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Lessons from the Holocaust - Panel Discussion with Q&A
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Join us on the Third Tuesday of November to hear a multicultural perspective from our panel as they detail their experiences of Jewish life and lead a discussion of the lessons we can draw from the Holocaust.
Click here to RSVP
Our speakers' panel will include:
The Holocaust, Its roots, Its aim, The End: Rabbi Jonathan Case
The Hispanic and Jewish Experience: Gerald Cruzado
The Black and Jewish Experience: James Cooper
The Gay and Jewish Experience: Naomi Simmons
6:30 PM Dinner
$15/person payable with cash/check to “Openings" at the door.
7:00 PM Program
PANELISTS
Rabbi Jonathan Case is spiritual leader of Beth Shalom Synagogue where he has headed the congregation for eleven years. Author of two books, Case is presently working on the Biblical view of the existence of evil. He is active in community affairs, seeking justice (MORE Justice) and participating in events that raise the level of safety and integrity for all.
Naomi Simmons is originally from Pennsylvania. She moved to South Carolina in 2005 to attend graduate school at the University of South Carolina where she received her PhD in Sociology. Naomi is currently an Assistant Professor at Newberry College where she also advises the Newberry College Social Justice Club and Spectrum, a new campus LGBTQ+ group. Naomi lives in Irmo with her wife Jen and two children.
James E. Cooper is a native of Brooklyn N.Y. and moved to Columbia S.C. in 1973 to attend Benedict College graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Economics/Business Administration with a second major in Therapeutic Recreation. He obtained his Master’s degree in Health Services Management from Webster University. James has over twenty years working in various leadership positions in health and human services delivery systems for marginalized populations.
James is currently employed as a Quality Improvement Project Manager in Behavioral Health for WellCare Health Plan S.C. Inc. He is responsible for performing behavioral health quality functions, particularly activities to ensure compliance with NCQA/HEDIS accreditation. James serves on the Board of Directors of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Columbia SC. He also serves on the Columbia Jewish Federation Board. James is married, has two daughters and two grandchildren.