A ‘LIFELONG COMMITMENT’

OUR NEIGHBOR'S FAITH: Father Kane to be honored Oct. 15 for over 40 years of service to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue

Cap: Father James Kane, who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in 2021, will be honor on Oct. 15 for 40-plus years of service to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue. (Evangelist file photos)

(Editor’s note: Father James Kane is being recognized for his 40-plus years of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, collegiality and respect for religious differences in a program on Oct. 15 from 2-4 p.m., at Congregation Agudat Achim, 2117 Union St., Niskayuna, N.Y., 12309. Professor Susannah Heschel of Dartmouth College will be the guest speaker. Find more information on the program, speaker, sponsors and co-sponsors here) 

It was the summer of 1995. A young rabbi arrived in Schenectady to start his tenure in his first solo pulpit as spiritual leader. No sooner than the first box was unpacked, a Catholic priest stood in the doorway of the office to greet a new colleague. The warmth, the sincerity, the empathy for understanding the anxiety and the excitement of what was ahead were all a part as his hand of friendship was extended. 

I was that young rabbi and Father Jim Kane was the priest. For the last 28 years, Father Kane continued to be that continual presence in my life: a friend and a colleague, a role model and fellow advocate, a mentor and a guide. Mere words of accolade cannot capture the gratitude I have for Father Kane — how can you capture in words the lifelong commitment of a mensch to a community?

Father Kane dedicated his life to the Church. That was evident in every interaction. His faith was not only strong, it was ever-present. In the parish, the members of the then-St. Helen’s Church in Niskayuna would speak of his kind and gentle way. They would describe a sensitive soul whose guidance reflected a deep understanding of people and their needs. When his role expanded in the Diocese, those qualities traveled with him. His work with those of different faiths and backgrounds made his presence essential for the true hard work to excel.

Over the years, I witnessed Father Kane’s sincerity first hand. I dare not attempt to count the number of times I have encountered him sitting on the floor in a mosque, or conversing before prayer in a Sikh Temple, sitting in a pew showing solidarity in a synagogue, or in the front of a crowd gathering to advocate for harmony and peace. If there was a need for presence, he was there.  But those were the visible moments of community — there were far more times when his counsel was sought in a phone call or his presence changed the hostile tenor of a community conversation to one of mutual respect and empathy. He worked diligently behind the scenes to do what we call in Judaism “Tikun Olam,” repairing the world.

When I entered this community, the Jewish-Catholic dialogue record was very strong. Led by my predecessor Rabbi Bernard Bloom (of blessed memory) and the late Bishop Howard Hubbard, dialogue and joint programming were models that were being heralded around the country as models of reconciliation and commitment to a better future. That was the foundation of what Father Kane inherited as he assumed the mantle of director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. 

But what added to the depth of his work was the soulful, kind-hearted manner in which he fostered relationships. I can recall receiving news articles clipped out and sent to me about my work in the community. Written on the article or in a little note attached were words of encouragement and appreciation. Such an act was so appreciated for it reminded me that he noticed, he cared and he appreciated it. It was a pep rally of the soul that kept me going — even when I was frustrated by the daunting task we were doing. He was a fellow traveler sojourning on a difficult journey who stopped to applaud and encourage without demanding the spotlight on him. Rare qualities to find in a man! His ego never overwhelmed others because he made space for one to feel validated in their own work. It required finesse and inner confidence — both were in Father Kane’s tool box!

In the Talmud, it is written: “Find yourself a rabbi/teacher and acquire yourself a friend.” Let me paraphrase that — I have found myself a priest who has become a life-long friend! To him — let me say thank you. And I will show my gratitude by continuing to work for a better world that is worthy of God’s blessings … and Father Kane’s pride-filled smiling nod of approval.

Rabbi Matthew Cutler has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady since 1995 and is one of the founders of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate.