Menorah Project
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Lights of Hope
Through its historic Menorah Project, the Center for Interreligious
Understanding is placing Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) Menorahs in
Catholic institutions throughout the United States and around the world with
the goal of highlighting the extraordinary changes taking place in the
relationship between Catholics and Jews since the Second Vatican Council in
1965 and as a result of the leadership of Pope John Paul II.
The Menorah dedications bring together Christians, Jews and community
members to share words of remembrance and to light the six candles of the
Menorah that represent the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust.
"The Menorah Project provides an opportunity for Jews and Christians to come
together to learn about our history, our shared values and why we must live
and work together toward a world of justice and peace. At a time when
religious conflict defines our lives, the light of the menorah is a source
of hope and a constant reminder that the work of reconciliation and
understanding must be our own," explained Jack Bemporad, the Executive
Director of the CIU.
The four-foot tall menorah, created by Israeli sculptor Aharon Bezalel, is a
replica of the Yom Hashoah Menorah presented to Pope John Paul II on April
13, 1999 that now stands permanently at the Vatican's North American
College.
Pope John Paul II has been recognized by Jewish leaders for his efforts to
remember the Holocaust and strengthen relations between Catholics and Jews
including establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel, issuing the
"We Remember" document on the Holocaust and asking forgiveness of the Jews
during his historic pilgrimage to Israel in March 2000.
Menorahs have already been placed in Miami, Baltimore, Palm Beach, Seton
Hall University, Dallas, Boston, Washington, D.C. and the Seminary of the
Diocese of Rockville Centre in Long Island, NY. The CIU plans to place
additional menorahs in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and San Francisco.
For more information about how to bring a Holocaust Menorah dedication to
your community, email info@faithindialogue.org or call 201.866.1411.
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“Remember. Forgive. Renew.”
Rabbi Jack Bemporad
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