We are pleased to report that our Eternal Light Dinner (ELD) held in Lutz, FL on Sunday evening, March 8, 2009 was a successful and exciting opportunity for interfaith friendship and learning.  In no small part was that success due to our distinguished honoree, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine.
 

Dr. Levine delivered a power and illuminating address on the state of Catholic Jewish relations from her perspective as an interfaith scholar and educator.  The response was overwhelmingly positive.  The depth and substance of Dr. Levine's message was a timely reminder of both the success of Catholic Jewish dialogue in the past several decades and of the need for a renewal of commitment to respect, conversation, and education.  

Our guests were also greeted by Dr. Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., President of Saint Leo University, Brian Lipton, Director of The American Jewish Committee West Coast Florida Chapter, and Msgr. Robert Morris, Vicar General of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
 
A traditional and symbolic conclusion to the evening was given by the Catholic and Jewish clergy present gathering together at the podium for concluding blessings.

The Eternal Light Award is given annually by the Center to celebrate the efforts of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the fields of interfaith relations and human rights.

 

 

Congregation Rodeph Sholom hosted an interfaith Passover Seder Orientation entitled "Teaching the Seder" on Thursday, April 2.  The event was a opportunity for people from different faith traditions to learn and share the richness of the Seder tradition.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General Thomas V. Draude spoke at Saint Leo University's main campus on Tuesday, April 7 about his experiences serving in the Vietnam War.  His talk was entitled "Vietnam: Looking Back After Three Tours and a Return Trip."
 
General Draude served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 30 years.  During three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, he served as infantry platoon and company commander, and was an adviser to the Vietnam Marines.  He later served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm before retiring from military service in 1993.  He has received 10 personal awards for combat, including two Silver Star medals and the Purple Heart.
                    
General Draude has been  an important member of the Saint Leo community for years and has previously served as a member of the university's board of trustees and on the board of directors for the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies.