Jewish Perspective

The principles of Interfaith Dialogue that underpin the Jewish community's approach are consistent with the views expressed by the Rabbinical Council of America over 40 years ago.
Each religious community is endowed with intrinsic dignity and metaphysical worth. Its historical experience, its present dynamics, its hopes and aspirations for the future can only be interpreted in terms of full spiritual independence of and freedom from any relatedness to another faith community. It is inconsistent with the ideal of dialogue to suggest that the historical and meta-historical worth of a faith community ought be viewed against the backdrop of another faith. Each faith community is proud of its past, vibrant and active in the present and determined to live on in the future and to continue serving God in its own individual way. Only full appreciation on the part of all of the singular role, inherent worth and basic prerogatives of each religious community will help promote the spirit of cooperation among faiths.

Our objectives in pursuing dialogue are

(i) to explain who we are - to dispel illusions and to educate;

(ii) to hear who our partners are and to understand their beliefs;

(iii) to build coalitions and partnerships which are based on common understandings and are, therefore, solid;

(iv) to establish long-term, trusting personal relationships with members of other faiths;

(v) to contribute to the Australian "conversation" in partnership with other faiths;

(vi) to share perspectives on matters of common interest and, when relevant, to issue joint statements.

Dialogue should be guided by the prophet, Micah (4:5) "Let all the people walk, each one in the name of his god, and we shall walk in the name of our Lord, our God, forever and ever."

Peta Jones Pellach,

Director of Adult Education,

The Shalom Institute