When Dabru Emet was publicly presented at Chizuk Amuno Congregation on September 11, 2000, the event was preceded by a remarkable experience. A wonderfully diverse group of rabbis from around the country responded to an open invita-tion to join together and study the "Jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity." True to our tradition and our pas-sions, the conversation was thoughtful and provocative.

Each of the assembled rabbis had an opportunity to raise con-cerns about the statement, praise it, or criticize it in the presence of the authors. The challenge posed to us was sim-ple: Do we hear ourselves, our congregants, and our people in the words of this statement?

An interesting debate ensued from the following assertion, "Before the rise of Christianity, Jews were the only worshippers of the God of Israel. But Christians also worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, creator of heaven and earth."

"Aren't Christians the children of Noah, and not the children of Abraham?" asked one rabbi. The question was less one of theology than one of relationship. In Talmudic singsong, the debate developed. If Christians are the children of Noah, then they share a common fate with all of humanity and can make no claim of ownership to Hebrew Scripture, biblical tradition, or to a religious relationship with Jews. But if Christians are the "children of Abraham," then where did they part paths with us in our history? Others say we are all children of Adam, created in the image of God, and therefore, equal . . . What a lovely exchange of living Midrash.

In fact, Dabru Emet, by declaring a common God, declares a shared theological relationship that will forever form a bond between Jews and Christians. And yet, we have such evident differences. Can we really have so much essentially in com-mon? It was a unique opportunity to be part of such a struggle with my fellow rabbis.

The National Jewish Scholars Project successfully enlightened the minds of many of us. What can we say about Christianity that is true and productive? What can we expect a Christian to accept and respect in Judaism? Having returned to our homes and congregations, we are enriched by those questions and challenged by the words Dabru Emet -- "speak truth."

Rabbi Robert L. Tobin is Associate Rabbi at Chizuk Amuno Con-gregation in Baltimore.