Come and dance with us

Peace indeed – if only. At a time when anti-Jewish/Israeli sentiments have been spread and accentuated anew around the world, it is unusual and special these days to find hope and understanding celebrated.

2011 dawned on a sunlit winter's morning that found me in the Domus Galilaeae Center overlooking Lake Kinneret from the Mount of Beatitudes to celebrate the holiday of the Three Kings. This uniquely designed monastery and center of learning, which was founded and planned by the Neocatechumenal Movement (an organization within the Catholic Church dedicated to the Christian formation of adults), was opened at the beginning of this century by Pope John Paul. The complex is designated for prayer and study and to advance the dialogue of understanding and friendship between the Christian and Jewish peoples and pay homage to the Christian Church's Jewish roots.

Invitations had been sent in Hebrew to many throughout Israel inviting us to share a celebration of this special event. And arrive they did - a wide cross-section of visitors of all ages were welcomed by the Fathers, their students and resident volunteers. A hum of quietly-spoken assorted languages filled the air, for they came from around the globe. However, Hebrew outdid Italian, Spanish, Russian and English as many of these young seminarians and the Fathers spoke excellent Hebrew tinged with their home accents. Smilingly and patiently, they answered a myriad of questions. They were not even dumbfounded by the loud exclamation of a middle-aged, attractive woman, "But you should be models – not priests – you are so handsome!"

Having visited and marveled at the architecture which combines within its design elements of Judaism and Christianity, studied part of the outstanding collection of books in the library, admired the location and the view, spoken with the volunteers, some of whom are women and who come to stay, study and care for the needs of the Church, we were seated in the spacious, domed auditorium where more and more seats had to be added for late arrivals. Children were placed in front row seats, since they also had been invited – "families with babies, infants and teens" – and they were all there.

Those at the gathering were greeted by Father Rino Lossi.

"Shabbat Shalom" he began, continuing in Italian which was translated simultaneously to Hebrew by his assistant. He explained about the aims of Domus Galilaeae and how they want to send a message to the world about the true connection between Judaism and Christianity and the importance of shared dialogue. He talked of the studies and explained that holy writings (כתיבי הקודש)  are part of what they learn.

He told us that the past year had brought 120,000 Israelis through the gates to visit and hear of their aims, and asked, smilingly, "And now whoever is here from Tel Aviv, please stand," and stand they did as did those from Haifa, Jerusalem, the Galilee and more. Applause filled the air and he then gestured towards the young men seated with their instruments and those standing behind.

"Globalization has brought them here from across the world – Italy, Spain, Russia, South America, Jordan, Poland, the UK and the US and now they will bring you their message with Mozart's composition, "Give us Peace". The music swelled and voices soared in song, with the words in Latin relating to Jerusalem and its history and beseeching the Lord to bring peace there.

This was followed by "Shalom for Israel" in Hebrew. Of course the audience joined in, singing and clapping their hands in time to the music. The entire basis of the concert was peace and songs lauding it such as 'Hevenu Shalom Aleichem' and 'Sisu ve Simchu Yerushalyim' which continued to fill the glass-enclosed dome with music. Voices were raised in Hebrew song, young and old adding their voices to those of the young priests. There was an incredible atmosphere of togetherness and celebration. However, tears of emotion welled up in many eyes as many momentarily contemplated the hope for peace that sadly seems so far away.

Thoughts and emotions were brought back to the present as we all rose to sing "Hatikva". So, if the Christians can sing together in Hebrew with the Jewish people, then there must be hope. The young members of the audience were addressed: "There are angels here with the Three Kings. Now, where will they come from?" 

Heads turned from side to side, eyes searching through the glass dome into the gardens. "Ha ha – here they come and they are bringing something good for you."  And indeed, people entered carrying numerous baskets of sweets which they distributed to the children while the black King told them, "I am from the Congo. I read of you in the Bible and of what G-d had done in Eretz Israel and so I had to come. I am here to bring you sweetness."

And there was even more sweetness as we gathered outside in the walled courtyard to talk and to sample delicious cakes and cold drinks together while many of those attending joined with the seminarians to form a circle of dancers accompanied by soft strumming produced by several of the instrument players. Indeed, this was a memorable occasion and thanks must be extended to the Fathers, the seminarians and the volunteers who put so much into sharing this unforgettable morning with us.