Seton Hall University celebrated the inauguration of Building Bridges as part of 60 years of Jewish-Christian dialogue through the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
This event was held in Jubilee Hall and included a video presentation titled "The Life and Legacy of Monsignor John M. Oesterreicher." Oesterreicher founded the institute, making Seton Hall the first university in U.S. to begin these dialogues, and he co-wrote the famous "Nostra Aetate" during the Second Vatican Council.
Dr. Charles E. Carter, associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, introduced the program, which included a performance by the University Choir directed by Dr. Jason Tramm.
"This is all done for the students whom we serve," Carter said.
University President Dr. A. Gabriel Esteban also addressed the audience, saying that "Seton Hall endorses the efforts" of Judaeo-Christian dialogue and encourages students to find similarities across the different religions present on campus.
Esteban was presented with a letter of appreciation from the Yad Vashem Center in Jerusalem commending his efforts.
Oesterreicher was instrumental in building the Church's relationship with the Jewish community on a local, national and international level.
The evening's keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Sch?¤fer of Princeton University, was introduced by the Rev. Lawrence E. Frizzell, D.Phil., director of the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies.
Sch?¤fer's lecture, "Two Powers in Heaven? The Emergence of Binitarian Ideas in Pre-Christian Judaism," discussed the ideas of heaven and God before Christianity emerged.
Building Bridges will be a two-year-long program that will extend this dialogue, introducing the University community to both religions.
Events will include lectures, interfaith memorial services, Building Bridges Film Festival and an art exhibit. The events will run through the Fall 2014 semester.
The program ended with a question-and-answer session led by Carter and a closing prayer by Rabbi Asher Finkel.
Patrick Maroun can be reached at patrick.maroun@student.shu.edu
