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Arna Poupko Fisher

A noted lecturer and educator, Arna was the first individual to serve as a permanent, full time, scholar in residence for a Federation when she began her pioneering work as the Judaic Consultant of the Montreal Federation in 1993. A graduate of Yeshiva University, she studied in the graduate schools of both the University of Toronto and McGill University, and is currently on the faculty of the Department of Jewish Studies at the University of Cincinnati where she teaches Bible and Law.

"Outreach/Shmoutreach" ...Lessons Learned in the Field"

Identity & Responsibility

Over the past 20 years or more, Jewish communities have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on "outreach". What are the assumptions behind these initiatives? What works and what doesn't? What colossal mistakes have we made in the field and what have we learned from "the periphery"? Also...some mildly amusing (read hilarious) tales from the trenches.

Halakha as a Response to Pain and Suffering:

The Ennobling Teachings of Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik

Text & Thought

Theologians, philosophers and religious thinkers of all traditions have wrestled with the problem of human suffering. This workshop will focus on "A Halakhic Approach to Suffering" by Rabbi J.B. Soloveitchik (1903-1993) and explore his inventive and fresh approach to the notion of suffering, providing an ennobling response to what is, most often, a crippling and debilitating reality.

Does a Jew Need to Believe in Anything....Everything?

Identity & Responsibility

Is it possible to create a list of "non-negotiable" core beliefs in a community that embraces religious pluralism? How does one identify a belief, which for Jews would be deemed "beyond the pale?" Is a Judaism without God authentic? What about Jews who believe in a false/failed messiah? By engaging in an open discussion about the nature of truth, personal faith and the role of religious struggle, this session will attempt to address the issue of Jewish beliefs.

What's Next for the Jewish People?

Arna Poupko Fisher, Avraham Infeld, Josh Neuman, Nigel Savage, David Suissa

Global History and Culture, Identity & Responsibility

In this panel moderated by Nigel Savage, we've brought together four creative thinkers to address to core questions: (1)What's the greatest challenge facing the Jewish people today? and (2)What are two great ideas you would like to see borne out in the future?

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