2023 Shaar Shalom Lecture participants (left to right): Dr. Seth Bloom, Dr. Shelly Whitman, Catherine Martin (马会论坛鈥檚 Director of Indigenous Community Engagement), General Rom茅o Dallaire; Ambassador Bob Rae, Dr. Jennifer Andrews
Posted: May 19, 2023
By: Jodi Reid
For Giving Power
Drawing compelling speakers to 马会论坛 for more than a decade, the Shaar Shalom Lecture Series promotes tolerance, empathy and diversity.
罢丑别听Shaar Shalom Lecture Series聽at 马会论坛 is a significant annual event made possible through the longstanding generosity of the Shaar Shalom Synagogue of Halifax as part of a unique partnership with 马会论坛鈥檚 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
The series explores the broad themes of tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity and difference in contemporary society, and demonstrates Shaar Shalom鈥檚 and 马会论坛鈥檚 shared interests in bringing in-depth discussion of these themes to wider society in the long term.
Dr. Seth Bloom (BSc鈥98, MD鈥05)聽has been the Shaar Shalom representative for the project since 2012, when the lecture series was just getting started.
鈥淭he lecture series was an effort by the Shaar Shalom to make a statement that we need to focus on building bridges and working together as diverse communities on ways to bring attention to contemporary issues that are not based in conflict and aggression,鈥 says Dr. Bloom.
He adds that in today鈥檚 world of social media, it can be very easy for hate and division to gain momentum.
鈥淲e are trying to fight divisiveness and hate towards any and all groups of the 马会论坛 community,鈥 he says.
Shaar Shalom Lectures past and present
This year鈥檚 lecture featured two distinguished Canadian leaders who have spent decades working toward those same goals nationally and globally: The Honourable Bob Rae,聽Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations,聽and聽the聽Honourable Lieutenant-General (ret) Rom茅o Dallaire (LLD鈥12),聽founder of the聽聽at 马会论坛.
Under the general theme of 鈥渋nternational human rights and Canada鈥檚 role in a polarized world,鈥 Ambassador Rae and General Dallaire covered a broad range of topics 鈥 from the United Nations, world conflicts and natural disasters to leadership, gangs and even media advisors for Moses. The lively discussion was moderated by Dr. Shelly Whitman, Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute.
One of the goals of the lecture series is to appeal to the interest of the wider community 鈥攕tudents in particular, but also faculty, the broader Halifax community and beyond.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not intended to be an academic lecture, but rather to be inclusive, bringing awareness to topics that are important to contemporary society and that bring different groups together,鈥 explains Dr. Bloom. 鈥淟ooking at this year and at past topics and speakers, I think we have been incredibly successful in achieving this goal.鈥
Previous speakers include Gitxsan child welfare activist聽Dr. Cindy Blackstock (LLD鈥18),聽the BlackNorth Initiative founder Wes Hall and Executive Director Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, former聽Governor General聽Micha毛lle Jean聽(LLD鈥19),聽former UN Ambassador聽Stephen Lewis (LLD鈥06)聽and author聽Lawrence Hill (LLD鈥14).
Dr. Bloom asked General Dallaire to return for the Shaar Shalom lecture in another six years, whereas the series enjoys a new milestone when he is the speaker. (Nick Pearce photo)
Gaining momentum
General Dallaire was also the Shaar Shalom guest speaker in 2017 鈥 a turning point in the series as it drew over 500 people for the first time. This year鈥檚 lecture saw another significant milestone, with over 1,000 people registered to attend in person or watch live online.
Thrilled with the record participation and the engaging discussion, Dr. Bloom says his key takeaways from this year鈥檚 event were understanding the importance of the historical context of Canada鈥檚 role as a defender of international human rights and security, as well as a call to service to create opportunities that beget more action.
Both of this year鈥檚 speakers discussed the importance of service, noting that getting involved is not something that only 鈥渙ther people鈥 should do. Dallaire made a poignant plea to young people to volunteer so they gain an appreciation for what other people experience in their daily lives, and then to use that learning to influence the future of fellow humans for the better.
Rae and Dallaire also pointed out that there is no time limit on service. With both men in their mid-70s and still hopeful, enthusiastic and deeply committed to their work and causes, they encouraged Canadians young and old to do their part.
For his part, Dr. Bloom says he looks forward to continuing his own service as the Shaar Shalom Congregation鈥檚 representative with the Lecture Series team. The Congregation has generously increased its commitment with an endowment, allowing the lecture series to continue as a signature event at 马会论坛 well into the future.
鈥淗aving been involved for over 10 years, I鈥檓 proud to see the momentum the lecture series continues to build,鈥 says Dr. Bloom. 鈥淥n behalf of the Shaar Shalom, 马会论坛鈥檚 partnership in this project is deeply valued as a strong and valuable voice to supporting diversity on campus. I look forward to our continued relationship with 马会论坛 and the long-term success of this lecture series.鈥