Disciples Divinity House

Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, a synagogue affiliated with both the Conservative and Reconstructionist movements in Judaism, has been led since 1977 by Senior Rabbi Dennis Sasso and Senior Rabbi (now Emerita) Sandy Eisenberg Sasso. They are perhaps the first rabbinical couple in Jewish history and each have been the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates and awards. Last year, the rabbis and the congregation welcomed Disciples House Scholar and MDiv student Rachel Abdoler into their midst as an intern. She participated in a wide variety of events from early childhood and adult classes, social events, Purim parties, Bar and Bat Mitzvah rehearsals, to speaking in the congregation. On February 22, Rabbi Dennis Sasso will join Rachel Abdoler at the Disciples Divinity House to discuss the internship experience, and to reflect together on how preparation for Christian ministry can be formed by deep engagement with other religious communities.

Rabbi Dennis Sasso is a member of various scholarly and academic societies, and he has served on numerous interfaith, civic and community boards and agencies. He writes a monthly column entitled “Focus on Faith” in the Op-Ed page of the Sunday edition of The Indianapolis Star. He was decorated as a “Sagamore of the Wabash”, a distinguished citizen award presented by the Governor of the State of Indiana. Rabbi Sasso is the recipient of the “Community Service Award” from the NAACP and the “Fostering Life” Award of the Indianapolis Chapter of Links in recognition of his leadership in Interfaith and Interracial relations. He has lectured nationally and abroad and has published scholarly and popular articles on Caribbean Jewry, Reconstructionist Judaism, the Jewish family, the life cycle, spirituality and liturgy. He regularly teaches at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and has co-taught with DDH alumnus and trustee Clark Williamson. Mr. Williamson, who helped to arrange the internship and was an invaluable interlocutor during its course, is a pioneering figure in addressing Christian anti-Jewishness in theology.