The deadly intrusion into the Tree of Life - Or L’Simcha Congregation during Sabbath prayers has shaken all Jews. In the aftermath, the Kansas City community, led by clergy of different faiths, gathered for a memorial service in a local synagogue. An outpouring of support and good will by the non-Jewish community was heartening. People attended the service to stand together against discrimination and violence, and to stand together with Jews as a united faith community.
In a different time and in a different place, a tragedy brought the faith community together in Topeka. In 2006, St David’s Episcopal Church was destroyed by a fire that had been ignited by an arsonist. Church members were understandably distressed and especially worried about finding a place to hold their religious services. Without hesitation our former congregation, the only Jewish one in town, offered the use of our sanctuary. The invitation was accepted gratefully and services were held at Temple Beth Sholom for the next eleven months. As we shared a space, we got to know one another and developed friendships.
After the church sanctuary was reopened, our congregation gifted a lectern to St. David’s. This lectern was carved with a motif of Stars of David which had long been used by our congregation. A church member told me recently that the lectern is still used at every Sunday service. The disturbing incident at the church led to a voyage of discovery for both congregations which has resulted in an enduring relationship. Throughout the years, our congregation was invited to join church activities which included a miniature golf outing and a bake sale, a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the reopening of the church and more recently, a special St. David’s Day service followed by sharing a meal together. The youth groups of both worked together on a Peace Pole which the students decided should include Hebrew words. Church members have attended the annual TBS Blintz Brunch where they have served food and repeatedly volunteered to clean up the kitchen at the end of the day.
The relationship between the congregations was further enhanced at the Show Up For Shabbat service held at Temple Beth Sholom. St. David’s worshippers were present with their pastor, Rev. Dr. Vicki Smith, in an audience of 300 attendees. The supportive relationship and friendship that have existed between the two have provided each with the strength to achieve various goals, and to unite in times of joy and solace.
To join with others is to take an initiative more than we are used to. Though a Jewish congregation partnering with that of a different religion can serve as a solid example for all congregations. Somewhat like the “sister city” program which has been successful across America. Here in Kansas City, with an active interfaith community, uniting to further the goals of people of faith should be easy. We need only to move from where we are now to a new place of discovery, mutual interest and friendship. Yes, mistakes will be made as we a build a relationship. Yes, we must overcome societal influences that would keep us apart from one another. Yes, we must overcome any misconceptions and stereotypes about each other. Uniting with people of different religious traditions can, however, be key to making positive changes in the community.
There are other ways we can reach out to the non-Jewish community. Hold a “teachers’ night” where children invite their educators and principals to join their families for a Shabbat service. At a different time, “neighbors’ night” can give us the opportunity to welcome our next door or around the corner neighbors to pray with us. Our family participated in both these activities during our years as members of Temple Beth Sholom. Invite your state legislators to attend the State of Kansas Holocaust Commemoration with you. Lawmakers are usually in session in the capitol during Days of Remembrance and a few are invited each year to participate in the readings of the service. Lawmakers make decisions that shape our lives and they need to know about our Jewish history. These are small “but” important actions to strengthen our bonds with others.
The Dalai Lama, the recipient of the Nobel Peace award in 2010, believed that “Finding common ground among faiths can help us to bridge needless divides at a time when unified action is more crucial than ever.” In these stressful times, people of faith standing united with one another can strengthen and benefit all of our lives.
Mary Greenberg, Ph.D., serves on the State of Kansas Holocaust Commission. Her speaking engagements on preventing anti-Semitism, and the link between leadership and anti-Semitism are based on her research that advances the study of the Jewish people in the Diaspora.
