Speaker: Hernan Tesler-Mabé
Every week, tens of thousands of people – including some here in London – listen to readings from Czech
Torah scrolls that barely survived the Holocaust; yet most congregants are only vaguely aware of the act’s
meaning or significance. The British-based Memorial Scrolls Trust celebrates Jewish life in central Europe
by disseminating throughout the diaspora 1,564 Torah scrolls that have been saved from rotting away in a
damp warehouse in Prague. This talk will recount the evolution of the Memorial Scrolls Trust and its
important role in preserving the memory of obliterated Jewish communities.
Hernan Tesler-Mabé received his Ph.D. in History at the University of Ottawa. He specializes in modern
Jewish Studies, with a focus on arts and culture. His most recent publication (Mahler’s Forgotten
Conductor: Heinz Unger and his Search for Jewish Meaning, 1895-1965) was awarded Best Biography at
the 2020 Canadian Jewish Literary Awards. Dr. Tesler-Mabé is President of the Association for Canadian
Jewish Studies and Coordinator of the Jewish Studies Program at Huron University College.

A program for high school students, led by Gabriela Rosenblum of Hasbara

Parents and community members welcome

Speaker: Jim Stevens
Sponsor: This program is sponsored by an anonymous donor.
The story of the Israelites and the Philistines that we read in the Bible leaves us with many unanswered
questions. Were these groups friends or foes? Where did they come from? Are the Bible stories real? We will explore this sometimes-troubled relationship with our close neighbours in a fearless analysis of thestories, the history, and the archaeology of these enigmatic people.
Jim Stevens is a retired teacher with a lifelong interest in ancient Biblical history and archaeology. His
intellectual curiosity and knowledge compel his audiences to challenge their assumptions about Biblical
events.

$5 per person

Skating 1-2pm 
Crafts 2-3pm

Speaker: Michael Kent
With the socio-political backdrop of World War 1 and the first-wave feminist movement, Montreal’s
Jewish newspaper, Jewish Times, included a significant number of letters in 1914 dedicated to the subject
of young Jews and marriage. Specifically, this content expressed concern regarding the seemingly
pervasive trend of singlehood, due to its threat to Jewish continuity. This presentation will explore the
content and cultural context of these letters in order to illuminate their historical significance amidst the
period’s social upheaval.
Michael Kent is the curator of the Jacob M. Lowy Collection of Rare Judaica at Library and Archives
Canada. His background as a Judaica librarian also includes work with the Greenberg Families Library at
Ottawa’s JCC, St. Paul’s University, and Yeshiva Darche Noam. Michael is also a professor for Algonquin
College’s library technician program. In addition to a traditional Yeshiva education, Michael holds
Master’s degrees in Religious Studies, Library and Information Studies, and History, all from the
University of Ottawa. His research areas include the history of Jewish printing, Canadian Jewish history,
and contemporary Jewish life.