Exploring Catholic-Jewish Friendship at Assumption University: Annual Lecture Event

Assumption University Hosts the Rabbi Joseph Klein Lecture on Catholic-Jewish Friendship

Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, is gearing up for a noteworthy event on September 30, 2025. This year's Rabbi Joseph Klein Lecture, focusing on the theme of Catholic-Jewish Friendship, serves to highlight the significant interfaith dialogue between these two communities. Featuring prominent speakers Rabbi Meir Soloveichik and Dr. Matthew Tapie, this event promises to enrich discussions surrounding the historical context and future of interfaith relations.

The event will commence at 6 PM in the Curtis Performance Hall, followed by a reception aimed at fostering deeper connections among attendees. The lecture is free and open to the public, elucidating Assumption University’s commitment to civic engagement and community involvement.

Unpacking Nostra Aetate

This year's lecture will delve into the Vatican II document Nostra Aetate, which notably altered the Catholic Church's approach towards interfaith dialogue. It is a pivotal text that calls for respect and understanding between faiths, particularly between Catholics and Jews. In this lecture, Rabbi Soloveichik will share insights drawn from his esteemed scholarship in Jewish philosophy, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual respect between faith traditions. As the Senior Rabbi of the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, Congregation Shearith Israel, his experiences and perspectives on interfaith matters are both significant and timely.

Dr. Matthew Tapie, an authority in Catholic-Jewish relations and the Director at the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies at Saint Leo University, will complement Rabbi Soloveichik’s address, discussing the theological implications and social ramifications of interfaith dialogue in today’s world. His extensive research on the theology of religious pluralism positions him as a key voice in this essential discourse.

A Legacy of Dialogue

Mary Jane Rein, director of the Center for Civic Friendship at Assumption University, emphasized the legacy of the Rabbi Klein Lecture. She noted, “The Rabbi Klein Lecture has a rich legacy of fostering conversations about enduring theological and sociological questions.” This sentiment rings true, especially as the university aims to cultivate a deep understanding of civic friendship — an obligation to advance societal good despite differing beliefs.

The Center for Civic Friendship, inaugurated in 2024, aims to facilitate open exchanges of ideas among diverse groups. By promoting respectful discourse around disagreements, the center plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of modern societal dynamics.

The inaugural event from last year successfully gathered distinguished academics to discuss prospects for civic friendship following the 2024 presidential election, proving that Assumption University is committed to advancing significant dialogues that transcend differences.

About Assumption University

Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, Assumption University stands as a paragon of high-quality education, marrying academic rigor with the holistic development of individuals. Renowned for producing graduates who embody thoughtful citizenship and a penchant for the common good, the university offers a rich array of majors, minors, and graduate programs across diverse fields. With a mission rooted in the traditions of Catholic higher education, Assumption University continues to shape informed, responsible members of society ready to confront global challenges.

Feeding hunger for knowledge in the realm of civic and interfaith dialogue, Assumption University's commitment to fostering discussions of importance is set to flourish on September 30. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in this enlightening discourse on Catholic-Jewish Friendship — a topic that remains vital in today’s world.

For more information about the event, follow Assumption University’s updates on assumption.edu.