https://www.kul.pl/The Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin / Newsen https://www.kul.pl/fifth-sunday-of-easter-jesus-the-true-vine,art_106706.html In this reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus presents the last of his seven “I am” statements. In this statement, the gospel writer mobilizes the image of the vine to help readers understand more about who Jesus is. Now the image of the vineyard doesn’t come out of nowhere. The early Jewish audience of the gospel would have immediately felt at home with the reference, as it is a common one in the Hebrew scripture. We see it used in the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea and Isaiah and Psalms as an image for God’s careful planning and loving care for his cherished people, the people of Israel. https://www.kul.pl/passover-2024,art_106652.html I’m confident that everyone here is familiar – even VERY familiar – with the story of the Exodus from Egypt, with God’s deliverance of the Jewish people out of slavery and oppression and into freedom. So we don’t need to go over that. And I’m also sure you’re familiar with the biblical requirements for celebrating this event, from Deuteronomy 16, which are slightly but significantly different than the instructions that were given for the first Passover in Exodus 12. https://www.kul.pl/the-fourth-sunday-of-easter-jesus-the-good-shepherd,art_106630.html Bedouins are nomadic Arab tribes still living in ancient Palestine's desert and mountainous areas. They are mainly engaged in sheep herding. Surprisingly, even a group of dozens of Bedouins can speak only a language they understand and cherish customs peculiar to them. Living far away from cities and larger settlements, they sit around a campfire in front of their tents to talk for a long time, sing, and keep a night watch on their flocks. Sometimes, this proves necessary, as there are cases of sheep being stolen or attacked by wolves. From time to time, the Israeli press reports on mutual theft of flocks among various Bedouin tribes or attacks by wild animals. More than one shepherd lost his life in defense of his flock. https://www.kul.pl/third-sunday-of-easter,art_106487.html My initial plan for our commentary was to talk about how one of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, both historically and grammatically, may have been a woman. But the first reading, Acts 3.13-15, 17-19, demands commentary. If left without commentary, the reading threatens to introduce or reinforce the antisemitism that has infected, and continues to infect, Christian preaching. https://www.kul.pl/resurrection-sunday,art_106318.html Resurrection Sunday Run to the tomb The Gospel of John we read on the Resurrection Sunday tells of a special run to the tomb. It is started by Mary Magdalene, who sets out as the first one, at dawn. Darkness, which still reigns, symbolizes the disbelief and despair, in which the disciples are plunged after Jesus’ death. Mary is guided in her journey by her heart, a loving and longing heart that does not stop looking for the Lord. Reaching the site, Mary sees the stone removed from the tomb and understands nothing of the scene (John 20:1). So she turns back and comes to Simon Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved, John. Approaching them, Mary confesses: “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him” (Jn 20:2). This dramatic confession underscores the complete confusion of Jesus’ disciples in the face of the mystery of his resurrection. https://www.kul.pl/prof-abraham-skorka-s-thoughts-on-catholic-easter-and-jewish-passover,art_106288.html Prof. Abraham Skórka, Honorary Doctor of the John Paul Catholic University of Lublin and member of the Council of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the KUL, on the Celebration of Freedom, Redemption, and Divine Mercy that bridge the Christian celebration of Easter and the Jewish celebration of Passover. https://www.kul.pl/palm-sunday-jesus-entry-into-jerusalem,art_106242.html Palm Sunday: Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem Palm Sunday is a prelude to the Holy Week of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. For Christians, it is the most important time of the liturgical year. This year we read the Gospel of Mark which narrates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. According to scholars, this is the first and the oldest of the Gospels. Jerome argues that Mark wrote it at the request of brothers in Rome. The focal point of the Gospel is Peter's confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30). After this confession, Jesus is heading to Jerusalem, where the prophets' predictions about him are to be fulfilled. Entering Jerusalem, the Master makes sure that the disciples understand in his life the fulfillment of the prophecies about the humble King - the Messiah. https://www.kul.pl/the-customs-and-the-hidden-meaning-of-the-feast-of-purim,art_106228.html Purim is the day where we celebrate being saved from extermination at the hands of the advisor to the Persian king as is told in the Book of Esther. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the story, but... https://www.kul.pl/quot-bat-kol-quot-quot-divine-voice-quot-in-the-biblical-and-rabbinical-tradition,art_106186.html “Bat Kol” – “Divine voice” in the Biblical and Rabbinical Tradition In the Gospel according to John (12, 28-30), we read: "Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again…Jesus answered and said: “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours". A heavenly or prophetic voice is a well-known phenomenon which appears frequently in Jewish Rabbinic literature and tradition. It is a message from God to human beings through sound. It's often called in Hebrew: Bat Kol (daughter of voice). https://www.kul.pl/jesus-and-jewish-scholars-on-attitudes-toward-temple-commerce,art_105997.html Jesus expels merchants and money changers from the Temple. However, a crucial question arises: is this criticism a general indictment of all Jews in the time of Jesus, or is it specifically targeted at the temple's priests? - Orthodox Rabbi Guy Alaluf answers this question in a commentary for the Heschel Center, referring to the words of the Gospel of the Third Sunday of Lent and the teachings of Jewish thinkers of the Second Temple era. We publish the entire commentary on the Gospel reading on March 3, 2024. https://www.kul.pl/how-jesus-understood-fasting-the-jewish-concept-of-fasting-today-and-in-the-past,art_105842.html In Judaism, fasting is a desire to purify and get closer to God. Its purpose is conversion. Fasting itself is useless if it does not lead to abandoning one's evil deeds," stressed Shlomo Libertovski in a commentary for the Heschel Center KUL on the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent, explaining how fasting was and is viewed in Judaism today. https://www.kul.pl/commentary-on-the-sunday-gospel-jesus-about-women-leaders-in-the-church,art_105744.html Listening to the story of the healing of Simon Peter's mother-in-law, who rose from her her bed and “waited on” Jesus and his disciples, we can perceive it as a message to women to serve men always and everywhere, regardless of circumstances - about why this impression is misleading and what the story can be a call to, explains Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and the first Jewish woman to teach