diversity.
After their individual statements, the panelists will join audience members in an interactive discussion of the core themes of the evening, Religious Rights and Human Rights.
At the conclusion of this event, copies of the new, expanded edition of A Lucky Child, Thomas Buergenthal’s Holocaust memoir, will be available for purchase courtesy of GrassRoots Books.
This event is sponsored by the OSU Holocaust Memorial Program, the Mittleman Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, the Institute for Judaic Studies, Grass Roots Books and Music, and the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation.
Thomas Buergenthal will speak to us in a double capacity: first, as a survivor of Auschwitz, whose experiences during the Holocaust are chronicled in his highly acclaimed memoir, A Lucky Child; and second, as a renowned legal scholar who has throughout his career labored to make international law an ever-more-effective tool in combating human rights abuses. During his academic career, he has held a series of chairs in distinguished schools of law and is currently the Lobingier Professor of Comparative Law and Jurisprudence at the George Washington University School of Law. He has also served as a judge on several international tribunals that deal heavily in human rights cases, including the International Court of Justice (a.k.a. “The World Court”).
Professor Buergenthal is the 2015 recipient of the Elie Wiesel Award, a recognition granted annually by the United States Holocaust Memorial museum to honor “internationally prominent individuals whose actions have advanced the Museum’s vision of a world where people confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.”
In his talk at Oregon State University, Professor Buergenthal will discuss his experiences during World War II and his perspectives on what international law has done, and what it can be expected to do, to combat persecution and protect human rights. As the conclusion of his talk, copies of the new, expanded edition of A Lucky Child will be available for purchase.
Swim, sing, picnic and celebrate Havdalah at Havurah’s Shabbat In the Pool (For All Ages!) on August 8. We will have the pool to ourselves from 5:15 to 6:15 pm, then gather for Havdalah singing, a story, and BYO picnic under the trees.
RSVP at RSVP@havurahshalom.org by Monday, July 27 with family name(s) and ages of any children so we can reserve enough lifeguards. In order to defray the major cost of the renting the pool/lifeguards, please consider making a donation of $5–$15.
We will have the Sellwood Park Pool to ourselves on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 5:15 to 6:15 pm. Afterward, we’ll gather for Havdalah singing, a story, and BYO picnic under the trees.
Shabbat in the Pool is free, but in order to defray the major cost of renting the pool/lifeguards, please consider making a donation of $5–$15.
RSVP here here by Monday, Aug. 1 with family name(s) and ages of any children so we can reserve enough lifeguards.
On Friday, February 2, 6 PM Rabbi David Zaslow and Morah Cyrise Beatty Schachter will lead a musical Kabbalat Shabbat & Celebration of the Trees!! Tu b’Shevat, the most ancient ecological holiday, is celebrated with a ritual passed down by the 16th century mystics of Safed. Fruits and nuts will be tasted on the journey through the four worlds to celebrate the emergence from winter into the time of the awakening of the trees. Devorah Zaslow will tell a story of the season. Free. All are welcome. Donations gratefully accepted. Bring a potluck veggie dish to share and children are most welcome. The Havurah Synagogue is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave., Ashland. Call 541-488-7716 for more info.
During March Movie Night on Sunday, March 18, Havurah Shalom’s Ma’avar Committee will show “Living While Dying,” a film made by P’nai Or member Cathy Zheutlin.
Here is a brief description of the film: Death is a big mystery, and yet the outcome is 100 percent certain. How do you plan for the unknown? Filmmaker Cathy Zheutlin tells the stories of four friends with terminal illness who chose to live out their final days at home with creativity humor and courage. One might think that it would be depressing or morose. In fact, just the opposite – it is loving, hopeful and and full of joy. Despite cultural norms that death is meant to be vanquished, “Living While Dying” transforms sorrow and fear into inspiration and beauty. It honors what University of California San Francisco palliative care physician BJ Miller says, that “dying is a human act, not just a medical one.”
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with some experts in end-of-life care, many of whom are Havurah members.
Panelists include:
- Rabbi Benjamin
- Charles Blanke – Havurah member and OHSU oncologist specializing in end-of-life care and death with dignity
- Karen Erde -Havurah member and palliative care physician
- Susan Hedlund – Manager of Patient and Family Support Services at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. She has over 30 years of experience in oncology and hospice care, and worked on the original task force to legalize death with dignity.
A suggested donation of $10 will directly help the filmmaker so she can continue to pay for the production of this very beautiful and important film.
Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/Live-HS.
20s – 30s Cosmic Havdalah
Join us for Havdalah on the mountain! Meet at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl for Havdalah and then hit the slopes for Cosmic Tubing. Carpooling arrangements will be made prior to the event.
Cost: $30, includes rental gear and snacks.
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Ski Bowl
Tickets: oregonjcc.org/cosmichavdalah
Guest presenter Dr. Rachel Adelman
Saturday Nov 23, 2019, at Services AND at 1:00-2:30pm
Join us for a special presentation with feminist Jewish writer and teacher, Dr. Rachel Adelman. She will offer the D’var Torah during Shabbat morning services and will be guest teaching on the topic “Hanukkah Heroines of Yore” in the afternoon. Dr. Adelman teaches Hebrew Bible in the rabbinical program at Hebrew College in Boston. Her most recent book is The Female Ruse — Women’s Deception and Divine Sanction in the Hebrew Bible.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
Roots/Shorashim/Judar is a unique collaboration of local Palestinians and Israelis building a model for co-existence by fostering a grassroots movement of understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. Please join us as Hanan Schlesinger, an Orthodox rabbi and passionate Zionist settler, and Palestinian Shadi Abu Awwad, the architect and coordinator of the Roots youth movement, visit us to share their personal stories and how they are working together to build a better future for their peoples through ROOTS. More at: www.friendsofroots.net. This event is part of Neveh Shalom’s Israel360 series. For a full listing of sponsors, go to https://nevehshalom.org/Israel360/.
Please note: Programs are subject to change; please contact the office for more information: 503.246.8831 or visit the website at: www.nevehshalom.org.
PJ Havdallah Movie Night (0-2nd Grade), Saturday, Jan 25, 5:15pm
Say goodbye to Shabbat in our PJs with dinner and an age-appropriate movie.
RSVP: nevehshalom.org/pjhavdallah