A BUS RIDE TO DIALOGUE –

To promote Jewish Christian relations in the local area

Contact: Cara Wides - 020 7631 9831

- c.wides@liberaljudaism.org

To promote Jewish Christian relations in the local area

Herefordshire Jewish Community, an affiliate of Liberal Judaism, improved Jewish-Christian relations in Herefordshire as well as raising funds by organizing a visit for 46 people to two synagogues in Cardiff. The group was made up of young people, members of local churches, several post-graduates on an RE training course and members of the Hereford Jewish Community.

The group visited the Cardiff New Synagogue as well as the newly constructed Cyncoed Gardens Synagogue, which is to be officially opened by the chief Rabbi in December. Alan Schwartz gave a fascinating talk and explained many aspects of Judaism including how scrolls are produced and dressed and what the tallith represents. He also described the relative roles of the Kohenim, the Levis and others.

Maurice Rollnick, organiser of the trip, says:
“There was a high level of interest from the group, and it was very difficult to drag some of the visitors away from Alan, who would have spent all evening with them if allowed. We have raised over £150 and have built on the good inter-faith relations within the local area by raising the level of understanding. Many questions were asked on the journey back to Hereford, including the challenging one – ‘exactly what or who is a Jew’ which I did my best to answer.”

This event was a great success and Hereford Jewish Community look forward to even more mixed-faith events in the future.

Notes:
Liberal Judaism maintains sincerity above conformity; it is unafraid to engage in discussion with others; it looks for sane, humane answers to find meaning in life.

Liberal Judaism has an inclusive attitude to Jewish identity, embracing all who have a good claim to be regarded as Jewish and welcoming sincere converts.

Liberal Judaism proclaims and practices total sexual equality.