New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, in a commentary for the Catholic University's Heschel Center for Sunday, February 4. https://www.kul.pl/a-triple-false-testimony-of-the-devil-about-jesus,art_105686.html In this Sunday's verses of the Gospel, Jesus strictly commands Satan to be silent when he calls Him "the Holy One of God." He said: "Quiet! Come out of him!" (Mk 1:25), literally: "Put a muzzle on." He had a reason to say so, says in his commentary for the Sunday, January 26, 2024, for the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, a Bible scholar and author, head of the Polish Section of Vatican Radio and Vatican News. https://www.kul.pl/surprising-encounters-with-the-presence-of-god-in-the-hebrew-bible-and-the-babylonian-talmud,art_105586.html The readings this Sunday focus on idea of the Kingdom of God and what it means to meet the presence of God in our lives. God can speak to us even through someone like a prostitute, even if we are great sinners. What matters is our response to His call, because his Kingdom is already here," Shlomo Libertovski, Torah lecturer at Beth Shemesh,in a commentary for the Heschel Center KUL for Sunday January 21, speaks about the examples of God's unexpected callings in the Hebrew Bible and the Babylonian Talmud. https://www.kul.pl/the-day-of-judaism-in-the-lublin-archdiocese-at-the-catholic-university-of-lublin,art_105513.html “My Peace I Give to You” - is the motto of this year's celebration of the Day of Judaism in the Lublin Archdiocese, to be held on Wednesday, 18 January 2023, at 5 pm in Hall 1031 of the John Paul II College at the Catholic University of Lublin. The event with the participation of the Chief Rabbi of Poland Michael Schudrich is organised by the Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic-Jewish Dialogue and the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/who-was-the-lamb-of-god-to-the-jews-of-jesus-contemporaries,art_105505.html In the Gospel scene, John the Baptist, in front of his disciples, bears witness to Jesus calling him "the Lamb of God." In light of the Hebrew Bible, this title had a profound meaning. What these words meant to the Jews of Jesus' time and Christ's first words in the pages of St. John's Gospel are discussed by the Catholic University of Lublin Rector's Plenipotentiary for Catholic-Jewish Relations and Research in the Holy Land, Fr. Prof. Mirosław Wróbel, in a commentary for the KUL Heschel Center for Sunday, January 14. https://www.kul.pl/three-mysteries-of-the-fortieth-day-after-the-birth-of-jesus,art_105397.html On the fortieth day after the birth of a son, according to Jewish Law, three events took place: the "purification" of the child's mother, the "redemption" of the firstborn, and the "presentation" of the child. Luke does not mention the redemption of Jesus. He goes straight to the "presentation" (entrustment) of Jesus as if he wanted to say that Jesus was not redeemed and not returned to His parents. On the contrary: he was given to God his Father in the Temple, for his complete ownership," stressed Fr. Dr. Andrzej Tulej, lecturer in Sacred Scripture at the Catholic Academy in Warsaw, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, for Holy Family Sunday. https://www.kul.pl/the-nativity-of-the-lord-continuity-and-surprising-novelty-of-god-s-history,art_105384.html The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas, is the most joyous and amazing miracle, a celebration of the Incarnation of God’s Son. The celebration shows both the continuity and novelty that Christ brings to the history of salvation written in the Old Testament – writes in his commentary Director of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin, a Bible scholar Fr. Prof. Marcin Kowalski. https://www.kul.pl/hebrew-commentary-on-the-gospel-of-the-annunciation,art_105381.html The last week of Advent is dedicated to the liturgy, specifically to Mary, as is the third week to St. John the Baptist. This year, only Sunday remains this week, as Monday is Christmas. So let's pay all the more attention to the gospel of the Annunciation," writes Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, biblical scholar and editor, head of the Polish section of Vatican Radio and the Vatican News service, in a commentary for Heschel Center of the KUL University the for Sunday, December 24. https://www.kul.pl/christmas-wishes-from-the-director-of-the-heschal-center-kul,art_105378.html May the coming Messiah give us the courage and strength to resist evil, may he help us to end the wars destroying our humanity and our human world. May God's love embrace us and our families, our homes and countries," wrote the director of the Heschel Center KUL, Rev. Prof. Marcin Kowalski, in his wishes for the coming Christmas. https://www.kul.pl/jordan-it-is-here-that-god-revealed-his-mercy-to-the-jews-and-christians,art_105301.html John the Baptist is one of the major figures of Advent. His name (Hebrew Johanan) means “YHWH has shown mercy and grace”. Just as the people of Israel once entered the Land through the waters of the Jordan, so now, at the baptism of John the Baptist, God reveals His Son to show His mercy – highlights Representative of Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin for Catholic-Jewish Relations and Research in the Holy Land Fr. Prof. Mirosław Wróbel in his commentary for the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin for Sunday, December 17. https://www.kul.pl/what-is-hannukiah-faydra-shapiro,art_105258.html What a hanukkiah is, how it differs from a Jewish menorah, and why candles are lit on it only during eight days of the entire year, emphasized Dr. Faydra Shapiro, explaining in a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin's Heschel Center. https://www.kul.pl/two-types-of-consolation-how-jews-and-christians-understand-the-appeal-of-the-prophet-isaiah,art_105201.html For Jews, Isaiah's message concerns the promise of the return of the covenant people to their land. In Mark's Gospel, the prophet's words are read in the context of St. John announcing the coming of Jesus. Christians can gain a better understanding of Jewish devotion to their homeland by taking into account the context. They can also appreciate the loyalty of Jewish people towards Israel and the message of consolation that is meant for all people. In a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin's Heschel Center, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, the first Jewish woman to teach the New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, explains how Jews and Christians understand the words of the prophet Isaiah, which were alluded to by John the Baptist on the Second Sunday of Advent. Her commentary is for Sunday, December 10. https://www.kul.pl/the-hebrew-bible-on-the-awaiting-of-the-messiah-during-advent,art_105114.html Advent is the time of yearning and waiting for the arrival of the Lord, the Messiah. We call in Aramaic: MARANA THA – Come, Lord. In Tanakh, or the Hebrew Bible, many prophets, especially Isaiah, Daniel and Micah, announced the coming of the Messiah, who was to bring salvation to the world. The Jews’ and Christians’ awaiting the advent of the Messiah at the end of time is addressed in a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin Heschel Centre by Bible scholar Fr. Dr. Mariusz Świder, Rector of the John Paul II Seminary of the