YU hosts historic UAE conference

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from Yeshiva University Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, Rabbi Arthur Schneier International Affairs Program and Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studiestogether with Mohamed bin Zayed University for the Humanitiesexist Crossroads of Civilizations Museum in dubai.

Titled “Philosophy of Interaction, Shared Friendship,” the project begins with an opening statement from the museum’s founder, Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori. Mansoori citing the teaching of the Qur’an “Indeed, O man, I have created you from male and female, and made you a nation and tribe that can know each other” (49:13), Mansoori explained, promoting communication with different cultures and religions. Relationships are a fundamental principle of the Islamic faith, and the meeting reflects this value.

Rabbi Dr. Stuart Halpern then delivered a speech on behalf of the Office of the Provost and the Strauss Center.Describe Jewish customs Sefirat Ha’Omer, Counting 49 days from slavery in Egypt to the Apocalypse at Sinai, he explains that our counting to 49, rather than 1, symbolizes yearning for greater heights while remaining true to our roots. “We stand here tonight,” he said, “grateful for the history that lies before us as we, the Jewish and Islamic communities, embark on a brighter future together.”

Following a greeting from Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Dr. Daniel Rynhold, Dean of Revel, delivered the program’s first lecture. In discussing “The Allegory of Maimonides and the Sultan’s Palace,” he provides a contextual analysis of how this allegory is found at the end of Maimonides’ major philosophical work, confused guide, Likely a reflection of Maimonides’ own balance between busy medical and public work and divine contemplation. Dr. Ibrahim Burshashen of MBZUH then gave a lecture in Arabic on the strong influence of Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd on Maimonides guideDr. Burshashen’s colleague Dr. Haider Hussain then discussed “The Role and Influence of Islamic Civilization on Jewish Philosophy: Examining Joint Interactions with the Case of Moses Ben Maimon”. He emphasizes the great admiration and humility one acquires in studying the interplay of Jewish and Islamic cultures, and concludes with “God bless Maimonides.” Everyone who serves humanity is a blessing from God. “

The last two speakers at Yeshiva University were Dr. Ronnie Perelis from the Schneier Project and Dr. Shira Weiss from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values ​​and Leadership. Dr. Perelis spoke about “A Global Society: A Worldwide History of the Jewish-Muslim Encounter”. His talk examines how Arabic has been a salutary language of connection and consumerism between Muslims and non-Muslims, from Baghdad to Basra. Dr. Perelis then described how Judeo-Arabic not only greatly influenced Jewish understanding and engagement with Arab culture, but also transformed Jewish literature, grammar, linguistics, and poetry. “I look forward to more transformations happening through our encounter,” he concluded, “through us listening to each other, appreciating each other in their own way, sharing our own journeys, our own struggles, and our own problems , and find solutions together.” Dr. Weiss concluded with an analysis of “Ibn Rushd’s Influence on Joseph Albo’s Philosophy.”Highlight Alborg’s book of principlesWeiss credits Ibn Rushd with inspiring the Jewish philosopher to formulate three principles of acknowledgment of God, the truth of prophecy, and reward and punishment.

Received extensive coverage in local and international media, including religious news agency, Jewish News Syndicate, I24 Newsthis jerusalem post and times of israelThe occasion was groundbreaking, three Strauss Scholars The two Schneier Program students in attendance, as well as faculty and staff, were honored to make a difference. Visiting Abu Dhabi the day after the conference was also an enlightening experience. There, the group visited the newly built synagogue in the Abraham family home, met officials from the Ministry of Tolerance and participated in the first celebration of Israel’s Independence Day in the UAE. As Ruchama Benhamou, a Straus student, said, “The Straus Scholars Program has been instrumental in expanding my intellectual horizons and providing unique educational opportunities that have shaped my views on thought and informed my religious and academic pursuits.” Empowers me. The UAE experience has been truly transformative and I am extremely honored to be part of an event that is shaping the future for positive Muslim-Jewish relations.”

As Dr. Weiss concluded after the trip, “YU’s meeting with Mohamed bin Zayed University provided an opportunity for members of both universities, as well as attendees from Dubai’s Muslim and Jewish communities, to share ideas, build relationships and develop future collaborations After the meeting, a visit to the Ministry of Tolerance and the Abraham Family House in Abu Dhabi, which includes a mosque, church and synagogue, followed by the Israeli embassy celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of Israel^day, an incredible glimpse into the emerging possibilities of the UAE. “