Jack Driscoll

Jack Driscoll

 

One of the founding members of Bat Kol Institute’s Jerusalem office, Br. Jack Driscoll was a truly dedicated teacher and friend. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on September 21, 2010. The funeral took place at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Family parish of New Rochelle, NY on September 26, 2010.

 

“DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT”
Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

 

Maureena Fritz: With Jack Driscoll’s death, there hath past away a glory from the earth. I first met Jack, with his friend Jack Rudin, in Jerusalem on February 19, 1989. He wanted to know all about Bat Kol, and I was happy to share with him all my experiences of its mission, successes and failures. A few days after that meeting he wrote that he had found $25,000 dollars for Bat Kol’s work. From 1989 to 1995 Jack spent two to three weeks in Israel each year and continued fund raising. Then in 1995 when his term of office as President of Iona College ended, he came to live in Jerusalem to devote his energies to study and he joined the staff at Bat Kol. With him as a partner, the charism of Bat Kol spread around the world. Professional and graduate students came from the four corners of the earth to spend intensive study time in Israel at the Bat Kol Institute. And we, both as a team and individually, traveled to various countries, to the Philippines, Australia, India, South Africa, Brasil, Ireland, England and Canada, to bring the Bat Kol message and to empower Bat Kol alums in their home environments. It is no surprise that letters of sorrow and love are pouring into our office in Jerusalem with acknowledgment of the impact Jack has had on their lives. My own long relationship with him as a close friend of 21 years has now ended and with his death a deep and profound sorrow rests in my soul. A mutual Christian Brother friend has given a description of our relationship: “I know that you have lost a very special friend, a co-pilot in the project in Jerusalem and most especially a soul friend, an anm chara where abyss speaks to abyss without any words been spoken – your friendship was too deep to be in any way circumscribed by words.” 
I will represent the Board and all of you at Jack’s funeral in New York.

 

Ron Baker: It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Jack Driscoll. In Judaism when a loved one dies we sit shivah–seven days of modest and humble living in which the community comes by the home and communes–makes community what it was intended to be. Once again Jack brings us together in death as he did in life. I am sure that it is not for the last time because he is a part of each of us who he touched with his quiet joy and gentle laughter. Jack will bring us together again; the work that he did will be continued by his spirit. With G-d’s grace even those who never met Jack will partake of that spirit when they attend Iona College, Bat Kol Institute, Light of Torah or any of the many initiatives in which Jack invested his life. When the seven days of sitting shivah are over and the guests leave Jack will remain with each of us. A single drop of water falls into the pond but the ripples go on and on.

 

Helena O’Donoghue: With great sadness we have learned of the death of Bro. Jack Driscoll, a great friend and tireless worker for Bat Kol. His passion for the call of Nostra Aetate which filled the last twenty years of his life was truly remarkable. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and alums in Bat Kol and in Light of Torah. May his gentle and generous spirit now rest in God’s loving care.

 

Helena O’Donoghue
Chair of the Board of Directors
Bat Kol Institute

 

Nizar Abed: It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing away of brother Jack Driscoll of blessed memory. A member of the BatKol Institute.

Jack was a friend, a colleague, a teacher, and a unique human being.

 

Margaret Kellermann McCulloch: Dear Friends Words can not express the feeling of loss we experience upon learning of Jacks passing. Those of us who had a chance to spend time with him and learn from him understood that we were in the presence of someone truly special. We will never forget his gentle sense of humour, his thoughtfulness and his curiosity about the world and about other people. May his memory lasts for a long ,long time

B’Shalom
Margaret Kellermann McCulloch
Winnipeg

 

Elena G. Procario-Foley: Dear Colleagues, So that you may be present in prayer, I give you these details: Br. Jack’s wake will be Sunday 9.26 from 1-8 on the Iona College campus. His funeral will be at 9:30am at Holy Family parish of New Rochelle, NY on Monday.

 

Please see this link to a picture of Jack and a letter from the ICCJ president on my website:
http://www.iona.edu/academic/artsscience/departments/driscoll/

 

Gretchen Tickle: It is with a great sense of loss that I hear of Jack’s passing. We know that he is with God bringing shalom to the world.

 

Michel Boutilier: Dear Friends, I am profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of Brother Jack Driscoll. I was blessed, as were many others during the 2008 summer Institute, to have had the honour of celebrating morning Mass with him. Jack was a deeply spiritual man; a rare individual who made you feel welcome and considered you part of the Bat Kol experience from the moment you met him. He was for me and, I am sure, for many others, a true mentor. He taught us not only how to “excavate” the scriptures but communicated through his teaching his love for the scriptures: “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us… and explained the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32-33) He was a teacher, an administrator, a religious, a Christian, a truly exceptional man. As Francois Mauriac once said: “No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.”

 

Jack certainly made his mark and left his mark upon many of us. He will long remain in my memory and heart and I am sure in yours as well. As we grieve his passing, Jack would remind us that he is with the Lord and tha
t we must henceforth seek to find him elsewhere.
Well done good and faithful servant! We shall meet again.

 

Michel Boutilier, S.J., Chaplain
St Paul’s High School,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
CANADA

 

Ruby Simon: We will all miss Jack, his love for the WORD, his passion for Nostra Aetate, his wonderful sense of humor, his profound insights, his magical and playful use of words, and intense ” eye to eye” conversations with anyone, his affectionate touch and his unyielding strength to carry on despite his physical pain- his spirit will live on with each one of us he had encountered with. We all love him. I remember him in one of the shared homily- peh al peh- “lips to lips”- “Kiss of God” as He takes back His breath from us at the end of our journey.