Diocese of Siedlce. https://www.kul.pl/in-the-gospel-and-the-talmud-god-teaches-us-mercy-in-practice,art_105014.html Like the Gospels, the Talmud suggests that we help the weakest, as this is what God Himself would do. By helping those in need, we are indeed walking in God's footsteps. God teaches us what practical mercy is," explains Israeli Rabbi Oded Peles in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. Referring to the Babylonian Talmud, he shows an amazing resemblance to the Gospel, emphasizing that by showing kindness to our neighbors, we imitate God's qualities, draw closer to Him, and follow Him. https://www.kul.pl/who-were-the-virgins-in-jesus-parable-at-the-jewish-wedding,art_104858.html Learning about Jewish wedding customs can help you understand the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Jesus describes the moment when the bridegroom and his friends set out for the bride's house, and her friends go out to meet them, explains biblical scholar Fr. Prof. Mariusz Rosik in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin for Sunday, November 12. He stresses that Jesus, referring to the Jewish wedding tradition, calls for readiness and vigilance for his second coming at the parousia. https://www.kul.pl/were-pharisees-adversaries-of-jesus-jesus-was-closer-to-them-than-to-other-jewish-groups,art_104741.html It is vital to distinguish between Jesus' criticism of the way the Pharisees obey the Law and the criticism of the Law itself. It is not about abolishing the Law but fulfilling it, emphasizes Dr. Karma Ben Johanan, a lecturer at the Faculty of Comparative Religion at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin for Sunday, November 5. https://www.kul.pl/mourners-kaddish-jewish-prayer-filled-with-praise,art_104735.html "While writing this paragraph, hundreds of Israeli Jewish people have begun reciting the Mourners' Kaddish as they mourn and grieve the loss of their dear ones killed in the October 7th massacre. At the saddest, most difficult, and shattering moments we experience, we praise and express our gratitude to God almighty, for God is eternal. Our connection with God and his greatness will continue forever," writes Rabbi Oded Peles, a Jewish cantor and educator living in Israel, in his commentary on the Jewish prayer for the dead. https://www.kul.pl/through-the-ears-to-the-heart-two-commandments-four-aspects-of-love,art_104663.html The two commandments of love in fact comprise as many as four elements: hearing, love of God, love of other people, and love of oneself. Hearing is related to God, yet our ears must be open to another person, too – says Director of the Polish Section of the Vatican media and Deputy Head of the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin, Fr. Prof. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik in a commentary for Sunday, October 29. https://www.kul.pl/pharisees-legalistic-hypocrites-or-respected-teachers-and-innovators,art_104517.html “While many Christians, influenced by the Gospel of Matthew, regard the Pharisees as legalistic hypocrites, Jews consider them to be respected teachers and innovators who helped Jews to embody their traditions more fully,” writes Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, the first Jewish woman to teach the New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin for Sunday, October 22. https://www.kul.pl/the-choicest-feast-god-s-promise-shared-by-christians-and-jews,art_104380.html God and God-inspired Biblical writers knew very well that an image of a feast will be a powerful incentive for the followers of Judaism and Christianity who seek salvation, observes Bible scholar Fr. Dr. Zbigniew Grochowski in a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin Heschel Centre for the Sunday, October 15, stressing the symbolic meaning of the feast in the tradition of both Old and New Testament, symbolic of the heavenly banquet of the saved ones. https://www.kul.pl/the-catholic-university-of-lublin-in-solidarity-with-the-holy-land,art_104294.html It is with great sadness that we received the news of the outbreak of war in the Holy Land. On behalf of the entire academic community of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, we express our sympathy and solidarity with all those affected by the military action. https://www.kul.pl/matthews-mysterious-prophecy-who-is-the-new-nation-jesus-speaks-of,art_104272.html In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus says to the Pharisees: "Therefore I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation/people (ἔθνος - ethnos) producing the fruits of it." (Mt 21:43) – the puzzling purpose of this prophecy is analyzed in a commentary for Sunday, October 8 for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin by Prof. Serge Ruzer, a lecturer at the Faculty of Comparative Religious Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a researcher at the Center for Christian Studies at the same university. https://www.kul.pl/simchat-torah-the-holiday-of-taking-word-of-god-in-your-arms,art_104270.html Simchat Torah is an opportunity to get close to the Torah and take it in your arms. For many, this holiday is the highlight of the year. The Torah lives not only in our heads but also in our hearts, in how we relate to it, in how we share it, in how we make it real in the world," emphasized Dr. Faydra Shapiro, explaining in a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin's Heschel Center what the Jewish festival of the Joy of Torah, Simchat Torah about. The feast begins tonight. https://www.kul.pl/shmini-atzeret-a-celebration-of-gods-special-relationship-with-the-chosen-people,art_104246.html Shmini Atzeret shows the special relationship between God and the Jewish people. It teaches us to be humble in the face of being the chosen people and to rejoice and celebrate His gifts in public," explains Dr. Faydra Shapiro, Jewish-Christian relations specialist of the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations and Jewish consultant for the series The Chosen, in a commentary written for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. Tomorrow evening marks the beginning of Shmini Atzeret - the eighth day of the assembly, a joyous holiday marking the end of the seven-day Sukkot, commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. https://www.kul.pl/sons-of-the-one-father-jews-and-christians-ancient-interpretations-of-jesus-parables,art_104175.html In the Sunday parable, Jesus tells of the owner of the vineyard and his two sons. The first one, whom father asks to work in the vineyard, responds positively but then gives up. The other first refuses but then fulfills the father's request. Ancient interpretations see Israel as the first son, while the second symbolizes converted pagans and sinners, the future Church. "Israel and the Church are united by seeking and doing God's will. Only through faith, supported by the testimony of love and good deeds, do we enter the Kingdom of God together," writes its biblical scholar Fr. Marcin Kowalski, professor at the Catholic University of Lublin and director of the Heschel Center of the University in his commentary to the Gospel on 1 October. https://www.kul.pl/jewish-feast-of-tabernacles-experience-the-frailty-to-discover-gods-caring-love,art_104169.html Sukkot – huts symbolize both the vanity and temporality of our lives, as well as God's