“Judaism in the Time of Jesus”

Lecture by Rabbi Hillel Katzir

6 p.m. today

St. Dominic Regional High School

121 Gracelawn Road, Auburn

Free, open to the public

Jews during Jesus’ time


Rabbi Hillel Katzir to give lecture at St. Dom’s today

AUBURN – The summer-long celebration of 150 years of Lewiston-Auburn Catholicism will host Rabbi Hillel Katzir for a lecture titled “Judaism in the Time of Jesus.”

Today’s 6 p.m. talk at St. Dominic Regional High School is meant to give people historical context to events of the New Testament, said Mark Labonte, who is leading the celebration events.

“We know that adults are starving for more information on their faith,” Labonte said.

“This is stuff that you don’t always pick up in a sermon during a Mass.”

The talk is meant to be a discussion of history, recognizing the link between Christianity and Judaism.

“Jesus was born a Jew, he died a Jew and honored Jewish customs,” Labonte said. Understanding the time in which Jesus lived will enable all to better understand his teachings as they have been interpreted ever since, he said.

Katzir is the ideal person to give the talk, he said.

He has been the spiritual leader of Temple Shalom Synagogue-Center in Auburn since 2003. He has taught Judaism to both Jews and Christians, and has often led local interfaith efforts.

The talk is part of a series of lectures that are part of the celebration.

Other scheduled discussions will look at abortion and at the culture clash between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The 150th anniversary celebration recognizes the establishment of St. Joseph’s Church in Lewiston, the first Catholic church in the region.