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INTERACTIVE & DISCUSSION WORKSHOPS
(See Speaker's Bios page for presenter/facilitator information.)
(See below schedule for Detailed Descriptions of workshops)
Saturday August 21
Registration opens 11:00
Come early and enjoy the local restaurants before the first workshop session.
Saturday August 21
Registration opens 11:00
Come early and enjoy the local restaurants before the first workshop session.
Workshops 12:00 noon - 1:45
 | Christian Dominance: The Bind That Ties Us Together by Paul Kivel and Nell
Myhand (all) |
| How to Be an Ally to Jews by LaVerne Baker-Leyva, Sue Parris, and Lynne Sexton
(non-Jews) |
| People of Color Resist Anti-Semitism by Aurora Levins Morales (all) |
| The "Neo Conservative" Phenomenon by Ralph Seliger (all) |
| Experiences of Anti-Semitism: SPEAK OUT Fishbowl Stylefor Jews and Non-Jewish
Allies (all) |
General Session 2:00 - 3:00
| Brief remarks by Jessica Pitt for U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee |
| Opening Panel: "Why We Care about anti-Jewish Oppression" with:
Victor Lewis, Cherie Brown, Yeshi Sherover Neumann, Kenji Liu, Gina Waldman and
Judy Andreas
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Workshops 3:15 - 5:15
| An Internal View: Blacks and Jews Looking at Anti-Semitism and Racism by
Richard Moss and LaVerne Baker-Leyva |
| The Relationship Between Anti-Semitism and Jewish
Shame: Does Anti-Semtiism
Reduce Jewish Pride? by Saundra Feher (Jews) |
| Talk Your "Family Story" of Anti-Semitism by Aurora Levins Morales (all) |
| The Hebrew Goddess by Jamie Isman (all) |
| Acting Out: Alliance Building through Creative
Play by Swan Keyes and
Kenji Liu (3:15 - 6:15, Special 3 hour workshop) (all)
Dinner Break 5:15 - 7:00
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Workshops 7:00pm - 9:00pm
| Anti-Semitism as a Form of Racism, a Workshop Especially for Non-Jewish Allies
by Pati McDermott |
| Stand Up for Israelis and Palestinians by Cherie Brown (all) |
| Questions of Praxis Concerning Anti-Semitism in Radical Social Science by
Irwin Sperber (all) |
| Youth Dialogue-- Open Discussion Forum for Those Under 25 (all, under 25) |
| Jews Look at Anti-Semitism & Racism by Ilise Cohen and Richard Moss
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Sunday August 22
General Session 9:30 - 11:00
Breakfast Buffet with Sharon Ellison speaking on "Taking the War Out of Words"
Workshops 11:15 - 1:00
| Jews of Arab Countries: Refugees, Human Rights and Personal |
| Experiences by Gina Waldman and Natalie Zeituny (all) |
| Take the War Out of Your Words by Sharon Ellison (all) |
| Covering It From A to Z: Why Anarchists, Communists and Socialists |
| Should be Zionists by Bob Meola (all) |
| Reclaiming Jewishness: A Radical Act by Julia Caplan (Jews 35 and younger) |
| A Brief History of Antisemitic Images and Their Sources in the History of Christian
Thought by Bruce Bramlett (all)
Lunch 1:00 - 2:15 |
Workshops 2:15 - 3:45
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Integrating Activism against Anti-Semitism into Anti-Oppression |
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Activism and Trainings: Why and How by Penny Rosenwasser (all) |
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"Jewish Power" Myth vs Reality for Those Who Oppose the Occupation of Palestine
by Mitchell Plitnick (all) |
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Anti-Semitism in Bay Area NeoPagan/Goddess Communities by Janette Sperber (all) |
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Healing From Jewish Internalized Oppression by Cherie Brown (all) |
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Neo-Anti-Semitism: Does Europe Lead the Way? by Rick Davis (all)
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Workshops 4:00 - 5:30
| Israel and Palestine: The Wisdom of Bringing Compassion Into The Fire by
Eryn Kalish (all) |
| Secrets of an 8 Year Group of Jews and Allies: Consciousness Raising and Activism
by Carpenter, Gup, Shumofsky, Stern (all) |
| Secular Christian Cultural Dominance: Reflection on Its History and Present
Effects by Richard Shapiro (all) |
| Jewish and African American Alliance Building by Yeshi Sherover Neumann &
Isoke Femi |
| Anti-Zionism & Anti-Semitism by David J. Cooper (all)
Dinner Break 5:30 - 7:15 |
General Session 7:15 - 9:30
| Keynote address by Cherie Brown, "The Personal and Political Dynamics of Anti-Semitism:
When Is Something Anti-Semitic, When Is It Not?" Discussion and skit on "The
Cyclical Nature of Anti-Semitism" follows.