Thank you Jack.

 

Angela West: Dear friends, I was so very sorry to hear of Jack’s death. I was a Bat Kol student in 2008 and remember him with particular affection – and gratitude for his encouragement.

Greetings from UK
Angela West

 

AMOUSSOU Luc: Dear Friends, I will pray and celebrate masses for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace and I know he is contemplating the beauty of the Light we are all looking for on this pilgrim on earth. I thank and praise God for the wonderful life of Jack and what he had been for me and for so many people around the world. Thank you Jack. You fight the good fight of reconcialing God’s peoples all over the world. Give us the courage and the wisdom to continue and maintain your legacy. My condoleances to his familly and to his religious community and to the Batkol community around the world. It is indeed a great loss but I do believe that he will be our advocate in the Heavenly Court. Well done Jack. Your friend and brother Luc.

 

José Benedito de Campos: Dear Prof. Sr. Maureena and all Family of Bat Kol, I did receive with great sorrow the information of Br. Jack’s passing. We all who knew him at Bat Kol courses remember how this man tried always to spread the Word of God with joy, steadiness, profundity and humble. In fact his passing is a deep loss for Bat Kol and for us who learned with him. That God gives to his soul the eternal rest. Our belief in the Resurrection makes enhance our faith and give us courage to go on our way in direction to God, where Br. Jack is now.

Friendly,
José Benedito de Campos Conceioçâ dos Ouros- MG- Bras

 

Margaret Carswell: I am sure that our dear friend and guide will be smiling with great love and amusement as we all share memories of our time of knowing him. The love which is currently crossing the land is so typical of that which Jack embodied….he would be humbly proud to think that he had brought us together like this. Let that be our gift to him: never to forget who he was to us and what he taught us of life in God’s hearing.

Go well Jack….stay with us as we go on.
Margaret (Melbourne BatKol)

 

Mark David Walsh: I first met Jack in Jerusalem ten years ago and he answered a question about Moses that I was thinking about but hadn\’t even spoken. His curiosity about the black fire of the sacred text and the white fire that lies between the lines was an inspiration for me. I was lucky enough to journey with him over the next ten years, as guide, mentor, fellow student of Torah and friend. Jack your memory lives on in all of those you have touched and in the passion for the text that you have ignited in so many hearts. It will continue to live as we try to share something of your passion with others and bring a love for the scriptures that Jews and Christians share into the world. Jack you are a blessing to the world.

 

Alexey Somov: This is so sad news about Jack. I was a student of Bat Kol in the fall session od 2004 and I remember him very well: his deep spirituality, patience, the sincere interest to Jewish sources and the skills of the interpretation of the New Testament in light of the Torah. After all, his personality is the most significant issue for me, and the memory about him is always in my heart.

May God bring him to His eternal glory,

Amen.

 

Albert Rabe: Jack had been part of our lives. We surely miss him.

 

Aliki Langi: Jack, Good Morning to you, it’s me Aliki, your son saying hello to you. How can I forget your smiling face, a face so passionate to share with us the Word of God at Batkol. A person who was very much interested in all of us your students, your followers. Jack, next year I am hoping to spend some good time studying the Word of God, and hopefully to teach, to be a teacher like you. There you are Jack, and finally, our Bible Group, “Shela Lekha” in Davao City is going very well, thanks to Dra Ruby Simon. Talk to you later Jack. Keep Smiling.

Aliki Langi

 

Jim Sheehan: Brother Jack Driscoll. CFC.,, was a scholar, who was a real INTELLECTUAL AND DOWN-TO EARTH -a rare combination to be sure.

He was a real Christian Brother of Edmund Rice, and a man of vision. He also had /has (?) a grand smile.

I will be blessed by praying for him and with him at the Liturgy of the Resurrection Monday with the Brothers and the world in NY.
Peace,
(rev.) Jim Sheehan

 

Paul Hansen: Friends and Members of Batkol Institute – Yes, it was 12 years ago when I met Jack while studying in Jerusalem. I have known Maureena for years. Their work together and their strong presence made for a biblical witness that truly was life giving and soul lifting. His spirit lives and is risen.

 

Marie André Mitchell: It was with great sadness that i learned of Jack’s death, he had such a will to live that I thought he would over come the cancer that was taking ov is free from suffering and enjoying the fullness of God’s presence in the eternal sukkah. Just as we had a friend on earth we have an advocate in heaven.

I have know Jack for many years. it was his challenge to me to “Choose life” (Deut,30:19) that changed my life’s direction. he then encouraged me to accept a sabbatical in jerusalem that Bat Kol was offering me 2000-1. I have become more and more involved in Bat Kol’s mission over the years. I have lost a loving brother, good friend and mentor. May he now be enjoying the fullness of life

 

Fr. Lwanga Makoboza: With deep sorrow and regret I have learnt of the death our dear friend and bro. Dr. Jack Driscoll. Very sad. We shall all deeply miss him. May the Lord grant him eternal repose. R.I.P

 

Hilda Maria Heller: In 2006, I had the privilege to be JACK DRISCOLL’s alumna. I learned very much with him about love and friendship. His kindness, happiness, colorfull shirts and “The icecreams on sundays” are unforg
ettable. I’m sure that Yah is taking care of him!

Shalom from Brazil!!

