Pair of lectures explore Shin Buddhism

Dr. Jacqueline Stone, a professor of Japanese religions at Princeton University, will present lectures at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, a Shin Buddhist Temple.

As part of the 12th Annual Futaba Memorial Lecture Series, the first will address Shin Buddhism’s rejection of Buddhist death bed rites; and the second, the modern appeal of Shin Buddhism, originating from its roots in Japan’s Kamakura era.

Stone is the author of “Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism,” which received a 2001 American Academy of Religion Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion.

The cost is $10 per person, including lunch. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available. Call 536-7044 to pre-register. The lecture will be held in Honpa Hongwanji’s Annex Temple at 1727 Pali Highway.

The Futaba Lecture Series is endowed by Dr. Alfred Bloom of the University of Hawaii in honor of his mentor, the late Professor Kenko Futaba, former president of Ryukoku University in Kyoto.

Observances around town mark Sukkot

The seven-day Jewish thanksgiving festival of Sukkot — also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles — which began Wednesday, will be followed next weekend by the celebration of Simchat Torah, the conclusion and restart of the annual Torah-reading cycle.

Local observances include:

» Chabad of Hawaii, which gathers at the Ala Moana Hotel, will continue Sukkot observance until Oct. 20, with two or three services a day. For a detailed schedule, visit www.chabadofhawaii.com.

The sukkah, a temporary hut with a roof of branches — similar to the structures that sheltered Jews in the Sinai Desert before entering the Holy Land — will be open to the public for the duration of the holiday. People may purchase a personal Lulav and Etrog, a ritual palm branch and citron for blessing during the holiday.

The grand Simchat Torah celebration will be held Friday at 7 p.m. Other services will be Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

For reservations and information, email chabadhawaii@aol.com or call 735-8161. Dinners following all evening services are available by prepaid reservation only.

» Temple Emanu-el Honolulu, 2550 Pali Highway, is holding its seventh day Sukkot/Yizkor service Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., and a Simchat Torah Celebration and Consecration at 6:30 p.m. that day.

The complete holiday schedule is available at www.shaloha.com, or call 595-7521.