PATCHOGUE, NY – OCTOBER 24, 2005 – The Institute for the Study of Religion in Community Life at St. Joseph’s College will hold its annual Kristallnacht observance, An Evening of Jewish/Christian Dialogue in Remembrance of Kristallnacht, on Thursday, November 10, 2005, in the McGann Conference Center, O’Connor Hall. Rabbi Marc Gellman and Monsignor Thomas Hartman of “The God Squad” will serve as the featured guest lecturers of the event.

Two of America’s best known and beloved clergymen, Rabbi Marc Gellman and Msgr. Tom Hartman, better known as “The God Squad,” have drawn in huge crowds all across the country due to their deep friendship, their unique blend of humor and pathos, and their observations on how religion affects everyday life. Coined as the clerical “dream team,” they make regular appearances as religion consultants on numerous radio and television programs, including “Good Morning America” and the nationally syndicated “Imus in the Morning” radio show, as well as their own cable television program, “The God Squad.” They write a nationally syndicated spiritual advice column in newspapers across the country, and are also authors of several award-winning books, both individually and together.

Rabbi Marc Gellman is senior rabbi of the Beth Torah Synagogue in Melville, New York. He is involved with various organizations, serving as past President of the New York Board of Rabbis, where he is also editor of their journal, is an active member of the World Union For Progressive Judaism, and is former chairman of the Medical Ethics Committee of the UJA/Federation. Rabbi Gellman has published numerous scholarly articles in the field of Jewish and general medical ethics, and has served on the faculty of Northwestern University and Hebrew Union College. He holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, and a doctorate in Philosophy with a dissertation in Medical Ethics from Northwestern University.

Msgr. Thomas Hartman is Founder and CEO Emeritus of Telecare, the diocesan television station for the Diocese of Rockville Center. He appears frequently as a commentator on such programs as “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer” on CNN and “The O’Reilly Factor” and “Neil Cavuto” on Fox Cable News. Msgr. Hartman has been recognized for his professional and pastoral work by winning four Emmy Awards, a Telly Award, a Folio Award and numerous “Man of the Year” citations, and honorary doctorates. Ordained in 1971, he holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a graduate degree in Theology. In 1970, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Our Lady of Angels Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1979.

This event is open to the public with a registration fee of $10, which includes a light buffet Kosher dinner. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m., and will be followed by the lecture at 7:00 p.m. A questions and answer period and Kristallnact Memorial Service will conclude the evening. Please make checks payable to St. Joseph’s College and register by November 4, 2005. For additional information, call (631) 447-3372 or visit us online at www.sjcny.edu.

St. Joseph’s College is located at 155 W. Roe Blvd. in Patchogue, and is accessible via the South Service Road of Sunrise Highway, just east of Exit 52 (Waverly Avenue).

About St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Long Island, the College offers degrees in over 21 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Adult and Professional Education. Graduate degrees are also offered including an Executive MBA, a Master of Science in Management, a Master of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing, a Master of Arts in Literacy/Cognition and a Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education.