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Monday August 23
Workshops 9:00 - 11:00
| Much in Common: Bridging Mainstream Jewish Groups & Jewish Activists
by Amy Gup (Jews) |
| Connecting Post 9/11 Attacks on Jews, Muslims & Arabs by Jawad Ali (all) |
| Why Liberal Churches Don't Deal with Anti-Semitism by Victor Lewis (all) |
| Taking the War Out of Words by Sharon Ellison (all)
Dismantling anti-Semitims/Anti-Jewish Oppression in Local Organizing Coalitions
by Dara Silverman and Guy Itzhak Austrian (all)
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Workshops 11:15 - 12:45
| |
| Ally Building by Akaya Windwood and Susan Coleson (non-Jews) |
| Common Issues in Muslim and Jewish American Communities by Ahmed Nassef (all) |
| Free To Be Different: Jews and Queers Make the Case for Diversity Rights
by Jane Rachel Litman (all) |
| Israel/Palestine Issues: Compassionate Listening for Jews and Their Significant
Others by Eryn Kalish
ACADEMIC AND POLITICAL PAPER PRESENTATIONS simultaneously 9:00 - 1:00 |
Moderated by Professor Florence Goldie Klugman
| Penny Rosenwasser on "There Is a Real Jewish Woman and We Are Not Her:" Internalized
Jewish Oppression and How We Can Heal.
Irwin Sperber on "Questions of Praxis Concerning Anti-Semitism in Radical Social
Science." |
| Goldie Klugman on "Shylock: Capitalism and the Harmony of the Christian World" |
| Richard Shapiro on "Secular Christian Cultural Dominance: Reflections on
Its Hostory and Present Effects" |
| Claudia Chavez on "Antisemitism, Our
Exestential Situation, and Human Cognitive Limitations"
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| Ralph Seliger on "The NeoConservative Phenomenon: An Example of the Vulnerability
of Jews as a Minority Group." |
| Deborah Grenn on Women's Spirituality: the Lemba and Ashkenazim
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Detail Workshop Descriptions
Saturday 21
12:00 noon - 2:00
Standing up for Israelis AND Palestinians
by Cherie Brown. A workshop on how to be an effective ally both to Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
Many people want us to choose--are you an ally for Israel--or are you
an ally for the Palestinian people. Come learn how to effectively stand up
for both peoples.
12:00 noon - 2:00
Christian Dominance: The Bind that Ties Us Together
by Nell My hand and Paul Kivel
How do Christian values permeate U.S culture and politics despite of our "separation
of church and state"? What are the historical connections between violence perpetrated
against Jews and Muslims, people of color, women and lgbtq folks? Do you have
any feelings of reluctance, fear, or shame in talking about the major impact Christianity
has had on each of us and on our society?
12:00 noon - 2:00
The Neo-conservatives: A Jewish conspiracy or a conspiracy against the Jews?
by Ralph Seliger
First, who are they? We will discuss the ideological and intellectual origins
of neo-conservatism (from its Trotskyist and social-democratic roots) and how
"Jewish" they are and are not; for example, how representative are they really
of American Jewish political opinion? We will examine the extent to which
Neo-cons shape Bush administration policy, their rivalry with competing currents
within the American right, and whether they are being scapegoated today in an
anti-Semitic way-- as the face of a Jewish demonic force responsible for the sins
(both real and imagined) of the US and Israel.
