The Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding of Sacred Heart University(CCJU) honored two outstanding individuals known and respected for their commitment to dialogue, understanding and reconciliation between Jews and Christians on Wednesday, November 17, 1999.  Edward I. Cardinal Cassidy and Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg received the prestigious Nostra Aetate Award at the Park Avenue Synagogue, 50 East 87th Street, New York City. Presenting the awards were Mr. Jonathan O'Herron, managing director of Lazard Freres and Company, LLC, and Mr. Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Master of ceremonies was Peter Steinfels, a religion writer at The New York Times and its former religion editor.

As part of the CCJU Awards Ceremony, Cardinal Cassidy and Rabbi Greenberg each delivered a paper, both of which, in addition to Mr. O'Herron's and Mr.Sternlicht's comments, are published here. Anthony J. Cernera, Ph.D., president of Sacred Heart University, Rabbi Joseph H. Ehrenkranz, executive director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding, and Rabbi David Lincoln, rabbi of the Park Avenue Synagogue also offered brief remarks. 

Cardinal Cassidy is president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, while Rabbi Greenberg is president of Jewish Life Network, a Judy and Michael Steinhardt Foundation of New York.

Named after the 1965 Vatican II document that opened the doors of dialogue and mutual respect between Christians and Jews, the Nostra Aetate Award is given to those outstanding individuals who are known and respected for their commitment to interreligious dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation. Past recipients of awards have been Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger, Chief Rabbi Rene-Samuel Sirat, John Cardinal O'Connor, Senator Joseph Lieberman, William Cardinal Keeler, Bishop Krister Stendahl, and Rabbi Mordecai Waxman.

Dr. Anthony J. Cernera, president of Sacred Heart University
Mr. Jonathan O'Herron
Edward Idris Cardinal Cassidy
Mr. Barry Sternlicht 
Rabbi Irving Yitz Greenberg
Rabbi David Lincoln 

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