for the
Ninth International Bet Debora Conference of European Jewish Women Activists, Academics, Artists, Rabbis, and Cantors
13 to 15 September 2019 in Belgrade, Serbia
Jewish Women: Being Present, Bringing Change
It is a challenge to explore Jewish life in the communities that went through massive changes during a th past few decades. This year’s Bet Debora Conference of European Jewish Women Activists, Academics, Artists, Rabbis, and Cantors is hosted in Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe where a Jewish community has been present since Roman times. However, the example of the Belgrade Jewish community shows both its fragility as it adapted to the Roman, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and socialist cultures, but also the inspiring perseverance that enabled it to survive for centuries.
The case of the Belgrade Jewish community, shaped by the rediscovery of Jewish heritage after the 1990s and the collapse of the socialist cultural framework, highlights the fundamental issue of constant change through continual presence, which is precisely what keeps Jewish life vibrant and dynamic. Much of the most recent renewal of Jewish life was brought about by women.
In this light we want to raise, but not limit ourselves to, the following topics:
- Contemporary women’s perspectives on Jewish tradition
- Advocacy for other minority groups: activism against antisemitism, antiziganism, racism and antimuslimism/ islamophobia, homophobia, and misogyny
- Modern Jewish education for children, youth, and adults
- Transnational perspectives on Holocaust remembrance
- Historical and contemporary perspectives on Jewish women in Yugoslavia and the former Yugoslav countries—their commitment to the renewal of Jewish life across borders and to dialogue with other minority groups
We wish to explore Jewish women’s perspectives on varying aspects of these topics in lectures, workshops, discussions, exhibitions, and interactive presentations. As this is not a strictly academic conference, we are looking for all kinds of Jewish presenters who are artists, academics, activists, rabbis, and/or representatives of Jewish educational, religious, and cultural organizations.
We would like to ask you to send your proposals by July 15th, 2019 to betdebora.belgrade2019@gmail.com
Proposals should include a description of the planned contribution, estimated time of duration and whether it will be a workshop, shiur, presentation, lecture, etc., in 150 to 250 words. Please submit a brief CV and your contact information as well.
Registration for the conference will open soon. We will reserve suitable lodgings and encourage you to register as soon as possible. There will be a registration fee, but exemptions will be considered upon request.
Kind regards and looking forward to seeing you in Belgrade,
Haver Serbia & Bet Debora
