shows a man, sitting under a fig tree, reading a book.
John 1:45-51 tells us about Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael. Even though Nathanael is quite critical, Jesus does not say anything negative about him.
Jesus certifies Nathanael, that he is a “real Israelite who has no ulterior motives”. To the astonished question of Nathanael, how Jesus knew him, he answered: “I saw you under the fig tree.”
Rabbinic tradition sees those who study and teach the word of God sitting under a fig tree.
The fig tree – like the olive tree or the vine – is a scriptural image that depicts the people of Israel. We are aware, that “Torah comes out of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).
We want to sit “under the fig tree.” There, critical questions can and have to be asked. Controversial opinions are being discussed. However, the main purpose is not to excel in theology or to develop breath-taking new philosophical insights. Rather, as a community, we wish to listen to the Word of the one living and true God.
Someone observing our logo said: “This fig tree looks as if stretching out its hands in worship.” This is exactly our goal: To support Israel to become a praise in the land, and thus together with the Jewish people glorify our Father in Heaven.