The Canadian Rabbinic Caucus and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Hold Biannual Dialogue Meeting in Toronto

Friday, April 12 2019

Toronto – The national bilateral dialogue of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Canadian Rabbinic Caucus met for its biannual meeting 8-9 April 2019, hosted at Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto. The dialogue continued its work on the Jewish and Catholic approaches to praying with and understanding the Psalms, with presentations and discussions specifically on Psalm 130. The dialogue members also reflected on contemporary issues taking place in Canada and elsewhere, including challenges and questions surrounding religious symbols in Québec in relation to Bill 21 and the worrisome rise of antisemitism in the world. With the gracious hospitality of Holy Blossom Temple, the dialogue coordinated a public event on the evening of 8 April exploring the theme of Redemption in the Jewish and Catholic traditions through film, music, and sacred study. The evening included a screening of the film Babette’s Feast, a follow-up reflection to the film by both faith communities, and a wonderful musical performance by the Temple Emanu-EL Choir and Holy Blossom Temple Singers, entitled “Fierce as the Sea.” The morning of 9 April, the Catholic and Jewish members engaged in a rich theological reflection on their respective teachings and perspectives on Redemption through presentation and discussion.

The next meeting of the national bilateral dialogue of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and Canadian Rabbinic Caucus is scheduled for December 2019.