EL AL | Atmosphere

Magazine I An interfaith dialogue

Healing History: Rabbi Sacks’ framework for Jewish-Christian reconciliation In an era of global religious tensions, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks emerged as a visionary voice advocating for meaningful interfaith dialogue while celebrating the unique contributions of Judaism and Christianity to modern civilization / By Rabbi Elie Mischel

Among the great thinkers of our time, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood apart in his ability to bridge the historical divide between Judaism and Christianity. His bold vision showed how the great faiths could stay true to their beliefs while finding common ground in today’s world. At the heart of Rabbi Sacks’ vision lies a profound understanding of what both traditions share: belief in a personal God. “The God of Aristotle is a concept, the God of Abraham is a person to whom we can say ‘Thou,’” Sacks explained, drawing a crucial distinction between philosophical abstraction and lived faith. The transformation of Jewish Christian relations in the post Holocaust era represents what Sacks calls “one of the most interesting phenomena in civilization”. This shift from historical suspicion to friendship hasn’t occurred by minimizing differences but through developing deep mutual respect. During his tenure as Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth, Sacks demonstrated this principle through his close personal friendships with Anglican and Catholic leaders. Looking toward the future, Sacks envisioned a vital shared mission for Jews and Christians: defending the Judeo-Christian ethic in an increasingly secular age. Today, organizations like Israel365 are actively carrying forward this vision, building meaningful bridges between

Front row left to right: Jonathan Cain (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Journey), Pastor Paula White (Head of White House Faith Office), Rabbi Tuly Weisz (Founder of Israel365); Back row: Israel365 Team I Photo: courtesy of Israel365

Jewish and Christian communities while maintaining strong support for the State of Israel. The organization’s recognition at the Knesset’s “Voices of Iron Ceremony” in January 2024, where founder Rabbi Tuly Weisz was honored for rallying Christian support during the Israel-Hamas War, exemplifies how Rabbi Sacks’ framework continues to inspire practical action. As Sacks powerfully articulated, “power is a zero-sum game. The more I share power, the less power I have. Influence is a non-zero game... the more I share those things, the more I have”. Through advocacy

work such as Keep God’s Land and Israel365 Action, its slate in the World Zionist Congress, Israel365 embodies Rabbi Sacks’ vision by strengthening Israel through building bridges between Jews, Christians, and all who share their faith-based values. Rabbi Elie Mischel is the Director of Education at Israel365, which strengthens Israel by building bridges between Jews and Christians. ■

To learn more about Israel365 visit Israel365.com or scan the QR code.

22 ATMOSPHERE MARCH 2025