One of the foundational principles of democracy is free speech. Yet some democracies which do not have a constitutional protection for free speech have introduced laws which restrict certain types of expression. Some Jewish groups have supported such restrictions arguing that they are necessary to combat anti-Semitism. What about genuine Jewish values and how can this be resolved. In this lively session David draws on Tanach, Talmud and recent Australian political debates.
Dr David Adler is a medical graduate of the University of NSW, where he also received the medical faculty prize for general proficiency and leadership. He is formerly the Deputy Medical Secretary of the Australian Medical Association, a role which provided his training ground in... Read More →
Saturday August 26, 2017 2:40pm - 3:40pm NZST
Room 149
How the UK is increasingly becoming a country of parallel worlds, particularly amongst the Muslim communities due to large scale immigration, self-segregation and religious differences. Join Rabbi Janner-Klausner as she discusses her work with particularly enclave, inward facing Muslim communities, enabling difficult conversations
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner serves as the Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism. She is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’, BBC One’s ‘Sunday Morning Live’ and BBC One’s ‘The Big Questions’ series of moral, ethical and religious debates and makes... Read More →
Words are powerful! Paul takes us through the historical development of freedom-of-speech in the secular world and reflects on how current thoughts and changes regarding freedom-of-speech are affecting us today. Debunking the idea that freedom-of-speech means anyone, saying anything, at anytime, anywhere, Paul uses the threat of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) Movement as a case study for how freedom-of-speech shouldn't become a pretext for hate-speech.
Dr. Paul Moon is Professor of History at Auckland University of Technology, where he has taught since 1993. His research focuses primarily on nineteenth-century New Zealand, and on the philosophy of history. He has a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Arts, and a Master of Philosophy... Read More →
Sunday August 27, 2017 10:15am - 11:15am NZST
Room 152
The Beth Shalom Progressive Jewish Congregation B’nai Mishnah class members learn to apply halachah to contemporary issues. They have been studying the halachic position on organ donation from deceased donors. Layering the issue into Torah, Talmud, Rishonim, Acharonim and contemporary poskim they will present and discuss aspects of the halachah on this including medical and halachic definitions of death, treatment and use of a corpse, burial, and pekuach nefesh.
This will change the way you think about what it means to be alive! A diverse panel on the value of life through the lens of abortion. This session explores the history of abortion in NZ, the current local picture of abortion, the ethical dilemmas involved, and the scientific and religious ideas of exactly what constitutes life.
I was born into a family of social activists where my bedtime stories were classical philosophers (Kant, Aristotle, Des Carte, etc) interspersed with a bit of Shakespeare and political economics (when I was 5 I rebelled and read Charlotte’s Web). I got a PhD in molecular genetics... Read More →
Bernie is a practicing consultant uro-gynaecologist and clinical director of a Day Stay Hospital. Apart from his Medical Degrees his educational background in ethics includes a BA with a Philosophy major, a Diploma in Professional Ethics, and a Doctorate where the thesis included... Read More →
Dr Lauren Brenner graduated from medical school at Otago University in 1999 and has been working in clinical medicine for the last 17 years, and for the last two years as a general practitioner at Ratanui Clinic in Henderson, Auckland. She has vocational training in Sexual and Reproductive... Read More →
Sunday August 27, 2017 2:45pm - 3:45pm NZST
Room 155
What is the halachic response to issues of transgender people? It has been said that whilst the Torah is a Torat emet (a Torah of truth conveyed through laws and values) it is also a Torat chesed (a Torah filled with compassion). The difficulties faced by transgender people, some of them quite young children, are serious. The rate of attempted suicide in transgender people is high – probably around 40%. This presentation will seek to examine some of the issues from both a traditional and progressive halachic perspective.
Chris Milton PhD is a Jungian Analyst and Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Auckland. He is also a Training Analyst of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts (ANZSJA) and is currently its Director of Training. Chris also maintains an interest in spirituality... Read More →
Sunday August 27, 2017 4:00pm - 5:00pm NZST
Room 149
Currently the rate of violent anti-Semitic incidents across Europe is at the highest level and continues to rise. Predominantly the perpetrators are young Muslim males. There have been numerous significant Islamic terrorist events specifically targeting Jews. What’s going on and how serious is the threat of Islam to Jews? Advisory: Challenging content and best avoided if you are a devotee of political correctness.
Dr David Adler is a medical graduate of the University of NSW, where he also received the medical faculty prize for general proficiency and leadership. He is formerly the Deputy Medical Secretary of the Australian Medical Association, a role which provided his training ground in... Read More →
Sunday August 27, 2017 4:00pm - 5:00pm NZST
Room 155
