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Calendar of Events

Fall 2008

		ERASED: Vanishing Traces of Jewish Galicia in Present-Day Ukraine Featuring Dr. Omer Bartov On a personal quest to investigate the fate of his mother's hometown in eastern Galicia, Professor Bartov discovers that he must first grapple with the region’s centuries-old interethnic relationships and conflicts. He finds that the newly independent Ukraine-with its ethnically cleansed and deeply anti-Semitic population--has recreated its past by suppressing all memory of its victims. In this lecture, Prof. Bartov will describe his research of Ukrainian towns and reconstruct the histories of the vibrant Jewish communities who once lived there. Monday, September 8, 2008 4:30 – 6:00 pm Oviatt Library Presentation Room Sponsored by the office of the Provost in association with the Jewish Studies Program, California State University, Northridge Please RSVP to reserve a seat at (818) 677–2957 or by email at: academic.affairs@csun.edu


		Finding Spirituality the Hard Way What is the role of spirituality in recovering from addiction? This lecture will feature Rabbi Jay Siegel, a rabbi who works with the Los Angeles community of Beit T’shuvah (House of Return), the first Jewish residential recovery center that uses Torah study, the 12 Steps and psychotherapy. Rabbi Siegel will talk about his personal journey towards recovery and discuss “finding spirituality the hard way.” Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:30 -10:45 a.m. The Flintridge Room University Student Union (above the fitness room) No RSVPs are required For more information call the Jewish Studies Program at: 818-677-4724


		Compassionately Coping with the Dying: Spiritual Issues in Hospice Care Rabbi Sheldon Pennes, Chaplain for Jewish Home for the Aging and St. John’s Hospital, will be speaking about his experiences working with people of all religious backgrounds as they cope with their own and others’ dying. Tuesday, November 4 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. At CSUN, Sierra Hall 314

		Free Public Lecture Film Viewing and Discussion Trembling before G-d is a revealing documentary about gay and lesbian Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who face a profound dilemma: how to reconcile their passion for Judaism with the biblical prohibitions against homosexuality. The film will be followed by a discussion with Professor Elaine Goodfriend (Jewish Studies) and Robin Tyler (activist on behalf of gay and lesbian rights, author, and comic). Wednesday, November 5 7:30 p.m. Oviatt Library Presentation Room Organized by CSUN’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance and many other campus programs.


		Free Sneak Preview of The First Basket a film by David Vyorst American Jews had a profound influence on the evolution of basketball as it grew from a game played in New York tenement neighborhoods to a popular international sport. This documentary’s terrific photos, footage, and interviews with little-known as well as famous basketball legends, make this a very enjoyable way to examine the history of basketball and the cultural history of American Jews. Suitable for people of all ages. Sunday, November 9, 2008 10:00 a.m. (87 mins.) Fallbrook Laemmle Theater 6731 Fallbrook Ave, West Hills, CA Followed by Q & A and discussion led by CSUN Jewish Studies faculty Limited Seating: Call (818) 677-4724 or email jewish.studies@csun.edu to reserve a seat. Co-Sponsored by Adat Ari El, Temple Aliyah, Temple Kol Tikvah, Shomrei Torah Synagogue, and Valley Beth Shalom


		The Origin and Concept of Evil in Judaism, Hinduism and Islam The origin and concept of evil is not the same in all religions. Here is an opportunity to learn perspectives different than the ones that dominate the Western world view. Hear three specialists converse about evil in Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam -- and ask them your questions. Featuring: Rabbi Ed Feinstein (Valley Beth Shalom) Professor Phyllis Herman (CSUN Religious Studies Department) and Professor Mustafa Ruzgar (CSUN Religious Studies Department) Thursday, November 20 11-12:15 a.m. Grand Salon, University Student Union Co-sponsored by the Valley Interfaith Council and CSUN Religious Studies Department

		"One Woman's Auschwitz Story" Regina Hirsch, a Holocaust survivor, will be speaking to CSUN's History of the Holocaust class about her story. Monday, November 24 4:20 P.M. Sierra Hall 186 For more information, call Jewish Studies Program at (818) 677-4724