Jewish Studies Interdisciplinary Program

"Never Again!" and the Genocide in Darfur

Janice Kamenir-Reznik is Chairperson of Jewish World Watch, a project of a coalition of synagogues working together to mobilize synagogues, their schools, their members and the community to combat genocide and other egregious violations of human rights around the world.  In this slide-presentation, Ms. Kamenir-Reznik will explain what is happening in Darfur and the ways in which we can respond to the genocide.

Tuesday, September 20, 9:30-10:45 a.m., in Sierra Hall 314

Lunch and Learn: a new monthly series jointly sponsored by Jewish Studies Program and CSUN Hillel.  Join us as we listen to local rabbis and scholars give us their insights and lead a discussion on the weekly Torah portion.  

What might we learn from Deuteronomy 26-29 (the Torah portion for this week)?  This month's guest isRabbi Jerry Brown of Temple Ahavat Shalom (Reform synagogue).

Thursday, September 22, 11:30-12:30 p.m., meet at the tree-covered patio area south-west of the bookstore.  Bring your lunch -- cold drinks will be provided free to all participants.  

Jews and Islamization in the Ancient and Modern Middle East

Professor Fred Astren, San Francisco State University

An engaging speaker, Professor Astren will discuss the Jewish presence in the Islamic Middle Ages and how it worked on the level of practical reality and on a symbolic level.  Questions to be addressed are: How were Jews integrated in society? How were Jews separate from Muslims?  Are Jews' and Muslims' versions of the medieval Golden Age really accurate?  How do the answers of these questions influence the current world situation?

Thursday, September 29, 11-12:15 p.m., Grand Salon, University Student Union.  See map for location and parking.

FREE SCREENING OF "Ushpizin," a new award-winning Israeli film

A heartwarming and humorous drama set in the ultra-Orthodox Braslaver Hasidic community in Jerusalem. The 90 minute film will be followed by a short Question and Answer with CSUN Professors Jody Myers and Linda Yellin, and another person (yet to be determined).  Co-sponsored by Valley Beth Shalom and Temple Judea. Theater capacity: 250 (first come, first served).

Sunday, October 16, 10 a.m.-12:15 Encino Laemmle Theater, 17200 Ventura Blvd.  See map for location and parking.

Lunch and Learn: What might we learn from the Torah portion for the holiday of Sukkot?   This month's guests are Rabbi Aryeh and Sharon Kaplan. 

Thursday, October 20, 11:30-12:30 p.m., meet at the Hillel sukkah next to the bookstore.  Bring your lunch -- cold drinks will be provided free to all participants.  

Women and Judaism in Medieval France

Maggie Anton, author of Rashi's Daughters: Book One - Joheved, a historical novel about a daughter of the Talmudist and Biblical commentator, will discuss her work and the question: why was the Jewish community in northern France in the 1000's so accepting of women's autonomy, marriage rights, and Torah study? 

Thursday, October 27, 12:30-1:45 p.m., Grand Salon room, University Student Union, followed by reception, 1:45-2:30 p.m.    See map for location and parking.

Kabbalah Centre as a New Religious Movement

Professor Jody Myers will discuss her first-hand research on The Kabbalah Centre.  See map for location and parking. 

Tuesday, November 15, 7-8:15 p.m., in Sierra Hall 314

Lunch and Learn: Aaron Hahn Tapper and Gibran Bouayad, Co-Executive Directors of Abraham's Vision (a Muslim-Jewish interfaith organization), will discuss ways to read the stories of the Patriarchs in Genesis 25-28.

Thursday, December 1, 11:15-12:15 p.m., meet at the tree-covered patio area south-west of the bookstore.   Bring your lunch -- cold drinks will be provided free to all participants. 

Jewish Communal Values and the Challenge of Migration and Refugee Resettlement: An interview with Dr. Ralph Segalman, emeritus Professor of Sociology, CSUN

Professor Segalman, a respected and published scholar on matters of the family and community, was instrumental in the resettlement of Holocaust refugees in Vienna immediately following World War II, and in facilitating refugee absorption in the U.S.

Wednesday, December 7, 11 a.m. in Sierra Hall 102     See map for location and parking.