As part of its Building Bridges program, Rabbi Todd Chizner of Temple Judea welcomed the pastor of the Community Reformed Church of Manhasset, and clergy from the North Shore Islamic Center at two events recently.
At each meeting, the clergy were warmly welcomed by the Temple congregants who were eager to hear about the philosophy and goals of each religion. These programs were especially welcomed in light of the horrific murder of innocent people at houses of worship, because they provided a ray of hope in these dark times.
The Imam, Shaikh Magdy Ali, the spiritual head of the North Shore Islamic Center spoke eloquently, reciting in Arabic, then in English, excerpts from the Koran which were parallel to Jewish thought and philosophy. The president of the mosque, Israr Hasan, also spoke about the urgent need to build bridges to face the future with confidence that such horrific incidents will not happen again.
At the second event of the series, Reverend Dr. Tim TenClay, the Pastor of the Reformed Protestant Church in Manhasset, spoke about the historic origins of the Protestant Church through the millennia, starting back when Christianity began to evolve two thousand years ago. His goals as a modern religious leader are to maintain the history and religious influences of the past and to bring his flock into modern times, he said, incorporating values of today with the doctrine of his religion.
At both events, the congregants of Temple Judea were enthusiastic especially with the opportunity to meet in person the local leaders of the Islamic faith and Reformed Protestant Church. Learning about the philosophy, origins and modern goals of each religion gave all a better understanding that there are many similarities in the goals of the three religions, each following a different path but each with the same goal of peace and understanding.
Temple Judea is located at 333 Searingtown Road, Manhasset (exit north 36 on LIE). New members are always welcome. www.temple-judea.com; (516) 621-8049
Submitted by Temple Judea
