25th anniversary of ‘Dabru Emet’
The Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College held an international gathering of Jewish scholars and leaders on November 20 to discuss the legacy of “Dabru Emet,” a landmark statement on Jewish views of Christianity, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary.
Organized in collaboration with the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies—the institution from which “Dabru Emet” emerged—the event featured remarks from two of its primary drafters, Peter Ochs and David Novak, assessing the document’s legacy and its ongoing significance for Jewish-Christian relations. Ochs served as CCJL’s Corcoran Visiting Chair in Christian-Jewish Learning during 2024-25.
The gathering was one of the signature events of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning’s 25th anniversary year.
(Left to right) Ruth Langer, David Novak, Peter Ochs, and Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski. (Frank Curran)
Participants from Boston College were Kraft Family Professor and Director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning Rev. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, CCJL Associate Director and Professor Rabbi Ruth Langer, and Dror Bondi, who is the 2025-26 Corcoran Visiting Chair in Christian-Jewish Learning.
Over the course of the day, participants explored the central question: How ought Judaism speak about Christianity today? Discussions examined the evolving landscape of interreligious engagement and addressed pressing issues shaping contemporary dialogue today.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants established a steering committee to plan a future gathering, ensuring the continued development and renewal of Jewish-Christian dialogue inspired by the spirit of “Dabru Emet.”