Chapter 4 Jewish-Christian Relations and Modern Developments: the Role of the Chief Rabbinate in Interreligious Dialogue
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Abstract
This article addresses interreligious relations in the perspective of Jewish law with emphasis on the role and purpose of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. After an introduction regarding the unique area of interreligious relations, its challenges and its global importance, it deals with the historical confrontation between Judaism and Christianity and its implications regarding the Jewish people and the phenomenon of antisemitism. It will also examine the traditional Jewish approaches to interreligious relations, especially towards Christianity, as well as the changes that have taken place during the past seventy years, with a special focus on Vatican II and Nostra Aetate. A substantial part is devoted to the implications of these changes on interreligious dialogue and the Jewish-Christian relationship. In the concluding part, the article describes the unique characteristics and role of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel as a religious-government entity in the State of Israel. Finally, it argues that the involvement of the Chief Rabbinate in the interreligious relations with the Vatican is a game changer that enables interreligious dialogue to flourish and reach new horizons.