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.
Neveh Shalom has invited former NPR correspondent Ketzel Levine to introduce us to The Portland Jewish Response Group , an organization she recently co-founded to raise awareness about sex trafficking in our community. Acknowledging that this isn’t the easiest of issues to discuss, Ketzel will give an overview of the problem, challenge the language we use in framing the issues, and address what this has to do with the Jewish community. She’ll offer insight into ways to keep our children safe and provide tools for those who want to join the fight against this widespread crime. This talk is appropriate for ages 18 and over. RSVP to jgreenberg@nevehshalom.org
A fundraiser for P’nai Or and 350PDX, led by Dan Anolik, Joan Glebow, Joel Glick, Lisa Lieberman, Les Milfred, Bruce Morris & Rob Vergun.
We will be singing songs written by the late Leonard Cohen, “The Bard of Modern Judaism” and Bob Dylan, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2016.
Special guest: Joe Hickerson, folklorist & co-composer with Pete Seeger of “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” Joe will lead us in folk songs from which Bob Dylan borrowed melodies for his early compositions.
The sing along will be followed by a short Havdalah service.
Location: Private home in Lake Oswego (address provided upon purchase of tickets).
Donation: $18 plus small service fee. Please buy your tickets right away because seating is limited. Click here to purchase tickets: http://leftysing-along.bpt.me/
Sponsored by the Tikkun Olam Committee of P’nai Or.
Fundraising Dinner with Aviv
Join the MJCC for a fundraising dinner at Aviv, Portland’s home to delicious vegan Israeli food. The first dinner seating begins at 5:30 pm and the second seating starts at 80 pm. We are pleased to offer each multi-course dinner with an optional wine-pairing featuring Israeli, kosher, and Oregon-local wines. Aviv is donating a portion of the proceeds of this multi-course dinner to the MJCC.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
5:30 pm or 8:00 pm
Aviv 1125 SE Division St., Portland
$45 per person. Wine not included.
$85 per person. Wine included.
Sign up in the MJCC lobby or at https://www.oregonjcc.org/about-us/brunch/party-boards
Poker Party with Rob La Forte
Join Rob La Forte at his office for a night of Texas Hold’em, beer, wine, snacks, and fun.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
7:00 pm
Cost: $50/person
Sign up in the MJCC lobby or at https://www.oregonjcc.org/about-us/brunch/party-boards
Piano Concert with David Rothman
Join us for an evening with concert pianist, David Rothman, as he performs works of classical music featuring Beethoven and Schumann.
Tuesday, June 25
7:00 pm
Cost: $10. Member: $5.
Register: oregonjcc.org/pianoconcert