What is Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life"?
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" exists as a resource for Christians who, attentive to the Voice of God at work within the world, wish to enrich their Biblical studies and understanding of Judaism, through engagement with traditions and interpretations that have been transmitted and developed within the Jewish milieu. In doing thus, Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" remains always conscious of the "common roots and the immensely rich spiritual heritage that Jews and Christians share alike" (Pope Benedict XVI, Cologne Synagogue, 2005).
In the spirit of the initiatives set in motion by the Vatican document, Nostra Aetate (1965), Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" is committed to the provision of supporting resources and information, always with the ultimate vision and mission in mind, of "fostering mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies as well as of fraternal dialogues" (Nostra Aetate, 1965).
Attentive, therefore, to the Voice of God (the Bat Kol), Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" seeks to assist Christians in practical ways to fulfill the ideal expressed in the 1975 Vatican Guidelines,
"Christians must therefore strive to acquire a better knowledge of the basic components of the religious tradition of Judaism; they must strive to learn by what essential traits Jews define themselves in the light of their own religious experience."
–Guidelines and Suggestions for Implementing the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate, No. 4
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" Publishing
Through its publishing work, Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" Publishing, aims to make resources available for Christians and Jews that promote Christian-Jewish relations and dialogue, and a joint biblical, spiritual and liturgical self-consciousness and cooperation. Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" Publishing's annual calendar publication, The Jewish and Christian Liturgical Calendar, is one such initiative.
"To improve Jewish-Christian relations, it is important to take cognizance of those common elements
of the liturgical life (formulas, feasts, rites, etc.) in which the Bible holds an essential place."
–Guidelines and Suggestions for Implementing the Conciliar Declaration Nostra Aetate, No. 4, 1975
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" e-Learning
The Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" e-Learning facility offers online learning modules that encourage and inform studies in scripture, the "Tree of Life," through Jewish exegesis and scholarship, both ancient and modern, and the work of Christian scholars and groups committed to Jewish-Christian biblical studies, interfaith relations, and dialogue. Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" e-Learning, therefore, aims to offer opportunities for the study the biblical texts using resources and insights gained from Jewish tradition and exegesis, and modern Jewish and Christian scholarship. Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" e-Learning is currently being developed—more details will be available shortly.
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" Administration
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" was founded in 2006 by Elizabeth Young who continues to develop Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" as a resource for Christians animated with the aim of encouraging and enriching Christian-Jewish relations and dialogue, and a joint biblical, spiritual
and liturgical self-consciousness and cooperation. Elizabeth brings to this work over forty years of business and administrative experience and a sound background in theology, Jewish studies and ICT skills.
Elizabeth Young. BTheol, MA(Theol), MEd, GradCertComm, CertHort.
Elizabeth is an alumna of Bat Kol Institute in Jerusalem (2001-2006)
Etz Hayim—"Tree of Life" administration is located in Australia. Contact details [HERE]
