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Second Lecture in the Series 2025-2026
This lecture marks the special series commemorating 60 years of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel. Some Jewish Roots of Christian Prayers in the Newer Testament with Special Emphasis on the Paternoster: The Sacred Name, the Divine Will, and the Kingdom of God Prof. Dr. Brad H. Young Professor Emeritus Oral Roberts University 26 November 2025 20:00 via ZOOM 13:00 EST; 19:00 CET You are warmly invited to celebrate the Fraternity’s 60th anniversary series with a special lecture by our President, exploring some Jewish roots of Christian prayers.
As the lecturer shares: “Christian prayers in the Newer Testament have deep roots in Jewish soil during the Second Temple Period. Familiar and much-loved prayers of the Jewish people, the Kaddish, the Amidah, the Sanctification of the Divine name, and the Shema —as well as— earlier Jewish Prayer formulations from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other Sacred Textual Traditions give fresh meaning and application to the prayers of the early Christians in the Newer Testament. The associative and comparative approach for the study of sacred liturgy and prayers within their historical environment promises to deepen awareness and understanding within both faith communities. Concise, powerful, to-the-point—the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray is much better understood in the light of Jewish faith and experience. The authentic Jewish setting in life connects Jesus to his people, their faith experience, and their community concerns. Jewish prayers, worship, and practical life experience breathe fresh meaning into the time-worn words of the Lord’s Prayer. The first-century perspective of Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom pervades the application of the prayer in daily life.” Read more >> |
In Loving Memory of
Dr. Stephen Pfann 1952-2025 Dr. Stephen Pfann was co-founder and President of the University of the Holy Land and a contributor to the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Steve. While we take comfort in knowing he is now in the eternal care of the Heavenly Father, his absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him. A Life of Scholarship and Service Steve was more than a friend—he was an esteemed scholar, a man of integrity, and a seeker of truth. His dedication to the study and deciphering of ancient texts from Qumran and beyond was matched only by his generous service to the Christian and Jewish community in Jerusalem and afar. A Vision Fulfilled Together with Dr. Claire Pfann, his beloved spouse, Steve devoted his life to a remarkable vision: the establishment of a university in the Holy Land for Christians abroad. This lifelong mission has blossomed into a unique institution—a testament to their shared faith, perseverance, and love of learning. We are confident that under the continued leadership of Claire, alongside Steve Junior, this legacy will thrive and inspire many more. A Life Remembered Steve’s memory lives on in our minds and hearts—as a caring friend, a great scholar, and a man whose life was a blessing to all who crossed his path. We extend our prayers for Shalom, and blessings of healing and strength to his family— Claire, Steve Junior, Shoshi, and Michael—as the Fraternity we honor his life and give thanks for the time we were privileged to share with him. |
Click HERE to register for the lecture
