MS-603: Rabbi Marc H
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
MS-603: Rabbi Marc H. Tanenbaum Collection, 1945-1992. Series C: lnterreligious Activities. 1952-1992 Box 16, Folder 12, Eckstein, Yechiel, 1984. 3101 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 (513) 221-1875 phone, (513) 221-7812 fax americanjewisharchives.org OCTOBER 5, 1984 Tw·o works enrich Jewish·~Christian understand.ing A DICTIONARY or THf. Thus the reader is made aware of The same concepts and more JEWISH·CNRISTIAN DIALOGUE. the points upon which Christians are found here - enriched by edited by Leon Klenicki and and Jews agree and those upon being placed in context as the Geoffrey Wigoder. Paulist Press which they disagree and lhe rabbi leads us from the (Ramsey, N./.. 1984). 213 pp., reasons for disagreement. foundations of Jewish belief on through Lhe centuries lo the $7.95. THE "DICTIONARY" is a present day Jewish WHAT Cl-IRISTIANS SHOULD handy, quick·reference book: the denominations and the attempts KNOW ABOUT JEWS AND concepts are dealt with in alphabetical order, a general to heal the rift between Christians JUDAISM, by Rabbi Yechie/ and Jews. Eckstein. Word Books (Waco, index lists over 200 topics and Texas). 322 pp., $13.95. another index lists almost 100 NOT THAT TllEHF.: will be Reviewed by Sister Anna Marie Hebrew terms, both indicating total agreement between them or Erst, S.H.C.J. which essays discuss the topic that Jews will be converted to and/or explain the terms. Christianity. Rather, that an These two books might well be A note about each of the understanding, appre~iation and considered companion volumes contributors is included but not respect will continue lo grow which would enlighten, enrich and necessary because of I.he between all Christians and Jews enable Jewish·Christian dialogue excellence of their essays. - a spirit of cooperation in groups to achieve their goals of "What Christians Should Know making GuJ known to all and mutual underst::.nding . and About Jews and Judaism" by the extending his kingdom throughout respect. Both are very readable, Orthodox Rabbi Ycchicl Eckstein. the world. written with clarity and is a resource book containing a The spirilual richness nf sensitivity. wealth of information about .Judaism, so .evident in Lhe rabbi's The "Dictionary" treats modern Juda ism very writing, I found enhancing my concepts that arise in Jewish interestingly writlen. own beliefs as a Catholic. As Pius Christian dialogue, e.g. God, Though Rabbi Eckstein XI declared: "Spiritually. we arc creation, the Bible, Christ, addresses Evangelicals in all Semites." afterlife, etc. - 34 in all. particular, all non.Jews can gain Each is discussed in Lwo brief much from reading this hook. It is Sister Anna Marie I'm is essays, one by a Jewish :;cholar m1 excellent follow·up to the director of the National lmtit11tc and one by a Christian scholar. ''Dictionary.'' fnr CatllO/ic Jewish f.ducation. What Christians Should Know About Jews and Judaism. The Christian CENTURY B_,.- Ytthiel Eckstein. Word. 336 pp., $13.95. OCTOBER 10, 1984 Many Christians are aware of the historic dnL·ument Nos1me Aetate. issued by Yatic::m I I. whil·h condemned anti-Semitism in any form and ~·ailed for ""mutual understanding and respect·· between Christians and Jews. {n 1975 the Vatican set forth some guidelines for Christian-Jewish dialogue and admitted that "the Church . ~earching into its own mystery . comes upon the mystery of Israel.·· Whm Christians Should Know Abow le•.-s wul Judaism will contribute significantly to this dialogue and to the church ·s search for its roots. To begin with. Rabbi Yechiel Eck ,;ccin writes not only from a - thorough ~nowlcdgc of Judaism. but also from a hc:111 and lite deeply commined to Jewish spirituali ty. Like Martin Buber and Abraham Heschel. he makes no apology for his faith commit ment; rather. he represents it intelligently. faithfully and lhoroughly. Consequently, this book challenges one to a life-permeating faith, a spirituality lhat embraces wholeness. What makes Eckstein 's book distinctive is his thorough acquaintance with Christian faith and practice. He has been involved deeply in Christian-Jewish dialogue. His knowledge of Christianity is derived not only from the New Testament and from books about the Chris tian faith. but from firsthand contact with Christians. Nor does he write to only one seg ment of the faith_ He has rubbed shoulders with Catholics. mainline Protestants, evangelicals and fundamentalists (no mention is made of the Orthodox churches) . Conse quently. the book is sensitive to Christian beliefs and feelings. In Pan I Eckstein sets forth a summary of the Jewish faith. discussing such issues as Jewish beliefs. spirituality, sabbath festivals, life cycle. holocausts. and the rise of Jewish denominations. This section of the book is en cyclopedic. Eckstein's_ frequent quotes from the rabbis and his understanding of the Jewish mind (much of which is tilled with humor) make for delightful reading. In Part II he tackles the Jewish-Christian questions head on. He writes forthrightly about the differences and the partings of the way. discusses Jewish views of Jesus, ad dresses the problem of anti-Semitism, reasons· about Jewish missions~ and ends with an up to-date account of Jewish-Christian relations. In this definitive introductory book Eckstein has outlined_ the issues. distinguished the polarities. and set the agenda for more de tailed discussion. What is more, he writes compellingly, interestingly and clearly. Robert Webber. AJ#'V. ;J. 