From Confrontation to Joint Covenantal Mission: A Shift in Attitudes between Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism in Dialogue

Abstract

Since Vatican II, Jewish Orthodox communities in Israel and the United States have been passive and confrontational in their theological dialogue with Catholic. This was largely influenced by the ideas of Rabbi Soloveitchik. This negative attitude did not completely change until the 50^th anniversary of the declaration of Nostra Aetate in 2015. The two documents issued by Orthodox Judaism, “To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven” and“Between Jerusalem and Rome”, indicate that Orthodox Judaism has changed its previous passive attitude and is ready to actively participate in the theological dialogue with Catholicism. It is another sign of progress in the relationship between Catholicism and Judaism.