Beseder Gallery

Date: 31.1.2025 od 19:00

31.1. Friday

18:00 - Kabalat Shabbat with Sylvia Wittmann

*Sylvia Wittmann is the former Vice President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic and Honorary President of Beit Simcha, the Reform Jewish community.

The *Kabbalat Shabbat (קַבָּלַת שַׁבָּת) is a weekly ritual preceding Friday night dinner.
This ritual also includes Parashat Shavua (פָּרָשַׁת הַשָּׁבוּעַ), the reading and interpretation of a Torah passage.
This ritual is usually led by a rabbi or one of the family members - usually the oldest, wisest and most respected.

19:00 - Lecture: "A Brief Account of the Cultural Background of Jewish and Israeli Identity" (Eugen Roden)

*Eugen Roden worked for many years in Israel as an economic advisor to the Israeli government and business entities in the country. In this capacity, he participated in the decision-making process in the Israeli parliament and government.

What is the strength of the Israeli nation that has survived as a nation for at least 3,000 years?

During this presentation, you will learn more about the philosophical underpinnings behind one of the world's oldest nations and understand what makes Jewish culture and Israeli identity so unique and timeless. This lecture is ideal for those who want to learn more about the influence of Judaism on contemporary society and for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions and the modern state of Israel.

Come and listen to a brief but thought-provoking talk that will take you through one of the most fascinating topics in world culture and history.

How could Judaism be defined in one sentence?

What is the main cultural item, what is the main indicator - the direction of the Jews?

What is the most important invention that the Jews have invented, that they have given to mankind, and that everybody knows about, although nobody is really aware of it?

What makes the Jewish people special?

What philosophical idea did the Jews originally come up with?