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Next Lecture in the Series 2025-2026
This lecture marks the special series commemorating 60 years of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel. Catholic Zionism - An Impossible Path? Fr. Dr. Antoine Lévy, OP Tel Aviv University 25 February 2026, 20:00 IST (13:00 EST; 19:00 CET) via ZOOM You are warmly invited to a lecture by Fr. Dr. Antoine Lévy, OP, who will explore one of the most sensitive and intellectually challenging questions in contemporary theology: the relationship between Catholic thought and Zionism.
Fr. Lévy writes: “I aim to begin with a critical analysis of the notion of ‘Christian Zionism,’ which has very recently been the object of a formal condemnation by the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem (January 17, 2026). This will offer an opportunity to explore the question of Zionism’s theological justification—or rather the absence thereof—from the perspective of the Catholic Church. I will argue that the only genuine theological explanation for the Church’s overly cautious, if not openly hostile, stance on the subject lies in the immense difficulty of confronting the legacy of a bi‑millennial supersessionism and following it to its ultimate consequences.” Fr. Antoine Lévy OP was born in Paris in 1962 and raised in a non‑religious Jewish family. He discovered the Christian faith during his studies in philosophy and Ancient Greek at the Sorbonne, the École Normale Supérieure (Saint‑Cloud), and Moscow State University. After his baptism into the Catholic Church, he entered the Dominican Order in 1990. He completed a PhD in Dogmatics and Patristics at the University of Fribourg, later published as Le créé et l’incréé: Maxime le Confesseur et Thomas d’Aquin (Vrin, 2006). In 2004, he became Director of the Studium Catholicum in Helsinki, where he also taught theology and intellectual history at the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland. He participated for many years in the ecumenical dialogue between the Catholic and Lutheran Churches in the Nordic countries. Read more >> To register for this lecture click HERE
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Fifth Lecture in the Series 2025-2026
This lecture marked the special series commemorating 60 years of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel. Accepting and Excepting: On Pluralism and Chosenness Out of the Sources of Judaism Professor Dr. Raphael Jospe Ariel University, Retired 5 February 2026, 20:00 IST (13:00 EST; 19:00 CET) via ZOOM Prof. Raphael Jospe gave an overview of his monumental new book which is a masterful exploration of building relationship between the Jewish and Christian communities. This book impacts all of us. It promises to become a classic in Jewish philosophy, faith, and pluralism exploring new frontiers in inter-religious dialogue.
The Author and Presenter: Prof. Raphael Jospe (PhD Brandeis University) recently retired after an impressive 50-year career teaching in universities and graduate schools, but continues to pursue his influential activism in promoting inter-religious dialogue, engagement, and cooperation. He is well-known as a treasured friend of the Ecumenical Research Fraternity in Israel for frequently showing up and participating in lectures. From time to time, he has made meaningful presentations for ETRFI events. Prof. Jospe has also taught courses on Jewish faith and experience in Catholic and Protestant theological schools and has lectured at the Vatican. He has authored or edited over 20 books and written dozens of articles. He served as the Editor of the Jewish philosophy division of the Encyclopaedia Judaica (2nd edition). He is a careful and meticulous scholar of the primary sources from the Bible and rabbinic literature along with the wide range of medieval thinkers like Saadia Gaon, Ramban, Maimonidies, and Judah Halevi also including insightful interaction with more contemporary figures like... Download the invitation>> Download the poster>> To receive a link to the VIMEO write to: [email protected]
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In Memoriam
Dr. Claire Pfann 1953-2026 
From the Board of Directors of UHL: It is with great sadness that we bring the news that Dr. Claire Pfann has passed away at the age of 72. She died peacefully in her sleep after a prolonged fight with cancer. Both personally and academically she has had a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew her. Claire cofounded the University of the Holy Land with her late husband Stephen Sr. in 1986. Her compassion and wisdom served as the cornerstone on which UHL’s vision for international Christian higher education was built and continues to this day. As the Academic Dean, she helped develop and implement the school’s unique curriculum that immerses international Christian students in the original context of the Bible. A skilled teacher and scholar, she was well known for her insightful teaching of topics such as daily life in the Second Temple Period, as well as Johannine and Pauline literature. She was able to provide these insights in the classroom, on field trips, online and in countless documentaries and interviews that truly blessed the body of Christ around the world. In order to preserve this legacy and impact, the board of UHL is diligently working to chart a course for the school’s future. Stephen Sr. and Claire’s son, Stephen Pfann Jr., is assisting in this goal by continuing to fulfill the administrative role of Director of UHL during this time of transition. More details to come. The Pfann family appreciates everyone’s support and prayers as they process this loss. They are currently organizing a memorial service with details to be announced soon through this newsletter. For those inclined, you are invited to honor Dr. Claire Pfann’s memory by supporting the school in her name (https://www.uhl.ac/home/give). While there is comfort that Claire is no longer suffering and is reunited in heaven with Stephen Sr. (who passed away in October), her absence is felt by all. We trust in the Lord to bring comfort to her family, the UHL community and all those impacted by her life. |
