Board of Deputies at Limmud Festival 2017

SUNDAY

Conscientious objection in medicine – right or wrong?
David Katz. Sunday 2.40pm/ORANGE10 Much recent public debate about medical ethics focuses – justifiably – on recognising the rights of the patient and their family. Jewish tradition often supports this. However, what happens when the doctor (or any other healthcare professional/carer) is asked to act in conflict with their conscience and beliefs? Is there a “Jewish perspective”?

How to enthuse the Jews in the pews? Making our synagogues flourish
Richard Verber, Laura Janner-Klausner, Keith Kahn-Harris, Matt Plen, Aaron Goldstein, Philip Rosenberg. Sunday 2.40pm/ORANGE 15 Leading representatives of the major Jewish denominations will discuss their vision for building flourishing synagogues, with reference to the Board of Deputies/Institute of Jewish Policy Research 2017 report on synagogue membership in the United Kingdom.

‘Bored of Deputies’?
Richard Verber. Sunday 3.30pm/RED 5 There are a number of challenges facing the Jewish community. Antisemitism is on the rise, Brexit is on the horizon and shul membership is declining. How is the Board of Deputies of British Jews facing up to these challenges? Is it still relevant in these turbulent times?

MONDAY

Researching antisemitism: who, what, why and how many?
Marie Van der Zyl, Keith Kahn-Harris, Mike Whine, David Hirsch, Helena Miller. Monday 5.30pm/RED 1 It’s been a big year for research on antisemitism in the UK with multiple new surveys and books published. The panellists will attempt to ‘digest’ all this new information and ask the big question – how do we research antisemitism today? And how much do numbers matter?

Is campus a safe space for Jews?
Marie Van der Zyl, David Hirsh, Daniel Katz, Sally Patterson. Monday 6.50pm/ORANGE 15
Much is made about antisemitism on UK campuses- too much, some say, and for others, not enough. Is it just clever fundraising or is there a real problem? If so, what is it and what’s to be done?

The secret Jewish history of vodka
Richard Verber. Monday 9.50PM/PURPLE 29
Many of our ancestors would have kept warm at night with a bottle of vodka while managing inns and taverns in Eastern Europe. Come and learn about its Jewish history and taste some samples from Ukraine, Poland and Russia.

TUESDAY

Jewish Living Tours Exhibition
Sheila Gewolb. All day Board of Deputies Vice President Sheila Gewolb will be showcasing the vast array of education outreach work that the Board of Deputies does. Pop by to see the Jewish Living Tour Exhibition in action and sign up to be a volunteer!

WEDNESDAY

Jewish Living Tours Exhibition
Sheila Gewolb. All day Board of Deputies Vice President Sheila Gewolb will be showcasing the vast array of education outreach work that the Board of Deputies does. Pop by to see the Jewish Living Tour Exhibition in action and sign up to be a volunteer!

Has nationalism returned to Europe?
Gillian Merron, Benjamin Weinthal, Simon Gordon, Cnaan Lipshiz, Tamas Buchler. Wednesday 10.40am/ORANGE 15 Nativist governments in Eastern Europe, Brexit, and Catalonia’s attempted secession have provoked claims that nationalism is on the rise. But French and Dutch elections, coupled with the EU’s march toward ever-closer union, suggest otherwise. So are predictions of the return of nationalism overstated, and should European Jews be worried?

Meet a Syrian refugee
Richard Verber. Wednesday 1.20pm/YELLOW 23 Our guest was forced to flee their home in Syria before being selected by the UK government to move to Britain as part of the 20,000 Syrian refugees to be given sanctuary here by 2020. Meet them, hear their story, and ask them questions about the crisis.

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