 

Marilyn Zehr: He was sincere and gentle with a great sense of humour. The influence of Jack’s presence and teaching along with the rest of the Bat Kol study program and professors permeate my life and work as a pastor. His light will not be stopped by the darkness of death and loss.

 

Rita Kammermayer: Dear Friends of Jack, It is with great sadness that I mourn the death of Jack Driscoll. He was a good friend who gave so generously of his time and energy. I feel that his goodness has entered into our lives! May we all cherish his memory. Thanks Jack!

 

Leonardo F. Galanza Jr.: Brother Jack Driscoll is absent from the body yet present with the Lord. His passion for the cause of Yah has made him fulfilled in this life and right now in the great beyond. We shall surely miss him. I bid him not goodbye but goodnight, for we shall yet see him in the resurrection morning. Have a blessed homecoming! Leonardo from the Philippines

 

Kathleen Coyle: To Jack’s family, brothers’ community, friends, and Batkol alums.

The angels have led Jack’s joyful, generous soul into paradise. To paraphrase Hafiz, another fun-loving msytic, God has made your heart an Eternal Fountain!
Kathleen Coyle,Manila, Batkol 2005

 

Kathleen Coyle: Dear Maureena, My condolences and prayers for you as you mourn the loss of your brother and partner Jack. You were such a soul-full, committed team, it was an inspiration and a mystical experience to study with both of you in Jerusalem and to meet you again in Manila.

The angels have led Jack’s generous and joyful soul into paradise. To paraphrase Hafiz, another fun-loving mystic, we pray that God has made his heart an eternal fountain!
United in prayer with you in Iona College,
Kathleen Coyle

 

Merle Salazar, fdnsc: When i went to Jerusalem in 2007 to attend Bat Kol…i felt nervous, homesick, at time simply sad… Dear Jack, your “welcoming presence” and “affectionate ways” helped me feel at home. Thank you!

Now, you are home…Maligayang pagdating sa tahanan ng Ama! (A Loving welcome to the Father’s house).

 

Liguori Gillespie: I got the news of Jack’s death by phone in Lusaka, Zambia. I was filled with tears and memories. Though I have many treasured memories of Jack since the 1960’s, one came back more clearly than any other. It was of his delightful 70th birthday party in his place in Jerusalem in 2004. I was an evening like Jack – full of brotherly and sisterly joy, Jewish-Irish humour, generosity (he gave US all gifts!), creativity, good nourishing food, and exuberance and playfulness and prayer and participation. I will never forget it or Jack – its co-creator with the God of super-abundant generosity.

Many of us here in Lusaka remember Jack with great esteem, affection and thanksgiving for breaking open he Torah for us in new ways.
Thank you Jack! May you know ever more that you are enfolded in God’s Love.
Liguori Gillespie

 

Dow Marmur: Jack Driscoll was a remarkable man who understood Jews and Judaism better than most people I know – precisely because he was a warm and committed Christian. He was a lover of Israel in every sense of the word. Among those who mourn his passing are his many Jewish friends who loved him and respected him. May his memory be for a blessing.

 

Mary O’Sullivan: Jack had an Irish heart and an Irish soul. On many occasions he played the music and lyrics of St Patrick’s Breastplate. May his prayer and song continue in eternity.

St Patrick,s Breastplate

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of sun, radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire, speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind, depth of the sea,
Stability of earth, firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God\’s strength to pilot me;
God\’s eye to look before me,
God\’s wisdom to guide me,
God\’s way to lie before me,
God\’s shield to protect me,
from all who shall wish me ill, afar and a-near
alone and in a multitude.
Against every cruel merciless power
that may oppose my body and soul,

I arise today
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me.
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

I arise today

 

Sr. Ibolya Glanc: Dearest Maureena, Thank you for letting us know of Jack’s passing into Eternal Life. I’m so sorry, My condoleances to you, to all at Bat Kol and all past students. We shall all miss him. May he continue to inspire us, and to plead for peace in our world. I was about to send him a get well card. It is comforting to know he went peacefully and is not suffering any more. May he rejoice in the presence of the Lord….

 

Lucy Hidveghyova: It was more than eleven years ago, on a cold rainy day in Slovakia. I was watching a colourless world behind a window, when suddenly I remembered Jack Driscoll, one of my teachers at the Biblical School in Ecce Homo, Jerusalem. There, in February 1999 he shared with us in a class a particular moment of his life storyi – how he moved from New York to Jerusalem, and at the age of 64 he started to study Judaism and Bible.

In my own professional life I was unsatisfied and stuck. Suddenly it was clear to me, ‘Yes, it is possible. One can hear the call and follow it. It is never too late.’ Jack’s witness, has lifted up my mind and heart. I took courage and my life has changed. Five Bat Kol programs and Jack’s creative teaching have opened a whole new world for me, which I now happily share with my own students. As Bat Kol alumni we all have experienced Jack the teacher and his passion for the Torah, his playful reverence and reverent playfulness with the Word of God, his insight, sense of humor, care and generous support. Thank you, Jack, for your encouraging and genuine trust in the good within us. You have been a blessing. Enjoy the eternal shabbat in the sukkat-shalom.

 

Everard Johnston: With deep appreciation for his friendship and with thanks to God for him and his tremendous contribution to Bat Kol

 

Joe Fleming: Jack, you have been a dear friend to myself and Pam since 2002. We feel as if we have lost a very special friend. Our world is better for having known you and from having learnt from you.