loving care. Accepting this truth allows us to rejoice – explains Dr. Faydra Shapiro, a specialist in Jewish-Christian relations at the Israeli Center for Jewish-Christian Relations in Galilee and a Jewish consultor of the series The Chosen, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. Tonight begins Sukkot – the Feast of Tabernacles. Commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, during which the Israelites lived in tents in the desert, the Jews will stay, pray, and eat in temporary, hand-built huts for seven consecutive days. https://www.kul.pl/yom-kippur-the-jewish-day-of-fasting-and-atonement,art_104061.html In Israel, everything stops for a day during Yom Kippur. The airport shuts down, public transportation ceases to function, and devout Jews observe a 25-hour fast. On this day, everyone comes together to pray and seek forgiveness from God. Tonight is the start of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the year. Dr. Faydra Shapiro, a specialist in contemporary Jewish-Christian relations from the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations in the Galilee, speaks for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin about this holiday’s spiritual and biblical significance. https://www.kul.pl/repentant-sinners-before-the-righteous-the-jewish-sources-of-jesus-parable,art_104057.html The prophet Isaiah emphasizes God's mercy for repentant sinners. According to the Babylonian Talmud, people who repentant, who abandoned sinful life and drew closer to God are in a more important position than the greatest of the righteous. In telling the paradoxical parable of the workers in the vineyard, Jesus drew on the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, says Shlomo Libertowski, a Torah lecturer at Beth Shemesh, in a commentary on the September 24 Gospel for the Catholic University of Lublin's Heschel Center. https://www.kul.pl/limit-of-forgiveness-or-forgiveness-without-limit,art_103988.html The key to understanding Jesus' answer to Peter's question about the limit of forgiveness is the parable of the merciful king and the unmerciful debtor. Jesus reveals a whole new dimension to the approach to the law, the reality that by experiencing God's boundless mercy and imitating it toward our brothers and sisters, we become like Him," writes Fr. Benedetto Di Bitonto, Ph. D., of the Saint James Vicariate for Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel, in a commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin's Heschel Center for Sunday, September 17. https://www.kul.pl/sweet-rosh-hashanah-today-begins-5784-on-the-jewish-calendar,art_103982.html Rosh Hashanah, which means "head of the year," is the first day of the new Jewish year. Jews on this day dip challah and apples in honey during a celebratory dinner, a metaphor for God's blessing and the desire that the coming year will also be filled with sweetness - On the first day of 5784, Sr. Eliana Kurylo CB, the Superior of the Community of Blessings in Emmaus-Nicopolis, Israel, spoke to the A.J. Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin about the symbolism and traditions of the Jewish New Year. Sr. Kurylo is also a proofreader of ancient Hebrew at the Biblical Institute of Toulouse. https://www.kul.pl/forgiveness-which-may-do-harm-to-the-victim-and-the-abuser,art_103931.html It sometimes happens that the offending brother or sister shows no remorse, takes no responsibility for the harm done, and makes no effort to repair the damage. Then forgiveness may not be healing but dangerous both for the individual who has been abused and for the community. This is how Jesus’ indications on forgiveness and care for theconversion of a brother or sister is commented on by Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, professor of the New Testament and Jewish Sciences, the first Jewish woman to lecture on the New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, in her commentary for the Catholic University of Lublin Heschel Center for the Sunday, September 10. https://www.kul.pl/the-ulmas-samaritans-from-markowa,art_103881.html The story of the Ulma family, martyrs who helped Jews during World War II, is an example of the heroic bravery of an ordinary family - people who "defended life at the cost of life." On September 10, an unprecedented beatification for the universal Church will take place in Markowa - the beatification of an entire family of martyrs - a married couple and seven children, including one still in the womb of their pregnant mother. https://www.kul.pl/the-life-of-st-peter-love-that-overcame-fear,art_103878.html The Evangelists repeatedly mention the fear of the first of the apostles - St. Peter. It was St. Peter walking on the water who was afraid of the wind and began to sink. St. Peter feared persecution; after all, St. Peter also denied Jesus three times. Biblical scholar Fr. Prof. Mariusz Rosik states in his Sunday, September 3 commentary that Piotr's ability to overcome fear and give his life for faith was due to love. "The threefold betrayal contrasts with the threefold confession of love," the biblical scholar writes for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/ties-bound-on-earth-and-in-heaven,art_103809.html Ties between God and His people are the focus of the ongoing Jewish month of Elul. It is a time of renewing relationships with God and His special presence. To establish a bond with heaven, however, one must first mend ties with one’s neighbors, writes Rabbi Oded Peles, a Jewish cantor, and Israeli educator who looks at the words of the Gospel of Sunday, August 27, from the perspective of Jewish faith and tradition, in a commentary for Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/jesus-points-to-pagan-woman-as-example-of-faith,art_103808.html The Canaanite woman in the Gospels is an example of a mother's love, extraordinary humility, and Jesus even gives her as an example of faith, writes in a commentary for Sunday, August 20 for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin Fr. Paul Rytel-Andrianik, a biblical scholar, Editor-in-Chief of the Polish Section of the Vatican Radio and Vatican News. https://www.kul.pl/the-calming-of-the-storm-on-the-lake-in-the-eyes-of-the-first-jewish-listeners,art_103749.html The story of the calming of the storm belongs to the initial core of tradition, so before it was written down in Greek, it had been transmitted orally in Hebrew or Aramaic to Jewish listeners in Israel. What the story of Jesus calming the waters of the Sea of Galilee meant to the first listeners, and how they might have interpreted it, writes Professor Serge Ruzer, lecturer in the Department of Comparative Religious Studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, in a commentary for Sunday, August 13 for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/the-mountain-of-transfiguration-a-place-of-my-being-with-god,art_103726.html A mountain in the Hebrew Bible is a place of prayer and special communion with God. As the new Moses, Jesus ascends the mountain with his disciples to experience God's presence and reveal his messianic glory. "The more a person discovers God and listens to Him, the more they will experience God's power in his life," writes the Representative of the Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin for Catholic-Jewish Relations and Research in the Holy Land, Fr. Prof. Dr. Mirosław