31st Annual University Day
Wednesday, May 8 • 8:50 am - 2:45 pm
Park Synagogue, 27500 Shaker Blvd., Pepper Pike
University Day is open to the entire congregation and community.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to attend this informative day!
8:50-9:20 am •Everyone
Check-in and enjoy coffee/tea and a light breakfast in the Davis Community Hall.
9:30 - 9:45 am •Everyone
Opening Remarks with Rabbi Joshua Skoff
11:00-11:55 am •Session 1
Workshop A: “The Judaism & Jewish Music of Maestro Leonard Bernstein”
Cantor Matt Austerklein
From his youth in one of America’s first Conservative synagogues, hear the story of Leonard Bernstein’s Jewish upbringing and musical influences which left an indelible impact on his public persona and compositions. Cantor Austerklein will bring (and sing) Bernstein’s Yiddishkeit to life with musical and written examples spanning the composer’s long and storied career.
Workshop B: “Legal Developments in Reproductive Rights”
Jessie Hill, Associate Dean and Professor of Law, CWRU
The passage of Issue 1 in November 2023 added a right to reproductive freedom to the Ohio Constitution, making Ohio the first abortion-hostile state to adopt legal protections for reproductive health care access. This workshop will cover legal developments leading up to and after the passage of Issue 1, with special emphasis on how politics intersects with law in the ever-changing abortion rights landscape.
Workshop C: “Cooking in War Zones: Global Humanitarianism”
Brandon Chrostowski, Founder/CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
Learn about Brandon Chrostowski’s recent missions to provide hearty & nutritious meals to war-torn regions in Ukraine, Israel, and Djibouti as he extended his vision beyond culinary education to formerly incarcerated individuals. His travels not only showcase his dedication to rebuilding communities, but also shed light on the resilience and hope he instills in those facing adversity worldwide.
12:00-12:45 pm •Lunch Break & Gentle Movement Session
Enjoy a delicious box lunch and time to relax and chat with other participants. Those who would like can also join Eleanor Cohen for a short session of gentle movement after lunch.
2:00-2:45 pm •Musical Interlude •Everyone
"From the Bima to Broadway"
Cantor Laurel Barr, accompanied by Marshall Griffith
End the day with the charismatic Cantor Laurel Barr performing a wide variety of melodies, including favorites from Broadway to familiar songs from the bima.
9:45 am - 10:45 am •Everyone
Ida & Herman Weinberg Fund Lecture via Livestream:
Featuring: Aaron David Miller,Senior Fellow, Carnegie Foundation for International Peace, speaking on:
“25 Years of Traveling the Negotiator's Highway”
Aaron David Miller takes a look back on his experiences in Arab-Israeli negotiations in both Republican and Democratic administrations. Why has Arab-Israeli and especially Israeli-Palestinian peace proved so elusive? Is there a conflict-ending solution and what role can the US play in helping to deliver it? How vital is ending the Arab-Israeli conflict to American’s interests in the Middle East?
1:00-1:55 pm •Session 2
Workshop D: “Understanding & Combatting
Anti-Semitism on Campus”
Kelly Fishman, ADL Regional Director, and Rachel Felber, Kent State University Hillel Director
Attendees will learn about the rise of anti-Semitism on area campuses, especially at Kent State University. Hear how schools are working with ADL and Hillels to combat this rise, educate students and faculty, and create a more safe and inclusive community.
Workshop E: “The State of Voting Rights in America: A Brief History & Look Forward”
Barbara Greenberg, Magistrate for Bedford Municipal Court
Participants will look at the words of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and a landmark case from the Supreme Court as a foundation. The workshop will also review the current voting rights situation in Ohio.
Workshop F: “Artificial Intelligence and the Everyday Person”
Michelle Kraft, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Library
Last year ChatGPT seemed to have propelled artificial intelligence (AI) into the spotlight, causing people to wonder if our future is right around the corner and whether it will be like the “Jetson’s” or ”Twight Zone.” This workshop will look at what artificial intelligence is and what impact it has for the everyday person today and in the future. Participants will be pleasantly surprised to learn how they are already using AI, as well as finding out when to exercise caution.