David Nekrutman with CJCUC
Day of Praise at Ramat Rachel with the CJCUC
Independence Day, May 2, 2017 Jerusalem, Israel
This 69th Independence Day in Israel, after a picnic in the Sacher Park, I attended the Day To Praise gathering at the Ramat
Rachel Conference Center in southeast Jerusalem. The CJCUC (The Center For
Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation) began this event in 2014 during
Sukkot. Now Orthodox Jews and Christians are coming together to have these
Hallel (praise) services, enjoying music, messages and reciting a series of
Psalms on Independence Day also, here in Jerusalem and around the world.
In
January of 2008, a historical moment took place between the Synagogue and
Church, when Rabbi Shlomo Riskin and David Nekrutman established the first
Orthodox Jewish institution, the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding
& Cooperation (CJCUC), to religiously dialogue and actively cooperate with
Christians. In less than a decade, CJCUC has moved to the forefront of
theological advancements in Jewish-Christian relations. CJCUC has changed the
paradigm by interfacing with tens of thousands of Christians through bible
studies, faith based events that bring Jews and Christians together, and
providing humanitarian aid.
Several
Christian groups had representatives taking part in this “shouldering
together”, including Sharon Sanders from Christian Friends of Israel and
Bridges for Peace personnel.
Sharon Sanders, Christian Friends of Israel
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
