Max and Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies CARLETON UNIVERSITY

Newsletter | Spring 2019

Director’s Message

a key initiative for strengthening the ties between Carleton and the community One day, Honi the Circle Maker was However, when I was born into this while also enriching our work in the area walking on the road and saw a man world, I found many carob trees planted of Jewish arts and culture. As in every planting a carob tree. Honi asked the by my father and grandfather. Just as new project, the next step is building a man, “How long will it take for this tree to they planted trees for me, I am planting sustainable funding model to make this bear fruit?” trees for my children and grandchildren happen. The man replied, “Seventy years.” so they will be able to eat the fruit of these We also see tremendous potential Honi then asked the man, “And do you trees.” in the newly signed Memorandum of think you will live another seventy years Babylonian Talmud, tractate Ta’anit, Understanding Carleton and Library and eat the fruit of this tree?” page 23a and Archives Canada. Talks are under- The man answered, “Perhaps not. way for ways that the ZC can collaborate through new programming with the Lowy Collection. One early collaboration will certainly be around Professor Malino’s archival research. Please save the date Over the years, I continue to connect with (Sunday, September 22) and keep an eye our alumnae (often in the context of writ- out for related programming. ing reference letters!) and am so delighted Finally thanks and best wishes to our to see them travel the path through gradu- ZC team for another amazing year, I am ate school and first steps in their career, so fortunate to continue working with Dr watching them become true leaders in our Susan Landau Chark, Mirka Snopkowska, community and mentoring others. Belle Riley Thompson, and Shaked Student conferences similarly permit Karabelnicoff in the next academic year. appreciating early signs of the impact we have on our students. The recent graduate student conference underscores the way In This Issue not only traditional classroom learning but other experiential learning like DFL Director’s message ...... 1-2 and the Israel course shape student inter- DFL News …………………………………...... 2-3 est and research. Marylene Pilon and LX Faculty Members Corner...... 3 his Talmudic story is often quoted to Silver-Mahr, who shared their research Graduate Affiliate ……………………………...... 4 Tremind us that the work we do is for at the April student colloquium, were ex- External Research Affiliates ...... 5-6 future generations. Here at the Zelikovitz amples of these synergies: It was through Limmud Ottawa 2019 …………………...... 7 Centre, that work is focused on planting travel to Israel that Marylene Pilon began Graduate Student’s Conference …………….....8 and nurturing seeds of learning, research to think critically about music and culture, Save the Date…………………………………...... 8 and scholarship. and LX Silver-Mahr was able to complete Israel Travel Course 2020 ……………………...... 9 We are fortunate that unlike the farmer her research in Judaism and masculinity. CHES News and Events ...... 10-17 who plants the carob tree, we sometimes We hope for more opportunities for have the pleasure of seeing seeds bear synergy and collaboration as we continue Join the ZC mailing list to receive updates early fruit. I am particularly struck by to explore how to bring a Jewish-focused invitations to our future events. Please send this as I reflect on the last nine years of arts and culture daylong conference to an email to: jewish [email protected] the Developing Future Leaders program. Carleton. We envisage this conference as The ZC’s New Space in Paterson Hall

e are so excited to finally be moved cludes many unique books covering aspects Winto our new office and boardroom of Jewish life, culture, and history. space in Paterson Hall, Rooms PA225, and We are grateful to Dean Pauline Rankin PA 220A respectively. The new space al- for her leadership and support in facilitating lows ZC work to continue while the board- the renovations of this new space. Thanks room is used for meetings, workshops, also to CIJA who donated our boardroom study and research. The boardroom also seating and allowed us to come in under houses the ZC’s Jewish Studies library. budget! As noted in previous newsletters, the ZC The boardroom is available to students is working in conjunction with George and faculty to come together for any Jewish Duimovich, MacOdrum’s librarian in Studies related project. A projector and charge of Collections and technology, to screen are available upon request. Please provide online visibility to the ZC’s library. contact [email protected] or 613- Although the ZC collection is small, it in- 529-2600, ext 1320 to book the space

Developing Future Leaders: Over 100 Internships in 9 years

shared her thoughts about DFL: nus protégé David Tanhelson, and most “The strength of any organization lies in recently by Director Cindi Resnick and its people. With this keen understanding, Seminar Leader Carolyn Bickerton. We the DFL program aimed to identity and thank them for their vision and tremen- help train the next generation of leaders, dous work, as we join to also salute the 24 an immense service and importance to agencies and institutions that have wel- Ottawa’s Jewish community. The Jewish comed our students and offered them in- Federation of Ottawa, along with many valuable opportunities to learn and grow. other organizations, greatly benefitted While DFL is paused, the suite of train- little over 10 years ago, Roger from the talents and enthusiasm of interns ing that we designed and implemented AGreenberg approached former granted to us through the program. At the here at Carleton has proven to be effective Director Aviva Freedman with an idea, same time, the true value of the program and exemplary in developing future lead- to plant the seeds of the next genera- will only be measured in the fullness of ers. We are reviewing its funding model tion of community leaders, volunteers, time as graduates of the program assume and looking at opportunities to build on and philanthropists. After his generous full-time positions of leadership through- its success. stewardship for the first five years of the out the community and excel in their cho- Yasher Koach to over 100 students from program, his vision was supported by the sen roles.” across Ottawa and beyond placed in com- next cohort of lead donors from the com- The heart of our program has always munity and national internships, who munity, and in the last year, by Carleton been that connection between students, grew as young professionals and learned itself through the offices of the Provost, community and the university. That core so much from our Carleton team and our the Deans of the Faculty of Arts and Social has been consistently nurtured by the community leadership. We have built up a Sciences and Faculty of Public Affairs, the directors of the program: first by Director true legacy for Ottawa and Canada. VP Research and International, and the Josee Posen, followed by her DFL alum- We would also like to wish a yasher VP Students and Enrollment. There are koach to 2018-2019 intern Dario not enough thanks to each for support- Chaiquin. Dario is a third-year Political ing our students and community through Science student at Carleton University, their generosity. concentrating in International Relations The ZC is very appreciative of the sup- and his placement was with the Jewish port we have received from the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. Dario is the incom- Federation of Ottawa over the last nine ing Co-President on the 2019-2020 Hillel years. Andrea Freedman (President and Ottawa executive. CEO, Jewish Federation of Ottawa and Ottawa Jewish Community Foundation) Continued on next page

