Beth El luncheon will explore Buddhism and Judaism

Ellen Posman, comparative religion professor at Baldwin Wallace University, will lead a luncheon discussion on Buddhism and Judaism at Beth El – The Heights Synagogue, on Saturday, April 28, after morning services (approximately 12:15 p.m.).

The talk will examine some past interactions between Buddhists and Jews, consider the ways in which Judaism and Buddhism can enter into fruitful dialogue or be at odds, and pose questions regarding whether or why Jews should know something about Buddhism.

One may not think of Buddhism as having much to do with Judaism, yet there are areas in which the two religions intersect.

A group of Rabbis met with the Dalai Lama to discuss the experience of exile, and there are also a growing number of JuBus (self identified as such), who practice a combination of Judaism and Buddhism, and find the two complement one another.

Some of the most prominent Buddhist meditation teachers in America have Jewish backgrounds (which has affected Buddhist social ethics in the U.S.), and Reconstructionist Judaism has incorporated aspects of Buddhist meditation into commentaries in its prayer books.

To learn more, attend the program at Beth El, 3246 Desota Ave., Cleveland Heights. It is free and open to all; non-members are asked to call ahead for luncheon reservations (216-320-9667).