By COLlive reporter
A group of 14 leading European and French Cardinals enjoyed a 45-minute lecture by world-renowned Chabad lecturer and teacher, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Jacobson, who spoke to them about the role of religious leaders in today’s world.
They visited Crown Heights two weeks ago and were headed by the Cardinal of Paris, Andre Vingt-Trois, chairman of the French Bishop’s Conference (who replaced the late Jewish-born Cardinal Aaron / Jean-Marie Lustiger).
In a lengthy analysis, based on the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Jacobson spoke of the two great challenges to religion in the modern age, from the fierce secularists on one side, and from the religious fanatical killers on the other side.
“One group, originating with the European Enlightenment, believed that you can enforce ‘Thou shall not murder,’ without ‘I am your G-d.’ That philosophy produced the gas chamber. The second group says you can serve G-d while disobeying ‘Thou shall not murder,’ and it produces suicide bombers.
The Cardinals, second in command to the Pope Benedict XVI, sat spellbound listening to the ideas of the Rebbe on leadership and universal morality.
“Religious leaders must take a stand on abuse, violence, and bloodshed wherever they are found,” Rabbi Jacobson said.
“They must embody the highest virtues of ethics and integrity in their personal lives. I do not have to tell you, esteemed Cardinals, about the effects of religious leaders not living up to the sermons they preach.”
During a luncheon catered by Crown Heights’ Esther’s Deli and Grill at the Jewish Childrens Museum, they all smirked as it was obvious what the speaker was referring to.
The Cardinals, many of whom were taking notes, then posed a series of questions, seeking deeper insights into some of the enigmatic biblical stories, from Noah’s Flood to the Burning Bush. Rabbi Jacobson offered them insights from Midrash, Kabbalah and Chassidism.
The Cardinals visited New York for a 2 day visit to the Jewish community, headed by Marco Ganzales, director of Yahad in France, and the French Shliach Mendel Samama.
They visited the Rebbe’s library, where they were greeted by chief librarian Rabbi Sholom Ber Levin.
They were also addressed by Rabbi Avraham Berkowitz of Machane Israel Development Fund, and Rabbi Berry Spitetzky from Chabad on Wall Street.
On Monday evening they headed to visit leaders of Yeshiva University, and on Tuesday they visited visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington.
rain drops in the eyes re annoying
imm geula!
i find this facinating…!!
MASHIACH IS COMING!!!
The French aren’t European?
A very interesting undertaking.
The church leaders were there to be educated in their roles as religious leaders.
Rabbi Jacobson was the very best choice for such an assignment
Well done to the organizers.
A Kiddush HaShem
jaky is the best
Lol!! the cardinal who thinks he wont get wet if he puts that book on his head… LOL!
rediculous…
is there any recoring of it?
bet. a cardinal or priest and the pope. keyodua the rebbe was against recieving the pope in Israel.
Whats exactly wrong?
this is particularly vital in today’s world where anti-semitism is rampant.for those of you who cannot see the global impact of this event, then what can I say?you obviously have tunnel vision.they obviously have much wisdom and lessons to offer the world which includes other nations. it was important to get this dialogue in motion.
any video?
he did not ask them to come that I know of.
If a goy comes to ask for guidance, theres nothing wrong with it. They will guide their people better in their own ruchnius responsibilities.
between YYJ and the rest of them….
very very nice to see, and hear! a yasher koach!
a kiddush hashem
i dont understand what´s going on?? shaking hands, giving a shiur , what a crazy world..