3:15 - 5:15pm
An Internal View: Blacks and Jews looking at Anti-Semitism and Racism
by Richar Moss and LaVerne Baker Leyva
Workshop provides a space for Jewish and African heritage peoples to examine long held assumptions about each other and an opportunity to explore our alliance. (This is an inter-active workshop.)
3:15 - 5:15
The Hebrew Goddess: by Jamie Isman
This workshop will explore the many aspects of the divine feminine, or the goddess, that have appeared throughout the history of the Hebrew lineage. This will be an interactive workshop that will provide history, archaeology, and a couple of biblical references, greatly intermingled with participatory chanting and readings of ancient goddess liturgy and mythology. This workshop will also emphasize the inevitable interconnectedness between our political climate and our spiritual beliefs and practices (whether oppressed, forcibly enforced, or
agreed upon), and how this has affected us throughout history and how it still affects us today.
3:15 - 5:15
Anti-Semitism, Jewish Shame and Israel
by Sandy Feher
Particularly for Jewish conference participants. Would you like to explore whether
you respond to information about Israel out of shame? Is that emotional reaction
more prominent in a population targeted for discrimination for so many generations?
Sensitive, facilitated discussion and questioning on these issues.
3:15 - 6:15
Acting Out: Alliance Building through Creative Play
by Swan Keyes & Kenji Liu
What do we need in order to stand up for ourselves and other groups targeted by oppression? What parts of ourselves and others do we exclude, oppress, or hide in our progressive communities, and how can we create genuine inclusiveness in progressive movements? With a particular focus on
anti-Jewish oppression and its connections with racism, this interactive workshop will use creative play to explore systematic and internal oppression, power, and liberation. Through participatory theatre, we will practice alliance building for social justice. No acting experience required.
7:00 - 9:00pm
Anti-Semitism as a Form of Racism, a Workshop Especially for Non-Jewish Allies
by Pati McDermott
This is to be an Open Forum with discussion and sharing of the ways that we as
white, non-Jewish people can be allies to Jewish people and people of color. Come
and learn how others are doing that and get support from other white, non-Jewish
people. It's up to us to educate ourselves and each other about challenging
our own racism and anti-semitism and the racism and anti-semitism that permeates
all of society. What can - and must - we do as white, non-Jewish allies to
make the world a place for everyone to enjoy peace and well-being? What are the
ways that you are using and sharing your white and non-Jewish privilege? What
are some other ways that you experience privilege in your life (class, gender,
heterosexual, etc.)? What is your process of recognizing and challenging your
own anti-semitism and racism? What are the similarities between racism and
anti-semitism? What do you do to challenge anti-semitism and racism that is
directed at Jewish people and people of color in your presence? What are you
doing to make the world a place for everyone to live free? Everyone welcome. (Jewish
people and people of color who wish to attend are encouraged to come with a friend
for support.)
7:00 - 9:00pm
Allies to Jews
by LaVerne Baker Leyva and Sue Parris
This workshop is for non-Jewish people who are committed to working against anti-Jewish
oppression and to supporting Jewish friends, colleagues, fellow activists and/or
family members as they take leadership in the world. The session will provide
an opportunity to celebrate the ways in which we have taken a stand against anti-Jewish
oppression as effective allies, as well as ways in which we have not been as effective
as we'd like to be. We will look at the connection between our own experiences
as members of racial, religious, gender and other targeted groups, and struggles
that may arise in our attempts to be effective allies to Jews. We will also have
an opportunity to identify strategies and next steps in our individual development
as "Allies in Training" to Jewish people everywhere.
7:00 - 9:00pm
Jews Look at Anti-Semitism & Racism
by Ilise Cohen and Richard Moss
History overview, issues of assimilation, the whiteness concept, and how groups
are pitted against one another. What does it look like to confront both oppressions?
7:00 - 9:00pm
Questions of Praxis Concerning Anti-Semitism in Radical Social Science
by Dr. Irwin Sperber
Opening presentation on: How can well-intentioned radical and progressive social
scientists be made aware of underlying anti-Semitic ideologies in their teaching
and research? A discussion of strategies and tactics for raising the political
consciousness of those who believe their consciousnesses have already been raised.
