Marc Angel
Congregation Shearith Israel
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Marc D. Angel is Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals (www.jewishideas.org), which fosters an intellectually vibrant, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism. He is Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City and is author and editor of 26 books. His most recent book, a novel, is The Search Committee (Urim Fiction, 2008).
Sephardim and Ashkenazim
What We Should be Learning from Each Other
Global History & Culture, Identity & Responsibility
- Friday 11:30AM–12:45PM Empire Room 1
Jews are a diverse people, with millenia of history in different lands and different civilizations. Two large branches of our people are known as Sephardim and Ashkenazim. Over the centuries, these groups flourished under different historical conditions, developed different customs, traditions and worldviews. With the coming together of Sephardim and Ashkenazim in the modern era, and especially in the State of Israel, things have not always gone smoothly. Yet, we have much to learn from each other. In doing so, we strengthen ourselves and the entire Jewish people. What can we learn from each other?
What Sephardim can Teach all Jews
Thoughts on Sephardic Civilization
Global History & Culture
- Saturday 1:00PM–2:15PM Congressional Room 1
Many Jews have little idea of the richness and diversity within the Sephardic historical experience. This talk will focus on key aspects of Sephardic civilization, that should be relevant and meaningful to all Jews.
“The Search Committee”
A Struggle for the Soul of Orthodoxy
Book Club, Identity & Responsibility
- Sunday 11:30AM–12:45PM Embassy Room 2
Role play with the author as he assumes the roles of the two contenders for the position of Rosh Yeshiva (dean) of a right-wing yeshiva: Rav Shimshon Grossman, the traditionalist candidate, and Rav David Mercado, the "modern" candidate. The audience plays the role of the search committee and will address questions to the candidates. Book discussion to follow.
Open Forum: Terrorism
What do we do? What should we do?
Identity & Responsibility
- Sunday 4:00PM–5:15PM Embassy Room 1
Jews have been the victims of terror for hundreds of years. Israelis have been facing terror since the foundation of the State. As Americans our eyes were opened in 2001. In the light of the most recent events in Mumbai the eventuality of being victim of terror seems to stare us in the face. How do we as a Jews, Americans and Israelis react to terror? If we were faced with a moral ethical choice as a victim of terror what would we do? Are our actions and reactions dictated by our politics, ethics, and religion? Come speak out at this Open Forum and take this opportunity to participate in a facilitated discussion about this current hot topic. You’ve been listening, learning and asking questions – Now it’s time to hear what YOU have to say!
The Road to Conversion
Orthodox Paths
Identity & Responsibility, Torah & Text
- Monday 8:15AM–9:30AM Empire Room 1
An exploration of the basic primary sources in Jewsh law dealing with conversion; the contemporary controversies in Israel and the diaspora; and a presentation of a proper Orthodox approach that addresses the crises in an inclusive, compassionate within the framework of (halacha)Jewish law.
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