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Siena College's Hayyim H. Kieval Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies is one of several ecumenical outreach programs of the college, providing faith enrichment through biblical tours and bringing major religious scholars to speak locally.

The institute is one of the two oldest of its kind in the world, second only to Seton Hall University. Originally named the Siena Institute for Jewish-Christian Studies, it was founded 27 years ago by members of Albany's Temple Israel.

The institute was renamed in 1999 to honor Rabbi Kieval, its original director. It attracts many people from the school and community to its fall and spring colloquia.

"It is an academic institute which explores issues of interest to Jewish, Catholic and Protestant scholars," said Dr. Peter Zaas, director since 1991 and a member of Siena's religious studies department.

That department works closely with the institute; Rabbi Bernard Bloom is both a faculty member and the institute's chair.

The rabbi recently spoke with The Evangelist by phone from Madrid, Spain, where he accompanied 14 students, four Siena faculty and two representatives from The College of Saint Rose in Albany on a tour of Jewish, Christian and Islamic sites.

Since 1989, Siena has sponsored this tour as an extension of a religious studies course. Dr. Zaas noted that Siena is also developing a course of study in interfaith and ecumenical relations.

On April 29, the Kieval Institute will host the Town of Colonie Jewish Association's annual lecture. The keynote speaker will be Eugene Gallagher, a religious studies professor from Connecticut College and the author of "New Religious Movements Experience in America." (For information, go to www.siena.edu/ pages/2181.asp.)

(01/27/11) [[In-content Ad]]

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