Lots of old friends from around the country and Canada were present for dancing, chanting, learning and meditating on the Aramaic words of Yeshua (Jesus’ Aramaic name). Aramaic is the language Jesus spoke, and it is recorded in ancient texts of the Bible. Neil continues to creating beautiful English translations from these texts.  While on this retreat, Neil reminded us of an Albert Einstein quote: “We can’t solve problems from the same consciousness that created them.” As we rediscover these ancient Aramaic words and find rich and exciting new possible English translation, as we chant and dance this language into our bodies, we are creating a new consciousness from the spirit of Yeshua to help heal this present world!

Br. Joseph Kilikevice in the St. Rose Priory chapel where he spent his early days as a Dominican.

On the last day of the retreat, Saadi invited Joe to sit with him and reminisce about the early days of this Aramaic work. In those earliest days, Br Joe was present with Saadi as a friend and colleague in San Francisco when he was just beginning this research that continues today.  Saadi would bring possible new music and dances and translations from his earliest work and a small group of friends would join him in considering each phrase .  Also in this moment at our retreat, Joe was able to share about our work at Shem Center.  When asked about what was most important to him about this path, Joe offered a brilliant and beautiful threefold response: “the sacred pause, the sacred silence, and the sacred community that forms as we do this work together. What a perfect description of Shem Center!

One of the most precious moments for me was when Joe asked if we could search for the St Rose Priory, somewhere in Dubuque, where Joe had spent his early days as a Dominican brother, over 60 years ago. We found it!!  It is now a university owned by another Christian group.  We were able to walk the building, and we found the chapel that was Joe’s home for five years so long ago. What a privilege to reminisce with him.

Steve Miller
Acting Director
Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality

The chapel at St Rose Priory, Dubuque, IA where Br. Joe Kilikevice spent his early days as a Dominican.