In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Buber’s death, this two-day conference brings together leading scholars from around the country to generate new questions and explore answers relating to the issues at the heart of Buber’s thought.  One of the most profound and influential Jewish philosophers of the twentieth century, Martin Buber articulated his concept of “dialogue” most famously in his 1923 book I and Thou.  He continued to develop it throughout his life in writings on Hasidism and the Hebrew Bible, philosophy, Christianity, and Zionism. This conference will explore various aspects of his dialogical thought.

Dr. Michael Fishbane of the Divinity School, University of Chicago, will present the October 18 keynote address, Religious Authenticity and Spiritual Resistance: Martin Buber and Biblical Hermeneutics.

Dr. Elliot Wolfson of the Department of Religious Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara, will present the keynote address on October 19.