Altshuler Family Scholar-in-Residence Weekend

 February 9 - 11, 2007

  Explore "The Past, Present and Future in Jewish-Muslim Relations" with Reuven Firestone, Professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles.  Before joining the faculty of HUC-JIR in 1993, Professor Firestone taught Hebrew literature and directed the Hebrew and Arabic language programs at Boston University.  Professor Firestone has received numerous awards and fellowships including most recently, the Fulbright CASA III Fellowship for study at the American University in Cairo in spring, 2006.  A conversation with Reuven Firestone and an article about his family's experiences in Cairo are featured in the winter issue of Reform Judaism, also available on-line at www.reformjudaismmag.org.  Help us welcome Reuven Firestone to Temple Shalom by joining us for these wonderful learning opportunities:

• Friday evening, February 9 at 8:00 pm -  Whose Jerusalem?: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Regard for the Holy City

   

Why is there such contention over the city of Jerusalem?  Why is Jerusalem at the epicenter of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and neighboring Arab states?  We will take a look at the religious history of the city and learn how and why it has taken on such symbolic, religious and political importance.

• Saturday morning, February 10, 9:00 - 11:30 am - How Do We See Each Other?: Classic and Contemporary Views of Jews and Muslims Toward the Other

   

What do the classic texts of Judaism and Islam teach their religionists about the "other?"  What do Jewish texts teach about Arabs and Muslims, and Islamic texts about Jews?  We will examine some of the classic texts, learn how they are read by contemporary believers in both communities, and how these readings effect personal and political behaviors.

• Saturday afternoon, February 10, 4:00 - 6:00 pm - "Fundamentalist" and "Liberal" Expressions of Islam: Where Are They and What Do They Say About Each Other, Israel and Dialogue?

   

The world contains more than one billion Muslims.  We know that not all people are alike, and we hear about fundamentalist Muslims and about liberal or modernist Muslims, about "Islamists," extremists, Sufis, Sunnis and Shi'as.  What do these terms mean and how do they describe and apply to the Muslim world today?

• Sunday morning, February 11, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon - What is the Future for Jewish-Muslim Relations? 

   

   

Does the Islamic doctrine of Jihad rule out a positive future for Jewish-Muslim relations?  Can Jews and Muslims find common ground regarding the State of Israel?  Is peace possible?  If so, what might it look like?

       Pre-registration for Sunday breakfast is a must!  Please use the form in the January mid-month mailing or call the Education Office at 617-969-3518.  There is no charge for any of our Altshuler Family Scholar-in-Residence weekend events.