2 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Rotem Fellus (2018-2019) did her intern- The ZC also wishes to offer a hearty ship with the Association of Canadian mazel tov on the engagement of two DFL Jewish Studies as their social media co- alumni: Mushka Teitlebaum (2017-2019) ordinator. She co-presented at the ACJS who is has just begun her Masters in conference in Vancouver with Professor Social Work at Carleton University, and Hernan Tesler-Mabe (a ZC Research affili- Adam Moscoe (2012-2014) who is current- ate). Their presentation, entitled “Online ly completing the Canadian government’s Anti-Semitism” illustrated how the Policy Analyst Program, as well as being Internet is used as a channel for the a Global Shaper of the World Economic legitimization of antisemitism. Forum.

Faculty Members’ Corner Presentations and Publications

the early 1980s in some antique shops. on the photographic aspects of the first big The virtual explosion of photographic media event in Canada, the assassination techniques, that followed the and funeral of Thomas D’Arcy Mcgee in official invention of photography in 1868. 1839, created an array of types of standardized photographs. Terms such as daguerreotype, ambrotype, ferrotype (or tintype), salted paper print, dry plate, wet plate, albumen print, carte- de-visite, cabinet card and carbon print point to the varieties of photographic expression. Surprisingly millions of these photographs, made in the mid to late 19th century, are still available today in Photo by Robert Lansdale excellent condition. Each gives a glimpse into the lives, dress, occupations, places Professor Irwin Reichstein, and celebrities that were of interest at the rofessor Irwin Reichstein, Chair of time and are of increasing interest today. Pthe ZC’s Advisory Board, retired Collecting these images led Professor from the School of Computer Science Reichstein to a research interest in the in 2014 (although he has since done a field. His first article, on the 19th century little teaching on the side), has had a photographer, Benjamin F. Baltzly, was lifelong interest in photography. In fact, for the journal, History of Photography one could almost say it’s a family trait. [Summer 1993, 17(2), 218-9]. Since then, His grandfather was a photographer he has written a number of articles, in Grodno (now Belarus) and his great particularly in the area of 19th century tintype of a lady looking at a aunt was likely the first Jewish woman Montreal photography He has curated photograph. Probably taken in the 1870s photographer and possibly among the first two exhibits at the Carleton University by an anonymous photographer (as few women photographers in Russia in the Art Gallery, one on tintypes called The most tintypes are) likely from Brockville, late 19th century. Shadow Secured, for which he created Ontario. An amateur photographer for many a 20-page illustrated publication with years, he developed an interest in essay, and the second, entitled The Image he ZC is always pleased to collecting early photography, when he first Multiplied explored the variety of images Tshowcase the awards, courses came across examples of what is called made for the commercial mass market. (Jewish-related), research, papers vernacular photography, the everyday The next issue of Photographic and publications of our faculty commercial photographs that were made Canadiana (Vol 45 #1, May-June 2019) members. in the nineteenth century, and even into will feature Professor Reichstein’s article

3 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Spotlight on our Graduate Affiliate

mediums. As a graduate she was interested represented and narrated in history and in the adaptation of one narrative in literature, and how have the various conveyed in one media into another media. agents: aging Kinder, their descendants, Having studied linguistics and artists, curators, and scholars influenced translations, she is constantly learning the way in which the history of the about the limitations and possibilities Kindertransport is remembered? of different mediums or languages. A Marie-Catherine will draw on the chance reading of W.G. Sebald’s Austerlitz, writings of Ruth Barnett, Karen Gershon, an assigned reading in one of Professor and Frank Meisler, Kindertransportees Sarah Casteel’s courses, led her to consider who wrote, and in Frank Meisler’s case, the construction of memory, topics of also sculpted, their experiences. Her authenticity and legitimacy and the research is two-fold. In the first instance, relationship of these to a language and its she plans to examine the remediation literature (both commercial and literary). of their Kindertransport experience Marie-Catherine Allard In the process of building an in their respective narratives. In the introductory course to Holocaust second, she will examine the shifts that arie-Catherine Allard is in her Literature, she reflected on the connection led the Kindertransport to be collectively Mthird year of Carleton’s innovative between representations of the Holocaust, remembered as a past rescue operation PhD program, Cultural Mediations. Prior and how the memory of these events was commemorating Britain’s generosity to to embarking on her journey towards experienced by the 1.5 generation, the become an accessible platform for memory a PhD, Marie-Catherine got her BA in second and third generation as well as the activism. Her research will intersect Modern Languages (German and Italian memory of those survivors who witnessed Holocaust Studies, History, and Memory Studies and a Hispanic Studies Major) other genocides. Studies, as well as the areas of borderlands from Bishop’s University, and her MA in Already immersed in Holocaust and diasporic narratives. World Literatures and Cultures from the literature, the serendipitous reading Research centered on the Holocaust, University of Ottawa. of two news releases featuring and especially the experiences of children She is also well-traveled. After Kindertransportees pointed Marie- in those times can be challenging. graduating from CEGEP, and prior to Catherine towards her topic for her PhD Marie-Catherine’s antidote is her poetry. entering university, Marie-Catherine did a thesis. Last year (2018) was the 80th She recently had a collection of poems gap year in Germany in order to learn and anniversary of the Kindertransport published in 2018 by the French publishing develop fluency in the German language. ─ a rescue operation which allowed, company Édilivre. The booklet of poems She first lived with a family in Helpup, before the outbreak of World War II, the is entitled Et si… Récit poétique d’une near Bielefeld in Northern Germany, relocation of ten thousand children at risk réflexion angélique and was inspired by and then moved to Cologne, where she of deportation from Austria, Germany, Paul Klee’s painting, Angelus Novus. attended a Gymnasium (German and Czechoslovakia, and Danzig mainly to History LK) and took ballet classes. Great Britain. In the third year of her undergraduate The news items in question were program, Marie-Catherine participated the creation of the Helmut Kallmann in an exchange program that took her to Chair for Music in Canada by Carleton the University of Bologna (alma mater University, and Sir Alf Dubs’ campaign of Dante Alighieri) in Bologna, Italy for concerning the British Immigration Act. one semester. There she studied Italian Commemorations taking place over the Cinema, Literature and Linguistics. In her course of this special anniversary year second semester of this exchange year, she utilized these events as an opportunity lived in Concepción, Chile, and attended to create bridges between the history the University of Concepción where she it represents and their contemporary studied Spanish Pedagogy, Literature and concerns. Marie-Catherine was intrigued Linguistics. by the contemporary relevance of the From the moment she began studying commemoration of the Kindertransport Modern Languages as an undergraduate, and by the role of Kindertransport Marie-Catherine was fascinated by the narratives in relation to the narratives ways in which language shapes culture, of child survivors and the collective and how culture is reflected in that understanding of this rescue operation. Et si… Récit poétique d’une réflexion language’s literature and other artistic How has this mass evacuation been angélique

