Jewish-Islamic Forum
Thematic Focus of the W. Michael Blumenthal Academy, 2012–20
With its events, our Jewish-Islamic Forum strives to reach both a general audience and professionals in academia and government. The Forum's focal points are the circumstances of Jews and Muslims as minorities in Germany and the history of their fluctuating relationship. It pursues questions of religious practice and the philosophy of religion, such as the tension between tradition and modernity in both Judaism and Islam. Additionally, the Forum concerns itself with the impact of the conflicts in the Middle East on German society.
Where
W. M. Blumenthal Academy
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
Postal address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin
A Comparative Perspective on Judaism and Islam
In particular, the Forum aims to reveal commonalities between Judaism and Islam through a comparative perspective without neglecting the unique attributes of each. With these efforts, we hope to counteract the frequent tendency to frame them as starkly oppositional. The Jewish-Islamic Forum also hosts events that complement our museum's temporary exhibitions, building a bridge between the Academy and the Museum.
Dialogical Lecture Series: Kosher to Go – Perspectives on Religious Food Regulations (5)
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Kosher to Go – Perspectives on Religious Food Regulations
In the dialogical lecture series, Jewish dietary laws are considered in relation to the dietary rules of other world religions (Christianity, Hinduism, Islam) and interpreted using perspectives from anthropology, ethnology, and the sociology of food. In this way, the origins and functions of dietary rules are examined up to the present day.
Lecture Series 2019/20: The Others’ Faith (6)
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The Others’ Faith
This lecture series explores the complex relationship of Judaism and Islam to the other religions. Two researchers are invited to each event who present the topic from Jewish and Islamic perspectives and enter into dialog with each other.
Lecture Series 2018/19: Science and Faith in Judaism and Islam (5)
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Science and Faith in Judaism and Islam
Scientific discoveries in astronomy, geology, and biology over the past centuries have called into question the centrality of humans as the “crown of creation.”
Today, religious and scientific positions are often seen as irreconcilable. This lecture series sets out to explore the tensions and affinities between Judaism, Islam, and the sciences.
Lecture Series 2017/18: Jewish and Islamic Perspectives on Human Rights (6)
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Jewish and Islamic Perspectives on Human Rights
Our lecture series addresses controversial human rights topics arising in various walks of life and examines them from Jewish and Islamic perspectives. For every lecture, we invite two scholars who present their own positions and then engage in a dialogue.
Lecture Series 2016/17: Ethical Questions in Judaism and Islam (with video recordings) (6)
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Ethical Questions in Judaism and Islam (with video recordings)
The lecture series explored contentious ethical issues from diverse aspects of life and shed light on them from Jewish and Islamic perspectives. Two guest scholars gave each lecture, presented their tradition’s position, and engaged in a mutual dialogue.
Lecture Series 2015/16: Judaism & Islam in the Diaspora (5)
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Judaism & Islam in the Diaspora
Video recordings of the series of panel discussions explored topical questions that Jews and Muslims in the diaspora confront in their everyday religious practice. Each event featured two academics presenting the Jewish and Islamic perspectives.
Audio Recordings of the Series: Between Marrakesh and Mashhad: Jews in Islamic Countries (2)
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Between Marrakesh and Mashhad: Jews in Islamic Countries
Audio recordindgs from the film and reading series Between Marrakesh and Mashhad of the Jewish-Islamic Forum of the Academy programs on the past and present of Jewish lives in different countries of North Africa and the Middle East.
