Naftali Rothenberg

He served as the chief rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in Lima, Peru[1] (1974-1978) and chaplain and senior education officer in the IDF (1978-1989).

The texts he analyses in his works seek to promote just such a relationship between man and woman, which exists simultaneously on three planes: the cognitive-intellectual; the spiritual-emotional—expressed in the feelings the partners have for one another; and the physical—that is the physical contact and union between them.

In other words, whether one adopts a puritan or permissive approach or life-style, the premise remains that of a spiritual/material dichotomy, with one's choice being limited to choosing one or the other.

[10] An article he wrote served as the basis for a bill submitted to the Knesset to eliminate the possibility of capital punishment in Israel.

[11] According to Rabbi Rothenberg, civil equality and minority rights are not only democratic principles but Jewish religious obligations.

This program gave the opportunity to students, teachers and parents, from all political backgrounds and sectors, to learn and discuss the process in real-time, and express their fears, hope and opinions.

Rothenberg established a team at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute of Jews and Arabs, religious and secular, holders of diverse political views—who took it upon themselves to address the challenges that face Israeli democracy and lead a process of change and improvement by writing a civics textbook.

Committed to the Democratization of knowledge and Exegetical Freedom, Rothenberg established in 1995 a national project of lectures series and publications at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute and at over 20 other venues throughout Israel.

[17] Rothenberg criticizes the fact that Reform Judaism and other streams are not officially recognize in Israel: “Israel is the Jewish nation state and a democratic country; hence every single Jewish community should be allowed to express itself and uphold its culture and customs.” [18] A rare voice to be heard from an Orthodox rabbi and a member of the state rabbinate.

It is in this crucial juncture that The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council reflected tremendous importance for humanity as a whole as the Nostra Aetate becomes foundation for reality-changing process.

The Nostra Aetate process teaches us brave, revolutionary and fascinating of presenting "The Other", even opposer, even seemingly competing in a particular religious discourse.” (Rabbi Naftali Rothenberg lecture at the Episcopal, Warsaw 26 of November 2015).