Wróbel, in a commentary for the Heschel Centre of the Catholic University of Lublin for Sunday, August 6. https://www.kul.pl/sometimes-you-have-to-go-on-a-long-journey-to-find-the-treasure-hidden-within-yourself,art_103695.html Sometimes we have to go on a long journey to discover that our true treasure has been right next to us all that time. Finding it, however, requires commitment. For believers - Jews and Christians - the treasure we seek has been hidden in our hearts.This treasure is closeness with God, writes Dr. Faydra Shapiro, director of the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, reflecting on the Sunday Gospel, July 30. https://www.kul.pl/tisha-b-av-the-saddest-day-in-the-jewish-calendar,art_103651.html On this day, no one wishes another person a "good" Tisha B'Av.In the Jewish year, this day occupies an extremely important place. Today is Tisha B’Av(Hebrew: תשעה באב – the ninth day of the month of Av) – the day of commemoration of the destruction of the First and Second Temple of Jerusalem, a day of mourning and strict fasting. How it is celebrated in Israel and what is its significance is explained for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin bySr. Eliana Kurylo CB,the tutor of Biblical Hebrew and the superior of the sisters of the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis, Israel.This commentary is a part of a series in which we explain and discuss the annual Jewish holidays. https://www.kul.pl/parables-of-the-mustard-seed-and-the-yeast-a-slightly-different-interpretation,art_103626.html The parable of the good seed and the weeds emphasizes the existence of not just moral goodness in the world but also evil. In both the Old and New Testaments, Leaven also has a negative meaning. The "the yeast of malice and wickedness" (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) must be removed. Therefore, today's parables call for radical work on oneself and patience and mercy toward another person's weakness, writes Rev. Zbigniew Grochowski, Ph.D., in his commentary for A. J. Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, for Sunday, July 23. https://www.kul.pl/jesus-on-the-jewish-value-of-spiritual-service-to-the-righteous,art_103453.html In Judaism, the idea of serving important spiritual people and their disciples has extraordinary value. It expresses an appreciation for the righteous, a desire to attach oneself to them and to learn from them in a deeply spiritual way, Shlomo Libertowski, Torah lecturer at Beth Shemesh, writes in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, commenting on Jesus' words in the Gospel of Sunday, July 2. https://www.kul.pl/the-day-is-short-the-work-is-plentiful-and-the-people-are-insolent-and-the-reward-is-great,art_103373.html Seeing the crowds of people, Jesus took pity on them, for they were jaded and abandoned. The intention of the Almighty God is to sustain the lives of all souls. That's why Jesus was moved and His heart was touched at the sight of the crowds. There are many references to the Hebrew Bible, parallels to the rabbinic teachings of the Mishnah and to the thoughts of the Jewish scholars that can be found in this Sunday's passage from Matthew's Gospel, writes Rabbi Oded Peles, a cantor and an Israeli educator, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/eucharist-new-manna-god-present-here-and-now,art_103252.html In the desert, the Hebrews experienced special protection and saw God’s signs. By sending manna, God also provided them with daily food. To this day, in Jewish homes, after a meal containing bread, Birkat Hamazon prayer is recited - a thanksgiving blessing for food and for God's providence. The Eucharist is also a thanksgiving prayer to God, who is present here and now in the bread, emphasizes in the commentary for the KUL Heschel Center Sr. Eliana Kuryło, the tutor of Biblical Hebrew and the superior of sisters at the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis, Israel. https://www.kul.pl/catholic-university-of-lublin-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-the-seminario-rabinico-latinoamericano-in-argentina,art_103159.html On May 29, 2023, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin concluded an agreement with the Argentine Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano. The agreement envisages e.g. student mobility, joint seminars, workshops, and joint academic publications. The long-term Rector of the Seminary was Rabbi Abraham Skórka, who along with Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, present Pope Francis, led theological debates, published in the book On Heaven and Earth. https://www.kul.pl/the-pentateuchs-prophets-and-moses-predicted-the-outpouring-of-the-holy-spirit,art_103158.html In the Pentateuch, the Holy Spirit gifts were the privilege of a limited number of chosen individuals. Yet, the hope was expressed – by Moses himself as well as by later prophets – that in the end of days all will receive the Spirit. The Book of Acts embraces those Jewish ideas of broader circulation, but differs from them in its belief that this new era has already started, with the new revelation, if you wish, a new Sinai, proclaiming – with the power of Spirit – Jesus’ resurrection and messiahship”, writes Prof. Serge Ruzer, lecturer at the Department of Comparative Religious Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and researcher at the Center for Christian Studies at the same university. https://www.kul.pl/shavuot-a-celebration-of-receiving-the-torah-and-thanksgiving-for-gods-faithfulness,art_103101.html Shavuot is a time of thanksgiving for the first fruits of the spring harvest. It is also a time of a great gratitude to God for His Covenant of love, for receiving of the Torah and the Ten Commandments. It is a time of spiritual rebirth and the awakening of the desire to hear God’s voice who speaks to us in His Word - writes in her commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin, the superior of the sisters of the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis, Israel, Sr. Eliana Kuryło CB, a tutor of ancient Hebrew at the Biblical Institute of Toulouse. Celebrated on the 6th of Sivan, Shavuot is one of the three main Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals. https://www.kul.pl/the-end-which-is-a-new-beginning-about-an-ever-present-god,art_103041.html In today’s verses of the Gospel, prior to His Ascension, Jesus dispatches disciples to baptize (literally immerse) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Christ assures us that Ruach HaKo’desh and Emmanuel, or God with us from the initial verses of the Gospel according to Mathew, will be their constant support and defence. God, who is ever-present among his people throughout salvation history, is addressed in a commentary prepared by the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin by Fr. Dr. Mariusz Świder, Rector of the John Paul II Seminary of the Diocese of Siedlce. https://www.kul.pl/director-of-the-heschel-center-becomes-representative-for-judaism-of-rector-of-the-catholic-university-of-lublin,art_102975.html Fr. Prof. Mirosław S. Wróbel has been appointed Representative of Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin for Catholic-Jewish Relations and Research in the Holy Land. He will be replaced as Director of the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin by Fr. Dr