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.
This is a free “Taste of” our Hebrew for Prayer course. Learn the 50 most commonly used words in the siddur–what they mean and how to recognize them–to increase your understanding of what we say when we pray. Understand what we say when we pray-an in-depth look at Hebrew vocabulary and construction of prayers and their meanings. Taught by Deb Freedberg. The actual course begins Oct. 13 and meets weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30pm for Level 1 and at 7:30pm for Level 2. Course materials fee $50.
Meet the teachers of Machon Ivrit, our Adult Hebrew Learning Program. Check out the curriculum and get a taste of what our three levels have to offer!
Our “Starting from Scratch” level welcomes those who are NEW to Hebrew with a gentle pace. Students ease into Hebrew beginning with Alef-Bet letter recognition and decoding skills, then move on to build a basic vocabulary of words and dialog phrases. This course is a perfect first step to get a really comfortable grasp of reading, speaking, and writing in Hebrew, perfect for those wanting to be able to read road signs in Israel, the Hebrew siddur (prayerbook), or your child’s Hebrew homework! Next step course: Machon Ivrit “Ready to Read” or Siddur Basics.
Our “Ready to Read” level is for those who already have a working knowledge of the Alef-Bet, possibly with some familiarity of synagogue Hebrew (no vocabulary or comprehension skills necessary). This course begins with a faster-paced review of Alef-Bet and vowel sounds, but then gets right to the business of learning Modern Hebrew. Students will work on building a basic vocabulary, exercise dialogue skills, and learn grammar and syntax rules needed to speak Modern Hebrew.
Our “Conversational” level is for those who are ready to expand their Hebrew skills into the practical arena of real life. Students will view and discuss modern media such as news articles, advertisements, and television shows to hone their ability to read, speak, hear and comprehend Modern Hebrew and its context in Israeli culture.
This year we really have something for EVERYONE. Choose the level that works for you and join us this Fall!
Chabad Hebrew School of Northeast Portland invites you to join us for our annual open house.
Meet the directors, see our new space, hear about our exciting curriculum, and become part of our little community.
Learn more about Chabad Hebrew School of Northeast Portland at www.JewishNortheast.com/CHS
Join educator and author Dorice Horenstein for this eight-week class (Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Jan. 8-Feb. 26).Moments of the Heart is about the four relationships one should experience in their life-time! It is a book that encourages readers to live fully and wholeheartedly. Our heart has a tremendous influence on how we view life, how we act, and how we build relationships. In the Bible, the word heart—or in Hebrew, lev (לב)—is mentioned no fewer than 202 times. If one takes the first and last letter of the Torah, the word created is lev, heart. And so, my book is a compilation of entries that enable us to find inspiration, direction, concepts and encouragement to live a better life. It is about the universal experience of being human-through the Jewish lens. Join us to find out what are the four relationships that will help create the best YOU possible!
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.
Women’s Philanthropy Three part Financial Empowerment Series
Sept. 5, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Adulting All of those questions you’re afraid to ask! (i.e., How do I make a budget? How do I manage my debt from student loans to credit? Can I save for the future now? Create a personalized financial action plan.
Nov. 3, 9:30 am -11:30 am, Transitions Planning for life! How do you financially prepare for death, divorce, losing a job, having a baby, needs of your children from throwing a bar/bat mitzvah to college, to paying for a wedding? What do you need to know about insurance? Create a personalized action plan.
Dec. 8, 9:30 am -11:30 am Retirement How do I take care of myself and those that follow me? Who should you talk to help you with estate planning? How do you prepare to avoid widow worry? 401k/IRA, insurance 101 and asset management. Create a personalized action plan.
All three locations to be determined (tbd).
Sign up for one or all. Registration details available starting March 18.
Questions contact: Wendy Kahn, Associate Director of Financial Resource Development, wendy@jewishportland.org
This workshop will help parents effectively communicate and help their children to cope with separation and divorce. Presented by Dinah Gilburd, LCSW, a Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience as a therapist for children and families.
Sunday, January 26
10:00 – 11:00 am
Space is limited. Register by January 23 oregonjcc.org/talkingtochildrenandteenagers
Free and open to the community.
In partnership with Jewish Family & Child Service and supported by a generous grant from the Holzman Foundation