Prof. Benor, Key Member of Pew Study @ TBA

Professor Sarah Bunin Benor, Key Member of Pew Study Research Team to Speak @ Temple B\'nai Abraham On Thursday, May 8, 7:00 PM, Temple B’nai Abraham, Livingston (TBA) is hosting a Varied Voices event featuring guest speaker, Professor Sarah Bunin Benor, a linguist, who is on the faculty of University of Southern California and Hebrew Union College. Her topic will be Jews in the Pew (and beyond): What research tells us about Jewish identity and community today Six months ago the Pew Research Center released “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” perhaps the most comprehensive study ever of Jewish life in America. Scholars analyzed demographic data, evaluated special surveys and polls, and conducted wide ranging research into such topics as connection to Israel, assimilation, religious observance, intermarriage and education. Their conclusions, some reassuring, others disturbing, reveal key trends and underlying dynamics in Jewish life today. Prof. Sarah Benor of the Hebrew Union College was a key member of the Pew research team. She will share her perspectives on the study’s results as well as compare them to results of other recent studies. Recipient of a Ph.D. from Stanford University, Prof. Benor serves on the faculty of both the University of Southern California and the Hebrew Union College. She has not only published numerous books and scholarly articles, but as an unusually lively and engaging lecturer, many of her most fascinating presentations can be found on YouTube. Varied Voices was started in honor of the late Rabbi Barry Friedman, z”l, the synagogue’s spiritual leader from 1968-1999, who throughout his decades at TBA, was a strong supporter of Israel, an outspoken advocate for civil rights and a champion of the victims of all kinds of oppression. All Varied Voices programs are free and open to the community. Register online or contact call 973-994-2290. For Varied Voices lectures please go to www.tbanj.org