Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) is presenting Judaism is about Love, 7 – 8:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21. This event, hosted by Congregation Rodeph Sholom, will explore the misconception that the Jewish tradition is about the law rather than love. Join Rabbi Shai Held as he “recovers the heart of the Jewish tradition.”

This event will take place at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 2713 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33629. While the event is free, registration is required. Register at CCJS/Judaism is about Love.  (FULL URL: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ek5q0f4hd90cdf55&oseq=&c=&ch)

Held is a philosopher, theologian, and Bible scholar. He is president and dean at the Hadar Institute and earned a PhD from Harvard University in religious studies. He received the prestigious Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, and has been named multiple times by Newsweek as one of the 50 most influential rabbis in America and by the Jewish Daily Forward as one of the 50 most prominent Jews in the world.

He says that a dramatic misinterpretation of the Jewish tradition has shaped the history of the West: Christianity is the religion of love, and Judaism the religion of law. In the March 21 presentation, Held will discuss “the heart” of the Jewish tradition, offering the radical and moving argument that love belongs as much to Judaism as it does to Christianity.

Held will discuss how love is foundational and a part of true Jewish faith and the Jewish perspective on injustice and protest, grace, family life, responsibilities to our neighbors and even enemies. His presentation is based on his new book, Judaism is About Love that will be published this month. A question and answer session will follow.

For more information, contact Laurie Gens, CCJS administrator of programs and events, at laurie.gens@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-7711.

Photo caption:

Rabbi Shai Held is the guest speaker for Judaism is about Love, presented by Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) at Congregation Rodeph Sholom on March 21.  Photo/Hadar Institute

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a Catholic Benedictine university dedicated to helping learners of all backgrounds and ages gain the competence and courage to be more. Offering 57 degree programs to more than 14,190 students each year, the nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and several online programs. The university is home to more than 104,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.

Media Contact: Mary McCoy, Senior Editor & Media Relations Manager, mary.mccoy02@saintleo.edu, (352) 588-7118 or cell (813) 610-8416