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.
Wednesday, June 10, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
- Featuring Dan Anolik, Joan Glebow, Joel Glick, Les Milfred, Bruce Morris & Rob Vergun
- With Maggid Batya Podos
- Special guest: Joe Hickerson, folklorist & co-composer with Pete Seeger of “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”
- Extra special guest from the Abayudaya Jewish Community of Uganda: Rachman Nachman
Fun for the entire family!
Admission: $18
Seating is limited. Please buy tickets in advance at http://leftysingalong.bpt.me
Exact address provided after ticket purchase.
A fundraiser for Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel
Sponsored by the Tikkun Olam Committee of P’nai Or of Portland
Come one, come all and join us for the CNS annual Chanukah party. There will be a fish/dairy dinner with latkes, music by the Koleinu Choir, prizes for the ugliest sweater, a donut bar and more. Bring your own menorah and candles for a community lighting. And bring multi-packs for unused toilet paper – the Men’s Club is working to wipe away poverty. They will build a giant TP menorah and then donate it all to Neighborhood House. Cost for dinner: $15/adult, $9/child, $48 family max.
RSVP at: tinyurl.com/cnschanukah2016
We invite you to join us on Friday, Dec. 30, to welcome Shabbat, spread the light of the Chanukah candles, and share our feelings, fears, and hopes for the difficult times we are facing as a country. For those of us who came together on the Sunday after the election, it was a powerful expression of community, and there have been requests to identify some next steps. It continues to feel premature to launch a specific action plan. Instead, it seems more appropriate to gather in community, listen to how we are doing, and continue conversations about our hopes and fears about areas such as immigrants and refugees, poverty and homelessness, climate change, equity, and gun control.
We will begin by lighting the Chanukah and Shabbat candles, sing some songs, and then spend our time talking and listening. There will not be a formal Friday night service.
MJCC Summer Day Camp Info Fair
Learn about the MJCC Summer Day Camp programs, register, and meet camp staff!
Sunday, February 10
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Shaba-lah Family Shabbat BBQ
Bring your family or join your child at camp for a special Shabbat. Enjoy a Shabbat set to the theme of camp this week with stories, songs, and more.
Friday, July 19
3:30 pm
Cost: MJCC Camp Families: $10 per family.
Community Members: $15 per family.
Register at: oregonjcc.org/shabbatbbq