'l'f CHRlSTIANITY TODAY ___BQQK_S __ _ SPECIAL SECTION What Christians Should Know About able What Christians Should Know About Jews and Judaism, by Rabbi Yechiel • Jews and Judaism receives praise and An Excerpt: Some Jews view theological con Eckstein (Word, 1984, 336 pp.; $13.95). versations with Christians as futile, or even commendation from a broad range of wor.;e, as potentially divisive and harmful. Threatening collapse at evangelical leaders. They believe that the sole intent ofChristians the slightest misunder· Adding to the book's crcdibilty (and in such forums is to convert them and that standing or show of visibility) is Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein's "dialogue" under such conditions will ac· insensitivity, interfaith complish nothing. own avowed passion for strengthening Still others treat dialogue as an act of bridge building is nev Jewish-evangelical relations. His call to civility in a pluralistic society. something ertheless t he consuming cooperate comes through loud and clear one engages in gracefully. albeit ephemeral passion of a growing in an earlier "primer" written to the ly .... number of evangelicals Jewish community, entitled Understand and Jews. Little wonder, then, that the ing Evangelicals: Guide for the Jewish Christians come to dialogue with Jews for A a variety of reasons. as well. ... Personal carefully researched and highly read- Commwzitv, and now actively made experience has taught me that some Chris manifest i~ his teaching post at North tians view dialogue as a means of reconcilia· ern Baptist Theological Seminary. tion, a healing bridge, enabling them to Throughout the fi.-st, and largest, sec make amends fortheir tradition's past and to In the final analy become sensitized to issues of anti-Semitism tion of this. his most recent book. in the present and future .... For others, sis, Eckstein's care Eckstein gives evangelicals a greater dialogue provides a respectable forum with· fully placed bri.;k appreciation for the Jew's commitment in which they can fulfill their Christian obli to Jewish law, Israel. and tradition. In gation to preach the gospel. in the interfaith the concluding chapters. he reminds Christians of the painful lessons to be bridge will do learned from the Holocaust and anti much to make evan Semitism, all the while examining the potentials and pitfalls of Jewish-evan· gelicals more gelical dialogue. Of particular interest w evangelicals aware of their own will be Eckstcin·s views on missions. Jewish heritage. "Whatever the motivation." writes the author. "Christian missions that single It will also give Jews out for conv1::rsion are regarded by Jews as a form of anti·Semitism-yet the reader the another attempt 10 destroy them." perspective of a While evangelicals may disagree with these and certain other assessmerats man who seeks (for example. Eckstt!in refers lo "messi anic Judaism" as an "assault against conciliation- the quintessence of the Jewish faith more than the uniqueness and oneness of God"), the sensitive reader cannot help but compromise ... come away feeling that greater com passion and s1::nsitivity are at hand. In the final analysis, Eckstein's care fully placed brick in the interfaith bridge will do much to make evangeli cals more aware of their own Jewish heritage. It will also give the reader the perspective of a man who seeks concili ation-more than compromise-be tween Christians and J~s. ------·--- - - J Chicago Sun Times SATURDAY, NOvEMBER 24, 1984 ...,._..._ ___ _ 3 Of rival faiths reply at Falwell invitation Three Chicagoans-Cardinal Jo wittingly or unwittingly, make in· seph L. "Bernardin, historian Mar RELIGION DESK sensitive or intolerant remarks tin E. Marty and Rabbi Yechiel about Jews and Judaism or who, by Eckstein~xpr~ssed their views of worldliness of many fundamen· their statements and policies, fundamentalism in the December talists.... Watchers of television, threaten the foundation of religious issue of the Rev. Jerry Falwell's readers of fundamentalist books... pluralism in America." Fundamentalist Journal. are seeing fundamentalists get the· The rabbi, president of the Holy· In a preface to the critiques by reputation for being among the land. Fellowship of Christians and the Chicagoans and evangelical most materialistic, success-minded, Jews, criticized fundamentalists theologian Carl F. H. Henry, Fal appearance-obsessed religious who urge Christians to make Amer· well said that fundamentalists movements around. How ironic and ica into a ''Christian nation," who "should not flee from criticism, but tragic if, at the moment when fun· say that "God does not hear the welcome it...