CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
166. Church Window Honoring a
Jew
QUESTION: A church in the community wishes to honor a Jew who
has made significant contributions to the community through his efforts to help others. This is not recognition for a financial gift to the institution. Is it appropriate to have a window dedicated to this individual? Might it appear wrong or be misleading from a Jewish point of view? (Rabbi S. Rubin, Savannah, GA)
ANSWER: In the Biblical and Talmudic periods, concern
about relations with idolaters was constantly voiced. The entire Tractate Avodah Zarah deals with every conceivable association with pagans, including worship and business matters, as well as social contacts. Although these laws continue to appear in the later codes, they are hardly applicable to anyone by the Middle Ages, as both Christians and Muslims were considered as monotheists and in the category of gerei toshav (Menahem Meiri, Bet Habehira to Avodah Zarah 20a; Meir of Rothenburg, Responsa #386; Isaac of Dampierre, Tosfot to San. 63b; Bekh. 2b; Maimonides, Yad Hil. Melakhim 8.11; Hil. Edut. 11.10, etc.; Tur Yoreh Deah 148; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 148.12). Orthodox authorities, as Emden, Bacharach, and Ashkenazi, at the beginning of the modern era, also stressed a positive outlook toward non-Jews (A. Shohet, “The German Jew: His Integration Within the non-Jewish Environment in the First Half of the Eighteenth Century,” Zion, Vol. 21, 1956, pp. 229 ff). The Reform Movement has continued this trend, and the responsa of our movement make this clear, as do numerous resolutions of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Solomon B. Freehof, Reform Responsa and succeeding volumes; W. Jacob, American Reform Responsa).
This century has seen further development in
the friendly relationship between Christians and Jews; there have been many common efforts, especially in the area of social problems. Jews and non-Jews have worked side by side in America for more than a century, and numerous examples can be named in virtually every larger American community. This has led us to honor co-workers without regard to religious background. Rabbinic seminaries have granted honorary degrees to Christians in recognition of outstanding scholarly or communal achievement. At the same time, outstanding Jews have been recognized by prominent Christian institutions. Such recognition has increased the feelings of cooperation and brotherhood. They carry out the Biblical commandment of Leviticus, “love your neighbor as yourself,” and many Talmudic injunctions, like mipnei darkhei shalom actions done for the sake of peace and brotherhood.
All of this has occurred without the
surrender of religious identity on either side or effort at proselytization. In other words, brotherhood and friendship have been genuine.
As such a cooperative spirit continues
to reign, and as we seek to strengthen common efforts in social causes, it would be fitting for a Jew, among others, to be honored through a window in a Christian house of worship. This would be appropriate in a church. We welcome such recognition as a permanent reminder of good Jewish Christian relationships. In times of tension when other acts may be forgotten, the window will remain a visible bond between the two communities. It would be appropriate to word the statement so that it indicates honor to a Jew.
March 1985
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.