Dr. Rivka Karplus
In this episode of Jerusalem TalksND, Avraham (Avrum) Burg speaks with Dr. Rivka Karplus, a family physician and an internal medicine and infections specialist. They talk about Dr. Karplus’ unique upbringing and her journey from a Jewish background to her embrace of Catholic tradition and membership in Jerusalem’s Hebrew-speaking Catholic community. Dr. Karplus describes the fabric of this minority community and how it functions within a majority Jewish culture. They talk about Jewish-Christian dialogue, and the misunderstandings that many Jews and Israelis have about Christian faith. Finally, they address the intersection of Dr. Karplus’ faith and professional work.
Experience the Episode
Presented by Notre Dame Jerusalem
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 12:00 pm
In this episode of Jerusalem TalksND, Avraham (Avrum) Burg speaks with Dr. Rivka Karplus, a family physician and an internal medicine and infections specialist. They talk about Dr. Karplus’ unique upbringing and her journey from a Jewish background to her embrace of Catholic tradition and membership in Jerusalem’s Hebrew-speaking Catholic community. Dr. Karplus describes the fabric of this minority community and how it functions within a majority Jewish culture. They talk about Jewish-Christian dialogue, and the misunderstandings that many Jews and Israelis have about Christian faith. Finally, they address the intersection of Dr. Karplus’ faith and professional work.
In season two, Jerusalem TalksND offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between Catholicism and the Holy Land.
Through a diverse range of perspectives including theology, spirituality, history, Church life, institutional impact, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, postcolonialism, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue, each episode delves deep into the rich tapestry of connections between Catholicism and the Holy Land.
The journey of exploration is led by a Jewish-Israeli host who works for the University of Notre Dame at its Jerusalem campus (Tantur). Avraham Burg conducts insightful interviews with fascinating individuals from various backgrounds, inviting them to reflect on the above themes and provide unique insights into the complex relationship between Catholicism and the Holy Land. The podcast aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the rich complexities of Earthly Jerusalem in the Catholic tradition. Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of Jerusalem for Catholics around the world.
MoreMeet the Speaker: Dr. Rivka Karplus, M.D.
Rivka (Rebekah) Karplus, M.D., is a distinguished infectious disease specialist and medical consultant, currently serving in Jerusalem. Her extensive medical career includes roles at institutions like Maccabi Healthcare Services, where she has held positions as both a consultant and educator.
Alongside her medical expertise, Dr. Karplus has also made significant contributions to theological studies, particularly in her work on the life and legacy of Cardinal Aron Jean-Marie Lustiger. She has published works such as *Aron Jean-Marie Lustiger: l’identité juive de l’archevêque de Paris* and has translated Lustiger’s *La Promesse* into Hebrew. Dr. Karplus’s theological pursuits reflect her deep engagement with Jewish-Christian relations, informed by her background as both Jewish and Christian.
Dr. Karplus holds a liberal arts degree in History from Cornell University, an education that enriches her interdisciplinary approach, blending medical science with a thoughtful perspective on faith and ethics. Fluent in multiple languages, including Hebrew, French, and English and holds knowledge of German and Arabic, she is an influential voice in both the medical and theological spheres.