Institute for Jewish - Christian Understanding

Click here to make a gift to the IJCU.

Founded in 1989, the Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding brings the resources of the College into the service of toleration and partnership built on mutual understand among people of diverse religious heritage.  Through programs that emphasize both intellectual and interpersonal dimensions of understanding, the Institute contributes to the rehabilitation of a millennia-long fractured relationship.

 The on-campus student club sponsored by the IJCU, the Star-Crossed Students, conducts dialog events, informal seminars and social gatherings, as well as sponsoring the annual observance of the Night of Shattered Glass (Kristallnacht).  Academic courses enable students to study the dynamics of the Jewish-Christian relationship historically and in the present, including a travel seminar that explores the European experience.

Many activities in the community and congregations, and among clergy, carry the College's influence and resources into the lives of our neighbors in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.  Seminars, dialog programs, the annual Wallenberg Tribute and published resources for local use all enable Jews and Christians to build stronger ties based on more appreciative understanding.  Several of the Institute's program involve Muslim colleagues in planning and leadership, as both the Jewish and the Christian communities adjust to the context of 21st-century religious pluralism and globalization.

Gifts to the IJCU are recognized at various levels:

$30.00 - $99.99	Member
$100.00 - $249.99	Associate
$250.00 - $499.99	Friend
$500.00 - $999.99	Patron
$1000.00 - $2499.99	Sustainer
$2500.00 - $4999.99	Benefactor
$5000.00+	Wallenberg Circle

All membership gifts are recognized with coupons that entitle the holder to discounted rates on IJCU programs requiring a registration fee.  Special gifts are welcomed to memorialize or honor family members and colleagues, friends and mentors, students and special events.

For information on sponsorship support of a particular program or on estate planning and planned giving, please contact Phil Ellmore, Acting Vice-President of Development and Alumni Relations, at 484-664-3226.