Conference programme

EUROPEAN UNION FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

GENERATIONS 2012

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

(please note this is a provisional programme)

Programme Descriptions (subject to possible changes)

THURSDAY 15th March 2012

Registration at 14:00 to 17:00 hours

20:30 hours - Opening Reception at Nieuwe Kerk, Dam  Square,  Amsterdam.

Delegates should make their own way there (instructions will be in the Delegate's bag) and are advised to dine before the opening. For your convenience a large coach will also be available to transport delegates from the Hotel to the Opening Ceremony.  The reception, hosted by the Municipality of Amsterdam, will be in the Nieuwe Kerk, there will also be a large public exhibition “Judaism-A World of Stories” which you may wish to visit before or after the reception.  After the reception, there will be buses returning to the Novotel at about 22:30 hours.

FRIDAY 16th March 2012

Keynote 1

Freedom of Religion and Tolerance in Europe; Speakers: Dominique Moïsi and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner; Rabbi Walter Homolka (chair)

WORKSHOP SLOT A

A1 Discussion with the keynote speakers
An opportunity for informal discussion with the speakers - to agree or disagree - to comment or continue the theme.

A2 The threats to schechita and circumcision
In various European countries legal moves have been or are being made to limit or ban theses Jewish practices. What are the motives and how should we react?

A3 Relations with Muslims and Christians
Just when we thought understanding had been reached with the Church, new questions are asked of Jews and the dialogue needs to continue; and does the growth of Islam in Europe present a threat to Jews and Christians?

A4 Alternatives to the traditional family
Once a Jewish family consisted of Jewish father and Jewish mother and Jewish children; now Jewish households might contain new relationships - same sex, mixed faith - adult only. What is the Progressive Jewish reaction to this change?

A5 State recognition of EUPJ communities
Over past 20 years new Progressive Jewish communities have emerged in countries where previously they had no presence. Hear three examples of EUPJ communities fighting for full recognition by national governments.

A6 Freedom of Religion and Tolerance in Europe
Though organised and targeted at Young Adults, this session is open to all ages.

A7 Tolerance within the Jewish community
The difficulties faced by Progressive Judaism in Israel in gaining its civic and religious rights and how this struggle is reflected in various European countries.

Keynote 2

Future of Faith and Jewish Life in Europe; Speaker: Adjiedj Bakas

WORKSHOP SLOT B

B1 Attitudes to conversion
Some say that we should actively seek converts to Judaism; others think that making conversion too easy will weaken the identity of the Jewish community.

B2 The Future of Judaism in Europe?
Faced with growing interfaith marriage, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism as well as assimilation (and apathy) - is there a future for young Progressive Jews in Europe? Though organised and targeted at Young Adults, this session is open to all ages

B3 Immigration and Integration
The family of Anne Frank were refugees from Germany to Amsterdam: how were they received? What can we learn from their example....and in France how has immigration affected the Jewish community?

B4 Defending Israel (anti-Zionism, boycotts)
Across Europe it increases feels uncomfortable being a Jew as anti-Zionism protests and propaganda increase. How should we answer unjustified criticism of Israel?

B5 Emerging Jewish communities
Hear about the growth of Progressive Judaism in Poland and Spain, countries that until recently hardly had a Jewish community, and Bulgaria where the possibility of the community becoming Progressive is being actively pursued.

B6 Synagogue or cultural centre
Where will Jews gather in the future - a traditional synagogue or in a Jewish cultural centre? Can we combine both concepts?

B7 The challenge of Science to Religion
With ever more ingenious scientific discoveries about the nature of human life, what is the place of traditional religion and how should Progressive Judaism respond to modern dilemmas in medical ethics?

Morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch are included.

18:30 hours Kabbalat Shabbat in the Liberaal Joodse Gemeente (Synagogue of the Progressive Jewish Community of Amsterdam) followed by Shabbat dinner.

SATURDAY 17th March 2012

Shabbat service in the Liberaal Joodse Gemeente (Synagogue of the Progressive Jewish Community of Amsterdam) followed by buffet lunch.

In the afternoon, coaches will take delegates to the centre of Amsterdam for optional tours of the old Jewish quarter, the Anne Frank house and museum or a canal trip to Jewish Amsterdam.

In the evening we all shall meet together for a special Havdalah ceremony which will take place in the Jewish Historical Museum (formerly a complex of Ashkenazy Synagogues) www.jhm.nl/english .

You will then be free to make your own dinner arrangements.  A list of suggested restaurants, will be included in the delegate's bag. Click on www.iamsterdam.com/en or upload the app “Iamsterdam” on your smartphone.

SUNDAY 18th March 2012

Annual Assembly Meeting of EUPJ

Keynote 3

Where do we go from here? Speaker: Rabbi Menno ten Brink

WORKSHOP SLOT C

C1 Twinning with FSU and beyond
Hear inspiring stories of how British congregations have twinned with communities in the Former Soviet Union and the benefits this has brought to both communities.

C2 Alternatives in Jewish Education and Worship
Shiru Shir Chadash - new models of Jewish education for children and adults and new forms of worship services that have replaced or run alongside the traditional forms.

C3 The cantor and the choir
Once a focus of Progressive Jewish services was the organ and formal choir; increasingly a cantor and more modern music are taking over. What are the strengths and weaknesses of both styles?

C4 Connecting with Progressive Judaism in Israel
How can European communities connect with the Israel Progressive Movement and various initiatives of this Movement. There are many opportunities - learn how they could benefit your community.

C5 Use of Social Media for Public Relations and Networking
How do we get our message across? Increasingly it will be through Face book and Twitter, but print media also have their place. Share your experiences and expertise.

C6 Involvement in Tikkun Olam
A key belief of Progressive Judaism is Tikkun Olam. How can we as individuals and communities get more involved in global and local initiatives?

C7 The ideal future
A study session to explore the Jewish sources on the subject

C8 The future of Jewish Leadership
How can we inspire a new generation of Progressive Jews to get involved and develop leadership roles that will ensure our future growth and vitality? Though organised and targeted at Young Adults, this session is open to all ages.

The conference will close with a buffet lunch.

The provisional young adult programme can be downloaded here.

Find out more about keynote speakers

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