4 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Spotlight on our External Research Affiliates

he Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies (ZC) place to share their work-in-progress, and their completed Trecognizes the need to develop opportunities for research and publications, to encourage the cross- scholarly collaboration. We regularly invite emerging fertilization of ideas and approaches. Where possible, scholars, graduate students, and faculty at other the ZC invites scholars from off campus to present to the universities, as well as independent scholars to partner public, and participate in Carleton courses. with the ZC and our researchers. Although Research Awards, Presentations and Publications of our External Affiliate positions are unpaid, the ZC offers scholars a Research Affiliates:

of scholars and graduate students will editors view their endeavour as a “call contribute to an ongoing dialogue on the for information” to preserve Iranian diversity of the Jewish experience. Jewish groupness – hence the title Below we are highlighting one of our of collection. Soroosh concluded that Research affiliates and sharing with this public call for revitalization of you the activities, publications, and Iranian Jewish groupness is nonetheless seminars of several others. incapable of healing the community’s Soroosh Shahriari is a Carleton disunity and at best can create a alumnus and an affiliate of the Zelikovitz “religious”/ “Jewish” canonical text for Centre for Jewish Studies. For his next generations. As such, TERUA is Masters’ degree in Religion and Public the symbol of Iranian Jews’ religious Life, he wrote his research paper on (Jewish) presence in the American the oral history of Iranian Jewry in the public life. ince its inception in 2006 the United States. His research focused on Soroosh Shahriari is currently pursuing SZelikovitz Centre (ZC) for Jewish the multi volume historical document, his PhD in Jewish Studies at McGill Studies has recognized the need to entitled TERUA: The History of University, Montreal. His supervisor is develop opportunities for scholarly Contemporary Iranian Jews, published Professor Carlos Fraenkel, a German- collaboration. We have invited emerging by The Centre for Iranian Jewish Brazilian scholar who is the James scholars, graduate students, and fellow Oral History (based in Los Angeles). McGill Professor at McGill with a joint faculty at other universities, as well as This four-volume work encompasses appointment in Jewish studies and independent scholars to partner with the a diversity of documents (interviews, philosophy. ZC and our researchers. memoirs, old documents, poems, plays, Under Professor Fraenkel’s tutelage, Although Research Affiliate positions and photos) and a variety of genres Soroosh is studying the intellectual are unpaid, the ZC provides for scholars and styles of writings (from academic interaction between Jewish and to share their work-in-progress thus articles/lectures to informal family Muslim thinkers of the Medieval era. encouraging cross-fertilization of ideas stories and dramas). Soroosh’s focus In particular, he focuses on the two and approaches, and where possible, in his case study was a play, a modern pioneer theologians, Maimonides and offers support, for such research dramatic adaptation of The Book of al-Ghazali, whose works reflect their inviting scholars from off campus to Esther, written by Houman Sarshar, intellectual endeavour to reconcile present to the public and participate director of publications at the Center for between discursive reasoning and in Carleton courses. All Research Iranian Jewish Oral History. Soroosh’s revealed tradition. Soroosh believes that Affiliates have full online and on-site study illustrates that the first generation the key to understanding their methods access to Carleton University libraries. of Iranian Jews in America believed is to determine their hermeneutics, the In exchange, incumbents are expected that their new environment rendered way the two thinkers have interpreted to participate in one conference or their children’s Jewish “identity” under Scripture. Maimonides and al-Ghazali event over the course of their 3-year the constant threat of assimilation. To each offered their own method of exegesis term. This initiative is part of the ZC’s protect their Iranian-Jewish tradition, as proof of how two these two sources of larger mandate of building a dynamic they launched an oral history project knowledge convey the same truth, and group of national and international to record and collect oral traditions illustrate the harmony between revealed Jewish Studies scholars. Our network for forthcoming generations. TERUA’s texts and what the intellect dictates.

