April Food for Thought
"Righteousness CAN be taught: Role models from the Holocaust"

Dr. Racelle Weiman, director of The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion will present "Righteousness CAN Be Taught: Role Models from the Holocaust" at the next HUC-JIR Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series. As part of Holocaust Awareness Weeks 2002, this session will take place at noon on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 in Mayerson Hall Auditorium at the College-Institute, 3101 Clifton Avenue.

During this thought-provoking session, participants will hear stories of "righteous gentiles" who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. The results from studies of specific personality traits, characteristics, and environmental factors that may foster and promote righteous actions and behaviors will be presented. Testimonials and historical anecdotes will provide attendees with insights into developing altruistic behaviors in themselves and in their children.

Since serving as chief researcher for John Bierman's 1981 book Righteous Gentiles, Weiman has been dedicated to teaching legacies of goodness and seeking lessons learned. Weiman is a specialist in interfaith and interethnic relations and is certified in conflict resolution methodology from Tufts University in Boston and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She has served as a consultant worldwide on numerous educational projects, curricula development, and exhibits that grapple with the issues of tolerance and Holocaust education. Weiman was a lecturer at the University of Haifa in Israel for 14 years after receiving her doctorate from Temple University's Department of Religion. She lectures around the world and writes frequently for journals and the press.

In its twelfth season, Food For Thought features HUC-JIR faculty and scholars who discuss their fields of expertise and recent research with the public. The Department of Outreach Education invites the community to participate in Holocaust Awareness Weeks and attend this unique educational opportunity with Dr. Racelle Weiman. A hot buffet lunch will be available for $8; reservations are necessary. There is a $2 fee to attend the lecture only. To learn more about Food For Thought, the Department of Outreach Education of HUC-JIR, or to make a reservation contact Marcia Cruse, (513) 221-1875 ext. 353.

Holocaust Awareness Weeks 2002: Role Models from the Holocaust highlights the brave acts of rescue and resistance that have particular resonance for today. Two weeks of lectures, exhibits, films, and cultural events are offered to the public. Area bookstores and public libraries will feature exhibits and book signings, the Cincinnati Film Society will host film viewings across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, and local universities and high schools will welcome world-renowned speakers. For information about Holocaust Awareness Weeks or to receive a calendar of events contact Carrie Glenny at (513) 221-1875 ext. 355.

Founded in Cincinnati in 1875, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion is the oldest institution of higher Jewish education in the western hemisphere and the academic and professional leadership development center of the Reform Movement. The College-Institute trains rabbis, cantors, religious school educators, and Jewish communal workers at its four campuses in Cincinnati, New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem. In addition to training professional leadership to serve the Jewish community, HUC-JIR's School of Graduate Studies awards Masters and Doctoral degrees to men and women of all faiths.