The Center hosted its sixth annual Institute for Seminarians and Rabbinical Students, June 6-8, 2005. Thirty-four future religious leaders from Jewish and Christian communities nationwide came together for three days of study, prayer, and dialogue. This was the first time that the full range of Judaism and Christianity was represented at the Institute, including two Orthodox Jews and two Orthodox Christians.
One student described the Institute as “a wonderful opportunity to learn more – get outside the confines of my own faith experience in order to see what in fact others actually believe.” Another said, “I thought there was a refreshing emphasis on integrity and respect for truth. There was no push for syncretism, lowest common denominator or showy rituals of togetherness. It was real and it worked.”
On the first evening of the program, participants were hosted by two communities in Greenwich, Connecticut, namely: Rabbi Mitch Hurvitz at Temple Shalom and Rev. Michael Moynihan at St. Michael's Parish. The seminarians were able to visit each other's places of worship and ask questions. For many of the participants it was the first time they had been in another faith's place of worship.
Speakers at the Institute included Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, president, CHAverlim kol yisrael/Jewish Life Network, New York; Dr. Eugene Fisher of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Dr. Judith Banki of the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding; and several more scholars and religious leaders. The Institute also featured joint Scripture study, discussion of the film, “Paper Clips,” and worship services in both the Jewish and Christian traditions.
The third day's presentation and discussion about the challenges of interfaith families was led by Rabbi Melinda Zalma of the Jewish Outreach Institute, New York. The participants said the animated discussions were very helpful in dealing with real theological and pastoral issues.
One Christian participant remarked, “This program allows you to meet future leaders of other religions. Whatever I thought I knew, I learned a great deal more and met many good people committed to God.” A Jewish colleague agreed, “I learned a great deal about Christianity but one of the best parts for me was actually the intra-Jewish discussion. I see that our denominations have more in common than I thought and I was carrying outdated ideas and prejudices that I am happy to lay down.”
The Institute and Continuing Education for Seminarians and Rabbinical Students Program is an ongoing effort by the CCJU to promote interreligious dialogue, education, and understanding among future religious leaders. Central to the Center's mission is to teach religious leaders and educators about common concerns of Jews and Christians and the opportunities to work together to achieve common goals. The program is offered at no cost to its participants, with lodging, kosher meals, and all travel expenses paid for by the benefactors of the Center. More than 160 students have participated in the Institute in the past six years, about 90 of whom have since been ordained.
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