MONTREAL/May 13, 2003—
www.culturesepharade.org
Montreal /May, 13, 2003 - The Sephardic Cultural Institute of Canada has organized, in partnership with the Concordia-UQAM Chair in Ethnic Studies (Concordia section), a first international conference that will mark its presence on the world Judaic scene. The announcement was made today by the Institute's founder and president, Judah Castiel, at a press conference at the University.
The inaugural event is a symposium entitled Sephardic Identities and Modernity, which will be held at Concordia University, on May 25 and 26, 2003, in the Henry F. Hall Building (1455, de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.).
ìThe goal of our first international symposium is to provide a forum for reflection on the historical, social, cultural, and religious dimensions of contemporary Sephardism,î said Castiel. ìWhen we asked Concordia University to join us in this important project, we were warmly received.î
Daniel SalÈe, of the Concordia-UQAM Chair in Ethnic Studies (Concordia section) stressed the importance of hosting this symposium at Concordia. ìThe study of inter-community relationships and cross-cultural dialogue are at the heart of the Chair's activities,î he said.
The two-day symposium will be host to numerous sessions, conferences, and plenary sessions as well as cultural evenings. The following sessions will be presented: Marranes, mÈmoires juives en Espagne, Culture et transmissions orales, Migrations sÈpharades et modernitÈ, Sentiment religieux et identitÈ, L'apport des femmes sÈpharades, Musiques sÈpharades: du sacrÈ au profane, MÈtropoles sÈpharades, PensÈe sÈpharade, LittÈratures sÈpharades, ThËmes sÈpharades dans l'art contemporain, Engagement et politique communautaire.
Montreal's Sephardic community, which was established in the late 1950s, is home to approximately 25,000 Sephardic Jews of North African and Middle-Eastern origin. In the tradition of more established Jewish communities, the Sephardic Jews of Quebec have erected their own educational, religious and cultural institutions, which are admired worldwide.
For registration or other information:
Web site: www.culturesepharade.org
Tel: 514) 733-4998 ext. 3441
Source:
Chris Mota
Media Relations Coordinator, Public Affairs Department
Tel: (514) 848-4884 Fax: (514) 848-2814 e-mail: chris.mota@concordia.ca
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