Remembering Rabbi Henri Front

The Academy for Judaic, Christian and Islamic Studies commends The Times for its editorial (Aug. 27) commemorating the life and career of Rabbi Dr. Henri Elias Front. We knew him as a man who represented Judaism with distinction as a founding member and vice president of the academy. While expressing his own faith with integrity, he gave to each of us not only his wisdom but also his warmth, understanding and friendship.

Henri Front broke new ground when he was invited to be the Jewish scholar in the dialogue-lectures of the academy before the Sixth Assembly of the World Council of Churches convened in Vancouver in 1983. He participated in many Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogues to further understanding and improved relations among the three Abrahamic communities.

Rabbi Front had the love and esteem of all his colleagues in the academy and the respect of Jews, Christians and Muslims from many countries.

Further, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, recognizing his interfaith leadership, elected him to the executive committee of the Orange County chapter and to its national board.

Henri Front is greatly missed by all of us, but the inspiration and courage of his life continue with us.

GEORGE B. GROSE, President

The Academy for Judaic, Christian and Islamic Studies

This letter was also signed by Daniel H. Ninburg and Muzammil H. Siddiqi.