The establishment of the first academic Chair for Baha'i Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel

 The establishment of the first academic Chair for Baha'i Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem—with the mission of promoting understanding of this new Faith and studying its history, its teachings, and its role in the modern world—represents a significant step in the institutionalized study of the Baha'i Faith.

 

In the words of Professor Menachem Magidor, president of the Hebrew University, the establishment of the Chair signifies "interfaith, intercultural, and interethnic discourse between people of different convictions and different beliefs." And as he remarked at the dedication of the Chair, "While we are definitely a Jewish university, we should be an intellectual bridge between Jewish culture and other religions."

 

Following the event at the Hebrew University, a second event commemorating the foundation of the Chair was held on 25 June 1999 at the Baha'i World Centre in Haifa. This gathering focused on the evolution of Baha'i scholarship and the unique nature of the relationship between the Hebrew University and the World Centre, particularly the Centre for the Study of the Texts. The cooperation between these two institutions will allow the university access to historical documents crucial to the development of Baha'i studies.

 

Albert Lincoln once again spoke on behalf of the Baha'i Community and during his speech read the text of a letter from former president of Israel Itzhak Navon to the President of the Hebrew University, congratulating him on the formation of the Chair. Mr. Lincoln also elucidated the commitment of the Baha'i World Centre to working with the university in pursuit of its scholarly goals.

 

A large delegation from the Hebrew University attended, including the president, vice-president, and rector of the university. It marked the first time that the university senate had ever convened outside Jerusalem.

 

Menachem Ben-Sasson, the university's rector, spoke about the longstanding relationship between the Baha'i Faith and the Hebrew University, which dates back to the founding of the school in April 1925, when Shoghi Effendi wrote in a cable, ".. .BAHA'IS HOPE AND PRAY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS SEAT OF LEARNING MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE REVIVAL OF A LAND OF HALLOWED MEMORIES FOR US ALL AND FOR WHICH ABDU'L-BAHA CHERISHED THE HIGHEST HOPES."

 

(Bahai World Volume 1999-2000, Page 377)

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