Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture
When the Jewish Historical Society of Fairfield County 30th Anniversary was held in 2015, our focus was on legacy and leadership. Who better to honor with the Society’s prestigious Heritage Award than Norma and Milton Mann? Their exemplary leadership individually and as a couple has resulted in significant life-long contributions to our community and beyond. In keeping with their high standards and global interests, the Society posthumously established its first named lecture in their honor. The Lecture brings renowned experts to the community to present on topics that have wide appeal, are historically significant and impact our future.
The inaugural lecture, Nuremberg Lessons: What Happened Then and Why it Matters Now, held in 2017, featured professor, author and public commentator, John Q. Barrett, who was the moderator at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Trial in the historic Nuremberg courtroom. Milton Mann was an observer to the Nuremberg War Crimes Tribunal in that very courtroom. His experience led to a strong commitment to justice and human rights throughout his life.
The 2018 lecture, Immigration to the U.S. -- Myth and Reality featured Dr. Jeffrey Passel, immigration expert from the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. The presentation addressed how immigration has affected us in the past, what is happening now and what the future impact of immigration will be.
The 2019 lecture, Seeking Justice and Protecting Human Rights in a Perilous World: A Case Study featured Roya Hakakian, author, human rights advocate and founder of the Iran Human Rights Education Center.
The 2021 lecture, We are Makers: Women Making History Celebration of a Movement, featured Amy Richards, award winning author, documentary filmmaker, human rights activist and spokesperson for contemporary feminist issues.
The 2022 Lecture, Is Justice Possible? The History and limits of International War Crimes Tribunals, featured John Q. Barrett, Benjamin M. Cardoza Professor of Law at St. John's University.
We seek to connect each lecture with topics important to Norma and Milton Mann and with historic and global themes that affect us all. The lectures have been underwritten by the Mann Family Foundation to honor their parents’ memory. In the words of their daughter, Pamela, “Their commitment to strengthening the Jewish community locally and around the world is inspiring!” Their legacy of tikkun olum (repair of the world) continues through the Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture.
Norma and Milton Mann's legacy was one of leadership and significant life-long contributions to our community and beyond. The JHSFC continues to honor their dedication to strengthen our Jewish community with the Norma and Milton Mann Annual Lecture.
Beginning in 2017, each lecture represents their commitment to high standards, global interests and connects with topics that were important to the Mann's. Renowned experts present topics with wide appeal, are historically significant, and impact our future.
This is a highly anticipated annual JHSFC event.
If you would like to volunteer, sponsor a table, or any other questions, please contact us.
Phone: (203) 359-2196
info@jhsfc-ct.org
Can Jews be the most loved and hated religious group in America?
Alan Cooperman shares data both on antisemitism and on positive public attitudes towards Jews in the Unisted States, illustrating challenges of measuring antisemitism, in particular.
Is Justice Possible? The history and limits of International War Crimes Tribunals
“Is Justice Possible? The History and Limits of International War Crimes Tribunals” was presented by John Q. Barrett, Benjamin M. Cardoza Professor of Law at St. John’s University. Professor Barrett commented on the relevancy of the current Ukraine atrocities during his discussion.
We are Makers: Women Making History Celebration of a Movement
Award winning author, documentary filmmaker, human rights activist and spokesperson for contemporary feminist issues, Richards shared stories of women from all walks of life from the early women’s movement to the present day.
Seeking Justice and Protecting Human Rights in a Perilous World: A Case Study
Roya Hakakian, founder of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, speaks and writes on the issues of the Middle East and human rights. In addition to this timely topic, she spoke during the brunch about the Jewish experience in Iran.
Immigration to US: Myth and Reality
Dr. Passel gave us an unbiased overview of past immigration history and its contributions to the country, as well as recent trends in both legal
and unauthorized immigration. He painted a picture of the future impact of immigration – social, demographic, and financial – on the US population.
Nuremberg Lessons: What Happened Then and Why It Matters Now
The Trials are more relevant now than ever! That groundbreaking Tribunal was the first international court ever set up to prosecute war crimes. It riveted the world and brought 22 prominent Nazis to justice. The speaker discussed why the lessons are still critical today.