Sept. 2026
Paula Baruch and Ronnie Miller
Temple Anshe Sholom is pleased to invite members of the Hamilton Jewish community to Pride in Our Heritage: A Day of Learning, a special educational conference to be held at Temple Anshe Sholom, 215 Cline Avenue North, Hamilton, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The Day of Learning reflects Temple Anshe Sholom's commitment to fostering Jewish learning, thoughtful dialogue, and community engagement through accessible educational programming.
Bringing together leading scholars from Canada and abroad, the conference will explore Jewish history, Israel, antisemitism, and the remarkable resilience of the Jewish people. Whether you attend the entire day or choose only those presentations that are of particular interest to you, you are sure to leave with new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a deeper appreciation of our shared heritage.
The program will feature four outstanding presentations:
Georgian Jews in the Age of Modernity: Preserving Identity Across the Ages
Dr. Ketevan Kakitelashvili
Discover the remarkable history of one of the world's oldest and most remote Jewish communities, whose members preserved their Jewish identity and enduring attachment to Zion for over two millennia, and whose centuries-old dream was fulfilled with the establishment of the State of Israel.
Dr. Ketevan Kakitelashvili is an associate professor of history at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, whose research focuses on the history of Georgian Jewry and Zionism.
UNRWA: From Temporary Humanitarian Agency to Permanent UN Anti-Israel Institution
A historical examination of how UNRWA evolved from a temporary refugee relief agency into one of the most controversial institutions within the United Nations and how that transformation has influenced the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Dr. Ronnie Miller is an historian, educator, and author of several books in English and Hebrew, whose research focuses on Jewish identity, Zionism, and the history of Georgian Jewry.
A Hostile Campus Climate: Antisemitism in Canadian Universities after October 7
Dr. Cary Kogan
This presentation examines the rise of antisemitism in Canadian universities after Oct. 7, through the experiences of Jewish students and faculty. It will examine how hostile campus climates influence mental health, and explores practical ways post-secondary institutions can effectively address antisemitism and foster safer, more inclusive environments.
Dr. Cary Kogan is professor of clinical psychology at the University of Ottawa, whose research focuses on mental health, racism, and antisemitism in higher education. He is co-president of the Network of Engaged Canadian Academics (NECA), a national organization dedicated to protecting academic freedom, advancing scholarship on Judaism, and combating antisemitism on Canadian campuses.
Keynote Address: Temple Anshe Sholom's Holocaust Torah: A Story of Survival and Renewal
Dr. Celia Rothenberg
The story of Temple Anshe Sholom's Holocaust Torah is a journey from destruction to renewal. Learn how this rescued Czech Torah became a living symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the enduring continuity of the Jewish people.
Dr. Celia Rothenberg is a professor in the Department of Religious Studies at McMaster University. Her current research project is focused on Torah scrolls in Canada from the Memorial Scrolls Trust.
Every presentation will include time for audience questions and discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with the presenters.
Participants may attend the entire conference or any individual presentation. Admission to all presentations is free. The catered luncheon and keynote address are available for $36 per person. Pre-registration is required for all presentations, including the keynote address and luncheon. To register, please contact the Temple Anshe Sholom office at (905) 528-0121.
Join us for a day of learning, discussion, and community as we celebrate the richness of Jewish history, culture, and identity.
