On October 20, 2010, the UN General Assembly unanimously passed the resolution to recognize World Interfaith Harmony Week annually during the first week of February. The resolution was first proposed a month earlier by King Abdullah II of Jordan. It is unique because it promotes harmonious interfaith relations in a way that specifically draws attention to the scriptural and theological basis for such relations. At a time when so much disparaging of the religious other is occurring in the name of Torah Judaism in Israel, this week is an opportunity for focusing on the aspects of Torah that teach Jews love and respect for non-Jews.

The Elijah Interfaith Institute has educational resources, including statements by leading Rabbinic figures, on the theme ‘Affirming the Image of God’.  Elijah scholars assert that the creation of humanity in God’s image is the great principle, as Jewish sages recognized, and believe that this principle mandates full respect for the infinite value, equality and uniqueness of every human life, for each is created in the image of God. Our Torah’s ways ‘are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace’. These and other great principles are the guidelines through which we should interpret and teach our tradition.

Love of one's own group should not be equated with the hatred of others. Israel's calling is harmonious with the wellbeing of all humanity. Scholars and religious leaders are working together under the aegis of the Elijah Interfaith Institute, to bring to light teachings of Judaism that cohere to this worldview. UN World Interfaith Harmony Week is an appropriate time to recall and support such work by Elijah and by other like-minded organizations.