Much has been written about Jorge Mario Bergoglio as a person, a priest, and the Pope of the Catholic Church. Even more will certainly be written and researched, further shaping the image with which he will be remembered in history. Having had the privilege of forming a sincere friendship with him, I believe that the first anniversary of his passing is an opportune time to share some reflections and facts about the 266th Roman Pontiff.

A Jewish look at Christmas Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism share common origins in late Second Temple Judaism. Jesus, along with his disciples, was a Jew who observed the biblical commandments in the Torah. According to the Gospel accounts, particularly the Synoptic Gospels, his actions and teachings were based on the same scriptural sources as those studied by the rabbis. The texts regarded as sacred by Jesus and his disciples were also considered sacred by the rabbis. Bot