On November 20, 2017, members of the Albertus and New Haven community gathered for the St. Albert the Great Lecture, to hear a presentation entitled “The Essence of Interfaith Dialogue: Faith over Fear.” This lecture was given by Rabbi Herbert Brockman, who has served as leader of the Mishkan Israel community in Hamden, Connecticut. for over thirty years.
Rabbi Brockman attended Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati where he received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Hebrew Letters. He received his Ph.D. from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary and the University of Baltimore. In addition, Rabbi Brockman was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree from Hebrew Union College and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Albertus.
Rabbi Brockman taught at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Muhlenberg College, Yale Divinity School and helped to create a study guide on Lutheran – Jewish relations. In 2001, Rabbi Brockman was on sabbatical at Gregorian University in Rome, a Jesuit institution.
In the New Haven community, Rabbi Brockman is known for his inter-faith ministry and for his advocacy in areas of social justice. He serves on the Board of Interfaith Cooperative Ministries and Hartford Seminary.
In his lecture at Albertus, Rabbi Brockman emphasized the grounding in faith that must be present for inter-faith dialogue. Faith in one’s own tradition leads to understanding, the desire for dialogue and the development of relationships with those of the same or different faiths. Engaging in dialogue with people of other faith traditions allows one to explore what is common and what is different. In inter-faith dialogue all seek to develop and present an understanding of the divine among people who share a common humanity.
Studying one another’s sacred texts develops an inclusive search for God, which marks all of the Abrahamic faith traditions. As the understanding of faith traditions and common language develops believers are more able to unite in their efforts to bring God’s vision to humanity as one’s faith moves to action for the good of all our sisters and brothers.
To view the full lecture click here.