Conversation Between Christians & Jews - Next Session is June 11

Join us as we read portions of The Bible With and Without Jesus together in small interfaith groups. We will gather once a month as a large group with guided instructions to meet independently in small groups at least once according to your schedules in between large group events.

Your participation will result in friendship and developing community, building bridges (as we love to do in Pittsburgh!) across lines that some expect to keep us apart. Anti-Jewish violence is on the rise. Characterizing Christians as suspiciously or fundamentally part of ideological extremism such as Christian Nationalism is on the rise. The best way to avoid violence and suspicion is to know each other by name and share a table.

We will better understanding our own faith traditions and practice, understand faith traditions and practices of people different from ourselves, and foster friendship besides. We invite you to this life-giving opportunity marked by peace, learning, and investment in one another.

We are eager to include participants with children, encouraging interfaith friendship at early ages. Childcare will be provided for all dates.

Cost: There is a suggested donation of $100 per adult participant. Your generous donation covers the cost of meals (including setup & cleanup), handouts, and childcare at our four large group events. All meals will be certified kosher, comfortable for all expected participants. Please do not allow this donation to be prohibitive, preventing your participation in this program. If there is a financial limitation, please contact the clergy of your congregation for assistance.

Registration is required. To register online, complete form below. This program is currently limited to 50 Jewish and 50 Christian participants.

Introductions: The Bible and the People
Sunday, April 23 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with dinner*
at Congregation Beth Shalom (5915 Beacon Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15217)

In the Beginning...
Sunday, May 21 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with dinner*
at Temple Sinai (5505 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217)

Sin: Are You an Original?
Sunday, June 11 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with dinner*
at Rodef Shalom (4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)

An Eye for an Eye? Turn the Other Cheek?
Sunday, September 10 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with dinner*
at Church of the Redeemer (5700 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217)

*All food offerings will be kosher or otherwise labeled so all participants are comfortable sharing table together.

Sponsored by: Christian Associates of Southwest PA, Church of the Redeemer (Squirrel Hill), Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Dor Hadash, Rodef Shalom, The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA, and Temple Sinai.

Our book is by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler. Dr. Levine is Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School and Affiliated Professor at the Centre for Jewish-Christian Relations (Cambridge, UK). Dr. Brettler is Professor in Judaic Studies at Duke University. Both are deeply familiar with Jewish and Christian texts and tradition, and personally practice Judaism. Their professional and personal work reflect the kinds of hopeful relationships and understanding we seek to prosper in Pittsburgh. Pending substantial participation, we are hopeful to sponsor book authors to appear for a special engagement series.

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