Jack, you not only read the scriptures,taught the scriptures, you embodied them as well. The call of Micah to live justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God were i
n evidence in everything you did. Farewell fine friend. May you enjoy the blessings and peace of the Kingdom.

Joe and Pam Fleming (Australia)

 

Richard Sheehy: So sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. I have warm memories of attending Parashat reflections led by Jack at Ecce Homo, when I was studying there in spring 2004. I will remember him with gratitude at Mass here in Dublin

 

Margaret McEwan: To all Br. Jack’s family and friends: I am so sad that Br. Jack has been called home I will always remember his wonderful way of breaking open the Word and sharing his Midrash’s with us he made the Word so real for me and for all of those who attended the coarses he gave here in South Africa. May you enjoy your Eternal rest with the Lord you love so much. I am sure He welcomes you and says you good and faithful servant. May you rest in the peace of the Lord

Shalom
Margaret

 

Mary-Anne Johnson: Jack was an instant friend and great encourager. I will never forget my introduction to Midrash when he spoke of digging up the Torah and seeing all the levels. He communicated so well! He gave all for God and God’s people. Rest in Love, Jack.

 

Sr. Juliana NDS: knowing and experiencing Jack, was heavenly study of the Word of God and earthly living of this Word so loved by Jack.

 

Sr. Rose-Theresa NDS: I was shocked to hear of Jack’s passing away, so unexpectedly, for me. My heartfelt condolences to Maureena especially, to his relatives and religious family. May he rest in Peace

 

Helen R. Graham, M.M.: When I received a brief e-mail from Maureena (last Thursday, I think) with the words “Brother Jack” in the subject line, my heart sank as I knew what the contents would be. I had spoken to Jack briefly by phone for the last time in early August and was intending to call him again when the news came that he had passed away.

I first met Jack in November 2002 as my havrutah partner for “Excavating the Word in the Book of Exodus.” We became instant friends although I was not at all convinced about the value of the havrutah method of study that he championed. It took another Bat Kol experience, the Book of Deuteronomy this time (November 2005), for me to become convinced; and not only convinced but it has since become a staple in my teaching. I find that students learn so much more through havrutah sessions.
There were many more occasions to be with Jack in Jerusalem and at IFRS when he came with Maureena to do a weekend on The Song of Songs. The last time I was at Bat Kol for the Book of Numbers (2009), I feared it would be the last time that I would see Jack. It seems it was a correct intuition.
He was a gift to us all. Among the many things I will remember especially is my inherited conviction about the value of the havrutah method of study and his comment that he always brings along a white cloth and two candles for Erev Shabbat. Ever since that comment I have kept Erev Shabbat with a white cloth and two candles. I shall continue to do this in his memory. May his name be a blessing.

 

David Brubacher: I will always remember Jack for a conversation we had in the summer of 2004. It was on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, near the place where Jesus stilled the storm. I came to Bat Kol that summer needing to discern whether to stay in a particular ministry. As Jack shared his story of discerning to leave a position of leadership I saw my answer clearly. A storm was stilled in my soul. I believe Jack has stilled a storm in many souls. Thanks Jack!

 

Father Murray Watson: Dear Maureena, I have just opened my computer, and received the terribly sad news of Jack Driscoll’s death. I am so, so very sorry, and wanted to send my loving prayers to you and everyone at Bat Kol, where I know Jack made such a significant contribution for so many years, and was such a treasured friend to you and many others in Jerusalem (as he was to me).

I knew that Jack had been quite sick the last few years, but I guess I didn’t realize HOW sick he was … the news of his death comes as a brutal shock to me, and to so many who knew, loved and respected him in the various roles he held over the decades.
Jack, his community and all of you at Bat Kol are very much in my thoughts and prayers today. May Jack’s memory be for a blessing, and may his soul rest in God’s loving peace.

With love,
Murray

 

Anita Holtz: Br. Jack was a special spirit in my life and I’m sure in the lives of many. His warmth and gentleness helped guide me, his understanding and love of Torah have been a light in all that I have done since meeting and studying with him. I had hoped to be able to study with him again, God willing we will share again in the embrace of God.

 

Venerable Lawrence Umar: Dear Friends, It was with rude shock that I received the news of Jack’s death.This indeed is an event in which it is difficult to talk and at the same time impossible to kept silent.The very first time I met Jack in my first ‘missionary journey’ to Bat Kol I instantly took him as a father because of his excellent mien, gentlemanly urbanity and love for Ya and I know he took me as a son.Jack, I know you are now doing an ‘archeological excavation’ of the glory of your maker.Good night Jack.

 

Maggie Jose: I know Jack for the last 10 years. He has taught me how to dig the words of God in order to get treasures from it. I cannot forget his words “dig…. dig…. dig”. Really he was a great teacher, guide, mentor and a good leader. We like his presence because of his calmness, humour and the magnanimity. He was very much service minded and dedicated. Many times he has visited Kerala and our Zion Theological Lay Institute. Even though now he is no more with us, we will always cherish his fond memories. May his soul rest in Peace.

 

Maria Cecilia Piccoli: Dear Jack, we’re sure you’re at home now!

Your life enlightened ours, your death diminishes us. Do you know for whom the bell tolls? It tolls for us….
Rest in peace!

 

Patricia O’Reilly: When I heard of Jack’s death the words of Wordsworth immediately came to mind.

