Locally, nearly every member of the Rabbinical Assembly is involved in interfaith dialogue and programming. But on a national and international level, the Rabbinical Assembly also actively participates in two major interfaith bodies.

In the United States, the National Council of Synagogues (composed of representatives from the Rabbinical Assembly and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations) meets regularly to plan dialogues and discussions with the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, with the National Council of Churches, and with other major religious groups. Each meeting revolves around an area of common study examining papers and discussions, as well as contemporary issues and concerns. Every attempt is made to emerge from such meetings with statements that reflect a common concern or agenda as well as the development of common programmatic thrusts. One such effort between the National Council of Synagogues and the National Conference of Catholic Bishops has resulted in a six part video series to expose the points of commonality and difference between Catholics and Jews. The videos are to be used on the congregational level as tools for educational discussion.

In the international arena, the Rabbinical Assembly participates with other religious streams and several major organizations in the International Jewish Committee for Interfaith Consultation. Under IJCIC auspices, discussions are held directly with representatives of the Vatican, the Orthodox Church, Protestant world leadership, and world religious leadership. The Rabbinical Assembly sends representation to these bodies and, in 2003-2004, is chairing both bodies.

The executive director of the National Council of Synagogues is Rabbi Gilbert S. Rosenthal.

For an example of some of the interfaith work the Rabbinical Assembly is involved in, click here.

For a retrospective on Pope John Paul II's efforts on behalf of interfaith understanding, click here.

October 2005 will mark the 40th anniversary of the historic Nosra Aetate declaration by the Vatican. For an explanation of this document and suggestions on how to commemorate the anniversary, click here