5 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Spotlight on our External Research Affiliates

eymour Mayne celebrates the Orders: Facebook Malisia Editorial. Spublication of his 75th book. [email protected] at $12.00 The ZC Welcomes Wind and Wood: Word Sonnets USD a copy. is a four-language collection published Our network of research affiliates Research Affiliates in South America. The editor and co- continues to grow (40 affiliates as of May The ZC Welcomes Research translator is Prof. María Laura Spoturno 2019). If you know of anyone who might Affiliates All Research Affiliates have full online and on-site of the National University of La Plata, be interested in becoming an active access to Carleton University Argentina; the publisher, Malisia member of the Jewish Studies research libraries. In exchange, Editorial. community at the Zelikovitz Centre incumbents are expected to Wind and Wood is a sequence please encourage them to contact us. participate in one conference or of short poems that draws not only on Interested candidates should email event over the course of their the practice of shorter forms such as the [email protected] with a 3-year term. If you know of haiku but also on the pithy expression letter of introduction, CV, photo, and anyone who might be interested that characterizes Pirkei Avot or Sayings short research statement, noting areas in becoming an active member of the Sages, the Talmudic tractate of of interest as they pertain to Jewish of the Jewish Studies research community at the Zelikovitz maxims, proverbs and resonant images. Studies, which will be made public on Centre please encourage The book also includes a our website. Applications should contain them to contact us. Interested critical prefatory interview in which subject line: ZC Research Associate. candidates should email jewish. the author provides commentary on the studies@carleton. ca with a word sonnet, the sub-genre for which letter of introduction, CV, photo, he is known as the leading international and short research statement, innovator. noting areas of interest as they Copies of Wind and Wood: pertain to Jewish Studies, which Word Sonnets/Viento y madera. Sonetos will be made public on our website. Applications should de una palabra/Vent et bois. Sonnets contain subject line: ZC Research d’un mot/ Vento e madeira. Sonetos Associate. de uma palavra may be ordered from Editorial Malisia, La Plata, Argentina.

Affiliate Publications and Activities:

(forthcoming) the inter-war period (1920-1940), factors Judith Cohen: 2019 Feldman, Walter Zev. Klezmer: behind the pre-World War 2 attacks 2019: In press: “Adultery, Conversion Music, History and Memory. on Jews in Poland, and aspects of the and Fires: shared themes of Yiddish Oxford UP. MusiCultures, Holocaust which have contemporary and Judeo- Spanish ballads”, for Acts Journal of the Canadian Society resonances. of the International Ballad Symposium, for Traditional Music Palermo, Italy, May 2017. (forthcoming) Dani Kranz: Book Reviews: “The Global North goes to the Global 2019 Leite, Naomi. “Unorthodox Kin: Allan Kagedan: North Minus? Intersections of Integration Portuguese Marranos and the Seminar on “The New Far-Right.” of non-Jewish, Highly Skilled, Female Global Search for January- February 2018, Soloway Jewish Partner/Spousal Migrants from the Belonging”, U. of California Community Centre, Ottawa. Sessions Global North in Israel,” in International Press. Journal of the Royal included discussion of the treatment of Migration, 2019, DOI:10.1111/imig.12574 Anthropological Institute Jews in Canada and the United States in

Congratulations to longtime friend and supporter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies and the Developing Future Leaders Program, Steven Kimmel, who was just awarded the Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Leadership. The Gilbert Greenberg Distinguished Leadership Award is the highest tribute which the Ottawa Jewish Community can bestow on an individual, honouring a lifetime of leadership in the Jewish world.

6 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Limmud Ottawa

Participants in his very stimulating Soroosh Shahriari (See Spotlight his past March 31, Limmud Ottawa workshop were encouraged to compose on ZC External Affiliates p.) spoke on Topened its doors for the community spontaneous word sonnets which they did “Maimonides’ Philosophical Religion to participate in this day-long celebra- with humour and palpable pleasure. vis-à-vis Spinoza’s Theistic Revolt.” His tion of Jewish learning. Once again, the Professors Betina Appel session introduced the two philosophers’ Zelikovitz Centre (ZC) was delighted to Kuzmarov and Deidre Butler held a approach to Jewish faith. Although partner with Limmud Ottawa through lively workshop on the wit and wisdom Maimonides and Spinoza both explored the generous support of David and Margo of a contemporary feminist Israeli mid- the relationship between Jewish faith and Kardish and family. rashic interpretation of the problem of the science (or rational thought) the outcome Presentations illustrated the breadth Agunah. Participants worked through the of their endeavours proved contradic- and variation of research undertaken original Talmudic sources as well as con- tory. Maimonides wrote the Guide of by ZC research affiliates. Seymour temporary feminist midrash. the Perplexed to reconcile the science of Mayne, master word sonneteer, whose Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz spoke on his day, i.e. Greek philosophy, with what publications in the sub-genre have re- women’s experiences of infertility after the the revealed tradition of Judaism had ceived much positive international atten- Shoah. Dr Kleinplatz has been interview- to offer as the path to the salvation. Five tion, introduced his audience to the joys ing women in Canada, the US and Israel centuries later, Baruch Spinoza, in his of word sonnets. As he wrote to introduce who have waited a lifetime to tell their sto- Theologico-Political Treatise, argued that his writing workshop: ries of amenorrhea, multiple miscarriages the scriptures were simply a collection Forget and infertility after the Shoah. “I always of Hebrew writings by different persons about wondered why we couldn’t have more from different times and places. Torah, herbs, children.” Their history has been hidden according to Spinoza and contrary to what try in plain sight. It is time to give voice to Maimonides firmly believed, did not have verbs! women’s narratives. They have long hoped anything to offer in terms of intellectual Set that someone would investigate their perfection of its followers; it is solely a aside experiences of coerced pharmacological source for promoting ethical behaviour. flour, interventions and stop attributing their This statement, among others, led to bake difficulties to “psychosomatic trauma” or his excommunication from the Jewish up prior malnutrition. community. poetry with word power.

Please share your Jewish Studies news about publications (articles and books), events (on campus and in the community), courses, etc. The newsletter is published every early fall with a supplement in early winter when warranted. Send your information to [email protected] at any time and it will be included immediately on our web site and in the next issue.