What through the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight.
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower:
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;

To know Jack was to love Jack, His voice was a smile. I hear him still, praying St. Patrick’s prayer in the morning warmth of Jerusalem. I see him still, bringing warm Shabbat pastries for breakfast, bringing ice cream for Shabbat dinner ‘chocolate is good’ he said. I remember him still, in his booming narration of poems long remembered. I yearn him still, for his gift of sharing scripture and story with profound intelligence, challenging insight and con
tagious humour. I miss him still, for his empowerment, encouragement and community. Jack told his students that we could be better and do better, and we are and we do. I will mourn him still, in the cool breeze of a Jerusalem evening as his spirit continues to bless us.

The words of Emily Dickinson are my prayer for Jack.

Ample make this Bed
Make this Bed with Awe
In it wait till Judgment break
Excellent and Fair.

Be its Mattress straight
Be its Pillow round
Let no Sunrise’ yellow noise
Interrupt this Ground

The Light of heaven to you dear Jack.
Patricia O’Reilly

 

Ann Kelly: My thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family, his Christian Brothers, Maureena and all his friends who mourn him. Jack had not only the ability to set our hearts on fire by the very unique way he broke open God’s Word, but also the rare gift of making each person he encountered feel special and important to him. He cared for others deeply and the Spirit of God, so vibrantly alive in him, touched all those around him. Thank you Jack for the love you shared with us all and the way you personally changed my life. May God enfold you in his loving presence.

 

Nati B. Pagadut: I join the BatKol community all over the world in prayer as we send Bro Jack to rest in peace. He has been a major influence in my life too, as he has been to many others. As soon as I got the news of his death I slumped on my chair in silence and gazed at our graduation pictures of 2006 and 2008. He was glaringly absent in our 2010 picture but I had hoped he would come back to BatKol and be present with the next group. I leafed through my notes on his lectures and played the song he unselfishly shared with me ^ I Arise Today ^ and I realized he is very much present! Jack, thank you for everything you had been to us. Thank you for sharing your passion and mission with compassion and much love. Rest now in the bosom of Yah till we meet again.

Nati B. Pagadut Philippines

 

Ottone Cantore: I only met once Jack Driscoll. But I remember him with fond memory, because he showed a great interest in Jewish-Christian relationship and also in me. May he rest in peace and may his activity bring very good fruit.

 

Teresa Pirola: At this time of overwhelming sadness, my heart and prayers go out to the Bat Kol community, most especially Maureena, Jack’s colleague and dear friend of so many years. I know that each person has unique and irreplaceable memories of Jack, and every memory is precious. It has been God’s gift to me to be with Jack each day during the two weeks leading up to his death, and it will make you smile to know that he was full of purpose to the very end! His relentless urgency for the mission of sharing the wonders of Torah  even as he struggled with illness and fatigue – was the witness of an extraordinary man and a call to the Church. It was only on the Monday, the day before he died, that illness overtook his strength and he was no longer able to communicate. I marvel at the love that surrounded him here at St Joseph’s Care Residence in New Rochelle, New York… his family, his community of Christian Brothers, the nursing staff… so much gentle care and love. Jack died peacefully and, thankfully, his sister and his niece were with him in that moment of the Lord’s embrace. One of his brothers and more family members were nearby and came immediately. Jack’s funeral Mass is on Monday 9.30am at Holy Family Church, New Rochelle NY, and I know that we will all be united in prayer wherever we are in the world. Shalom, my beautiful friend and colleague. (Teresa Pirola, Light of Torah, Australia)

Vasile, Liuba and Miriam Babota: Our family joins in prayer the Friends of br. Jack Driscoll. We will remember him as a “tsadiq” person. Liuba and I spent a month together in November of 2003. After our daughter’s birth, br. Jack sent already an invitation for Miriam to study at Bat Kol when she becomes an adult. We really hope she can accomplish this desire of br. Jack and so keep the tradition of Bat Kol going on.

 

Larry Duffy: Indeed memories of Jack abide with all who attended the Bat Kol experience. He was a man of the heart, warm, sensistive, and with an impish sense of humour and with a strong firm commitment to the work of the Lord he was engaged in. He will be missed by those who had the privilege of experiencing his presence, dedication and friendship. may the Lord whom you served jack reward with with eternal shalom!

Malou Ibita: Dear Maureena and BatKol-ers, Peace. It is with great sadness that I receive this news. As a Bat Kol alumna 2007 and coming from the Philippines, i really treasured his presence, wisdom, lovely songs and friendship. I will surely miss him and his loving presence and friendship. I will include him in our daily mass intentions this week.

May he continue to rest in God’s peace, in God’s sukkah in heaven. One with you, Malou

 

Pauline Evison: Last evening, the fourth day of Sukkot, Carmela Lukey, Anne Morton, and I sat in the succah at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg and shared our memories of Jack. It was like having our own wake The occasion was a celebration of Seudah Shlishit and part of Nachmanefeste.

Jack would have loved the evening storytelling, singing, meditation and food! It was very appropriate that one of the readings was Eccl. 3: 1- 11, and Pete Seeger’s song “Turn, turn, turn” was sung later in the evening.
I first encountered Jack when he gave a five – evening course entitled “Excavating the Old Testament” I thought that he would lecture, and that I could then cross “read the Old Testament” off my retirement to-do list! Little did I know how my life would be changed, that I would still be studying Torah and even learning Hebrew years later. Thank you, Jack.

