Session Outlines
Session One 10.00 – 11.00
Jewish Involvement in the White Slave TradeNicholas Evans This paper discusses the various responses to the ‘white slave trade’ in Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The attempts to prevent the trafficking of female migrants to, through and from Britain poses the question: was there any need for the establishment of philanthropic agencies to eradicate this perceived social menace at the time? The paper will suggest that the response to white slavery arose partly as a veiled attempt at curtailing Catholic and Jewish immigration. Having contrasted the responses to the threat of white slavery in London and the country at large, the paper will consider links between criminality, race and migration in the English speaking world. In achieving this, the presentation will illuminate how contemporary fears of trafficking flourished following the abolition of Britain’s involvement in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. What Kind of Israel?Jeremy BeechamHaving celebrated Israel’s 60th Anniversary and its many achievements, how far have the ideals of the founders been realised and what does the future hold for its rich mixture of people with their varying faiths, cultures and aspirations? At a time of growing tensions in the region and in the light of the recent elections can social justice unite the country? An Overview of Masorti JudaismMichael GrantMasorti Judaism is the fastest growing of the major denominations in the UK, but also the smallest, as a result of which its values are notwell understood in the wider community. This talk, seeking to rectify this, will cover the history and ideology of Masorti Judaism, and how it differs from the other synagogal movements. Mosaic WorkshopSharon Welsh Throughout Jewish history forms of mosaic art is recurrently found dating as far back as both of the temples. This workshop gives the basic steps in how to make one sort of mosaic. Within the workshop the participant will make his or her own mosaic shalom, mizrach or name plate. (No previous experience needed, but of course welcome, in this session) Keeping the FaithNathalie Boobis A short, illustrated, talk on the concepts of documentation, archiving and ethnography as art, proceeded by the screening of a 10 minute film, by me, entitled ‘Gateshead 2008’ about the Gateshead Jewish community. This will be followed by a group discussion. The Fate of Jewish Art in Nazi GermanyKurt SchapiraIn July 1937, the National Socialists staged the most virulent attack ever mounted against modern art with the ‘Entartete Kunst’ (Degenerate Art) Exhibition in Munich. My lecture will focus on the exhibition, the artists and their work.
SESSION TWO 11.10 – 12.10
Jews who served at Bletchley ParkMartin Sugarman An overview of the part played at Bletchley Park by Jewish personnel, with a sample of just some of their stories. Questions welcome at the end. Reluctant Refuge: The Story of Asylum in the UKEdie Friedman Asylum and refugee issues are in the news all the time. It is important to separate fact from fiction and hear the human side of the asylum debate. Do we have a particular responsibility as Jews, given our history, to rehabilitate the very notion of asylum and refuge? Bearing and rearing twins and other close siblings – some thoughts from the sourcesHelen Lewis In this session we’ll look at the biblical texts relating to the two instances of twin births in the Chumash and look at the insights of the Rabbis on these. We will also discuss how these texts might lead us to think about how we approach twins, fertility, pregnancy and sibling relationships today. Why does everyone ask parents of twins which is the ‘oldest’? No knowledge of Hebrew or previous experience of text study or twins is required for this session! Dancing from the Diaspora to the Promised LandJulia Kay Julia welcomes anyone with one left foot or two, of any age, to a fun session understanding the worldwide roots of Jewish dancing for simchas and for modern day classes. Light clothing, a water bottle and soft soled shoes are strongly recommended. Spectators also welcome. No dance background needed. A Grey Zone: Unusual and Recent Representations of the Shoah on FilmNathan Abrams We’re all familiar with Schindler’s List and Life is Beautiful but what about those films that dare to push the boundaries of the possibilities of Holocaust representation? This session will introduce you to some of the more recent and unusual films that reflect on the Shoah. Examples include Artificial Intelligence, Barton Fink, Defiance, Everything is Illuminated, Eyes Wide Shut, The Gray Zone, Hostel, Inside Man, Miller’s Crossing, Terminator and X-Men. TBA Francesca Terberg
LUNCH and CONCERT 12.10 – 13.45
Laoise Davidson and Zing will be performing in the Theatre from 12.20 – 13.05. Everyone is welcome.