Hab. Marcin Kowalski, university professor. The nomination was granted on May 17 in the Rector’s Office of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/paraclete-three-meanings-of-the-greek-word-hidden-in-the-old-testament,art_102938.html Paraclete - a word that has not been translated. It appears in Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible even before the time of Jesus and in Aramaic translations of the text from the first century. So when the first Jewish disciples of Christ heard the word Paraclete, it was not unfamiliar to them, but made all the biblical associations resound in them immediately like a symphony - about how to understand this Greek word in the perspective of the Old Testament and why it remained in the original in translations into various languages writes Dr. Faydra Shapiro, director of the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, in a commentary for the Heschel Center KUL. https://www.kul.pl/ego-eimi-the-words-that-say-it-all,art_102845.html Ego eimi- I am, one of Christ's seven self-declarative formulas, appears in today's Gospel. These words, spoken in Hebrew, meant the name of God, and the Jews did not say it aloud. By saying “I am” Jesus identifies himself with God and allows his disciples to discover his divine dignity, says biblical scholar Rev. Prof. Dr. Mariusz Rosik in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/the-first-covenant-of-god-with-the-jews-is-still-valid,art_102808.html As the Second Vatican Council taught, and as the Church teaching continues to affirm, God's first covenant with the Jews remains in place because God does not break covenants, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies and the first Jewish woman to teach New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, points out in a commentary for Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/selective-listening-to-scripture-the-mistake-of-the-disciples-at-emmaus,art_102727.html We must not repeat the mistakes of the disciples at Emmaus. We must read Scripture in its entirety and receive it in its entirety, not selectively, writes Fr. Zbigniew Grochowski, a Ph.D. in biblical sciences and archaeology, assistant professor in the Chair of New Testament Exegesis of the Department of Biblical Sciences of the Faculty of Theology of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, in his commentary on the Gospel of Bible Sunday for the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/the-catholic-university-of-lublin-kul-commemorated-the-warsaw-ghetto-insurgents,art_102696.html The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin - On Wednesday the authorities of the Catholic University of Lublin in the person of the Rector, Fr. Mirosław Kalinowski, and the university's academic community - commemorated the Jewish insurgents from the Warsaw Ghetto. In front of the Main Building of the Catholic University of Lublin, the Rector together with some students and academic staff distributed paper daffodils - a symbol of remembrance of the heroes of the uprising 80 years ago. https://www.kul.pl/gods-mercy-inscribed-on-the-pages-of-the-old-testament,art_102639.html Before we turn to the merciful God for forgiveness, we must first forgive others and ask forgiveness for our sins. The path to forgiveness requires from us a significant effort of body and soul – writes the Israeli educator Rabbi Oded Peles in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. Referring to the Sunday Gospel, he shows the biblical sources of the teaching about Divine Mercy and emphasizes that God revealed His Mercy already on the pages of the Old Testament. https://www.kul.pl/after-his-resurrection-why-did-jesus-first-appear-to-women,art_102579.html “Jesus' behavior was revolutionary. In His time, women were not considered as witnesses in court. And yet Jesus entrusts to women the task of witnessing to his resurrection, that is, the most important piece of information without which our faith would be in vain,” writes biblical scholar Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, deputy director of the Heschel Center of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, in his commentary. https://www.kul.pl/passover-the-celebration-of-freedom-and-faith,art_102544.html Passover or Pesach in Hebrew is a time of celebration of freedom and faith. Jews remember the story of liberation from Egyptian slavery. God, confessed until then as the Creator of the World, revealed himself as the Liberator. Passover is the time when, abandoning our personal slavery, we are encouraged to follow the voice of God. It is a beautiful lesson of trust for both Jews and Christians as relates for the Heschel Centre KUL, the superior of the sisters at the Community of the Beatitudes in Emmaus-Nicopolis in Israel, Sr. Eliana Kuryło CB – also a biblical Hebrew tutor at the Biblical Institute in Toulouse. https://www.kul.pl/the-more-we-know-about-passover-the-more-we-can-understand-the-last-supper,art_102489.html “If Christians forget the connections between Passover and the Last Supper, they risk forgetting not only the Exodus, they also risk forgetting Jesus’s affirmation of Jewish Scriptures and tradition”, explains dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, the first Jewish woman to teach New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/catholic-university-of-lublin-on-the-rescue-of-jews-by-polish-catholic-clergy-during-the-holocaust,art_102404.html During the Holocaust help to Jews were offered by nearly 100 religious orders and congregations in over 500 venues and over 700 diocesan priests in at least 580 locations across the territory of Nazi-occupied Poland. These are the findings of the lawyer and documentalist Ryszard Tyndorf, who on 23 March 2023 introduced his two-volume publication Wartime Rescue of Jews by the Polish Catholic Clergy at the Catholic University of Lublin. Scholars from Poland and Israel also discussed the role of the Polish clergy in saving Jews, on the eve of the National Day of Remembrance of Poles who saved Jews under German occupation. The book can be downloaded free at: https://bit.ly/3TzWRaH https://www.kul.pl/how-did-the-seventh-man-change-the-life-of-the-samaritan-woman,art_102191.html Jesus' concept of messianism was different from that of his contemporaries. In his conversation with the Samaritan woman, Christ reveals himself as a prophet who knows her difficult life situation, and as the Messiah who knows that on her own strength, she cannot overcome her sin and put her life together. How the Samaritan woman recognized the Messiah in the encountered Jew, and how this meeting changed her life is explained by biblical scholar Fr. Prof. Dr. Mariusz Rosik, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/who-was-transfigured-on-mount-tabor-the-disciples-or-jesus,art_102100.html On the mountain, Peter and the disciples saw Jesus, Moses, and Elijah and Peter thought he had already understood everything. After a while, however, they heard the voice of God saying that Jesus was Someone unique, Someone "qualitatively different" from Moses and Elijah. It was only then that they raised their eyes and saw no one else but Jesus alone. Dr. Faydra Shapiro, Director of the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, writes about the non-accidental use of the biblical phrase "raise your eyes and see" and its meaning