Lowenstein Lectures Underway

  • February 10, 2016

Congregation Emanu El hosted hosted Rev. Msgr. Frank H. Rossi, Pastor of St. Michael Catholic Church, February 5, and St. Michael Catholic Church hosted Rabbi Oren Hayon, February 7, as part of the Anti-Defamation League’s Lowenstein Lectures, which promote friendship between Houston’s Catholic and Jewish communities. As part of another exchange, Temple Beth Torah hosted Rev. Msgr. Chester Borski, Pastor, St. Martha Catholic Church of Kingwood, February 5.

These exchanges and others scheduled over the next few months come as Jews and Catholics recognize 50 years since the Catholic Church issued Nostra Aetate during the 2nd Vatican Council. The landmark document repudiated anti-Semitism and the charge that Jews were collectively guilty for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Special thanks to Jerry Axelrod, Michelle and Mike Eber, Mark Kaufman, and Marcy Margolis for joining ADL staff Randy Barnes, Jodi Bernstein and Dena Marks at the services.

Click here to see Rev. Msgr. Frank Rossi’s sermon at Congregation Emanu El. We are especially grateful to the Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation for its support of our programs to foster friendship and dialogue with Catholics and Jews in Houston.  Additional exchange dates are listed below.

February 21, 2016:

  • Rabbi Dan Gordon will speak at St. Martha Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365 on Sunday, February 21st at 5:30 p.m.

April 5, 2016

  • Rabbi David Rosen will speak at the Center for Faith and Culture/University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston, Texas 77006 on Tuesday, April 5th at 6 p.m. More details soon.

April 15, 2016

  • Fr. Donald Nesti will speak at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, TX 77096, on Friday, April 15th at 6 p.m.  More details soon.

These exchanges are made possible by the Lewis and Joan Lowenstein Foundation and are part of the Lowenstein Lectures of the Anti-Defamation League, designed to promote Catholic-Jewish friendship and dialogue.  Please RSVP to southwest@adl.org to attend.