This session will focus largely on what the Prophets in the Torah and Qur’an have to teach us about the importance of preserving human dignity and fostering equality, and how that should manifest itself. We will also focus on how these values either have, or have not, been applied in the contemporary world.  You can expect the speakers to discuss success stories in that regard as well as areas where behavior in practice hasn’t come close to measuring up to the highest values of these faiths.  We think you’ll find this to be an unusually holistic and fulfilling session.

 

To bring these interrelated issues together, we’ll be joined by two excellent panelists.  Hakam Takash is a conflict resolution specialist and the founder of the Maimonides Project, a leadership summit focused on the historical blueprint of coexistence in Andalusia. Hakam’s current work is focused on the intersection of Islamic and Judaic values—a foundation he uses to design conflict resolution programs and inform his weekly column on Substack. As Former Acting Head of Mission and Consul of the Palestinian Delegation in Washington, he brings over 20 years of high-level diplomatic and academic experience to the discussion of how these ancient traditions apply to modern human dignity.  Rabbi David Shneyer is the founder, director and spiritual leader of the Am Kolel Jewish community. Reb David received his “semicha” ordination from the Aleph Seminary founded by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shlomi, and he is the past president of Ohalah, the Rabbinic Association of Jewish Renewal Rabbis. Reb David is also an accomplished musician, founding and leading The Fabrangen Fiddlers, and a composer of new liturgical music. Finally, Reb David helped found Jews United for Justice and is active in a number of social justice organizations.  JIDS has been lucky to have Reb David as part of our own community for many, many years.  

 

As always, on June 14th, we will also make plenty of room for Q&A and small group discussions.