Commentary - Rabbi A. James Rudin

Throughout the centuries, Jews and Christians have proudly worn the title: "People of the Book." And for good reason.

Scripture and the magnificent tradition of biblical study and interpretation have enriched both our faith communities. Despite the recent technological advances in communication, a book remains a great friend of our brains, our hearts, and our souls.

Indeed, the book is one of the human family's greatest inventions. Books are portable, permanent, and require no electronic "sign in" or "start up."

That is why I urge friends and supporters of the Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies to donate appropriate books and other teaching materials to the Saint Leo University Library which houses the growing CCJS collection. Unread books in your home or office were intended to be much more than colorful dust collectors. And the CCJS gains intellectual and spiritual strength each time it receives a book.

Throughout history brave men and women have secretly printed and distributed books in the face of evil regimes and totalitarian dictatorships that sought to censor and restrict free thought.

We honor that extraordinary heritage when we Jews and Christians, living in religious freedom, donate vitally needed books to our Center.

Rabbi A. James Rudin