Author Naseem Rakha on Forgiveness

Former award-winning public radio journalist and best-selling author Naseem Rakha will speak on the topic of forgiveness at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7pm to 9pm. Her talk is coming on the heels of her recent visit with Oregon death row inmate Gary Haugen.

Haugen, who continues to make regional and national headlines for waiving his appeals and asking that the state of Oregon proceed with his execution, requested a visit with Rakha after reading her novel “The Crying Tree.”

“Four weeks ago I received a letter from Mr. Haugen,”
 wrote Rakha in a blog post last week. “He had read ‘The Crying Tree,’ and wanted to speak with me. His letter articulated his great remorse for what he had done in his life, or perhaps I should say to his life and the lives of so many others. Today, I am going into the Oregon State
Penitentiary's Intensive Management Unit, and meeting with Gary for two hours.”

Attendees to Thursday evening’s event will have the opportunity to hear Rakha speak for the first time publicly since the visit with Haugen about her experiences, her book, and the topic of forgiveness. Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum of the Kavana Cooperative will also speak. The event is open to SJCC members and the general public, and people of all faiths are welcome to attend.

A book sale by and signing by Rakha will follow the talk.

Tickets are $5 for seniors and students, $10 for SJCC and Kavana members, and $15 for the general public. They may be purchased through the Stroum Jewish Community Center at www.sjcc.org