in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/the-desert-a-blessing-or-a-curse-fr-dr-tomasz-adamczyk,art_102048.html In the Old Testament, the desert was a land never covered by God's blessing. God, however, when preparing his chosen ones, such as Moses, Elijah and John the Baptist, for some weighty tasks, leads them out into the desert. Jesus too, at the beginning of his public ministry, spends forty days in the desert. We, too, have to prepare ourselves for important tasks and decisions by going to the desert through prayer and fasting," stresses Fr. Dr. Tomasz Adamczyk, assistant professor at the Institute of Sociological Sciences of the Catholic University of Lublin, secretary of the Committee for Dialogue with Judaism of the Polish Bishops' Conference, director of the Archdiocesan Catholic-Jewish Centre in Lublin, in a commentary for the Heschel Centerat the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/misunderstandings-over-the-eye-for-an-eye-principle,art_101956.html “I hear frequently from Christians that Jews promote the retributive violence of an eye for an eye whereas Jesus teaches the restorative justice of turning the other cheek. This interpretation misunderstands both Jesus and Judaism. Jesus is speaking about humiliation, not mutilation. The Jewish tradition does not promote retributive violence. To the contrary, it insists that, in the case of physical injury, the person who causes the injury must compensate the victim for pain or medical expense,” explains Prof. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, the first Jewish woman to teach New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/law-prophets-iota-we-need-to-examine-the-context-to-understand-the-meaning-of-jesus-words,art_101876.html The Gospel verses for this Sunday are full of terms from Jewish culture. Is it easy for us today to grasp notions such as the “Law”, “Prophets” or “iota”? Do we understand the terms the way Jesus understood them? This significance of context as the first step in a thorough study of the Bible is indicated by Bible scholar Fr. Dr. Mariusz Świder, Rector of the John Paul II Seminary of the Diocese of Siedlce in his commentary for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. https://www.kul.pl/heschel-center-kul-what-do-salt-light-and-the-city-on-a-mountain-mean-to-us,art_101797.html Like salt, we as Christians are to give God's flavor to the lives of others. Like light, we are to give hope to others in the darkness of everyday life. Like the city on the mountain - Jerusalem - our lives are to be a witness and lead others to God. About the tasks Jesus puts before us today. Writes biblical scholar Fr. dr. Pawel Rytel-Andrianik, deputy director of The Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations of The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, in his commentary for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. https://www.kul.pl/heschel-center-kul-why-did-the-disciples-becoming-fishers-of-men-abandon-their-nets,art_101642.html In today's Gospel, the disciples become "fishers of men." But if we think a little more deeply, this image becomes somewhat disturbing. Fish pulled out of the water quickly perish, they have no chance of survival. So why did Jesus call his disciples "fishers of men"? Why do the disciples abandon their nets? Dr. Faydra Shapiro, director of the Israel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations, writes about the metaphor of fishing for men against the backdrop of the Hebrew Bible, in a commentary for the Heschel Center KUL. https://www.kul.pl/archdiocesan-celebration-of-the-day-of-judaism-at-the-catholic-university-of-lublin-kul,art_101645.html Poles and Jews lived together for centuries on the same Polish soil, worked and prayed together, created together a common Polish culture, of which Jews are prominent representatives - recalled the rector of the Catholic University of Lublin, Rev. Prof. Miroslaw Kalinowski, on the occasion of the Day of Judaism in the Lublin Archdiocese. - We are united by a great deal, much more than we think on a daily basis - the rector of the KUL added. The Archdiocesan Center for Catholic-Jewish Dialogue in Lublin and the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Catholic University of Lublin organized on January 18 - on the occasion of the XXVI Day of Judaism in the Catholic Church - a meeting devoted to relations between Christians and Jews. In addition to Catholic clergy, the event was attended by representatives of Jewish circles, including Rabbi Yitzhak Chaim Rapoport of the Jewish Community in Warsaw, who delivered a lecture on the Jewish Passover. https://www.kul.pl/rabbi-abraham-skorka-for-the-day-of-judaism-we-must-foster-dialogue-and-creative-thinking,art_101640.html “In these changing times, Christianity, like Judaism, constantly needs to reveal new spiritual paths. Each generation has its own spiritual needs and requires role models. No static religion has a future. We must develop dialogue and creative thinking,” wrote Rabbi Abraham Skóra in his message for the 26th Day of Judaism in the Catholic Church in Poland. His words were recalled by the director of the Abraham J. Heschel Centre for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Catholic University of Lublin, Fr. Prof. Mirosław Wróbel, during the celebration of the Day of Judaism in the Lublin Archdiocese. The even was held at the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/heschel-centre-at-the-catholic-university-of-lublin-john-paul-ii-changed-relations-between-church-and-judaism,art_101639.html Saint John Paul II changed significantly the relations between the Catholic Church and Judaism. Not only did he fulfil the guidelines of the Second Vatican Council, but did so of his own profound inner conviction, said Fr. Paweł Rytel-Andrianik, Director of the Polish Bishops' Conference Foreign Communications Office and deputy Director of the Heschel Centre at the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/hebrew-commentary-on-the-epiphany-sunday,art_101525.html Hebrew commentary on the Epiphany Sunday written by prof. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, the first Jewish woman to teach the New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. https://www.kul.pl/hebrew-commentary-on-the-first-sunday-of-the-new-year-gospel,art_101394.html The Gospel for the first Sunday of the New Year has two scenes. The first one is about the shepherds, who heard the angels' message, set out, and finally saw the Messiah. The second scene is related to Mary, who allowed God to act in her life. Mary is the image of every Christian in whom Christ is to be born," writes Prof. Wojciech Kaczmarek, head of the Department of Drama and Theater at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, in a commentary on the Sunday Gospel for the Heschel Center. https://www.kul.pl/jewish-commentary-on-the-christmas-gospel,art_101387.html As we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, maybe at times plunged into darkness, we should always remember and have faith that God almighty will re-kindle the light in our souls. Together we can bring light to the whole world and rekindle the fire - said Rabbi Oded Peles, a Jewish cantor, musicologist and Israeli educator, writes for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin in a commentary on the Gospel of