The series opens with, “Reflections on Nostra Aetate: The Catalyst for Conversation”, a presentation featuring Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba, an expert on first century Christianity and Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, Professor of New Testament Studies at Vanderbuilt University Divinity School.

The series continues with a group of study/film sessions, architectural tours of local congregations, an art exhibit and picnic, a lecture by Dr. Eva Fleischner on Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a fall musical celebration at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and a major closing event with Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Dr. Mary Boys and Rabbi David Sandmel, nationally-known interfaith scholars. In addition, a retreat for Catholic and Jewish educators is planned for 2006.

Nostra Aetate, the landmark document released during the Second Vatican Council, undertook a rethinking of Judaism and the Jewish people in Catholic theology, repudiating historic Christian teachings of contempt towards Jews and positively asserting the common spiritual heritage that Christians and Jews share. In the 40 years since its release, Nostra Aetate has been responsible for promoting interfaith dialogue, education and understanding among members of both faith traditions.

The 40th anniversary celebration of Nostra Aetate is a program of the Catholic-Jewish Conference of Milwaukee. Funding is made possible through generous grants from the Helen Bader Foundation of Milwaukee, Inc. and the Jewish Community Foundation of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.