Lunch will be available in the Recital Room from 12.45 – 13.45. If you do not wish to attend the performance, we would be grateful if you could eat between 12.45 and 13.05.
SESSION THREE 13.45 – 14.45
Jewish Genealogy with emphasis on UK ResourcesSaul IssroffA general introductory talk on Jewish Genealogy with emphasis on UK resources followed by a ‘workshop’ on Jewish Genealogy with Q&A. Boycotts and Walkouts - The Challenge of Responding to Contemporary antisemitismJeremy NewmarkA discussion on the Jewish community’s efforts regarding Durban II, boycott activity, and working with NGOs/faith groups. Food, Animals, Human Dignity – and TargumRobert HaywardWe shall look closely at the interesting questions raised by the juxtaposition of the two Scriptural verses Genesis 3: 18-19, and how the Targunim, and some of the Midrashim, understood that juxtaposition. A Taste of Israeli WineGabrielle Mandell and Paul Graveling (18+)For wine lovers and anyone with an interest in wine! This session will give you the chance to sample and appreciate some wines from Israel, while finding out about the development of wine-making in the area. Jordy Pordy: Taking the Bull by the HornsJordan HerskowitzA one-man show about life as a professional mascot. But once his furry gloves come off, Herskowitz narrates a powerful story about growing into his own identity as a Jew in Texas, being the forgotten middle child with both of his brothers born with cystic fibrosis, learning to follow his dreams of wanting to be an actor, and his family's journey with organ donation. "Jordy Pordy" creatively explores the themes of self-identity, Judaism, family, and the overall strength of the human soul. The Edible Woman and The Leviathan: What a FeastBarbara Borts Yiddish songs about food
SESSION FOUR 14.55 – 15.55
Jewish Bread: its’ history and significanceBryan Reuben Bread plays a central role in Jewish folklore, culture, religion and politics. Every meal, to be complete, requires it. Man may not live by bread alone, but Jews cannot live without it. This talk gives a whirlwind tour of the history of Jewish bread from Neolithic times to the present day in Israel. Israel’s Very Serious Environmental IssuesDavid JacobiTragically, for many years environmental regulation in Israel was almost non-existent, creating a terrible legacy of pollution to air, land and water. In this session we’ll look at the serious wake-up calls, the responses and recent significant developments, and also what the current serious issues now are. Do you believe in God?Malcolm Weisman An attempt to help the audience analyse the relevance of their Jewish dimension in terms of a meaningful practice of their faith, and – if any – to consider its value as such. Yiddish Swing and Jewish JazzLaoise Davidson and Zing The Yiddish swing era of the 1940s meant that for a brief time, it was cool to be Jewish. Audiences couldn’t get enough of the Yiddish sound. Zing will take you throughsome of the big hits and will get you singing, and perhaps even dancing… No need to be able to sing or dance necessary – but you should be willing to try… The Image of the Jew in theatre over the agesSusan Olsburgh‘The Jew’ by Richard Cumberland is a little known 18th century play. It was conceived as a balance to Shakespeare’s Shylock. Susan Olsburgh will introduce Cumberland’s work and use it to examine the image of the Jew in theatre from the past to the present. Chagal’s Murals for the Moscow Jewish TheatreHarris Clarke The lecture concerns one of the last; and arguably the greatest work; that Chagall created. It was produced for the newly formed Yiddish Theatre in Moscow which existed for only 6 years. The work in its entirety is little known, although many fragments will be familiar. Due its fragile nature it may never be seen in the West again and has been displayed on only a few occasions.SESSION FIVE 16.05 – 17.05
The Pre-history of the Middle EastPavel Dolukhanov This lecture will discuss the present state of research into the pre- history of the Middle East, including recent findings in molecular genetics. It will cover:- The Middle East and the origins of modern humans
- The Middle East and the origins of agriculture; and
- The Middle East and the settlement of Europe.
