Calendar

Book Talk@Neveh
A series of book discussions held throughout the year. Come to one or dive into them all – meet others and connect over good literature with facilitated, in-depth discussion during this 10:45am Sunday morning series at Congregation Neveh Shalom, 2900 SW Peaceful Lane, 97239

April 19:
Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander (Jewish Theater Collaboration will present this as a Page to
Stage production)

May 3
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy

Summer 2015
Bee Season by Myla Goldberg

The Israel Story with Emanuel Ben-David

On three Sunday afternoons, April 5, April 19 and May 3 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Emnuel Ben-David will examine the characteristics of the “typical” Israeli, (and by extension the country at large), through looking at some of the driving forces and origins of who Israelis are and how they came to be that way. He will do this through a broad review of the recent history (last 100 years or so) of the Jews in Israel and elsewhere. The story will also be tightly connected to Emanuel and his family’s personal experience. Once the foundation is established, he will teach on some of Israel’s economic and technological successes. Rabbi David Zaslow says, “Emanuel Ben-David is an inspiring teacher. He not only knows what he’s talking about, but he delivers his talks with grace and humor!”

Ben-David was born in Haifa, Israel, almost 60 years ago. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious Technion University in Haifa. He served his mandatory military service as a naval officer. He was involved in Defense and Technology more than 40 years. Emanuel lived in Israel until May 2014, retired recently from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and lives in Ashland with his American-Israeli wife. Dates: April 5, April 19 and May 3. The Havurah is located at 185 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland. Call 541-488-7716. Free and open to all. Visit www.havurahshirhadash.org for more info.

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.

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.