TO DO THE WILL OF OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
TOWARD A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN JEWS AND CHRISTIANS
"After nearly two millennia of mutual hostility and alienation, we Orthodox Rabbis who lead communities, institutions and seminaries in Israel, the United States and Europe recognize the historic opportunity now before us. We seek to do the will of our Father in Heaven by accepting the hand offered to us by our Christian brothers and sisters. Jews and Christians must work together as partners to address the moral challenges of our era."
Foundational Interfaith Reference
AYEKAH’s interfaith approach is informed by the 2015 rabbinic statement To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven: Toward a Partnership Between Jews and Christians, authored by a group of Orthodox rabbis and Jewish scholars. The document affirms that Jews and Christians worship the same God and calls for principled partnership in advancing justice, compassion, and moral responsibility, while honoring theological boundaries and distinct religious paths. This framework supports AYEKAH’s commitment to respectful dialogue, shared ethical action, and cooperation for the common good without religious conflation.
AYEKAH’s interfaith approach is informed by the 2015 rabbinic statement To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven: Toward a Partnership Between Jews and Christians, authored by a group of Orthodox rabbis and Jewish scholars. The document affirms that Jews and Christians worship the same God and calls for principled partnership in advancing justice, compassion, and moral responsibility, while honoring theological boundaries and distinct religious paths. This framework supports AYEKAH’s commitment to respectful dialogue, shared ethical action, and cooperation for the common good without religious conflation.
Summary of the Document
The statement acknowledges the historical tensions and hostilities between Jews and Christians, particularly highlighting the atrocities of the Holocaust as a culmination of centuries of animosity. It recognizes the transformative changes in Christian attitudes towards Judaism, especially following the Second Vatican Council's declaration Nostra Aetate, which repudiated anti-Semitism and affirmed the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people. For entire document including the list of signatory Orthodox rabbis.
Key points from the document include:
The statement acknowledges the historical tensions and hostilities between Jews and Christians, particularly highlighting the atrocities of the Holocaust as a culmination of centuries of animosity. It recognizes the transformative changes in Christian attitudes towards Judaism, especially following the Second Vatican Council's declaration Nostra Aetate, which repudiated anti-Semitism and affirmed the enduring covenant between God and the Jewish people. For entire document including the list of signatory Orthodox rabbis.
Key points from the document include:
- Mutual Respect: An emphasis on the shared values and beliefs between Judaism and Christianity, advocating for mutual respect and understanding.
- Partnership: A call for Jews and Christians to work together to address moral and ethical challenges in the modern world.
- Theological Recognition: An acknowledgment of Christianity as part of God's divine plan, suggesting that both religions have roles in the spiritual development of humanity.Wikipedia
- Historical Reflection: A candid reflection on past hostilities and a commitment to moving forward in a spirit of reconciliation and cooperation.
STATEMENT SOURCES
[1] Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 11:4 (uncensored edition); Kuzari, section 4:22
[2] Seder Olam Rabbah 35-37; Sefer ha-Shimush 15-17.
[3] Principles of Education, “Talmudic Judaism and Society,” 225-227.
[4] Fourth meeting of the Bilateral Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with Jewry, Grottaferrata, Italy (19 October 2004).
[5] Commentary on Genesis 33:4.
[6] Gloss on Shulhan Arukh, Hoshen Mishpat, Section 425:5.
[1] Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 11:4 (uncensored edition); Kuzari, section 4:22
[2] Seder Olam Rabbah 35-37; Sefer ha-Shimush 15-17.
[3] Principles of Education, “Talmudic Judaism and Society,” 225-227.
[4] Fourth meeting of the Bilateral Commission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and the Holy See’s Commission for Religious Relations with Jewry, Grottaferrata, Italy (19 October 2004).
[5] Commentary on Genesis 33:4.
[6] Gloss on Shulhan Arukh, Hoshen Mishpat, Section 425:5.
