Dear members and friends,
Rabbi Gadi kindles the Hanukkah candles at the 10th anniversary celebration of Project Genesis.
Even though I’m writing this message on the shortest day of the year, it doesn’t feel dark. Perhaps the reason is the presence of many lights, both physical and spiritual. As the lights of Hanukkah slowly disappeared, the lights of Christmas on many houses and in yards began to glow.
On Saturday night, Dec. 12, we celebrated Project Genesis’ 10th anniversary with an event called “Between the Lights.” Project Genesis is a Jewish-Christian monthly learning program I have been teaching with Christian clergy, where both faiths are invited to learn about the common roots of their beliefs and heritage, building bridges between the two communities. We were happily surprised to discover that on the very same week the Catholic Church released a long document, confirming its Nostra Aetate (in our time) — the document that ushered in a profound and positive change within the church toward Judaism 50 years ago, in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
The Vatican’s Commission For Religious Relations With The Jews’ document included the following paragraph: “Another important goal of Jewish-Catholic dialogue consists of jointly combatting all manifestations of ethnic discrimination against Jews and all forms of anti-Semitism. History teaches us where even the slightest perceptible form of anti-Semitism can lead: the human tragedy of the Shoah in which two-thirds of European Jewry was annihilated. Both faith traditions are called upon to maintain an unceasing vigilance and sensitivity in the social sphere as well.”
In response, a few dozen Orthodox rabbis wrote a document affirming Judaism’s connection to Christianity. Their letter states: “After nearly two millennia of mutual hostility and alienation, we Orthodox rabbis who lead communities, institutions and seminaries in Israel, the United States and Europe, recognize the historic opportunity now before us. We seek to do the will of our Father in Heaven by accepting the hand offered to us by our Christian brothers and sisters. Jews and Christians must work together as partners to address the moral challenges of our era.
The Dec. 12 event, held in the auditorium at Peconic Landing, was well attended by regulars and guests.(Photos by Steve Benthal)
“The Shoah ended 70 years ago. It was the warped climax to centuries of disrespect, oppression and rejection of Jews and the consequent enmity that developed between Jews and Christians. In retrospect, it is clear that the failure to break through this contempt and engage in constructive dialogue for the good of humankind weakened resistance to the evil forces of anti-Semitism that engulfed the world in murder and genocide… As did Maimonides and Yehudah Halevi, we acknowledge that Christianity is neither an accident nor an error, but the willed divine outcome and gift to the nations. In separating Judaism and Christianity, G-d willed a separation between partners with significant theological differences, not a separation between enemies…”
Now that the Catholic Church has acknowledged the eternal covenant between G-d and Israel, we Jews can acknowledge the ongoing constructive validity of Christianity as our partner in world redemption, without any fear that this will be exploited for missionary purposes. As stated by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s Bilateral Commission with the Holy See under the leadership of Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, “We are no longer enemies, but unequivocal partners in articulating the essential moral values for the survival and welfare of humanity… Neither of us can achieve G-d’s mission in this world alone.”
This idea of reconciliation corresponds to our Shabbat Torah reading — “Vayigash” (approached). The reunion of Joseph and his brothers in Egypt begins when Judah approaches the Egyptian vizier, not knowing it is actually his brother Joseph, whom he had arranged to be cast out of the family more than 20 years earlier. Judah confesses his responsibility to the vizier (Joseph), who is so moved by the honesty and sincerity of Judah’s emotional plea for the release of his brother Benjamin that he cannot stay indifferent. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and allows them to approach him further, until they are close enough to kiss and cry. For the first time in more than two decades, they speak to each other.
Like Joseph and his brothers, the Catholic Church and the Jewish people have taken steps to reconcile with one side approaching the other. Rabbi Cohen reminds us that we, too, have a responsibility to supplement the light in the world through other means, and to partner with others to help God in the project of creation.
May January be the door to ultimate reconciliation and peace for all. Happy 2016.
—Rabbi Gadi Capela
Links to the statements by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox rabbis:
http://www.news.va/en/news/vatican-issues-new-document-on-christian-jewish-di
http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/orthodox-rabbinic-statement-on-christianity/
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