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Newsnotes
C.A. Riijk | The Editors
MEETINGS AND ENCOUNTERS
Liturgical Colloquy
For two days, March 22 to 23, 1971, the forty participants of the liturgical colloquy organized by the Liturgical Institute of Louvain University, made a study of Jewish and Christian prayer. The object of this colloquy was to « discover and examine thoroughly points of contact, and to see in what measure present day liturgy could draw inspiration from contemporary Jewish prayer ». Jewish and Christian speakers explained different points of view.
Time was too short to study this important question in depth. However, several aspect,. of « Jewish-Christian Relations and Liturgy » (C. Rijk) were profitably studied. Conferences on « Prayer in the Temple and the Synagogue » (R. Boon), « The Liturgical Background of the Psalter » (J. van Goudoever), « Prayer of Praise » (K. Hruby, read by Mme Saint), « Domestic Liturgy » (R. Dreyfus) and « The Celebration of the Jewish Passover » (Y. Ashkenazy) also opened up interesting perspectives on the Jewish sources of Christian liturgy, the differences which have crept in between the two liturgies over the centuries, and the possibilities of a Christian liturgical renewal, inspired by contact with Jewish liturgy. It would seem that the more realistic, more « historical » character of Jewish liturgy and prayer should help Christians to see that there is no separation between liturgy and daily life.
It is to be hoped that after this fine initiative, the recently created Liturgical Institute of Louvain will follow up research in this field.
C.A. Riijk
Pope Paul Receives Jewish DelegationsSpeaking English to a distinguished group of members of the American Jewish Committee, received in audience on March 31, Pope Paul said:
« Dear friends, we are happy to receive you in the Vatican as a representation of the American Jewish Committee.
« The Vatican Council II in issuing its Declaration on the Relations between the Catholic Church and other World Religions intended to lay the foundations for the improvement of relations between Catholics and the faithful of other religions. A special link exists between Catholics and Jews. God himself has bound us together through his revelation. As the first commandment he asks all of us to love him with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our strength and our neighbours as ourselves (cf. Deut. 6: 5; Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:36-40).
« We, therefore, seriously want the directives of the Vatican Council to be put into practice so that through the development of a better understanding and a deeper respect between Christians and Jews, they may be able to work together in the task of serving the peace and well-being of mankind.
« We know that the American Jewish Committee is active in collaboration and we ask the Lord that he may bless the common efforts we may undertake through his inspiration. »
(L'Osservatore Romano, April 1, 1971)
On June 2, 1971, a group of leaders of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith was received in the basilica of Saint Peter. The Pope, again speaking in English, addressed them as follows:
« Dear friends, it is a pleasure for us to welcome in Saint Peter's your distinguished group of leaders of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith.
« On this occasion we are pleased to reiterate the wish of the Vatican Council `to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit above all of biblical and theological studies and of brotherly dialogues' (Nostrae Aetate, 4).
« In our own ministry of reconciliation and peace we are especially sensitive to all forms of discrimination, which impede fraternal charity among men and offend human dignity and God himself. We have recently spoken out against all discrimination based on race, origin, colour, culture, sex or religion (cf. Apostolic Letter of May 14, 1971, Octogesima Adveniens, 16).
« We pray that the Lord, the Father of all, may bless your efforts for creating that climate between Christians and Jews, and among all men, in which his love will reign for the well-being of all mankind. »
(L'Osservatore Romano, June 3, 1971)
During both audiences, the Pope spoke cordially with the members of the delegations, and leaders of the groups were able to draw his attention to several questions which are preoccupying Jewish communities.
Interreligious SymposiumOn May 6, 1971, an interreligious symposium was convened in New York to eulogize and discuss Jules Isaac's book, Jesus and Israel, which has recently been published in its first English translation. The book is an historical analysis of the scholarly commentaries on the Gospels of the last two thousand years, through which Isaac sought to prove that certain traditions of Christian teachings have played a decisive role in fostering anti-Semitism.
Madame Claire Bishop, editor of the English translation of Jesus and Israel, opened the symposium with a review of Jules Isaac's life concluding with an appeal to take similar action to uproot the anti-Semitic attitudes that still pervade the world today. Father Flannery, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations, responded from a Catholic viewpoint. Faulty theological concepts have led to unjust acts, he acknowledged, therefore, theologians must take a new look at the relationship between Christianity and Judaism. Part of the renewal of Christianity, he maintained, should be « a reJudaizing process, an effort of return to our origins, to our Judaic roots ». Dr Jaroslav Pelikan, Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Yale Divinity School and one of America's leading protestant theological scholars reinforced Fr. Flannery's comments, stating:
« Good will between the two traditions is long overdue; repentance for slanders and crimes is mandatory, joint discussions such as this are a hopeful sign. But it will take more than all of these to find the deep differences, as well as the even deeper unity, between Jesus and Israel, between Judaism and Christianity. And that is what the tragedy of our common history, as well as the sovereignty of our common Father, summons us to find. »
Rev. John F. Hotchkin, Director of the Bishop's Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke on « Jewish-Christian Relations in the Ecumenical Context ». Chairing the meeting was Rabbi Marc Tanenbaum, National Director of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee.
THE EDITORS
SUMMER COURSESClasses, conferences and discussion groups on topics of interest to those delving into Jewish–Christian relations will be held throughout the summer months of 1971.