7 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Grad Conference

ongratulations to MA in Religion and order to highlight the motivations for CPublic Life students Erin Roberts and methods of boundary construction and Alexandra Valeriote for the amaz- for practitioners and researchers. Even ing Annual Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish though religion is assumed in modern, Studies and Religion Program Colloquium secular society to be contained in domains held on April 12. that are private and affiliated with an This student led colloquium has always institution and its authorities, religious been driven and shaped by the students ideas and practices do not remain within themselves. Erin and Alex did a fantastic these historically constructed boundaries, job of engaging students from graduate particularly in times of increased change and BA Honours 4th year programs from and movement of people and ideas. Lx Silver-Mahr B.A. Social Work, across Carleton, and Ontario and Quebec. Highlights in Jewish Studies included: Carleton University (Israel Travel course It was a pleasure to also hear from gradu- Joseph Stern M.A. Religion and Public 2018 Alumna and Developing Future ates of our programs and learn how their Life, Carleton University Leaders Program Intern 2018-2019) scholarship has developed and matured. Reconciling the Secular and Religious in The Zionist Remaking of Jewish The colloquium presented student re- Israel through the Pursuit of Justice as a Masculinity search that brings phenomena “on the Path to Reconciling the Israeli/Palestinian Marylene Pilon M.A. Religion and Public edge” of normative religion to light in Conflict Life, Carleton University (Israel Travel course 2018 Alumna) On the Edge of a State: Sing to Commemorate, Sing to Celebrate The papers were most impressive, and the audience was particularly appreciative of how thoughtfully the program was put together to highlight connections and synergies between a broad range of topics. Thank you for the work you did to foster rich and collegial conversations that will surely continue beyond the conference itself. Thank you as well to faculty, students, friends, and family who came and supported our students. We look forward to next year’s colloquium in Spring 2020! Zachary, Alexandra, Erin and Idoia checking their power-points. SAVE THE DATE The ZC is de- in Revolutionary and Napoleonic France French Ministry of Education lighted to welcome (1978) and A Jew in the French Revolution: Her presentation will address Jewish Professor Frances The Life of Zalkind Hourwitz (1996) and Voices: Muslim Lands. Drawing from Malino, the Sophia co-editor of Essays in Modern Jewish thousands of letters rescued at the end of Moses Robison History: a Tribute to Ben Halpern (1982), World War II, Frances Malino will explore Professor of Jewish The Jews in Modern France (1985), Profiles the lives of Jewish women teaching in a Studies and History in Diversity: Jews in a Changing Europe network of schools extending from Tetouan Emerita at Wellesley (1998), and Voices of the Diaspora: Jewish in Morocco to Teheran in Iran. Her pres- College. She will Women Writing in the New Europe (2005). entation shines a light on facets of Jewish be speaking at Carleton Sunday, Her current project is titled Teaching history that are often understudied, and in September 22. Freedom: Jewish Sisters in Muslim Lands. the process deepens our understanding of She is author of The Sephardic Jews of In 2012 she was named Chevalier dans 19th and early 20th century France and the Bordeaux: Assimilation and Emancipation l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the experiences of colonized peoples.

8 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Director’s Message Israel Travel Course: Religion in Historical and Contemporary Contexts in Israel. s many of you know, the travel course the Supreme court. They learn with as informed and thoughtful citizens who Ato Israel is a particular labour of love international scholars from Hebrew are advocates for peace. for me. I wear both hats as the professor University, Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion The course continues to attract students leading the course and as Director of the University and around the world. from different academic disciplines who ZC which provides administrative support In designing courses and thinking come to the course with a variety of life and most importantly takes the lead in about learning outcomes, we are often histories and experience. The growth of fundraising to make the course affordable asked “what will a student remember in the Bachelor in Global and International for all students. 5, 10 or 20 years?” These travel course Studies is providing a new audience for A year ago, we were in Israel with 19 experiences stand out brightly in memory the course. BGInS students are required to amazing students. A year from now in as what students remember most about participate in an international experience May 2020 we will be there again with their university years. They drive lifelong and are eligible for travel bursaries. While a new cohort who will be touring the engagement with their alma mater and the course takes as its starting point country and participating in archeological with the subject of what they studied religion in the land of Israel (historically digs, dipping their toes in the Jordan through travel. It is already clear that and in the present day), student interest river, and hearing the calls to prayer from students who return from this trip come has prompted a rebalancing of the trip: a mosques echoing against the ringing of back with a more nuanced appreciation little less archeology (though still over 10 church bells. of the complexities of modern Israeli archeological sites!), more about different It is a course that provides rich religion and culture, as well as a deeper cultural groups and communities, more experiential learning opportunities for understanding of the rich history of about religion at the intersections of law students who see, hear, touch and feel Judaism and the other world religions that and politics. in a “traveling classroom” that moves are rooted in what was known in the “Holy In light of these growing areas of interest, from the Negev to the Golan Heights, Land”. They care passionately about what I’m so very excited that Professors Betina from a Bedouin women’s collective to happens in this land and return to Ottawa Appel Kuzmarov (Law and Legal Studies) and Pamela Walker (History) will be joining the trip. Professor Kuzmarov brings her expertise in international law and the intersections of religious and civil law, while Professor Walker brings her expertise in Christian Missionary activities as related to Jews and Israel. As cost is the key barrier to student participation, Dean Pauline Rankin of FASS has again contributed to the course and we will do our best to fundraise in the new academic year to fund the waiting list of students who need financial aid. Thank you to all who have supported our students in the past, we hope you will join us again in making this learning experience of a lifetime a reality for our next cohort of students https://futurefunder.carleton.ca/ giving-fund/israel-travel-course/

Join us on our virtual venture: Please share your Jewish Studies news about publications (articles and books), events (on campus and in the community), courses, etc. The “Like” us on Facebook at newsletter is published every early fall with a supplement in early winter when facebook.com/ warranted. Send your information to [email protected] at any time ZelikovitzCentre and it will be included immediately on our web site and in the next issue.

