Spring 2000
Volume 4 Number 4
Spring 2000
Volume 4 Number 4
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Marjie took advantage of the opportunity to talk with some of Temple Beth El’s members, becoming "more aware of their traditions…and of their concerns about being singled out. We don’t have to worry about that." John remembers one of the temple’s members asking him, "What can we do to guard your church during Christmas?" and coming to the realization that Northminster had never needed to be protected against outside forces. "We were there to help [the people of Temple Beth El] feel safe in their relationship with their own traditions," John concludes. Marjie agrees, and doesn’t regret the effort: "What are a few hours of our lives when we can help someone feel that? These are our neighbors." "The members of Temple Beth El felt overwhelmed," says Kadden. "There were even more people from Northminster than expected. They carried signs of welcome, and happy new year." The signs were printed in Hebrew. Northminster’s Phoebe Hall had the opportunity to experience one of the temple’s services firsthand. "It was just delightful," she says. Hall participates in a book club with four members of Temple Beth El, but had never attended a service. She enjoyed listening as a female cantor sang parts of the service, and relished getting a peek inside her friends’ worship life. It’s an experience she hopes will continue to foster an "increased knowledge and better understanding of one another’s religious traditions," just one of the ways in which Hall hopes Salinas will grow broader in its view of itself and its worldview in the midst of an ever changing environment where individuals often see their slice of life as the norm for all people. "That’s how we think of America," she explains. "Because I’m Caucasian, I think the majority of the country is Caucasian. But it really isn’t that way anymore." Hall looks for ways to reach out to others, so she was happy to be a part of the team at Temple Beth El. She credits Nelson with providing the impetus for the project. "This was done from a theological perspective," Nelson says of the effort. "We are a covenant people together. I think sometimes people forget that Jesus was Jewish." Nelson is committed to a ministry of intentional involvement in the community, and tries to model the role of what he calls "the man of the cloth, out in the field." He believes dialogue between people of differing backgrounds and viewpoints can promote an "appreciation and love from both perspectives," and hopes Northminster’s presence at Temple Beth El last September will prompt just that. So far, Nelson’s hopes are not in vain. Temple Beth El and Northminster Presbyterian Church have joined together for a planned series of three potluck dinner discussions centering around the topic of tolerance. The first, held at Northminster, attracted 140 guests. Round tables of eight encouraged conversation about intolerance in the work world. Hall recalls one of the Jewish women at her table telling of growing up wanting to be a doctor, but not being allowed to follow her dreams because of her heritage. Many in the room shared similar experiences of intolerance and prejudice. Kadden taught Christian guests by explaining some of the Levitical dietary laws followed by practicing Jews, such as the prohibition of mixing meat and milk in the same dish — which forbids the eating of a cheeseburger, for example. The congregations hope for many more opportunities to better understand one another. One of the events being planned is a joint trip to the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, a five-level collection of presentations and interactive exhibits focusing on Holocaust history and on American prejudice and racism. Nelson hoped the group would be able to tour the museum during holy week, which this year coincided with Passover. Growing up, Nelson’s best friend was a Jewish boy; his experience of this friendship helped clarify his theology. Today Nelson is a firm believer in listening to others and trying to grasp the truth of another’s circumstances and outlooks. He hopes the growing relationship between Temple Beth El and Northminster will result in Northminster’s members coming to a better appreciation and knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures, and Temple Beth El’s members having a better appreciation of the love Christians have in Jesus Christ. "Theological diversity within [the Christian church] is healthy," he says. "Does God still reveal him- or herself? Where is God revealing him- or herself in this? God’s love is so perfect. Are we to limit God’s love for others? We’re all God’s children." © Copyright 2000 Princeton Theological Seminary |
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