Beth David Synagogue’s Luncheon Speaker Series will continue with Dr. Howard Warner speaking on Saturday, January 13. Warner’s talk, “A Look at the Jewish Experience in Iberia,” was inspired by a trip to Portugal taken in the spring of 2019. People are encouraged to attend the morning service, which begins at 9:30 am. There is no charge for the luncheon. 

“Because of my daughter Shelley’s study abroad architectural fellowship, sponsored by Rensselaer Polytech Institute,” Warner said, “I was able to pursue my passion for history by joining her during the two-and-one-half weeks that were spent in Portugal. While there, we were able to visit two synagogues, but because of security reasons were unable to gain entrance into Lisbon’s main synagogue.” 

Warner noted that the Sephardic experience in the Iberian Peninsula is a “complicated one,” comprising a period known as “The Golden Age” in which Jews prospered and attained high governmental positions, as well as a time when persecution of Jews was extraordinary under Christian and Muslim rule. He also said that one normally thinks only of the Spanish Jewish experience as it relates to Sephardim, without consideration of the experiences of Portuguese Jews. Warner aims to look at Portugal as a way to better understand the survival of the Jewish heritage and religion in those areas, as well as their influence on other regions of the world. His talk will include visual materials.

Warner has practiced dentistry in Kirkwood since 1988, and in Bainbridge and Greene from 1985-88. He has served as the president of the Sixth District Dental Society of the New York State Dental Association. He presently serves as a delegate to the House of Delegates, as a member of NYSDA Governmental Council, and a member of the Executive Council of the Sixth District Dental Society. He is past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Binghamton, a past president of Temple Israel and a Temple Israel board member. “I am a proud alumnus of the Me’ah Program, “ Warner added, “which was subsidized by Jewish Federation.”

Beth David’s Luncheon Speaker Series takes place the second Saturday of the month. Since the monthly series’ continuation depends on the generosity of contributors, Beth David welcomes and appreciates donations to the Luncheon Fund in order to keep the program going. Donations as well as sponsorships can be made in honor of, or in memory of, someone, or to mark a special occasion. Those wishing an acknowledgment to be sent to the person being honored, or to the family of someone being remembered, can indicate that along with the necessary information. Donations can be sent to Beth David Synagogue, 39 Riverside Dr., Binghamton, NY 13905, Attention: Luncheon Fund.