Download 2017 Scholar-in-Residence Professor Reuven Firestone

MEDIA CONTACT
Eileen Mitchell | Marketing Communications Mgr.
Peninsula Jewish Community Center
650.378.2723 | www.pjcc.org
For Immediate Release
Understanding the Shared History of Islam and Other Faiths
Guest Scholar-in-Residence Professor Reuven Firestone provides insight into Muslim beliefs,
principles, and history from the inside-out
(Foster City, CA. December 28, 2016) – The North Peninsula Jewish Community is
honored to welcome Professor Reuven Firestone as the 2017 Scholar-in-Residence.
The renowned guest, both a rabbi and Islamic scholar, will present a series of free talks
throughout the Peninsula from January 19 – 30, 2017.
Since 1993 Professor Firestone has served as professor of Medieval Judaism and Islam
at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. A sought-after speaker in the U.S, Europe, the
Middle East and Asia, he is also the acclaimed author of several books. His works
include Jihad: The Origin of Holy War in Islam, Learned Ignorance: Intellectual Humility
among Jews, Christians and Muslims, Who are the Real Chosen People: The Meaning
of Chosenness in Judaism; Christianity, and Islam; Journeys in Holy Lands: The
Evolution of the Abraham-Ishmael Legends in Islamic Exegesis; and Jews, Christians,
Muslims in Dialogue: A Practical Handbook. Professor Firestone’s interfaith work is built
upon understanding and conveying shared religious experiences between Islam and
other faiths, particularly Judaism.
“Last spring, the rabbinic and lay leadership of the North Peninsula Jewish Community
strongly felt that this is an important time to learn as much as we can about Islam and to
build bridges of understanding with our Muslim neighbors,” said Rabbi Lavey Derby,
Director of Jewish Life at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center (Foster City). “As a
result, and as part of a broader initiative, we invited Professor Firestone to be our
seventh annual Scholar-in-Residence. He is among the most highly regarded Jewish
scholars of Islam and understands Muslim beliefs, principles and history from the inside-
out. In his 12 lectures in our community he will deepen our understanding of Islam and
prepare the foundation for ongoing Muslim-Jewish dialogue in our community.”
During his two-week tenure, Professor Firestone will address topics such as Islam in
America, Islam and Democracy, Anti-semitism and Islamophobia, and Jihad and the
Jews.
The North Peninsula Jewish Community Scholar-in-Residence Program was
inaugurated in 2011 and has since welcomed a series of renowned scholars and
teachers. Reaching throughout the North Peninsula, the guest speakers engage the
community in meaningful and sophisticated learning. The program is sponsored by the
Peninsula Jewish Community Center, Congregation Beth Jacob, Peninsula Sinai
Congregation, Peninsula Temple Beth El, Peninsula Temple Sholom, the Ronald C.
Wornick Jewish Day School, and Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, The
Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties. Previous Scholars-in-Residence have been
Professor Paul Liptz, Professor Stephen Berk, Rabbi Naomi Levy, Rabbi David
Saperstein, Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, and Rabbi Wayne Dosick.
The public is invited to enjoy these free lectures that are taking place throughout various
Peninsula venues. For dates, locations, and Professor Firestone’s complete schedule,
please visit www.pjcc.org/scholar.
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About the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood
The PJCC is proud to be a part of the Initiative on Jewish Peoplehood presenting
educational and cultural programs that explore Jewish heritage, identity, and community.
This initiative is co-funded by the Koret Foundation, Taube Foundation for Jewish Life
and Culture and other Bay Area funders.
About the PJCC
The Peninsula Jewish Community Center (PJCC) was established more than 67 years
ago and partners with various organizations around the Peninsula to help build a more
caring and connected community. Offering life-enhancing programs for people of all
ages, faiths and backgrounds, the PJCC is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish
Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
The PJCC has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, awarded to nonprofits for sound
fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. To learn more,
please visit pjcc.org or call 650.212.PJCC (7522).