Wisdom Newsletter | March 2018

As Christians and Jews around the world prepare for their holy seasons of Easter and Pesach respectively, Elijah offers readers the following reflections on the themes of friendship and love, values that are elevated and celebrated in all our religious traditions on their holy days.

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In this Newsletter:
1. Cardinal Koch and Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein – Sermons on religion and the Other
2. Friendship Corner with Archbishop Antje Jackelen
3. Memory in the Religious Life – Elijah’s Summer School
4. Sharing Wisdom – Rav Kook on love of the Other

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1. Cardinal Koch and Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein – Sermons on religion and the Other

On November 6th Cardinal Kurt Koch was honored by Ben Gurion University. On that occasion, Cardinal Koch and Elijah director Alon Goshen-Gottstein were asked to deliver sermons (note: sermons and not academic talks, owing to the religious identity of the prize recipient) on the respective themes of Christianity and the Other/ Judaism and the Other.

 

Cardinal Koch used this occasion to review major changes in Catholic theology towards Judaism. Alon Goshen-Gottstein explored the notion of love of the other, stranger in Lev. 19,18. Who is this “other”? does it include also the non-Jew? Members of other religions? Watch Alon’s presentation as he develops a notion of love of the other that is expansive, relying, among other sources, on the teachings of Rabbi A.I.Kook.

To view Cardinal Koch’s sermon click here

To view Alon Gohen-Gottstein’s sermon, click here

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2. Friendship Corner with Archbishop Antje Jackelen

Continuing our Friendship Corner, another religious leader reflects on the value of friendship across religion. In this short clip, Archbishop Antje Jackelen points out the the value of meeting real people in real space and expressing friendships in words and in actions. As a Christian, it is not surprising that the Archbishop is moved by the image of Jesus on the cross. Here, she gives the image new meaning, meaning that is relevant across religions. Please share your responses to her presentation at admin@elijah-interfaith.org.

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3. Memory and the Religious Life – Elijah’s Summer School

Registration is now open for our 2018 summer school.

Our theme is “Memory and the Religious Life” and your setting is the holy city of Jerusalem, a place which manifests sacred memories.

In addition to learning from religious leaders and scholars from around the world, you will explore and learn from the city herself.

You will also meet people of diverse religious traditions who come to Jerusalem because they are are committed to sharing wisdom and fostering peace.

An opportunity not to be missed!

Click here to register and for more details.

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4. Sharing Wisdom – Rav Kook on love of the Other

The following text by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook is part of the perspective on Judaism and the Other, expounded By Rabbi Alon in his Ben Gurion sermon

The love of creatures (or: people) requires much attention, to expand it with the expanse it deserves, contrary to the superficial view that appears at first sight, caused by inadequate understanding, of the Torah and of prevailing morality, as though there is opposition or at least indifference to this love [of all people], which should always fill all the chambers of the heart. The highest standing within the love of creatures should be taken by the love of mankind, and it should expand to all of humanity, regardless of the changes of opinions, religions and faiths, and despite all the differences of races and climates. The appropriate thing is to attain the depth of understanding of the different people and collectives, to learn as much as possible their characters and qualities, in order to know how to establish human love upon foundations that are close to being practical. For only upon a soul rich in the love of creatures and the love of mankind can the love of the nation arise in its lofty nobility and its spiritual and practical greatness. The narrow vision that leads to seeing everything that is outside the boundaries of the particular nation, even if it be outside the boundary of Israel, only ugliness and impurity, is one of the greatest darknesses, that bring about a general destruction to the entire establishment of the spiritual good, whose light is awaited by every sensitive soul. (Rabbi A.I.Kook, Midot Re’ayah, love, 10).

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