Interfaith Initiative in the Negev - Study Meeting in Beer Sheva

Although fewer guests from outside our community were able to attend - many sent their apologies - the event was nonetheless wonderfully successful. A significant number of our own community members participated, filling the room with energy, curiosity, and openness.

Our guests expressed admiration for the beauty and spirit of the meeting. The study session itself was rich and engaging, unfolding in an atmosphere of joy, friendship, and mutual respect.

As Christians, we were especially intrigued to discover how our Jewish friends integrate science and evolution with faith and Torah - approaches that differ from our own Catholic understanding, yet open new paths for reflection and dialogue.

We also learned something new about the counting of the Jewish year 5786: it is based on biblical chronology, yet most Jews do not consider it a literal measure of time since the creation of the world. This insight added another layer to our shared exploration of creation and meaning.

Inspired by the success of this meeting, we are already planning the next one. Our intention is to gather once a month, each time hosted by a different community, continuing to build bridges of understanding and friendship across traditions.