Final Food for Thought Lecture of 2002-2003 Features President David Ellenson

The final Food for Thought Luncheon Lecture of 2002-2003 season features Dr. David Ellenson, president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion presenting “The Approaches of Isaac Mayer Wise and David Einhorn to Reform Judaism: A Personal Reflection on Their Meaning for Reform Judaism Today.” The lecture will take place at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 at HUC-JIR’s Mayerson Hall Auditorium, 3101 Clifton Avenue. Following the lecture at 1:30 pm, President Ellenson will unveil HUC-JIR’s new Ohio Historical Marker.

The Food for Thought lecture will highlight the two distinctive currents that were present in American Reform Judaism in 1800s based on differing approaches of Isaac Mayer Wise and David Einhorn. Focusing on these two major figures of 19th century American Reform Judaism, Dr. Ellenson will attempt to draw out what he perceives to be the implications of these two stances for American Judaism today.

Dr. David Ellenson is the 8th President in its HUC-JIR’s 125-year history and holds the Gus Waterman Herrman Presidential Chair. He is also the I.H. and Anna Grancell Professor of Jewish Religious Thought at HUC-JIR in Los Angeles. A member of HUC-JIR’s faculty since 1979, he 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.

Dr. 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. He received his bachelors degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1969. Dr. Ellenson has published and lectured extensively on diverse topics in modern history, ethics, and thought. He has written over 200 articles and reviews in diverse academic and religious journals and books and is currently at work on a book-length collection of his essays.

The Ohio Historical Marker being dedicated following the Food for Thought lecture commemorates the significant historical importance of the College-Institute from its founding through today. Administered by the Ohio Historical Society, the Historical Markers program enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history and to learn more about the state. Designed to be permanent and highly visible, the historic markers are large cast-aluminum signs that tell stories about aspects of Ohio’s history and prehistory.

In its thirteenth season, Food For Thought features scholars and members of the HUC-JIR community who discuss their fields of interest, expertise, and recent research with the public. The Department of Outreach Education invites the community to attend this final lecture of the 2002-2003 school year with world-renowned scholar President David Ellenson. A hot buffet lunch will be available at 12:00 pm 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 reservation contact Marcia Cruse, (513) 221-1875 ext. 353.