9 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

Words “HOLOCAUST from the KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS SURVEY” Director On January 27th, the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the “The Holocaust calls into question Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness our most basic assumptions about Survey, conducted by the Conference on human nature, modern society, social Jewish Material Claims Against Germany responsibility, and global citizenship. The (Claims Conference, http://www.claimscon. study of the Holocaust assists students org/ ) in partnership with the Azrieli in developing an understanding of the Foundation, was made public. According ramifications of prejudice, racism and to this study, most adults in Canada are stereotyping in any society. It helps uninformed or misinformed about the students develop an awareness of the value Holocaust. of pluralism and encourages tolerance “Clearly there are holes in our education of diversity in a multicultural society.” – system that must be filled, because as “Teaching About the Holocaust: A Resource Mina Cohn it stands now, we are not preparing the for Educators” (United States Holocaust next generation to learn from the past,” Memorial Museum). Building on the well-attended events said Naomi Azrieli, Chair of the Azrieli of the 2018 Holocaust Education Month Foundation. The study provides important From the beginning, enrichment in (HEM), the winter of 2019 saw the CHES information at a time when overt anti- Holocaust education has been an essential committee hard at work planning ac- Semitism is surging worldwide. component of the CHES mandate. tivities and programs to take place in the How could this have happened? CHES continues to develop meaningful coming months as well as preparing for Teaching the Holocaust is not easy given workshops for educators in our city HEM 2019. the tremendous scale of the subject. Where that provide hands-on lesson plans. We does a teacher start if they have never had are committed to providing Holocaust HEM 2018 commemorating the 80th any training? In every other subject, a resources that empower local teachers anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of teacher has access to enrichment through and enable positive learning outcomes. Broken Glass, was attended by over 600 university programs or professional Our Speakers’ Bureau alone has reached people, including many dignitaries. The development days. This is not the case, over 3250 students since January. The launch event was a remarkable, stimu- unfortunately, when it comes to the topic number of teachers attending the HEM lating, and thought-provoking evening. of the Holocaust. Additionally, in Ontario, workshop is steadily increasing, attracting Virtuoso violinist Niv Ashkenazi’s playing the Holocaust is addressed within the WW 100 participants this year. Once trained, on the Violin of Hope was very special and II curriculum. It is left to the teachers’ each teacher with access to 120 students touched everyone in the audience. The discretion to decide how much time they per semester affects an additional 12,000 lecture by Dr. Michael Berenbaum was will dedicate to teaching the Holocaust. students a year, potentially using the exceptionally good as were the closing Is it going to be one lesson, three, four? skills they gained to also reach future remarks by Prof. Irwin Cotler of the Raoul Given the scope of the topic, and lacking generations of students. Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights. training, some teachers opt to show a Through its ongoing efforts, CHES is To listen to Dr. Berenbaum’ s lecture and movie rather than teach. Even before it meeting a critical need in Ottawa and is Niv’s recital, please visit https://carleton. was formally established, the founders of looking to support any new educational ca/ches/videos/ The Centre for Holocaust Education and initiatives springing out of the study Scholarship (CHES) recognized the need published by the Claims Conference and to provide enrichment for educators about the Azrieli Foundation. the Holocaust. Three years later, we know Yashar Koach to our devoted committee that CHES’ work is making a difference in for their dedication and hard work. Ottawa.

10 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

A thank-you letter sent to Dr. Naomi Azrieli, January 2019, upon release of the Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey

Dear Dr.Azrieli: per cent …did not know that six million the fate that awaited Jews had the Nazis We at the Centre for Holocaust Jews died in the Holocaust.” Your article reached our shores. Education and Scholarship wish to offer brings much-needed attention to the We are so grateful to the Azrieli our deepest thanks to you for initiating worrisome lack of public awareness of Foundation for recognizing the need and publishing the critically important this most terrible tragedy. Knowledge, for the study, for supporting it, and for Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness as the study so clearly illustrates, is a publishing it. It reflects the Foundation’s Survey of adults in Canada. powerful tool if anti-Semitism is ever to commitment to Holocaust Education, Release of the study, described so elo- be defeated. and it empowers our work, in particu- quently in your recent Globe and Mail And of course, the timing of the release lar our teachers’ workshops during article entitled “To combat Holocaust of the study is significant, coinciding Holocaust Education Month and our on- ignorance, we must empower teachers”, as it did with International Holocaust going Speakers’ Bureau. is particularly timely given the increasing Remembrance Day last Sunday. In As well, we thank you person- number of anti-Semitic incidents in our Ottawa, a chilling feature of that event ally for your steadfast commitment to country and the growing atmosphere of was the unveiling of Statistics, Media Holocaust Education through the Azrieli hatred in many parts of the world. and Organizations of Jewry in the Foundation. Your work is an inspiration It is galling that “52 per cent of millen- United States and Canada, acquired re- to all of us at CHES. nials in Canada cannot name even one cently by Library and Archives Canada. Sincerely, concentration camp or ghetto and 62 Tables in the book make painfully clear Mina Cohn

One teacher at a time can make a difference A #WERememberproject

Irving Osterer, a teacher at Merivale High School, worked with his students and residents of Stirling Park Lodge who are survivors to create three We Remember Posters. The posters were designed by the students after they met the survivors. They were shared on social media and were displayed on the screen at Auschwitz Concentration Camp on Holocaust International Memorial Day. Yashar Koach, Irving! #WeRemember poster on display in Auschwitz by Masha Ogloblina, a student at Merivale High School

11 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

CHES is fulfilling its mandate regarding Teaching Holocaust Education Holocaust Canadian Society for Canadian Society for Yad Vashem and its Ambassadors of Change Program 2019 Education CIJA’S Grassroots Sheila Hurtig Robertson Consultation Muriel Korngold Wexler In the current world climate of rising together Grade 11 high school students to intolerance and violence, the Holocaust’s hear the experiences of survivors during Every year, Canada Jewish and Israel universal lessons regarding the importance and after World War II. Accompanied by Affairs (CIJA) invites community of standing up against hatred and their teachers, students share ideas about members to participate in Grassroots discrimination are more crucial than ever. the dangers of unchecked intolerance in Consultation sessions across Canada. The CHES is pleased to promote the a multicultural society and the world at sessions provide participants with the Ambassadors of Change Program 2019 to large. They are invited to propose steps opportunity to ask questions, share their Ottawa schools with Montreal and Toronto they can take to promote tolerance and ideas and concerns, and shape CIJA’s ad- schools being supported by Yad Vashem. understanding in their own communities vocacy efforts for the year ahead. There is CHES is also paying for the transportation and to define their own roles as responsible a strong interest in two areas: of 10 students and a teacher from Kingston Canadian citizens. This year the number Countering Boycott, Divestment and to attend the Ottawa program, which is of Ottawa participants increased to 75 out Sanctions (B.D.S.) and anti-Zionism scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th at 12:00 of a total of 150 students. For the first time, Combatting anti-Semitism pm at the National Arts Centre: http:// the Ottawa group included 10 students As you will read below, CHES is hard yadvashem.ca/ambassadors-of-change/ . from Kingston. Most of the survivors at work helping students in Ottawa to The Ambassadors of Change brings participating in the program are from understand the dangers that arise from Ottawa. racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism. Moral courage and tolerance are also important lessons shared with students. For its important work as a volunteer- driven organization, CHES merits recognition from all Jewish organizations in our city.

