in the spirit of the assembly ... Interfaith interface

 

pathways, September 2009

 

 

 

It provides references for the weekly readings for both the Christian and the Jewish reading cycles from 2009-2010 / 5770-5771, beginning with Rosh Hashana (September 19, 2009) and finishing at December 31, 2010.

 

A4 (opening to A3) on satin gloss paper, The Jewish and Christian Liturgical Calendar provides liturgical readings citations for both the Christian (Latin Rite) and the Jewish liturgical cycles - Sundays and Sabbaths - together on each monthly spread.

It highlights the major feasts, festivals and holy days for both traditions, encompassing the complete cycles of both liturgical calendars, and is supported by online glossaries for both Christian and Jewish terms, and readings citations for Christian lectionaries based on the Revised Common Lectionary.

 

Original, colour photographs range from a Sinai dawn to a mosaic detail from the Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha, Galilee.

 

The calendar has been developed and published by Etz Hayim - "Tree of Life", Elizabeth Young (pictured below), of Hobart, Tasmania, who founded Etz Hayim -"Tree of Life" in 2006 as an avenue to support and promote Jewish-Christian dialogue and interfaith biblical studies.

 

"Around the world there are an increasing number of Christians who are studying the Bible with particular attention to Jewish perspectives, commentary, and self understanding," Mrs Young said.

 

"These people are cognizant with new approaches in biblical exegesis, and the need for sensitivity in biblical interpretations, preaching and teaching.

 

"There are also a number of Jews who are learning more about the New Testament thereby gaining 'insight into the development of Judaism in the early centuries of the Common Era'. (A Time for Recommitment: The Twelve Points of Berlin, 2009.)

 

"The Jewish and Christian Liturgical Calendar facilitates interfaith communion providing easily accessible readings lists for both the Christian and Jewish liturgical readings, week by week," she said.

 

"By combining both lists in a single calendar and including the major feasts, festivals, and celebrations for each faith tradition, the calendar both eliminates the need to look up readings from various sources and brings an interfaith consciousness to every day, each week, and month by month with its 'at a glance' interfaith interface."

 

The Jewish and Christian Liturgical Calendar has been endorsed by the International Council of Christians and Jews, the umbrella organisation of more than 38 national Councils of Christians and Jews around the world.

 

Mrs Young said that the International Council of Christians and Jews had encouraged Christians to highlight "the connection between Jewish and Christian liturgy" and "to draw upon the spiritual richness of Jewish interpretations of the scriptures" as part of the ongoing efforts to remove misunderstandings about Judaism. (ICCJ, A Time for Recommitment: The Twelve Points of Berlin, 2009)

 

The Catholic Church also had encouraged Christians to dialogue with Jews noting:  "To improve Jewish-Christian relations, it is important to take cognizance of those common elements of the liturgical life (formulas, feasts, rites, etc.) in which the Bible holds an essential place".  (Guidelines and Suggestions for Implementing the Conciliar Declaration: Nostra Aetate, No. 4, 1975)

 

"Etz Hayim - 'Tree of Life', in keeping with these guidelines, and working with groups involved in Jewish-Christian relations, seeks to promote biblical studies for Christians that incorporate Jewish exegesis, insights and spirituality," Mrs Young said.

 

"It wants to encourage joint Jewish-Christian biblical studies and sharing and to promote and facilitate Jewish-Christian interfaith dialogue, understanding, and activities.

 

"And it offers resources for biblical studies and interreligious understanding, particularly for Christians who want to know more about Judaism and who want to enrich their study of the bible informed by traditional Jewish religious and biblical understanding and interpretations.

 

"It was from these aims that the calendar was born."

 

Mrs Young holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Theology and has studied extensively in Jerusalem, 2001-2006, under both Jewish and Christian professors in the fields of biblical exegesis, Talmudic interpretations, Midrash, Rashi's commentaries on the Torah, and Hasidic spirituality.

 

further details and to purchase the calendar: Elizabeth Young, Etz Hayim - "Tree of Life", PO Box 157, Claremont  7011, Australia; email, admin@etz-hayim.com or visit the website, www.etz-hayim.com . Cost is $14.95 plus postage; bulk discounts available.