Among these are a series of Hebrew sessions, which aim at putting the Bible into the hands of the participants enabling them to discover not only the Bible but the people of the Bible as well. The first of this series is « A Week of Jewish Studies » at the Abbey of Senanque in Vaucluse, France, from July 4 to 11 on the themes « The History of the Jews in the Province of Avignon », « Judaism and Christianity Today », and « An Initiation into the Hebrew Language ». From July 14 to 24, « The Bible and its Message Today » will form the topic of discussion throughout a week's travel in the Mediterranean region, including Venice, Tripoli and Tunis. The Abbey of Mondaye near Bayeux, France, will be the location for another Hebrew Session from July 27 to 31, which will offer to the uninitiated an introduction into the language and reading of the creation narrative (Gen 1); the initiated will study the grammar and a critical analysis of the call of Moses (Ex. 1-6); the advanced will be led through the biblical exegesis and theology of the « chosen few » of Isaiah. From August 8 to 20 at Bendorfam-Rhein, Germany, corresponding classes in German and French will be offered. An initiation into the language, reading and critical analysis of a relatively easy biblical text will be offered as well as the biblical exegesis and theology of the Creation Narrative and sections from Isaiah. Post-biblical Hebrew and rabbinical exegesis will also be available. Cannes, France, will host the last session from September 3 to 18. Various sections of the Bible such as the « Dream of Gabaon and the Judgment of Solomon », « The Book of Jonah », « The Book of Exodus », « Selected Pilgrimage Psalms », and « Great Moments in the Lives of Little Men » will be studied. Anyone wishing more detailed information may contact the following:
Secretariat des Sessions d'Hebreu
25, rue du Cdt Jean-Duhail
94 Fontenay-sous-Bois, France.
Another interesting programme available in the summer of 1971 is that of « Les Avents ». The weekly courses touch on many aspects of ecumenism. From July 8 to 15, there will be a week's discussion on the questions « What does God, revealed in Christ, demand of me today? » and « How does my experience of today's world lead me to Christ and to God? » open only to young men and women. Fathers Jean-Louis Declais and Jean-Claude Lenain are to be the leaders of this group. Rev. P. Dupuy, Rev. P. Dabosville, Rev. K. Hruby and M. F. Lovsky will probe the« Mystery of Israel » from the points of view of « Israel and the Nations », « Israel and Humanity », « Israel and the Salvation of the World », and « The Mystery of Israel in the Face of Islamic Religions » from July 16 to 23. From July 24 to August 17, there will be three weeks on ecumenism. The first week will treat of « The Priesthood in the Bible », the second week the theme will be « The Reconciliation of Ministries and Common Worship » and the third week will analyze « The Link between Baptism, Priesthood and Eucharist in the Early Church ». Fr. Jossua, P. Masselot, J.-M. Saint, Marcel Legaut are among the speakers who will present the topic « What Does It Mean to Believe Today? » from August 18 to 25. The last week, August 26 to September 2 will deal with the subject, « The Believer and the Non-Believer Facing the Future ». Contact:
Pere A. Fabre
« Les Avents »
Peyregoux, 81 – Lautrec, France
for any further information.
The Third Annual Menorah Institute will be held this year from June 15 to 25 at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J., U.S.A. Daily talks will be given by Msgr. J. M. Oesterreicher on « Seminal Themes of the Scriptures », Prof. Avraham Holtz on « Rabbinic Wisdom: An Inspiration to Christians » and Prof. Irving Green-burg on « Contemporary Jewish Issues: Christian Concerns ».
A six week course in Jewish Studies, co-sponsored by the Saint Meinrad School of Theology and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, will take place in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, U.S.A., from June 21 to July 30. Each week a new speaker will present a different theme. « The Bible in Hebrew Thought » by Rabbi Yochanan Muffs will begin the series. Rabbi Leonard S. Kravitz will present « Post-Biblical Literature in Judaism: Mishnah and Talmud » followed by Rabbi Jules Harlow presenting « Jewish Liturgy: Structure, Forms, Content, History ». Rabbi Seymour Siegel will begin the second half of the programme with a week on « Contemporary Jewish Theological Literature », then, Rabbi Ismar Schorsch will describe the « Political and Religious Movements in Judaism ». A week discussing « The Ecumenical Movement and the Jews » with Dr. Joseph Lichten will conclude the study.
It is very encouraging to see so many opportunities available to develop a deeper understanding between Christians and Jews.
THE EDITORS
THE LENINGRAD TRIALS
In the last issue of Sidic (IV, 1, p. 4), the editors published a brief statement from the Osservatore Romano of December 28-29, 1970 concerning the Vatican's position on the Leningrad trials, as well as those involving Basque patriots in Burgos, Spain. During the months that have elapsed there has been widespread reaction in the Christian community in protest against the injustice and severity of the sentences meted out in Leningrad. As this painful situation continues to exist, we think it encouraging and helpful that the Interreligious Affairs Department of the American Jewish Committee has collected and published a number of statements made by various Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox groups under the title Christian Reactions to the Leningrad
Trial of Soviet Jews. Copies are available on request and may be obtained by writing to:
The Interreligious Affairs Department
The American Jewish Committee
165 East 56 Street
New York, N. Y. 10022
U.S.A.
THE EDITORS
LATIN AMERICA
As a result of the first continental Catholic-Jewish Conference, which was held in Bogota, Columbia, in August, 1968, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Department of CELAM and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, the Department of Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Latin American Council of Bishops has been expanded.
Cooperation with Catholic parochial school educators throughout Latin America to instill better knowledge of Jews and Judaism as well as collaboration with Latin American Jewish communities on issues of mutual concern are among the new endeavors. Fr. Rivas and Sister Alda Maria, a Sister of Sion (the international order of Sisters devoted to better understanding between the two faiths), who has just been added to the team, will carry out this work from their headquarters established in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
THE EDITORS