2019 Ambassadors of Change Program, Dora Goldman presenting her story of survival to Students at the Ambassadors of Ottawa students discussing the Change Program importance of Holocaust education

12 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

Expanding CHES’ outreach to more teachers: OCDSB PD Day

n addition to offering our own Teachers’ “Hidden Children, Identity and the discussions on the concept of identity, IWorkshop during HEM in the fall, Holocaust: Surviving in the Margin primary source analysis, as well as on CHES was very pleased to once more offer of the Catastrophe”, was presented by teaching skills relevant to developing a workshop this spring for the Ottawa Stephanie Corazza, the foundation’s a timeline, or completing a newspaper District School Board 2019 city-wide Academic and Education Initiatives of article assignment. Professional Development Day for social Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program. Twenty-seven teachers representing science teachers. The workshop was Teachers were immersed in an interactive fourteen high schools in the Ottawa- scheduled for April 12th and took place at experience that would help them deepen Carleton district came together to learn Canterbury High School. students’ understanding of important about Holocaust Education. To learn more about CHES’ work in the schools, visit A joint project of CHES and the Azrieli aspects of the Holocaust. The program https://cija.ca/stand-up-to-injustice/ Foundation, the workshop, entitled includes many activities and small-group

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Featured a Unique Acquisition

Sheila Hurtig Robertson The book reveals Hitler’s global ambitions was distributed through social media and n January 27th, Library and Archives and makes painfully clear the fate that await- projected at Auschwitz. OCanada was the scene of Ottawa’s well- ed Jews had the Nazis reached our shores. Read the complete article by Sheila attended, incredibly moving, and superbly Annette Wildgoose, a CHES committee Hurtig Robertson: https://cija. organized commemoration of International member, said the book is important “because ca/a-timely-and-poignant-event/ Remembrance Day. The room was full to it clearly identifies that Hitler had a Final Read Kelly Egan’s article: https://ottawaciti- capacity despite record-breaking cold and Solution Plan for North America. It comes zen.com/news/local-news/holocaust-remem- biting winds. The event was a collabora- close to our shores and breaks the myth that brance-cast-against-hitler-plan-to-purge- tion between CHES, The Ottawa Jewish the Holocaust was only Europe’s problem.” canadian-jews. Federation, CIJA, The Wallenberg Citation Members of the audience participated in the Listen to CBC’s All in A Day segment with Initiative, and Library and Archives “We Remember” campaign and a group photo Allan Neil (https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/ Canada (LAC). The audience included lo- all-in-a-day/segment/15665686) cal survivors as well as various embassies’ representatives. Neilah Shapiro and Anne Khazzam, alumnae students of the March of the Living Canada, emceed, and Dani Taylor, also a participant in the March, sang O Canada. Eli Rubenstein, National Director of the March, delivered a lecture about the Holocaust and how to respond to hatred without losing our humanity. Musical interludes were provided by Ralitsa Tcholakova, an internationally known, Ottawa-based violin and viola player. A special feature of the program was the presentation of an acquisition by LAC entitled Statistics, Media, and Organizations of Jewry in the United States and Canada, compiled in 1944 by German linguist Heinz Kloss and Library and Archives Canada acquired a new book which reveal Nazi ambition for the found in the personal library of Adolf Hitler. Holocaust in Canada and USA Picture by Ashley Fraser/Postmedia

13 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

March of the Living Project

Minda Chaikin

he March of Living (MOL) Alumni THolocaust Education project is a joint project of MOL Ottawa and CHES. In November 2018, the students met with five Holocaust survivors from CHES’ Dear Adam and Rachel, for the importance of knowing historical Speakers’ Bureau whose testimonials I would like to thank you very much for events accurately. were recorded by CHES (https://carleton. the opportunity to talk to Mrs. Leahy’s I am impressed by the range of classes to ca/ches/ottawa-holocaust-survivors- Grade 11 class on social justice on May which you have been able to bring survi- testimonials/ ). The idea was to interview 13th. vors and hope you feel satisfied at having the survivors, become familiar with their First I would like to congratulate you and contributed in this way to education about stories, and work together to prepare a Rachel on the preparations you did for the Holocaust. I am sure this is an impor- presentation at the schools of the par- my visit (including having the class view tant new initiative flowing from the March ticipating students. The MOL students my testimonial video beforehand) and for of the Living Program. I wish you both worked enthusiastically to develop the the extra mile you went by introducing good luck with this and other similar pro- project. In addition to learning about the me to the class and providing the students jects you may undertake in the future. survivors by meeting them, interviewing with a brief summary of the Holocaust in With best wishes for an enjoyable sum- them, and watching the CHES films, the Hungary before the actual interview part. mer holiday and continuing good work! students also arranged the scheduling of Your questions addressed to me were Kind regards, the survivor’s visits to their schools. In well prepared and related well to the story Judy Young Drache coordination with the school principals of my life. I hope the interview and my Ottawa the students planned four classroom visits story may also help in furthering under- May 16th, 2019 during the month of May. Each visit in- standing and respect for difference and cluded one survivor and an MOL student. During May, three visits took place at Sir Robert Borden High School and one at Nepean High School. The students will ultimately become their survivor’s voice by carrying on their story and sharing it with others.