Claire Pirola, Light of Torah, Australia: To those at Bat Kol, his family and the many who knew and were touched by Jack’s life – my thoughts and prayers go with you as you farewell Jack. I only had the privilege of meeting Jack in the last 12 months when he was last in Australia. Needless to say every encounter was a blessing. I was moved by his incredible passion, knowledge and humour all in one. Moved so much that I ended up on an inaugural Light of Torah Tour in Israel 3 months later. Life changing to say the least. My condolences and prayers are with you today and in these coming months. I pray the moments you miss Jack are gentle, and all those he has gathered, and given so much to, give you strength during this time. A great man has lived and made a difference. Wow! I can only imagine what he will do from the eternal life! Thoughts and prayers go with you all.

Claire Pirola, Light of Torah, NSW, Australia

Light of Torah Community, Sydney, Australia: Only the Lord knows how much you have enriched our lives Jack. Your incredible mind, passion for God and that boyish charm will be so missed. At our community Shabbat celebrations you were always present in the form of light. Now that you are an eternal light may you continue to shine in the hearts of all whose lives you have touched. We will miss your physical presence within the Bat Kol and Light of Torah communities but we know that you will always be with us in spirit. Enjoy the profound conve
rsations you are having with Abraham, Jacob and Moses; we are sure you have a lot to say. We love you Jack and will miss you SO much. Always in our hearts! Light of Torah Community, Sydney, Australia.xxx

 

Light of Torah, Australia: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the passing of Jack. Light of Torah touching many lives in Australia thanks to Jack’s vision, passion and energies. We are forever grateful. We pray that God’s strength holds you all close during this time.

 

Anne Harding: I am one of the group that came to Jerusalem in April this year with the “Light of Torah” pilgrimage. It was very disappointing when Jack took ill and was not able to journey with us.

I pray that everyone rejoices in Br. Jack’s life and the gift he was to us all. He lived his life following in the steps of Jesus and touched many with the joy of the risen Lord. May Jack find his rewards with his maker and be a source of intercession for us all.
My prayers are with you as you walk the final steps with him on Monday.
God’s Blessing and Shalom,
Anne Harding – Darwin Australia

 

Carmela Lukey, SSMI: Deep sadness and tears welled up from the depths of my being upon hearing of Jack’s passing. Yet, as I held unto the sadness and tears, I felt joy and gratitude. I realized just how grateful I was to have known Jack, for who he was and for what he stood for. Jack was a gentle, generous, and giving person who called forth the best from everyone he met. Jack’s commitment to Bat Kol was outstanding. His love for Torah was deeply rooted in his being and shone through his gentle eyes and loving smile. Jack was an outstanding professor and role model for all who knew him. Jack will be missed, yet remembered with great love and affection.

 

Patricia Watson,.n.d.s.: Dear Maureena and Members of the Bat Kol Community, I add my word of deep sympathy, prayer and affection to yours. Jack was a great man who loved God’s Word and spent all his energies over the past twenty years, inspiring others to love and excavate that Word. Now, you are seeing God, ‘face to face’. Jack. There will be no more questions, only peace and joy in knowing God and understanding fully God’s Message to us in Torah. Patricia

 

Fr. Nocolas Diestro: I love you Jack but the Lord loved you more….That’s why im sure that you’re happy and enjoying the everlasting “Shalom” of God… Lehithraot haber…. It means two things to me…. Goodbye my friend… and See you or ‘Til we meet again…. Ani ezkor lakhem tamid basheli-tfillot! Todah raba al kol dabar….

 

Peggy Vernieu: I’m so sad and sorry to hear of Jack’s death, and to learn that he had been so sick. My heart goes out to you Maureena, and I’ll be praying with you all in spirit tomorrow. I met Jack around the time of his move to Jerusalem and still remember his bright smile and enthusiasm. I am forever grateful to Jack for his dedication to the mission of Bat Kol. His energy, generosity, commitment, and fund-raising ability enabled me to attend the MA program of the Christian Center for Jewish Studies for a semester as a scholarship student. My time with Bat Kol was truly life-changing, as I am finishing up a dissertation on the Jewishness of the Gospel of John. Thank you, Jack. RIP, though I’m sure you’ll be helping in a new way from above. Thank you, Maureena.

 

Camille Legare: Brother Jack is no more among us but all who have known him will remember. His gentle sense of humour was his trademark and was part of all conversations and teachings. He was genuinely interested in people and would make everyone feel welcomed and important by the attention given.

His last earthly address was none less than Jerusalem, which he loved so dearly. Stuck in a traffic jam in Jerusalem with him driving, he told me that this did not bother him really because he considered himself so fortunate to be in the city where a billion people across the world would like to come so why be upset for so little. Now his permanent address is in the Celestial Jerusalem where a Jewish young man preceded him centuries ago to prepare his room. God’s blessings on Bat Kol, which he loved dearly, on his Community, family and friends.

 

Ron and Mavis Pirola: Our deepest condolences to Jack’s family, his Christian Brothers Community and his many, many friends. We join with you all in sadness and in a great sense of loss at his passing.

We knew Jack for a short time through “Light of Torah”. Here in Sydney, at his workshops and in our home over the dinner table, and even just strolling around the harbour, we knew we were in the presence of a humble and holy man, living faithfully in the Edmund Rice tradition. Jack opened new doors to our understanding and appreciation of Nostra Aetate and scripture and so, ultimately, to Jesus. He opened our eyes to glimpse the great richness of the spiritual heritage of our Jewish friends and was a prophetic voice in Jewish-Christian relations.
In April this year in Jerusalem we looked forward to his company on the Light of Torah Immersion experience. However, that was not to be as illness suddenly overtook him. But how privileged we were to have the opportunity to say goodbye there and yet again to experience his encouragement and challenge for the road ahead.
Thank you, Jack. May you rest in peace in the Lord’s embrace.

