In an era marked by religious and cultural division, Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik and Pastor Samuel St. Fleur offered their community a different path forward at FAU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute — one paved with candor, respect, and unexpected common ground.
The two faith leaders met for The God Squad: An Honest Interfaith Dialogue on God and the Ten Commandments, exploring how their respective traditions understand the divine and interpret one of history’s most enduring moral codes.
Rather than glossing over theological differences, Kapitulnik and St. Fleur leaned into them, creating what attendees described as a refreshingly authentic exchange. The talk balanced serious reflection with moments of levity, as both leaders demonstrated that interfaith dialogue need not sacrifice honesty for harmony.
“Do we share more common ground than we realize, or do our faith traditions lead us in fundamentally different directions?” the pair asked at the outset. By the lecture’s end, the answer seemed to be: both.
The dialogue examined how Jewish and Christian traditions approach the Ten Commandments differently while recognizing their shared sacred origins. Audience members asked questions that probed both the theological nuances and practical applications of ancient wisdom in contemporary life.
“In a time when division often dominates the conversation, we’re choosing to build bridges of understanding,” St. Fleur said — a sentiment that resonated throughout the packed venue.
Attendees left with not only deeper insight into their own beliefs, but also a greater appreciation for the beliefs of their neighbors.
