The Jewish Religious Response to the Balfour Declaration, Rabbi David Radinsky (Sunday, 2:00pm)
On November 2, 1917, the British minister of foreign affairs, Arthur James Balfour, sent a letter to Lord Rothschild, the president of the British Zionist organization, which stated that, "his majesty's government view with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object.” Known as the Balfour Declaration, this letter is of extreme importance in Jewish history, for it is the first time in 2500 years that a world power recognized and promoted the Jewish right and claim to the Land of Israel as a Jewish homeland. Rabbi Radinsky will discuss the responses of Jewish religious leaders to the Balfour Declaration and will explore how it continues to affect us today.

Is the Story of Esther a Children’s Fairytale? Barbara Radinsky (Monday, 7:00pm)
Barbara Radinsky will explore the hidden messages in the Scroll of Esther and major themes of Jewish survival and interpersonal relationships.

Rabbi David J. Radinsky is a graduate of Yeshiva University and is Rabbi Emeritus of Brith Sholom Beth Israel Congregation (BSBI) in Charleston, having served as its senior rabbi for 34 years. Barbara Cooper Radinsky was born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts is a graduate of Stern College for Women and The Citadel, and is Rebbitzin Emerita of BSBI. The Radinskys have retired to Memphis to be close to their family.

A welcome back reception will be held on Sunday at 3:15pm following Rabbi Radinsky’s talk.