2014 Annual Symposium for Pilgrimage Studies

Highlights include a public talk on Sephardic heritage pilgrimage to synagogues and Jewish quarters in modern Spain by Dr. Sonia Sánchez of the Sefarad-Israel Center in Madrid.

Scholars and pilgrims come together to discuss the history of pilgrimage as well as the unique culture that surrounds it in the modern day. With special emphasis on Spain’s Camino de Santiago, presenters offer firsthand accounts of what it means to be a pilgrim, the motives behind such a journey, and the benefits that can be derived from completing it. The conference’s presentations will prove interesting to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Highlights of this year’s symposium include:

• Sephardic Heritage Pilgrimage Back to Spain on September 26th, from 7 pm to 8 pm. Public talk Friday evening on Sephardic heritage pilgrimage to synagogues and Jewish quarters in modern Spain by Dr. Sonia Sánchez of the Sefarad-Israel Center in Madrid, Spain with reception at the Muscarelle Museum of Art.
• Paper/poster/roundtable sessions on Saturday (all day) and Sunday (morning only).
• Keynote address pm Saturday afternoon by Profs. David Gitlitz and Linda Davidson, authors of the award-winning book Pilgrimage and the Jews (2006).
• Reception on Saturday evening for conference registrants only.
• Public presentation on Sunday morning on Birthright, an organization which sponsors heritage pilgrimage by Jewish youth to Israel, with Rabbi Joshua Weinberg, President of the Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA) and students from W&M who have gone on Birthright.

A reception will follow Dr. Sonia Sánchez' public talk. View the symposium's program (PDF).