Spotlight on CLAL

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Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard Joins Internationally Renowned Focolare Movement in Jerusalem

This past winter Rabbi Tsvi Blanchard, Ph. D., CLAL’s Director of Organizational Development, went to Jerusalem to participate in the third Christian–Jewish Dialogue, sponsored by the internationally recognized Focolare movement. The movement, started in 1943, was founded to promote and strengthen the ideals of unity and universal brotherhood. It now has over 5 million members worldwide.

The conference, "Walking Together in Jerusalem," brought religious leaders and other influentials together to look at the major traditions’ relationship to one another and find their common ground in one of the most sacred cities in the world. Jerusalem, with its profound historical and religious meaning, was seen as the perfect backdrop for "bringing the human family together."

"Jerusalem," said Rabbi Blanchard in his presentation, "is a city with deep religious roots connecting all the traditions. It is one of the few places that has a universal connection for most people of faith, offering spiritual unity and social renewal."

A goal of the Dialogues is to alleviate suspicion among the traditions and build a stronger foundation for nurturing good relations. The last Dialogue was held in Rome, where Rabbi Blanchard joined a small group of religious leaders in a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. Last year he also went to Loppiano, a small town near Florence founded by the Focolare movement, which is a society based on social love, dignity and worth. The town boasts 43 successful corporations and represents inhabitants from over 70 nations. .

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