metro Sharing Views T he Binding of Isaac, one of the most intriguing and contro- versial Bible stories, was the topic of an ecumenical conversation Nov. 3 between Rabbi Joseph Krakoff of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield and Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit. The two religious leaders exchanged ideas about the underlying meanings of the provocative story about how Abraham is instructed by God to prepare his son, Isaac, for sacrifice, only to receive a last- second reprieve in the form of an angel. While drawn from different scholarly references, the interpretations had over- riding similarities. Both men agreed that asking Abraham to sacrifice the son he and Sarah had waited a lifetime to con- ceive was a test of faith. "Abraham has to prove he's worthy of lead- ing human beings on the path of righteous- ness; said Vigneron, adding that the test reinforced the idea that for human relation- ships to work, one's relationship with God should take priority. "It's by putting God first that everything else is rightly ordered." Krakoff and Vigneron concurred that the translation of the Hebrew words of both pride and misunderstanding. Abraham spoke in response to God's sum- "It means we were chosen to observe the mons, "Here I am:' should apply to mod- commandments; not that we're better:' he ern relationships as well. said. "Abraham was saying, 'I The discussion was the am all here, totally present second in a two-part series and at your disposal. There held at the Maple Theater are so many ways people in Bloomfield Township. are not present today:' Called "In the Beginning:' said Vigneron, citing the the series featured the two distractions caused by tech- religious leaders presenting nology, especially among their respective views on adolescents. various stories contained in Krakoff said the story was Rabbi Josep h Krakoff the Book of Genesis. The first not only about a test of faith and Archibis hop Allen H. dialogue, on Oct. 6, focused but also about the miracle of Vigneron on the Garden of Eden. bringing Abraham and Isaac Krakoff and Vigneron, who together, perhaps for the first time. called the program "a conversation between "Abraham seems to have no relationship friends; believe this is the first time two reli- with Isaac, no dialogue until this scene gious leaders have come together in this way Krakoff said, "when the text says, twice in to compare the Jewish and Catholic views on two verses, that the two walked on 'together."' traditional Bible stories. When Krakoff asked if the Jews' designa- The program, sponsored by the Jewish tion as the "chosen people" was offensive Federation of Metropolitan Detroit's to those of the Catholic persuasion, the Alliance for Jewish Education, drew more Archbishop said this was not the case. than 300 members of the Jewish and "We see ourselves as spiritually related Christian communities to each event. Judy to Abraham, so anti-Semitism is really self- Loebl, associate director of adult education loathing; Vigneron said. "The Christian for Federation, said she was pleased with creed blesses God for his choice of Abraham." the diversity of the audience, which she Krakoff explained the concept is a source estimated was about 70 percent Jewish. Maple Towers 5745 - 5755 MAPLE ROAD TERRIFIC WEST BLOOMFIELD LOCATION Ro nelle Grie r Ronelle Grier Contributing Writer Rabbi, archbishop take lessons from Jewish, Catholic views. The concept of "original sin:' one of the main differences between the two religions, was discussed during the first presentation. Vigneron said Catholics believe all people are in need of healing when they come into the world because of the actions of Adam and Eve, while Krakoff said the Jewish view is that people are morally neutral at birth, with the capacity for good or evil. "Although there were places where we agreed and disagreed, it was all done with deep respect in an atmosphere of learning from one another," Krakoff said. The two men met several years ago at an ecumenical breakfast and developed a last- ing friendship and spiritual affiliation, which includes serving as co-chairs of the Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit, an interfaith coalition of influential leaders. "The Archbishop is such a wonderful and thoughtful man ... we had a great time together and would certainly be open to doing something like this again; Krakoff said. "I thought it was very informative to hear their different interpretations, and to see how well they actually worked togeth- er:' said Max Rothbart of West Bloomfield. "There are a lot of similarities between Judaism and Catholicism; on the whole, they're very agreeable." ❑ FREE RENT! OFFICE/RETAIL SUITES FROM 323 SF - 2,000 SF Buildings have undergone extensive interior and exterior renovations! Walnut Lake Rd IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY AMPLE PARKING WITH 100 SPACES GROUND SIGNAGE AVAILABLE Maple Rd FOR LEASING INFORMATION, CONTACT: Chris Secontine I 248-799-3174 0111114 CUSHM AN & IELD or. WAKEF3 SIGNATURE ASSOCIATES THE TEAM '4111.1Pr No Signature. No Results. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED csecontine@signatureassociates.com One Towne Square, Suite 1200 I Southfield, MI 48076 FULL-SERVICE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Jason Stough I 248-948-4180 www.signatureassociates.com jstough@signatureassociates.com 14 Mile Rd *Amount varies subject to lease term 1858140 18 November 14 • 2013