Room 12
The Torah commands that debts be cancelled every seven years, in the Shemittah year. The more you look into these laws, the more paradoxical they become. Debts and loans are both encouraged and discouraged! With Maimonides, Jacques Derrida and the Ben Ish Chai, we'll look at some practical implications for today, and reflect on the meaning of money and kindness.
The Self-negation of Law.pdf
Room 13
As a system of governance, democracy is absolutely worth protecting. It offers a society the best chance for universal participation, the protection of minorities and general fairness. But democracy also has its shortcomings – and the Talmud itself offers us a critical lens to explore a crucial question: How can we do democracy better?
Room 15
It’s not by chance that people, opposed to COVID-19 vaccination, often add antisemitism to their arguments. Modern conspiracy theories combine old anti-Jewish tropes. In this session we will speak about the Blood Libel, poisoning the wells and the antisemitic “protocols”, and show how they are used today, in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
Room 17
Modern Jewish tradition forbids using electricity on Shabbat and high holidays. Track the development of this prohibition from fire to modern devices. Learn how modern home automation can ensure a comfortable life that also honours Jewish tradition. In this session you will learn how to create an automated, Shabbat-friendly, comfortable home.
Room 14
Following the Middle Ages, two factors shaped the Italian Jewish population: the new arrivals from Europe and the set-up of the Ghettos. The session will sketch the composition of this “multi-ethnic” population: these communities were moulded by the closed-in Ghettos, where they kept their own traditions.
Handout_Bonomi_Braverman.doc
Room 16
Can we create a community that is united, diverse and passionate? Can we have all three or will there inevitably be friction? Drawing on contemporary rabbinic thought, political science and demography, this session uses a simulation and Jewish texts to propose vocabulary and practical steps that will reduce arguments and increase vibrancy.
containing controversy - source sheet - pdf - yesod logo.pdf
Room 11
The European Left is growingly anti-Israeli and antisemitic, and often allies often with Islamists. The Right declares support for Israel and for Jews, but often preaches racist and Islamophobic ideas. Yet the Left declares support for liberal and democratic values, while the Right’s repudiation of its past antisemitism is doubtful. Which side are we on?
Room 18
Jan Schwartz will shmooz with Swedish Yiddishist Tomas Woodski about the new initiatives for revitalizing Yiddish, one of Sweden’s five official minority languages. The dynamic Swedish vinkl is becoming the leading force in carrying forward the creativity of Yiddish in 21th century Europe. The session will be conducted partly in Yiddish.
Room 19
Jews have been allowed to live in Sweden without conversion since the 1770s. Dr Carlsson will give a short presentation of his 2021 book “Judarnas historia i Sverige” (The History of the Jews in Sweden), nominated for two of the most prestigious literary prices in Sweden, “Augustpriset” and “Stora fackbokspriset” (The Great Non-Fiction Book Prize).
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