Sunday 22nd
11:15 - 12:45
Covering it From A to Z: Why anarchists, communists & socialists should Be
Zionists
by Bob Meola
Have you been hearing/reading anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic speech at
rallies, demonstrations, marches, meetings, on your so-called progressive radio
shows or magazines and papers? Why? Do you feel your movements are either
lying or mis-representing the facts out of their own ignorance? Let's talk
about it. This is a forum in which you may share your experiences of anti-Semitism
on the left.
11:15 - 1:00
Anti-Semitism in Christian History and Today
by Bruce Bramlett
Brief introduction to the Christian Church-created anti-Jewish stereotypes, the
damage they've done, and how they permeate the secular world. How anti-Jewish
attitudes persist in both Right Wing and Liberal churches.
11:15 to 1:00
Reclaiming Jewishness: A Radical Act of Resistance **
A workshop for Jews ages 35 & under Led
by Julia Caplan
This workshop is a chance for Jewish-heritage social change activists to look
at our own identities, family histories, and relationships to being Jewish; how
we've been and are impacted by anti-Semitism in our own activist communities;
and how we are already resisting the oppression. Based on the TODOS Sherover-Simms
Alliance Building Institute heart model of ending and healing
from oppression.
**Because this workshop requires a certain level of trust-building within the
group, participants must arrive on time.
2:15 -3:45
Healing from Jewish Internalized Oppression
by Cherie Brown.
A workshop both for Jews---and our allies. We will examine how the messages
from anti-Semitism are internalized by Jews--and how they get in our way of leading
flourishing lives. Come learn how to identify what Jewish internalized oppression
is and how we can heal from it.
2:15 - 3:45
Including Anti-Semitism in Anti-Racism Training
by Penny Rosenwasswer.
Discussion of issues that arise when consciousness raising about racial stereotypes
of traditionally oppressed ethnic groups. Developing a nuanced understanding
of similarities and differences of oppression against People of Color and Jews
(including Ashkenazim.)
2:15 - 3:45
Anti-Semitism in Bay Area NeoPagan/Goddess Communities
by Janette Sperber
We will examine the various manifestations of anti-semitism that Jewish Witches & Pagans encounter in Bay Area communities (participants encouraged to
share).One major focus of this workshop will be to explore the question: "did the Hebrews really cause the downfall of the Goddess and/or bring patriarchy into the
world?". We will also discuss how we can constructively counter the anti-Semitism found in Pagan/Goddess communities. This workshop is designed for Pagans/Goddess worshippers, but is open to all.
2:15 - 3:45
"Jewish Power:" Contrasting Myth and Reality for Those Who Oppose the Occupation
by Mitchell Plitnick
A discussion of beliefs about Jewish Power, and how confusion with real power
reinforces anti-Jewish stereotypes when dealing with the occupation of Palestine.
2:15 - 3:45
Neo-Anti Semitism: Does Europe Leads the Way?
by Rick Davis This workshop is designed to be informative and interactive rather than academic.
It will offer a cursory historical context for the age-old phenomena of anti-Semitism
in Europe, before examining in greater depth the Ëœneo-anti Semitism
that has emerged throughout Western Europe since 1999.
Breaking into smaller groups for the second half-hour, participants will discuss
whether certain media articles, cartoons, political events, and activist responses
are considered anti Semitic. Group members will be challenged to consider if and
where anti-Zionism crosses the boundary into anti-Semitism.
The final half hour will bring everyone back together to consider what lessons,
positive or negative, can be gleaned from Europe to apply to American society;
if the European experience of the past 5 years is likely to bleed into N. America;
and whether political action might be deemed to have a stronger racial subtext
4:00 - 5:30
Using Compassionate ListeningSM
by Eryn Kalish We will tune in to hear what is really being
said by people we may disagree
with about the conflict. Our premise is that beyond the anger, cynicism and
political rhetoric lives fear, despair, and the dreams of hope for peace.
Bring your own intense feelings and thoughts about what is happening and be
prepared to come away with some surprising insights. Highly interactive.
