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.
Come see Morah/Teacher Elizabeth “in action”, meet other parents, and see why everyone is checking us out!
The Carl Preschool is a play based Jewish co-operative preschool open to all that focuses on providing a warm, fun and creative environment where your child will laugh, learn and thrive.
This is the first of three chances to check us out!
Full schedule of open house days:
April 19th, 10:00 to 12:00
April 20-21st, 9:30 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 3:00.
Come see Morah/Teacher Elizabeth “in action”, meet other parents, and see why everyone is checking us out!
The Carl Preschool is a play based Jewish co-operative preschool open to all that focuses on providing a warm, fun and creative environment where your child will laugh, learn and thrive.
This is the first of three chances to check us out!
Full schedule of open house days:
April 19th, 10:00 to 12:00
April 20-21st, 9:30 to 11:00 and 1:30 to 3:00.
Learn to Write Poetry with Rabbi David
Rabbi David Zaslow will be teaching a poetry writing class in seven sessions beginning Tuesday, April 21. Rabbi Zaslow says, “The power of the metaphor is a portal to a higher reality.” Rabbi Zaslow is the recipient of the 1988 American Book Award for educational materials. He travelled the nation and taught teachers how to teach poetry in their elementary and high school classrooms. Today, as a rabbi he combines his understanding of the rhythm and imagery with a tilt toward the sacred. The course is geared toward those who already write poetry and with to take their writing to a deeper level, as well as the novice. In each class participants will write and have the option of sharing in an intimate space and safe space that Rabbi David creates. Seven Sessions on Tuesdays: April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 7-8:30 PM. Cost for the class is $155 , with $15 discount before April 7. Call 541-488-7716 to pre-register or for more information or visit www.havurahshirhadash.org. The Havurah is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland.
New Translations of Boris Slutsky, Jewish Soviet Soldier Poet. A Bilingual Reading and Discussion by Marat Grinberg and Judith Pulman.
Living in Russia during and after the Second World War as a Jew, what does a gifted poet write and which writings must be hidden for the sake of self-preservation? How does this poet shape and maintain his identity when his Soviet allegiance and Jewishness collide?
Join Marat Grinberg, associate professor of Russian and humanities at Reed College, and Judith Pulman, poet and translator, for a poetry reading followed by a Q & A session, where together we can explore expressions of identity in cataclysmic times.
This event is funded in part by Regional Arts & Culture Council and being co-sponsored by Congregation Shir Tikvah. Please call ahead to (503) 226-3600 for ADA accommodation requests.
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.
Honoring those who have given their lives for the State of Israel.
Celebrate Israel’s 67th year of independence with Israeli music, Israeli food, dancing and lots of surprises!
Celebrate Israel’s birthday April 22; commemorate the fallen April 21
The community is invited to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day 5:30-8:30 pm, Wednesday, April 22, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.
The free event features activities and games for all ages art, music and Israeli dancing. A delicious Israeli buffet will be available for $5 per plate from 5:30 to 7 pm.
While the buffet is open kids of all ages can explore a host of activities in the gym. The gym will be full of art and activities, including a bounce house, climbing Masada, face painting, photobooth, henna tattoos, and more.
Meanwhile adults are invited to explore an Israeli Market with some of the best products Israel has to offer. And Café Israeli will offer coffee, wine and beer.
From 7 to 8:30 pm, head for the ballroom for a rocking Israeli Dance Party with DJ Max Barenberg, Israeli dancers, light show and much more.
The evening before Yom Ha’atzmaut is the more somber Yom Hazikaron to honor those who have given their lives for the State of Israel. The commemoration will also be held at the MJCC beginning at 8 pm, April 21.
For more information on either program, contact MJCC Special Events Program Manager Laurie Fendel at 503-535-3617 or LFendel@OregonJCC.org.
No class on April 8th, due to Passover.
Wednesday Night School at Shaarie Torah for Middle and High School students
Every Wednesday (except for major holidays) from 6:00 to 8:15
For more information email Dorice at education@shaarietorah.org