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Symposium on History, Memory, and Jewish Identity

Leading scholars to descend on Concordia May 9 to 11 for a conference in Jewish Studies.
May 4, 2011
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Numerous leading scholars from across North America will be heading to Concordia this month for the Symposium on History, Memory, and Jewish Identity.

The conference, organized by Concordia’s Department of Religion, aims to “re-evaluate the ways in which various Jewish groups throughout the history of Judaism have remembered and recorded the past and the relationship between these representations of the past and the construction of Jewish identity,” according to organizers.

Concordia Department of Religion professor Lorenzo DiTommaso. | Photo by Concordia University
Concordia Department of Religion professor Lorenzo DiTommaso. | Photos by Concordia University

Among the renowned researchers invited to speak at the interdisciplinary gathering are Rachel Havrelock from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Marsha Rozenblit from the University of Maryland, and Beth Wenger from the University of Pennsylvania.

Concordia religion professors Naftali Cohn, Lorenzo DiTommaso, Norma Joseph, and Ira Robinson will also present at the conference.

The symposium “approaches the most complex issue in Jewish studies — Jewish identity,” says Robinson. “The interaction of these scholars will generate exciting new insights, with important repercussions for the field as a whole.”

Concordia Department of Religion professor Norma Joseph.
Concordia Department of Religion professor Norma Joseph.

Organizers hope the symposium will illuminate ways in which the concepts of history, memory and identity can be useful for the study of Judaism, as well as underscore relevant issues facing today’s Jewish communities both in Canada and across the globe.

As well, Concordia researchers from other disciplines (including Communication Studies, History, and English) will be among the chairs for the symposium’s eight panels.
Concordia President Fred Lowy will open the conference.

When:
May 9 to 11
Where: Concordia’s Samuel Bronfman Building (1590 Docteur-Penfield Ave.)

All sessions will be open to the public. Three-day registration at regular price is $50 in advance, or $75 at the door. Three-day registration for students is $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. One-day registration is $25.

For more information, visit the symposium’s website or contact Andrea D. Lobel.

Related links:
•    Concordia University Department of Religion
•    Concordia University Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies
•    Symposium program
•    View the event on Facebook


 



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