Every student who tours Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center will hear the words of Elie Wiesel, “When you listen to a witness, you become a witness.” On Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Paul & Alice Baker Ballroom at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, the Lakin Lecture Series will welcome Dr. Ariel Burger to Southern Arizona for a talk titled “Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom.”
Dr. Ariel Burger was 15 years old when he first met Holocaust survivor and famed author of “Night,” Elie Wiesel, and through the decades that followed, he became Wiesel’s teaching assistant and friend. As they studied and taught together, Burger sought Wiesel’s counsel on matters of academia, spirituality, and faith.
Ten years after Wiesel’s passing, Dr. Burger reintroduces us to the Nobel Laureate, educator, and humanitarian through his own book, “Witness.” Burger complements this book with a series of frank talks that examine Elie Wiesel’s legacy and its implications for the world today. Dr. Burger’s recollections offer a front-row seat to the remarkable exchanges that took place in and out of the classroom, allowing each of us a chance to bear witness to Wiesel’s wisdom, insights, and legacy.
Dr. Burger’s talk will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Additionally, the Tucson J International Film Festival will host a special screening of “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” on Sunday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m. This intimate portrait, narrated in the scholar’s own voice, explores how Weisel’s experience as a Holocaust survivor inspired his life’s work. Virtual screenings will be available May 7-10 with registration.
The Lakin Lecture Series on Antisemitism is made possible by a grant from the Alma and Ed Lakin Education Fund. This fund was established at the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona by their daughter to honor Alma and Eddie’s lifelong commitment to Holocaust education, the people of Israel, Jewish life, combating antisemitism, and advocacy for social justice.
The Lakin Lecture Series is presented in proud partnership with Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona and the Tucson J.
Tickets for the Lakin Lecture Series – “Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom” are free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Please visit www.tjmhc.org/programs-and-events to learn more.
Tickets for the screenings of “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire” are available through the Tucson J International Film Festival by visiting bit.ly/tucsonjsoulonfire
