Book presentation ‘For Such A Time As This’

On Monday, 30 December 2024, 4 pm, Friedensau University Library invites you to its premises at Ahornstr. 3 for the presentation of Elliot Cosgrove's book published in 2024: ‘For Such A Time As This. On Being Jewish Today’ - in English.

Elliot Cosgrove, rabbi at the Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan (New York), studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary there, where he was also ordained, and subsequently completed his doctorate at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He aspired to an academic career until one of his teachers said to him: ‘Elliot, you have to decide what you love more, the Jews or Judaism. If you love Judaism, then go and become a professor. If you love Jews, then you have to work in the community.’ He has been working as a rabbi ever since.

We can look forward to seeing how the university library staff organise the book presentation; presumably the author will not be there himself – or perhaps via Zoom?

This year, Friedensau University Library is once again realising an idea to light a candle on the stylised Hanukkah candelabra in the library at 4 pm every day from 25 December to 2 January to mark the traditional Jewish festival of Hanukkah – thus combining the traditional light with the hope for peace. This will be followed by an event every day.

The other events for Hanukkah, each starting at 4 pm:

 Wednesday, 25.12. Lecture by Rabbi Igor Mendel Itkin ‘The message of Hanukkah’ | Lighting of the 1st candle

Thursday, 26.12. Lighting of the 2nd candle and film evening (film with English subtitles)

Friday, 27.12. Cordula Hartmann reads from the children's book ‘Ein Fest für alle’ | 3rd candle

Saturday, 28.12. Concert with guitarist Guy Woodcock (Berlin) | Lighting of the 4th candle

Sunday, 29.12. Lighting of the 5th candle | crafts and games

Monday, 30.12. Book presentation ‘For Such A Time As This’ by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove (2024)

Tuesday, 31.12. Lighting of the 7th candle | We cook and bake with subsequent tasting

Wednesday, 1.01. Dance workshop Yiddish round dances with Mark Kovnatskiy (Hamburg)

The list of highlights is getting longer; there will also be vegan/gluten-free options for the cookery course and cookery demonstration with typical Hanukkah delicacies. Pre-registration is required via e-mail , by telephone on 03921 916–135 or in person. Admission is free, but a donation for the university's cultural work is requested. A warm welcome!