Adam Friedman an MOL student from Sir Robert Borden HS interviewing Judy Young Drache a child survivor from Budapest, Hungary

14 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

The Yellow Ticket

‘The Yellow Ticket’ provides a rare in Amsterdam and was digitally restored opportunity to witness life in the Jewish in 2011. neighbourhood of Warsaw which A highlight of the afternoon was the doubled for St. Petersburg. This is the musical complement to the film. Klezmer same neighbourhood that a few years violinist, Alicia Svigals, wrote the score for later would become part of the infamous the film and she was accompanied by jazz Warsaw Ghetto. The film captures a vital pianist Marilyn Lerner. The audience was part of Jewish history that was doomed to entranced by Svigal’s use of her voice in be obliterated within a few short years. conveying the intensity of the drama. Because of its sympathetic portrayal Marion Silver introduced the movie on of Jewish life and its underlying theme behalf of CHES and thanked the members of racial bigotry, Hitler ordered all of the CHES committee in attendance. She productions of the film to be destroyed. acknowledged the accomplishments of However, miraculously, one copy survived CHES over the past three years.

Marion Silver

n Sunday, February 10th, CHES Oin partnership with Temple Israel provided an Ottawa audience a unique opportunity to view the silent movie, “The Yellow Ticket”. The film was produced in Berlin in 1918 as Der Gelbe Schein and starred the femme fatale, Pola Negri. The movie describes the plight of a young Jewish woman who wishes to study medicine in St. Petersburg. Her only permitted means of travel in those days was with the infamous Yellow Ticket that required her to work as a prostitute and take up residence in a brothel.

Carleton University supports a program called The Futurefunder as an alternate funding source for many of its programs. Membership on the The Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies (ZC) is fortunate to have four of its program listed on CHES committee is The Futurefunders website futurefunder.carleton.ca These are Study Israel 2018 course, Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship, the Max and open to new members. Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies, and Developing Future Leaders Internship program To support CHES please Please note that Giving Tuesday is November 28, 2017 The university has made $250,000 in university matching funds available between 12:00AM- visit www.carleton.ca/ 11:59 EST, while funds last. ches/donate-to-ches Each gift made through FutureFunder.ca will be matched, dollar-for-dollar (up to a maximum of $1,000, or until our goal is met). please support the ZC and extend the power of your donations by going online November 28 to make your donations.

15 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

RAISING AWARENESS A Frightening Reminder of Past Evils

he Independent newspaper reported on Good Friday. ritual being carried out before the Second Tthat on April 19th, “A Jewish effigy “Hundreds of residents, including World War. has been hanged and burned as part of children, were said to have taken part, “Robert Singer, chief executive of the an Easter ritual in Poland, an incident reportedly beating and burning the effigy World Jewish Congress, said: ‘Jews are condemned as ‘deeply disturbing’ by the representing Judas, the disciple of Christ deeply disturbed by this ghastly revival Jewish community. who betrayed him, according to the New of medieval antisemitism that led to “The World Jewish Congress voiced Testament Gospels. unimaginable violence and suffering.’” ‘disgust and outrage’ after a sculpture “Poles also expressed their disgust at Read more: https://www.independent. made to look like a stereotypical Jew was the revival of the antisemitic ritual, with co.uk/news/world/europe/jewish- set alight in the Polish town of Pruchnik many posting photos online of the same poland-effigy-easter-ritual-burned- judas-a8880801.html

Holocaust Education Month 2019

he HEM 2019 program is currently descendants of Holocaust survivors contributions. Tunder development with the launch entitled Learning From the Past For the The symposium will include expert event in memory of Kristallnacht Future will be presented as part of the keynote speakers, panel discussions, and scheduled for Sunday, November 10th, programming for HEM 2019. workshops. Small groups of participants, 2019. This year marks 80 years since the A warm welcome to Esther Rosenberg, guided by a facilitator, will be given the start of WW II. Details will be released as Benita Siemiatycki, and Marlene opportunity to discuss their concerns they become available. Wolinsky, three descendants of survivors and share their experiences. Although Symposium for Descendants of who have joined our subcommittee to registration will be required, there will be Survivors develop a meaningful symposium. We no fee for the symposium and lunch will A symposium for 2nd and 3rd generation thank them for their wonderful ideas and be provided.

GLOBAL GATHERING OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS, DESCENDANTS, EDUCATORS AND FRIENDS Supporting Liberation 75

iberation75 is a not-for-profit global Liberation75 will focus on remember- attendees from around the world, as well LHolocaust symposium dedicated ing the victims, honouring the survivors, as 2,000 students and 400 educators from to commemorating and celebrating the showcasing the future of Holocaust educa- Ontario and Quebec. More than 55 interna- 75th anniversary of liberation from the tion, reflecting on anti-Semitism in the tional organizations, including CHES, have Holocaust. It will be held in Toronto from world, celebrating the role of the liberators, committed to participating in Liberation 75. May 31st 2020 to June 2nd 2020 and and committing to protecting freedom, Toby Herscovitch represented CHES at the will be the first gathering of its kind in diversity, human rights, and inclusion. launch event for Liberation 75 on May 2nd, Canada in 35 years. Liberation 75 plans to welcome over 4,500 2019, (Yom HaShoah in Canada) in Toronto.

16 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship

CHES Blog for Descendants Mina Cohn

70 years after the end of WWII, I discovered relatives of my father who survived the Holocaust. A chance meeting of two descendants of survivors ─ the daughter of Stefania Padgorska, the Righteous Among the Nations who saved those relatives and me ─ was an unexpected way to close this circle. https://carleton.ca/ ches/descendants-blog/

Contributions to the blog are welcome. Contact us at [email protected]

Join us on our virtual venture: Please share your Jewish Studies news about publications (articles and books), events (on campus and in the community), courses, etc. The news- “Like” us on Facebook at letter is published every early fall with a supplement in early winter when facebook.com/ warranted. Send your information to [email protected] at any time ZelikovitzCentre and it will be included immediately on our web site and in the next issue.

17 Newsletter of the Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies