Food for Thought Lecture Series: Rabbi David Ellenson to Present "Two Types of Zionism"

Rabbi David Ellenson, president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, will present "Two Types of Zionism" at the next HUC-JIR Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture Series to take place at noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2002 in Mayerson Hall Auditorium at the College-Institute, 3101 Clifton Avenue. Rabbi Ellenson will be inaugurated as the eighth president of HUC-JIR on Sunday, October 13, 2002 in Cincinnati at Plum Street Temple and will be the honoree at the 20th Annual Cincinnati Associates Tribute Dinner on Sunday, November 17, 2002.

During "Two Types of Zionism," Rabbi Ellenson will discuss the differing perspectives of Zionism held by Vladimir (Ze'ev) Jabotinsky, founder of the Zionist Revisionist Movement, and Judah Magnes, chancellor and first president of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While Jabotinsky offers an extreme Jewish nationalist view of a very virulent type, Magnus represents the peace camp of the early Zionist movement. This timely session will seek to offer insight into the current situation in Israel based on the perspectives of Jabotinsky and Magnes.

Rabbi Ellenson continues to hold the I.H. and Anna Grancell Professorship of Jewish Religious Thought at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. A member of HUC-JIR's faculty since 1979, Ellenson has served as lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of Jewish Religious Thought. From 1981-1997 he also held the post of director of the Jerome H. Louchheim School of Judaic Studies. Rabbi Ellenson received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1981 and was ordained a rabbi at HUC-JIR's New York School in 1977. He holds masters degrees from Columbia, HUC-JIR, and the University of Virginia and received his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1969. Rabbi Ellenson has published and lectured extensively on diverse topics in modern history, ethics and thought and has written over 150 articles and reviews in diverse academic and religious journals and books.

In its twelfth season, Food For Thought features HUC-JIR faculty and scholars who discuss their fields of expertise and recent research with the public. The Department of Outreach Education invites the community to learn from world-renowned scholar and HUC-JIR president, Rabbi David Ellenson. A hot buffet lunch will be available for $8; reservations are necessary. There is a $2 fee to attend the lecture only. To learn more about Food For Thought, the Department of Outreach Education of HUC-JIR, or to make a reservation contact Marcia Cruse, (513) 221-1875 ext. 353.