 

Anne Harding: I am one of the group that came to Jerusalem in April this year with the “Light of Torah” pilgrimage. It was very disappointing when Jack took ill and was not able to journey with us.

I pray that everyone rejoices in Br. Jack’s life and the gift he was to us all. He lived his life following in the steps of Jesus and touched many with the joy of the risen Lord. May Jack find his rewards with his maker and be a source of intercession for us all.
My prayers are with you as you walk the final steps with him on Monday.
God’s Blessing and Shalom,
Anne Harding – Darwin Australia

 

Institute of Formation and Religious Studies, Philippines: On behalf of the entire IFRS Community, who has been touched by Bro. Jack Driscoll’s generosity of sharing his love of teaching the Torah, we extend our condolences to his family and friends. He will truly be missed. His greatness is in his simplicity. God bless and Shalom!

Marina O. Altarejos
Academic Dean

 

Anne Lee: I am so grateful to Jack for his encouragement and inspiration. He was a wonderful teacher and a holy man. I am a better person for having known him.

 

Sr.Elisabeth Busbach (Elisheva): Dear brother Jack, Worldwide we mourn as you are laid to rest. Each one of your many friends has a special and unique relationship with you, as each one was special to you.

All of us experienced your tender heart, your deep trust in G-d, your love for Scripture and your zeal to dig deep into it; your lively exposition in classroom touched us, your enthusiasm was contagious. The message of Nostra Aetate was like a burning fire in you; you gave your live a
nd all your energy to spread the love for our Jewish brothers and sisters and the richness of their faith tradition. Thank you, my dear brother, you remain alive for us as and we will strive to continue what you have sown in our hearts.
I have a special gratitude to you as you allowed me to stay at your marvelous apartment for several months in 2009/2010 when I served the Bat Kol Institute. Your spirit was always present to me and more than the perfect order and beauty of your home I was touched by its spiritual atmosphere.
Now that you have reached the true home, we thank G-d for what you have accomplished on earth and we believe that what Jesus told in the parable of the talents is fulfilled in you:

“Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”

 

Angela Gil: May you have a long life!” With sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers at this time of loss. May Jack find rest in the bosom of Abraham our father in faith. Shalom and thanks Jack. Angela xx

 

Sue McGregor pbvm: With much sadness I offer my condolences to the family and the brothers of Jack, to Maureena, all the Bat Kol team both past and present, and to the extended family of us all in different places around the world. When I sat in the back row of a 5 day workshop on “Bible Study” in Lusaka that Jack ran, I just couldn’t believe what I was witnessing… including the increase in numbers of participants each day! The rest as they say is history. May Jack continue to explore the new and eternal Jerusalem with the Divine Presence. Shalom Jack and “live Jesus in your heart forever.”

 

Mary Ann Payne: How does one give thanks and pay adequate tribute to a man who inspired you to turn your love of Sacred Scripture into a passion for it? Dear Jack (I will remember your Eucharistic smile) the blessing of you was not in your teaching; it was in your living of the Word! May God keep you forever in His care. Eternal Shalom to you!

 

Gina Bernasconi: My saddness and tears are for Jack’s family and Maureena and all who love him. We know there’ll be another time for his eyes to capture us and his arms to hug us and in the meanwhile:

Nothing can make up for the absence of someone whom we love, and it would be wrong to try to find a substitute; we must simply hold out and see it through. That sounds very hard at first, but at the same time it is a great consolation, for the gap, as long as it remains unfilled, preserves the bonds between us. It is nonsense to say that God fills the gap; God doesn’t fill it, but on the contrary, keeps it empty and so helps us to keep alive our former communion with each other, even at the cost of pain [Dietrich Bonhoeffer].
Love you Jack,
Gina

 

Jennifer Slater: A loss of a special person and generous friend can never be substituted. I loved Jack’s good nature and wonderful sense of humour. I will always be indebted to him for arranging and encouraging us in a very supportive manner to atttend the rich programme of Batkol. His liberated and magnanimous spirit was an inspiration to me. I will always remember him as God’s special individuals that I had the fortune to have met. A fond farewell to him and may he rest in peace. His inspirational work will be furthered by us.

 

Dina Caballero: Dearest Sr. Maureena and Bat Kol community especially Jacks family and friends: I have not known Jack personally but Sr. Maureena shared to me something about him, and his passion for Bat kols’ mission and she felt very sad at that time when she knew about the health condition of Jack… and now that his physically gone, let us offer him to God and we know the he is in union with HIM and all the saints in heaven .My condolence and deep sympathy to all of you… and to all those who shared their experiences and testimony about the life of Jack . It is very inspiring …

With all my prayers,
Dina Caballero, Davao City, Philippines

 

Gwen-Ellen Dankewich: I felt such sadness to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack’s love of scripture and delight in excavating, that which is below the surface, were a blessing to me. Also memorable to me was the piece of music he chose for the opening prayer in July 2008 in Jerusalem. Jack gave me the name. “the Deer’s Cry” on a CD called “The Pilgrim” by Shaun Davey”, and whenever I listen to it I remember Jack and Jerusalem. The opening line is “I arise today, through the strength of heaven” and the concluding lines “Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me. christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me. I arise today.” After reading some of the wonderful remembrances, those words take on an even deeper meaning of the gift that Jack Driscoll was and is to all of us. Gwen-Ellen Dankewich

 

Arche L. Ligo: the world has become darker with the passing of Brother Jack. I pray for the repose of his soul. And I am joined by our group Bat Kol – HaShema in prayer for his repose. May God’s love wrap him in light, joy and love.

