New Initiatives in Interreligious Dialogue: Discussions and Fieldtrips

This unique course will include dialogue with Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders and practitioners of dialogue, moderated by Rabbi Kronish along with field trips to religious sites and meetings with their leaders. Participants will explore new initiatives in interreligious dialogue as well as the beliefs and practices of Christians and Muslims in Israel.

Lecturers will include Rabbi Dr. Ron Kronish along with prominent Christian and Muslim religious and cultural leaders including Rabbi Michael Melchior, Rev. Maria Leppakari, Bishop Munib Younan, Sisters of Sion, Bishop Elect Canon Husam Naoum, Professor Muhammed Dajani, Issa Jaber and Sheikh Ibrahim Sarsour.

Discussions and on-site field trips 

Lectures (via zoom): March 15, 22 (10:30-12:30)

March 15: Rabbi Dr. Ron Kronish, Introduction followed by Sisters of Sion—on the work of the Sisters of Sion in Jerusalem and the World

March 22: Rabbi Michael Melchior—on Religious Dialogue with Religious Muslims in Israel and Abroad

Jerusalem field trips – Visits to Institutions and People in Jerusalem: April 5, 12, 19, 26 (10:00-12:30)

April 5: Visit the Swedish Theological Institute on Nevi’im St. See it or meet with Rev. Maria Leppakari, who is the director and Rev. Karin Ekblom, Chaplain of STI.

April 12: St. George’s Anglican Cathedral. Meet with Bishop Elect Canon Husam Naoum and tour the church.

April 19: Visit to the Latin Patriarchate in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Meet with His Beatitude Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzabal.

April 26: Visit Dormition Abbey and meet with representatives of the Abbey. Meet with Professor Mohammed Dajani of Wasatia and go with him to the Dajani Cemetery on Mt Zion.

Field trips outside of Jerusalem (with bus): May 3, 10 (9:00-14:00)

May 3: Abu Ghosh. Visit the new mosque and the churches with Issa Jaber, educator and former mayor and now a tour guide.

May 10: Visit Ramla and meet with Rev. Samuel Fanous in his church, visit Kafr Kassem (near Rosh Ha-ayin) and meet with Sheikh Ibrihim Sarsour of the Southern Branch of the Islamic Movement, and visit the Museum in Kafr Kassem and the new Panorama exhibit in the Community Center (This second field trip may go till 15:00).

(all activities subject to Ministry of Health guidelines, detailed description will be sent upon request)

Tuition: 350 nis, including transportation. 

Registration is limited. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Etka Liebowitz: etka@schechter.ac.il or 074-780-0673.