Troy Library System to hold Jewish Lecture Series

A new lecture series highlighting Jewish history spanning from ancient times to modernity will be held by Troy University Libraries with an aim to educate and inform the Troy community about the importance of culture and resilience.  

Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, CEO of Anne Frank Center USA and board member of the Council of American Jewish Museums as well as the Association of Holocaust Organizations, is set to spearhead the lecture series starting on Feb. 16.  

The lecture series will thematically focus on 4,000 years of Jewish history with “4000 Years of Exile and Migration: The Story of Jews from Canaan to the Present” being the series’ titular motif.  

When asked about the timeliness of the series, Professor of History at Troy University and Chair of the Alabama Holocaust Commission Dr. Dan Puckett said it comes at a time when antisemitism is rising around the globe, and misinformation as well as Holocaust distortion are spreading rapidly online. 

“Many people, especially the younger generations, have general knowledge of Jewish history or the Holocaust,” Puckett said.“Looking at 4,000 years of Jewish history helps students understand that antisemitism didn’t begin with Hitler, and that our current challenges are part of a much longer story of Jewish exile, resilience and survival.”  

Funding from the American Holocaust Association as well as the Alabama Humanities Alliance solidified the initiation of the lecture series. That funding was secured by Troy University’s newest Social Sciences Librarian, Stephanie White, who wrote and submitted the two grant applications to the organizations.  

“The two grants provide a majority of the financial support for the series, and we appreciate and are deeply grateful to both organizations for helping us make this event happen through their support,” White said.  

Organizers said they hope the series bridges gaps in the public understanding of Jewish history and the Holocaust as it relates to Holocaust denial and antisemitic viewpoints.  

“Events such as this help educate the public while also combatting the deniers,” said Dean of Troy University Libraries and member of the American Holocaust Commission Dr. Christopher Shaffer. “The Holocaust can also be a stepping stone to discuss and confront other forms of prejudice.” 

The upcoming lecture series represents an opportunity for faculty, students and community members to gather and gain knowledge about historical awareness, cultural understanding and critical dialogue within the Jewish community.  

The series is also aimed at broadening educational standards across Alabama with aide from local Alabama educational institutions.  

“The goal is to make this history accessible to everyone, not just specialists or students in history classes,” Puckett said.  

The lecture series will make its way to four different venues across Alabama including: 

Feb. 16, 7-8:30 p.m., Temple Emanu-el, 188 N. Park Ave. Dothan.  

Feb. 17, 2-3:30 p.m., Troy University Library, 111 International Blvd., Troy.  

Feb. 18, 7-8:30 p.m., Temple Beth Or, 2246 Narrow Lane Road, Montgomery. 

Feb. 19, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Homewood Public Library. 1721 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham.