Why We Keep Going Back to Auschwitz-Birkenau

“Why We Keep Going Back to Auschwitz-Birkenau: The Confluence of the

Jewish, Buddhist and Human Experience”

A Lecture by Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña and Reb Shir Yaakov Feit

Thursday, February 25 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

At the Tucson J

Tucson, Arizona – January 22, 2016 – The Tucson Jewish Community Center is pleased to present a joint lecture by Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña and Reb Shir Yaakov Feit on February 25 from 6 – 9 p.m. This lecture is free and open to all.

The lecture, presented by both speakers, will explore the confluence of Jewish, Buddhist and the human experience in song, story and silence.

For the last 25 years, people from 100’s of countries around the world have been making a pilgrimage, sponsored by the Zen Peacemakers, to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. The retreats, started by Roshi Bernie Glassman, are based on the foundational tenets of the Zen Peacemaker Order: Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, and Loving Action.

These retreats are an opportunity to connect with a place where the extremes of human experience were present. Even in Auschwitz, there were many moments of kindness in the midst of horrendous situations and horrific conditions. Participants experience the Place as Teacher. From observation and non-judgment, the hollowed grounds have become a place to reconnect with lost parts of ourselves, and of humanity — in all its beauty as well as with all of its ugliness.

About Reverend Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña

Rev. Francisco Genkoji “Paco” Lugoviña is an ordained Buddhist priest in the Zen Peacemaker Order (descended from the Soto Zen Lineage of Japan); is a member of the Zen Peacemaker Circles and Peacemaker International; and is the founder of the Hudson River Peacemaker Center-House of One People in Yonkers, New York.

In his public life, Francisco Lugoviña has been committed to the Charter School movement for the past 15 years as founding member of the Board of Trustees of Family Life Academy Charter School and the John Lavelle Preparatory Academy Charter School. He served as chairperson for both institutions and is credited with being a visionary and developer of the successful schools. Mr. Lugoviña has guided the development of other charter schools – including the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health & Science Preparatory Charter School. For more information visit www.pacozen.com, www.zenpeacemakers.org.

About Reb Shir Yaakov Feit

Shir Yaakov is a singer, composer, designer, producer, teacher and dad. He engages Jewish, multi-faith, and non-affiliated people around the world, building spiritual communities, facilitating and inspiring communal music, and helping people connect with their inner wisdom and truth. He works in formal and informal educational settings as a spiritual leader, teacher and musician.

In 2014, Shir started Kol Hai: Hudson Valley Jewish Renewal, an intentional community in New York’s Hudson Valley. Kol Hai’s Shabbat and Holiday gatherings draw upon Shir’s extensive experience as a musician, and reflect his unique ability to blend ancient and emerging wisdom to create a spiritual cultural Judaism that is contemporary, alive and innovative.

Shir has recorded and released four albums of original music and co-founded and performs with The Darshan Project. He served as Creative and Music Director of Romemu, New York City’s largest Renewal synagogue; Director of Engagement at ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal; ritual consultant for Eden Village Camp; visiting faculty at AJR-NY, the Institute for Jewish Spirituality and JTS; a member of the Zen Peacemaker Order; and a Rabbinic Student in the ALEPH Ordination Program. shiryaakov.com

About the Tucson JCC

Tucson JCC (The Tucson J) employs more than 200 people on its 110,000 square foot campus. For more than 60 years the The Tucson J has provided a warm and welcoming environment for various groups from the entire community. There are boundless opportunities to balance your physical, mental, and emotional self. The J has something for everyone including a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center; cultural arts programs; early childhood education enrichment programs; a wide variety of adult classes; and a sculpture garden and rotating art gallery showcasing the work of local and national artists. The J is also a catering and event rental facility.

Phone: 520-299-3000 I 520-529 0373, www.tucsonjcc.org