St. John. https://www.kul.pl/prof-s-heschel-jews-and-catholics-we-need-to-create-a-friendly-atmosphere,art_101384.html In the past Jews and Catholics have both been subjected to misunderstanding and sometimes terrible accusations, so for our mutual relations, it is important to begin with an alliance. So, we both need to clarify who we are and what we stand for and work together to create a friendly atmosphere between us – stressed Susannah Heschel, Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel's daughter, who is a professor of Jewish Studies at Dartmouth College in the United States. https://www.kul.pl/advent-and-hanukkah-at-the-catholic-university-of-lublin,art_101365.html The Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) organized a joint celebration of Hanukkah and Advent for the academic community and residents of Lublin, which is a multicultural and multireligious city. "The light of the Hanukkah candlestick and the Advent wreath is an organic unity. It warms and unites," noted Mieczyslaw Cisło, auxiliary bishop of the Lublin Archdiocese. https://www.kul.pl/hebrew-commentary-on-the-gospel-for-the-fourth-sunday-of-advent,art_101324.html Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) is a shortened version of the name "Yehoshua" (Lord saves), Emmanuel (Hebrew: immanu El) means "God with us" - two Hebrew names that contain the essence and function of the announced Messiah, writes biblical scholar Fr. Prof. Dr. Miroslaw Wróbel, director of the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin, in his commentary for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. https://www.kul.pl/hebrew-commentary-on-the-gospel-for-the-third-sunday-of-advent,art_101269.html The announcement of the Messiah, who comes and heals His people and is willing to suffer for them. Jesus used this and other concepts because he knew that his listeners were well familiar with them and he wanted them to read the events of his time in this light - writes Shlomo Libertowski, lecturer in Torah at Beth Shemesh, in his commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. The commentary provides a deeper understanding of Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent (Mt 11:2-11). https://www.kul.pl/pope-francis-the-catholic-university-of-lublin-commemorated-the-anniversary-of-operation-reinhardt-in-which-2-million-people-wer,art_101217.html On Monday, the Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin commemorated the anniversary of Operation Reinhardt. During the second world war, the operation caused the extermination of nearly two million victims, mostly of Jewish origin", Pope Francis stressed during his weekly Wednesday general audience at the Vatican. "May the memory of this terrible event arouse the intentions and actions for peace in every person. And history repeats itself. We see now what is happening in Ukraine. I heartily bless you here present and your country people," the Holy Father added, greeting the pilgrims from Poland. https://www.kul.pl/the-heschel-center-of-the-catholic-university-of-lublin-commemorated-the-victims-of-operation-reinhardt,art_101194.html In Operation "Reinhardt" almost two million Jews were murdered for the one and only reason: they were born Jews. We must work together so that the memory of these events is not lost. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the establishment of the Heschel Center. This is a very important project, a very important sign of trust, dialogue, and understanding, and this is exactly what we need today," said Israeli Ambassador to Poland Yacov Livne at the commemoration of the victims of the German Operation "Reinhardt" on the 80th anniversary of its beginning. The events in Lublin were organized by the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. https://www.kul.pl/jewish-commentary-on-the-gospel-for-the-first-sunday-of-advent,art_101087.html Why does Jesus use the comparison to a thief? - asks Dr. Faydra Shapiro, director of the Israel Center for Jewish-Christian Relations, in a commentary for the Heschel Center of the Catholic University of Lublin. The key is the Law of Moses relating to theft. This context provides a deeper understanding of the comparison in Matthew 24:37-44. https://www.kul.pl/the-chief-rabbi-of-poland-and-bishop-cislo-prayed-on-the-grave-of-father-grzegorz-pawlowski,art_100679.html Father Grzegorz Pawlowski showed us that a person can look for his own way and at the same time remain in the community,” said Chief Rabbi of Poland Michael Schudrich. Today marks the first anniversary of the death of Rev. Fr. Grzegorz Pawlowski - Yakub Hersh Griner. The event was organized by the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). https://www.kul.pl/prof-heschel-religious-experiences-of-others-enhance-our-own,art_100668.html We should try to cultivate our sensitivity to the religious experiences of other faiths because they will enhance our own. Look for commonalities rather than sharpening points of disagreement. The crucial issue is to respect religiosity even if we have different theological doctrines,” said Prof. Susannah Heschel in a lecture dedicated to her father Abraham J. Heschel, a prominent 20th-century Jewish philosopher. The meeting was organized by the Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the Catholic University of Lublin, named after Abraham J. Heschel, and the Lublin Scientific Society on October 20, 2022. https://www.kul.pl/francis-i-am-glad-that-the-center-for-catholic-jewish-relations-has-opened-in-lublin,art_100606.html I am glad that the Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations has been opened in Lublin, Pope Francis stressed during the general audience in St. Peter's Square in Rome on Wednesday, October 19. https://www.kul.pl/the-heschel-center-for-the-catholic-church-initiated-a-joint-prayer-in-the-synagogue-on-the-occasion-of-simchat-torah,art_100592.html At the conclusion of the celebrations marking the opening of the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin, the center's board ofdirectors,together with representatives of the university's authorities, took part in a prayer on the occasion of the celebrated holiday of Simchat Torah - the Feast of the Joy of Torah. The prayer in the Lublin synagogue located in Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin was led by Cantor Symcha Keller. https://www.kul.pl/the-heschel-center-has-begun-its-activities-at-the-catholic-university-of-lublin,art_100583.html The Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations - a new scientific, educational, and cultural unit to deepen Catholic-Jewish relations internationally - began its activities at the Catholic University of Lublin on Monday. Scientific research, publishing activities, student exchanges, as well as international symposia, conferences, debates and cultural events are the main tasks of the institution. https://www.kul.pl/inauguration-of-the-heschel-center-for-catholic-jewish-relations-october-17,art_100495.html Academic research, publications, international symposia, conferences, debates, as well as cultural events and building relations between students from Poland and Israel - these are the main tasks of the Abraham J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL). The inauguration will take place on October 17, announced the rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Fr. Prof. Miroslaw Kalinowski.