4:00 - 5:30
Secrets of an 8-year old group of Jews and Allies, "Progressives Challenging
Anti-Semitism Among Progressives"
by Pandoura Carpenter, Amy Gup, Mady Shamofsky and Laura Stern. So you want to be in a consciousness-raising and/or activist group focused on
Anti-Semitism, or just curious? We'll tell all about our experiences and lessons
learned. Plenty of opportunity for questions, sharing, and networking
with interested others.
4:00 - 5:30
Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism
by David J. Cooper Discussion of our beliefs about the relationship between these 2 topics using
Compassionate Listening techniques.
4:00 -5:30
Secular Christian Cultural Dominance: Reflections on its History And Present
Effects
by Richard Shapiro
How is the secular, in concept and practice, linked to legacies of Christian
religious dominance? How is this often unmarked dominance alive in progressive
communities and social movements. In excavating the effects of this dominance,
as it impacts our self- understandings, bodies, political analysis, ethics
and truths, how might we enhance our capacities to build alliances for justice,
environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity? This presentation explores
these questions.
Monday
9:00 - 11:00am
Connecting Increased Attacks on Jews, Muslims and Arabs Post 9/11 by Jawad Ali
Discussion of types, similarities and differences in street attacks and against
individuals and organizations in all three communities.
9:00am - 11:00am
Much in Common: A workshop devoted to building bridges and decreasing polarization
between the mainstream organized Jewish community and Jewish activist communities
by Amy Gup
Are you troubled by the polarization that exists between the mainstream organized
Jewish community and activist communities? Is it possible that we have more
in common than we realize? Can we challenge ourselves to really hear one another
and find the common ground from which to move forward as allies rather than enemies
in our work in the world? Come to "Much in Common" where we will explore these
questions and more through interactive activities in an environment of honesty
and cooperation. There will also be an opportunity to learn about some of
the progressive programming of mainstream Jewish organizations.
9:00 - 11:00
Dismantling Anti-Semitism/Anti-Jewish Oppression in Local Organizing Coalitions
by Dara Silverman and Guy Izhak Austrian
This interactive workshop will examine the importance and difficulty of implementing
a complex analysis about race class, gender, disability and anti-Jewish oppression
in doing local work. Many Jews who work in alliance with other directly targeted
groups struggle internally with discomfort and frustration at not receiving support
when anti-Jewish oppression comes up. This workshop will use examples from
participants and organizers to develop a shared analysis of how anti-Jewish oppression
can undermine local organizing, and shared strategies of how to address it in
local coalitions.
11:15 - 12:45
Free To Be Different: Jews and Queers Make the Case for Diversity
Rights by Jane Litman
In America, both Fundamentalist Christianity and Heterosexuality make
the claim of normatively and even absolutism. Jews have long
served as the prototypical religious other challenging the assumption
that the United States is a Christian country. Jewish difference has given
a language and program for other religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural
groups to seek legal and social recognition. Currently, in our society
queer people are the most visible in terms of symbolic difference. The
wedge issue debates over same sex marriage, queers in the
teaching profession, and queers in public life, are part of a long history
of using minority groups as scapegoats and targets. Learn how
Jews and queers are and can be helpful allies to each other.
11:15 - 12:45
Israel and Palestine: The Wisdom of Bringing Compassion Into The Fire
by Eryn Kalish
In this facilitated conversation, we will have the opportunity for people with
varying beliefs and passions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to really
listen to each other.
11:15 - 12:45
"...until all of us are free.": Gentile allies working to end anti-Semitism and
anti-Jewish oppression.
by Akaya Windwood and Susan Colson
In this facilitated discussion, we will explore what it means for us as gentiles
to interrupt anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish oppression. What is needed from us?
What will this take? How can we support one another in doing this essential work?
Please come prepared to think courageously and compassionately together as we
do our part in creating a world in which we all want to live. This is a workshop
for those or us who are not culturally, ethnically or religiously Jewish, and
who want to strengthen our capacity to be effective allies.
11:15 12:45
Common Issues in the Muslim American & Jewish American Communities
by Jawad Ali
Have you thought about the common experiences and challenges that effect both
of these minority communities? Learn more, question, and discuss.
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FACING A CHALLENGE WITHIN: 