 

Rosemary Gallagher: Jack was truly someone very special. A gifted teacher whose enthusiasm escavating the Word of God was so life giving to those of us were priveleged to ‘sit at his feet’. He had a gentle humility and a wonderful spirit of prayer. He was full of fun and never lost his Irish humour, love of the fairies, Yeats and poetry! May he celebrate the joy of eternal banquet.

Thank you Jack and thank you for all your words of encouragement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
beside us when beauty brightens,
when kindness glows
and music echoes eternal tones.
(John O’Donohue)

‘Let us not look for you only in memory,
where we would grow lonely without you.
you would want us to find you in presence,
beside us when beauty brightens,
when kindness glows
and music echoes eternal tones.
(John O’Donohue)
Let us not

 

Fr. Chacko, India: Condolence to Maureena and all the batkol friends. I said Mass for Jack and am praying that he may be with the Lord blessing us from there,and let Maureena be consoled in losing such a long time friend and co-worker.Fr. Chacko

 

Sr. Philo Plackal S.H.: The most perfect flower of Bat Kol has left its fragrance that joy and innocence though pervades every where. Cannot be recoverd. My heart-felt condolence and prayers and may his glory live for ever.

paul mailackachalil: I personally feel that I lost my own brother who cared for me in every detail when I was in need. I am greatly indebted to Jack in making me what I am especially my love for Torah. Manna Bat Kol members share the pain of missing Jack with all who are dear to him especially Maureena and the whole Bat Kol Team and pray Yah may take him to the eternal Sabbath. Jack will continue to be our inspiration in pursuit of harmony and rediscovering Torah together.

 

Sr. Joan Chunkapura: Though it is painful to say goodbye to Jack I believe that he is still here through his sharing of the Word of God. His gentle spirit is hovering around Torah study in our Havruta group at TRADA and at Medical Mission Sisters convent. He lives in the hearts of 100’s of Batkol students and where ever he preached the good news of freedom and love of God. I sit in the office which has his name on its wall and daily I can praise the Lord together with him. May he pray for us in the communion of Saints. May his dedication inspire me into fire and flame in spreading the Word of God. In sorrow yet in gratitude and deep contentment.

Yours in Havuruta
Sr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS
TRADA
Manganam P.O.
Kottayam-686 018
Kerala, India

 

Jyothi: I really felt a great loss even though i never see Brother Jack Driscoll personally. But he lives in my mind through Dr Paul from India, he is the Director of Manna Bat Kol Biblical institute, Idukki, Kerala and myself a member of this institute. Pray to Yah, for a joyful eternal life to Brother Jack.

 

Bat Kol HaEmet, Winnipeg: Bat Kol HaEmet wishes to express its thanksgiving for the life of Br. Jack Discoll – “may his name be a blessing.”

Winnipeg was first introduced to the work of the Bat Kol Institute through Jack’s dynamic teaching in December 2003. His presentations on Bereshit opened us to the joy of excavating Hebrew scripture and ignited in us a thirst to study Torah in this way that was both new and life-giving. Thus our local Bat Kol HaEmet was born. Eleven of our group have been blessed by their time of study in Jerusalem.
Maureena, our love and prayers go out to you as you grieve Jack and all that you and Jack shared through your long relationship.
With blessings of shalom,
Bat Kol HaEmet

 

Celia Martin: We gathered as Bat Kol Havurah on Friday 3rd to honour Jack – Mark, Janine, Marion, Mary B,& Gina – with good food,wine & the sharing of stories. Jack has touched many hearts deeply with many types of black fire/white fire, excavating & digging deeper in the text & reflection, & his charasmatic way of connecting & valuing everyone he met.

 

Maureen Lawson & Lynn Harrison: We have fond memories of Jack when he was with us in Durban, South Africa and at Bat Kol.

“You taught us well Jack. Thank you for your encouragement at all times in all ways.
Shalom until we meet again!

 

Rev. A. Sandra Clark: Jack was always ready for a discussion and proceeded with enthusiasm and humour. However, my best memory is the day we were to take the cable car across to Masada. When he discovered I wasn’t going to go he set about making sure I would by convincing me that he was afraid too and we’d help each other. He held my hands and looked into my face the whole time and I now have a wonderful first hand experience of one of the great places in the world.

With gratitude,
Sandra

 

Violeta (Oct.-Nov. 2005): With great sorrow, I join the Batkol Community for the bereavement on the departure of our beloved Bro. Jack Driscoll. Surely, Batkol had lost a great scholar and a friend.

 

Bernadette Chellew: I send these condolences as an individual who was lured to Batkol by Jack and as Rector of Catholic Bible College (CBC) which he knew well. There are many people whose lives he touched here in South Africa and who are still attached to CBC and remember him weith great fondness. We shall be celebrating the Eucharist for our deceased of whom Br Jack is very special, on Friday 12 November 2010 in the College chapel. We will also put up a plaque to his memory. Thank you Jack for your love, kindness and inspiration. Enjoy the fruits of your good works!