2008 Woodie Awards
On The Topic Of Forgiviness:
Kean University's 9th Annual Jewish Studies Lecture Series
By Michael Keefe
Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: Campus News
Continuing with what has become an acclaimed series of inspiring guest speakers; Kean University will host the 9th annual Jewish Studies Lecture series, featuring three guest speakers, each with their own unique perspective, to the series entitled The Victim and the Question of Forgiveness. The guests scheduled to speak at Kean all have been witness to or have personally studied the atrocities associated with genocide in various countries, and each speaker will try to define both the role of the victim and oppressor, as well as question the possibilities of forgiveness as an alternative to revenge.
The lecture series is a joint venture from both the Jewish Studies Program and the Unity Club. "The topic is surely controversial", writes Dr. Dennis Klein, Director of the Jewish Studies Program and professor of history at Kean. "Though an apparently nobler reaction to a grave assault than stubborn resentment and a desire to take revenge, it is often seen as weak and even lazy. But there is a 'new criticism' of forgiveness that is asking important, tough questions: Is it possible to forgive an offender before the offender repents? Why do we assume that an expression of forgiveness relieves offenders of their responsibilities and erase their crimes? Isn't it possible to forgive and remember, not forget?" continued Dr. Klein.
The initiative of forgiveness is indeed a tough issue to consider. Nevertheless, studying the aspects of genocide in all forms remains so significant in our modern world because it exposes students to the atrocities man is capable of committing. The idea of forgiveness becomes increasingly hard to comprehend, because it is quite abstract for those who are seemingly unaffected by the tragedies. "The subject has moral significance," spoke Dr. Klein, "there seems to be a general interest in the topic. There are a number of events at Kean dealing with the subject." The very idea of these lecture series is to expose the student body to both the hardships experienced by the victim, as well as the complex question of forgiveness for the inconceivable carnage inflicted upon a group of people.
The 9th Annual Lecture Series commenced with its opening speaker, Ambassador Hector Timerman, on Thursday, March 1st, however, two more lectures are scheduled for the spring semester. On Thursday, April 5th in the University Center Little Theater, guest lecturer Peter Eisenman will speak at 8 p.m. and on Monday, April 23rd in Kean Hall, Ellis Cose of Newsweek Magazine will speak about her publication Bone to Pick: On Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Reparation, and Revenge. The lectures are free for Kean students and staff, and is 20 dollars for outside guests.
For additional information regarding the upcoming lectures, please contact the Office of University Relations at (908) 737- NEWS (6397).
The lecture series is a joint venture from both the Jewish Studies Program and the Unity Club. "The topic is surely controversial", writes Dr. Dennis Klein, Director of the Jewish Studies Program and professor of history at Kean. "Though an apparently nobler reaction to a grave assault than stubborn resentment and a desire to take revenge, it is often seen as weak and even lazy. But there is a 'new criticism' of forgiveness that is asking important, tough questions: Is it possible to forgive an offender before the offender repents? Why do we assume that an expression of forgiveness relieves offenders of their responsibilities and erase their crimes? Isn't it possible to forgive and remember, not forget?" continued Dr. Klein.
The initiative of forgiveness is indeed a tough issue to consider. Nevertheless, studying the aspects of genocide in all forms remains so significant in our modern world because it exposes students to the atrocities man is capable of committing. The idea of forgiveness becomes increasingly hard to comprehend, because it is quite abstract for those who are seemingly unaffected by the tragedies. "The subject has moral significance," spoke Dr. Klein, "there seems to be a general interest in the topic. There are a number of events at Kean dealing with the subject." The very idea of these lecture series is to expose the student body to both the hardships experienced by the victim, as well as the complex question of forgiveness for the inconceivable carnage inflicted upon a group of people.
The 9th Annual Lecture Series commenced with its opening speaker, Ambassador Hector Timerman, on Thursday, March 1st, however, two more lectures are scheduled for the spring semester. On Thursday, April 5th in the University Center Little Theater, guest lecturer Peter Eisenman will speak at 8 p.m. and on Monday, April 23rd in Kean Hall, Ellis Cose of Newsweek Magazine will speak about her publication Bone to Pick: On Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Reparation, and Revenge. The lectures are free for Kean students and staff, and is 20 dollars for outside guests.
For additional information regarding the upcoming lectures, please contact the Office of University Relations at (908) 737- NEWS (6397).